Curriculum

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1st Half of Fall Semester

DBS Core Course – Genes Thread

DBS Core Course – Proteins Thread

2nd Half of Fall Semester

DBS Core Course – Cells Thread

Principles of Microbiology (2 credit hours) – Presents basic introductory material necessary for understanding the molecular biology of viruses and bacteria. Basic principles of interactions between these microbes and hosts resulting in infection will also be discussed. In addition to examining aspects of microbial biology, methods commonly used to manipulate and analyze DNA, proteins, and cell culture are also presented.

Spring Semester

Microbes and the Immune System (1 credit hour) – Presents material introducing important players in the immune system and immune responses as they relate to interactions with bacteria and viruses. Basic principles of innate and adaptive immunity, mucosal immunity, immunological responses to bacteria and viruses, and the impact of the immune response on bacterial and viral infections will be presented.

Molecular Microbiology I: Bacterial Genetics and Pathogenesis (2.5 credit hours) – This course will address concepts that are essential for understanding the genetics and virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens. Topics explored include: bacterial transcription and regulation of transcription; post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms; genetic tools to study bacteria; effector proteins, toxins, and their secretion systems; and adherence and invasion mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed on original experimentation and literature.

Molecular Microbiology II: Viral Genetics and Pathogenesis (2.5 credit hours) – This course will cover mechanisms essential for viral replication and infection. Topics that will be addressed include: viral entry, assembly and egress; replication of RNA and DNA viruses; viral transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms; viral immune evasion strategies; and tools for to study viruses. Emphasis will be placed on original experimentation and literature.

2nd year of graduate studies and beyond

Contemporary Topics in Microbiology (0.5 credit hour; required each semester) – Significant new research in microbiology is presented and discussed in a journal club format. The fundamental aspects of diverse microbes are emphasized, particularly those that are not covered elsewhere in coursework.

Student WIP Seminar in Microbiology (1 credit hours; required each semester) – Students present seminars as works-in-progress describing their ongoing research. The interpretation and analysis of experimental data are emphasized.