Microbiology and Immunology

Hours

3.0 Credit, 3 Lecture, 0 Lab

Semester

Fall

The focus of this course is to increase students' understanding of the structure, physiology, replicative mechanisms, and pathogenic mechanisms of bacteria and viruses, while touching more lightly on fungi and parasites since few of our faculty do research in this area. Additionally, students will master key concepts of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system and how immunity prevents and clears infections. Mechanisms of vaccines and anti-microbial drugs will also be covered.

Structure and Physiology

Describe the structure and physiology of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and explain replicative mechanisms of each.

Pathogenesis

Explain pathogenic mechanisms of common bacterial and viral infections

Immunity

Describe how the innate and adaptive immune responses prevent microbial infections, or help to eliminate established infections

Vaccines

Explain how vaccines work to prevent microbial infections, and compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of various categories of vaccine technologies

Infectious Disease Medications

Explain how antibiotics and anti-virals work to treat infections