Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including the bacteria,
yeasts, molds, viruses, protozoa and other microscopic parasites.
Two options are available. The microbiology degree emphasizes
microbial structure, function, and interactions and relationships
with humans. The microbial ecology option emphasizes microbial
structure, function, and interactions and relationships with the
environment and other organisms including higher plants and animals.
A B.S. in microbiology is offered as a general degree or with
an option in microbial ecology. Initial work provides the student
with a working knowledge of the basic principles of the physical
and biological sciences and mathematics. The remaining study is
devoted to a more intense and broadened training in microbiology
and allied fields, and may include independent study which offers
the student an opportunity to prepare for graduate work.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to the graduation requirements listed previously in the
catalog. See index.
In addition to the General Education requirements, the following
courses must be completed for the Bachelor of Science in Microbiology:
Thirty two or more credits (300 level or above) in biology, biochemistry
and microbiology including MICB 300 301, 404, 410, 412, 420, and
450; four laboratory courses selected from MICB 309, 405, 411,
413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 451, 497 (minimum of 3 credits), or BIOL
401; BIOC 380 or 481 482.
MATH 117, 121, 150; BIOL 221, 223; CHEM 161N 162N, 221 222, 223
224, 341; PHYS 121N 122N also are required.
Upper-Division Writing Expectation: To meet
the Upper-Division Writing Expectations of the Bachelor of Science
in Microbiology, students must successfully complete one of MICB
404, 418, 419, 420 or 421 or complete three courses selected from
MICB 410, 411, 412, or 450.
Microbial Ecology Option: Within the microbial
ecology option, a student may approach his or her studies from
either a molecular/physiological emphasis or an ecological emphasis.
In addition to the General Education requirements and the Upper-Division
Writing Expectation described above, the following must be completed
for the Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with an option in
microbial ecology: Thirty-two or more credits (300-level or above)
in biology, biochemistry, microbiology including BIOL 340, MICB
300-301, 404, 418, 419, 422, 423, 450, and one other laboratory
course selected from MICB 451 or BIOL 341.
MATH 150 (or 152), 241; BIOL 103N/104N, BIOL 221, 223; PHYS 121N
also are required. In addition, students must complete the requirements
in one of the emphases below.
Molecular/Physiological emphasis (required courses). BIOC 481/482
(or 380); either CHEM 161N and 162N or CHEM 151N, 152N and 154N;
CHEM 221/222, 223/224. Additionally, at least 9 credits (including
three in MICB) must be taken from the following: BIOL 341 (if
this course was chosen as the laboratory course, it cannot be
counted), 366, 400, 401, 413, 440, 444, 453, 454, 455; CHEM 341;
CS 131; FOR 210N; GEOL 301, 382; MATH 153, 251, 444, 447; MICB
410, 412, 420, 451, 497.
Ecological emphasis (required courses). BIOL 366; BIOC 380; CHEM
151N, 152N and 154N; MATH 444; FOR 210N. Additionally, at least
12 credits (including three in MICB) must be taken from the following:
BIOL 341 (if this course was chosen as the laboratory course,
it cannot be counted), 400, 401, 413, 440, 444, 453, 454, 455;
CHEM 341; CS 131; GEOL 301, 382; MATH 153, 251, 447; MICB 410,
412, 420, 451, 497. CHEM 221, 222, 233, 224 are recommended courses.
Suggested Course of Study
First Year |
Autumn |
Spring |
CHEM 161N 162N College Chemistry and Laboratory |
5 |
5 |
+MATH 150 Applied Calculus |
4 |
- |
+ENEX 101 Composition |
3 |
- |
General Education |
3 |
9 |
Electives and General Education |
- |
1 |
Total |
15 |
15 |
+Depends on placement test. |
|
|
Second Year |
|
|
BIOL 221 Cell and Molecular Biology |
4 |
- |
BIOL 223 Genetics and Evolution |
- |
4 |
CHEM 221 222, 223 224 Organic Chemistry and Laboratory |
5 |
5 |
MICB 300 301 General Microbiology and Laboratory |
- |
5 |
Lower-Division Writing Course |
3 |
- |
General Education |
3 |
- |
Elective |
- |
1 |
Total |
15 |
15 |
Third Year |
|
|
BIOC 380 and upper-division elective or 481-482 |
3-4 |
3 |
MICB 410-411 Immunology and Laboratory* |
5 |
- |
MICB 412-413 Medical Bacteriology and Laboratory* |
- |
5 |
PHYS 121N-122N or 221N-222N General Physics |
5 |
5 |
Elective |
1-2 |
2 |
Total |
15 |
15 |
Fourth Year |
|
|
CHEM 341 Quantitative Analysis and Instrumental Methods |
4 |
- |
MICB 404-405 Molecular Genetics and Laboratory* |
- |
4 |
MICB 420 Virology |
- |
3 |
MICB 450-451 Microbial Physiology and Laboratory* |
4 |
- |
General Education |
|
|
Upper-division elective |
|
|
Electives |
|
|
Total |
15 |
15 |
*Laboratory requirement: MICB 301 plus four (4) other labs.
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in microbiology, the student must complete MICB
300 301, 302 or 412 413, 410-411 and eight credits selected from
MICB 404, 416, 420 421, 450 451; BIOL 400, 401.
Courses
U=for undergraduate credit only, UG=for undergraduate or graduate
credit, G=for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the
course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after
the R.
Microbiology (MICB)
U 105N Elementary Microbiology 3 cr. Offered
autumn. Coreq., MICB 107N recommended. Same as BIOL 105N. The
structure, function and classification of bacteria, molds, yeasts,
rickettsiae and viruses, and their practical significance to agriculture,
food, drug, fermentation and other industries. Credit not allowed
toward a major in microbiology.
U 107N Elementary Microbiology Laboratory 1 cr.
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq. or coreq., MICB 105N. Same
as BIOL 107N. Observation of live microorganisms, their characteristics
and activities. Experience with microbiological techniques. Credit
not allowed toward a major in microbiology.
UG 300 General Microbiology 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., CHEM 161N, 162N; prereq. or coreq., CHEM 221, BIOL 221.
Microbial structure and function, growth and reproduction, physiology,
ecology, genetics, environmental factors, control of microorganisms
and sterility, antimicrobial agents, microbial diversity.
UG 301 General Microbiology Laboratory 2 cr.
Offered spring. Prereq. or coreq., MICB 300. Basic microbiology
procedures and techniques.
UG 302 Medical Microbiology 3 cr. Offered autumn.
Microbial structure and functions, pathogenic microorganisms,
virology, immunology. Credit not allowed toward a major in microbiology.
U 309 Hematology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
junior level or consent of instr., MICB 300. Study of blood and
diseases of the circulatory system. Blood banking and serology.
UG 404 Microbial Genetics 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., MICB 300 and 301. The molecular genetics of prokaryotic
organisms including: structure and replication of the prokaryotic
chromosome; gene expression; mutagenesis and DNA repair; plasmids
and other tools of genetic engineering; transmission of genetic
material and recombination in prokaryotes; regulation of gene
expression in prokaryotes; recombinant DNA and biotechnology.
UG 405 Molecular Genetics Laboratory 1 cr. Offered
spring. Prereq. or coreq., MICB 404. Experiments in molecular
genetics: mutagenesis, recombination, recombinant DNA.
UG 406 Clinical Diagnosis 2 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., MICB 412 413. Principles of blood chemistry, urinalysis,
hematology and other clinical parameters of disease and health.
UG 407 Clinical Diagnosis Laboratory 1 cr. Offered
spring. Prereq., MICB 406, 412 413. Clinical diagnostic methods.
U 408 Seminar 1 cr. (R 3) Offered autumn and
spring. Prereq., senior standing in natural sciences. Recent topics
in microbiology and related subjects.
UG 410 Immunology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
MICB 300 301. Modern concepts and methods in immunology.
UG 411 Immunology Laboratory 2 cr. Offered autumn.
Coreq., MICB 410. Modern techniques for analysis of immune responses.
UG 412 Medical Bacteriology and Mycology 3 cr.
Offered spring. Prereq., MICB 300, 301. A study of the pathogenic
bacteria and fungi and the diseases they produce.
UG 413 Medical Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory 2
cr. Offered spring. Prereq. or coreq., MICB 412. Laboratory
study of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
UG 418 Fungal Biology 3 cr. Offered autumn even-numbered
years. Prereq., BIOL 103-104 and 221-223 or MICB 300 or consent
of instr. Same as BIOL 418. Reviews the definition, evolution,
genetics, physiology, and ecology of fungi (including organisms
in the Chromista), provides overview of all fungal phyla (Chytridiomycota,
Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Hyphochytriomycota, Labyrinthulomycota,
Oomycota), and highlights the importance of fungi to human affairs
(food production, fungal pathogens).
UG 419 Diversity of Microorganisms 3 crs. Offered spring odd-numbered
years. Prereq., BIOL 221, 223. Same as BIOL 419. An inquiry-based,
combined lecture and laboratory course. Examination of the diversity
of life at the microbial level based on broad concepts and testable
hypotheses that are examined in the laboratory using state-of-the-art
techniques.
UG 420 Virology 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq.,
MICB 410. The general nature of viruses, with emphasis on the
molecular biology of animal and human viruses.
UG 421 Virus Pathogenesis and Evolution 3 cr.
Offered spring even-numbered years. Prereq. or coreq., MICB 420.
Research laboratory course providing experience developing and
testing scientific hypotheses. Experiments emphasize viral pathogenesis
and evolution.
UG 422 Microbial Ecology: Principles 4 cr. Offered
autumn. Prereq., BIOL 221-223, MICB 300-301 or consent of instr.
Focus on the huge diversity of microbes abundant in nearly every
environment on earth, the essential roles they play in shaping
our biosphere, and the interactions and relationships between
microbes and all other forms of life. Includes a 3-day field camp
for sampling and laboratory investigation of environmental samples.
UG 423 Microbial Ecology: Applications 4 cr.
Offered spring. Prereq., BIOL 221-223, MICB 300-301 or consent
of instr. Real-world applications of microbial ecology and environmental
microbiology with a focus on understanding and utilizing diverse
microbial capabilities for useful ends. Provides a foundation
for careers in environmental health, bioremediation, food microbiology,
biotechnology, biogeochemistry, industrial processes, waste management,
etc.
UG 450 Microbial Physiology 3 cr. Offered autumn.
Prereq., MICB 300 301. Microbial structure and function, physiological
diversity, microbial metabolism, role of microbial activity in
the environment.
UG 451 Microbial Physiology Laboratory 1 cr.
Offered autumn. Coreq., MICB 450. Experimental approaches to analysis
of microbial structure, composition and metabolism.
UG 490 Medical Technology Internship 1-16 cr.
Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr.
UG 495 Special Topics 1 10 cr. (R 10) Offered
intermittently. Experimental offerings of new courses, experimental
offerings of visiting professors, or one time offerings of current
topics.
U 497 Advanced Undergraduate Research 1 10 cr.
(R 10) Offered every term. Prereq., MICB 300, junior or senior
standing and consent of instr. Independent research under the
direction of a faculty member. Graded pass/not pass.
U 499 Undergraduate Thesis 3-6 cr. (R-6) Offered
every term. Prereq., senior standing and consent of instr. Preparation
of a thesis or manuscript based on undergraduate research for
presentation and/or publication. Student must give an oral or
poster presentation at the Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research
Symposium or a scientific meeting. Graded pass/not pass.
G 502 Advanced Immunology 3 cr. Offered autumn
even-numbered years. Advanced topics and immunological techniques
used in modern immunology.
G 509 Advanced Virology 3 cr. Offered spring
add-numbered years. Prereq., MICB 420-421. Students are presented
with research papers that have been pivotal to the understanding
of important molecular or genetic concepts in virology.
G 520 Medical Parasitology 2 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., BIOL 400 or equiv. Offered alternate years. Epidemiology,
pathology, immunology, diagnosis and treatment of protozoan and
helminth parasites of humans. Stresses current advances in parasitology.
G 530 Grant Writing 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq.,
graduate standing. Same as BIOC 530. Required course for biochemistry
and microbiology graduate students. Students become acquainted
with the grant writing process by writing grants that have received
University approval for submission based on student research projects.
G 540 Microbial Pathogenesis 3 cr. Offered spring.
Prereq., graduate standing. Current concepts in microbial pathogenesis.
Focus on microbial virulence factors leading to disease and host
responses to infection.
G 545 Advanced Topics in Microbial Ecology 1 cr.
Offered every term. Prereq., graduate standing or consent of instr.
Discussion of selected themes of the ecology of microorganisms
with a focus on the recent primary literature.
G 546 Experimental Microbial Ecology 1 cr. Offered
every term. Prereq., graduate standing or consent of instr. Focus
on experimental design, methods, and presentation of experimental
results in the area of microbial ecology.
G 570 Introduction to Research 2 cr. Offered
autumn and spring. Prereq., graduate standing. Required course
for biochemistry and microbiology graduate students. Students
are acquainted with faculty research projects. Instruction in
basic research techniques, research equipment. Introduction to
relevant scientific research literature. Six hours in each research
laboratory of faculty in biochemistry/microbiology program.
G 580 Training Seminar 1 cr. (R 2) Offered autumn
and spring. Prereq., graduate standing or consent of instr. Same
as BIOC 580. A one semester offering required of all new students.
G 583 Lipids and Membranes 3 cr. Offered intermittently.
Prereq., CHEM 370 or 372 and BIOC 482 or equiv. Same as BIOC 583.
The chemistry and biochemical properties of lipids and their functions
in biological systems. The structure and function of biological
membranes are emphasized.
G 594 Professional Seminar 1 cr. (R 4) Offered
autumn and spring. Prereq., graduate standing or consent of instr.
Same as BIOC 594. Presentation of current research in biochemistry
and molecular biology by senior graduate students, faculty, and
invited outside speakers.
G 595 Special Topics 1 3 cr. (R 6) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., graduate standing. Experimental offerings of visiting
professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one time
offerings of current topics.
G 597 Research Variable cr. (R 18) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., graduate standing, one semester residence.
G 599 Thesis 1 10 cr. (R 10) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., masters student in microbiology. Laboratory research
for and preparation of a masters thesis.
G 685 Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory 1 3 cr.
(R 3) Offered autumn. Prereq., graduate standing. Modern molecular
biology techniques.
G 699 Dissertation 1 10 cr. (R 20) Offered intermittently.
Prereq., doctoral student in microbiology. Laboratory research
for and preparation of a doctoral dissertation.