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Microbiology & Cell Science

Microbiology & Cell Science

Elective Courses

  • MCB 6796 Microbiological Data Analysis

    Focuses on the analysis and interpretation of microbiological data using R language and other command line tools with a series of examples that range in complexity. Students will analyze various types of microbiological data, including RNAseq, 16SrRNA gene sequencing, direct and indirect microbial growth measurements, and microbial bioproducts, among others. Finally, students will use good practices for data reproducibility.

  • BSC6895C: AI in Agriculture and Life Sciences

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to solve problems in research and industry. This course provides students with an understanding of AI systems and how they can be applied to answer challenging questions in life sciences. Through online study materials and hands-on exercises, students will obtain the skills and knowledge they need to use AI to solve real-world life sciences problems. 

  • MCB 6407 Prokaryotic Cell Structure and Function

    Analyzes the cell structure and physiology of bacteria and archaea. Extensive discussion of cell division, growth, stress responses, bioenergetics and metabolism is provided along with understanding the assembly and function of important cell structures (e.g. cell walls, membranes and appendages).

  • MCB 6937 Synthetic Biology

    Synthetic biology applies basic genetic/metabolic principles to engineer biological cells to attain new functions. Synthetic biology research is a cutting-edge area that marries knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics and engineering principles. It is still in the infancy of development, yet synthetic biology has already brought breakthroughs in human medicine, industrial and pharmaceutical development, environmental protection and crop improvement. This course will introduce design principles and applications of biological cells. Topics include synthetic pathway design, artificial photosynthesis, repurposing genetic codons, genome synthesis and editing, and genetic circuit design among others. 

  • MCB 6656 Environmental Microbiology

    Environmental Microbiology provides an overview of microorganisms in the environment, including occurrence, abundance and distribution. Current research methodologies to decipher microbial processes and activities, marine microbial ecology, microbial interactions with the environment and practices of applied environmental microbiology will also be examined.

  • MCB 6937 Fundamentals in Molecular Genetics

    This course will discuss the synthesis and manipulation of DNA and the principles of gene expression at the molecular level in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The topics covered will include an introduction to the concepts of DNA replication, repair and packaging of the genome into chromosomes. In preparation for this course, you should understand basic college-level introductory biology and it is recommended to have at least one other more specialized biology course, such as Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Genetics or Biochemistry.

  • MCB 6095 Careers for Impact in Microbiology

    The course will prepare students with connections into a variety of Microbiology careers including industry, entrepreneurial ventures, government labs, NGOs, health professions and academia through guest speakers sharing about their career paths.

  • MCB 6096 Innovation Project Management

    Empowers students with practical tools to manage innovation projects typical of life science research & development. Challenges and methodologies associated with developing objectives, preparing project plans, establishing metrics, defining responsibilities, as well as mitigating risks and dealing with uncertainties will be discussed. Skills for strategic prioritization, time management, meeting facilitation and communication will be strengthened to promote an innovative culture.

  • GMS 6108 Bacterial Physiology, Antibiotics and Genetics (compendium of GMS 6038 Bacterial Genetics and Physiology, GMS 6169 Antimicrobial Strategies and GMS 6153 Advanced Bacterial Genetics)

    Ideally, students will take GMS 6121 before they take GMS 6108, especially if they have a limited background in Microbiology. However, students who wish to take GMS 6108 BEFORE they complete GMS 6121 can watch four introductory bacteriology lectures in order to get caught up. Students can complete both courses regardless of the order in which they register.

  • GMS 6109 Advanced Bacteriology

    Advanced bacteriology in two modules. The first module covers bacterial genetics (e.g., gene expression and regulation, plasmids and bacteriophages, genetic engineering and genetic analysis) and physiology (e.g., DNA replication, protein production and localization, biofilms). The second module covers antibiotics (e.g., classes of antibiotics and their mechanisms of action) and antibiotic resistance (e.g., mechanisms).

  • GMS 6132: Introductory Gene and Immunotherapy

    This course should be taken after GMS 6121.

    An overview of gene and immunotherapy with emphasis on translational applications, including fundamental understanding of the principles and mechanisms of gene and immunotherapy, specifically molecular biology of gene therapy and basic immunology and immunotherapy. Preclinical and clinical applications of both will be discussed.

  • MCB 5270 Antimicrobial Resistance

    This course covers content related to antimicrobial resistance: the origins of antimicrobial resistance, dissemination, mechanisms, therapeutics and impact on healthcare, agriculture and the environment. This course mainly concentrates on resistance in bacteria but will also discuss other organisms, including viruses, parasites, fungi and cancer.

  • MCB 6937 Advanced Molecular Genetics

    Molecular biology of bacterial gene expression, including DNA replication, mutation, genetic mapping using plasmids and phages, and recombinant DNA mechanisms.

  • MCB 5252 Microbiology, Immunology and Basis for Immuno-therapeutics

    This course studies the microbial structure and function with regards to their role in pathogenesis and infection, mechanism of microbial pathogenesis and selected diseases of the immune system. Topics discussed include: innate and acquired immunity, the role of cytokines, hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, autoimmune diseases, vaccines and the role of immune-therapeutics. The relationship between structure and function and its role in rise of antibiotic-resistant strains will be discussed.

  • PCB 6667 Human Genomics

    Increasingly, researchers and healthcare providers are mining the genome to uncover the basis of disease susceptibility and treatment. Genome-based strategies are used for the detection, treatment and prevention of many diseases. This course will discuss the field of genomics, how genome sequence data is obtained and analyzed, and most importantly, what can be learned from an individual's genome.

  • MCB 6326 Computational Genomics and Epigenomics

    Genomics and epigenomics are emerging areas that utilize high-throughput sequencing technologies to allow rapid advances in our understanding of complicated biology questions. The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the history, theory, latest advances and computational approaches of genomics and epigenomics to prepare them for conducting large scale genomic analyses in their independent research. Course topics include but are not limited to sequence mapping and alignments, genome assembly, annotation and comparative genomics, variant identification and analysis (e.g. SNP calling and GWAS), transcriptomics (e.g. single-cell RNA-seq), small RNAs and long noncoding RNAs, DNA methylation, histone modification, open chromatin region (e.g. ATAC-seq), 3D chromatin interaction, cancer genomics, proteomics and phenomics.

  • PCB 5235 Immunology

    This is a comprehensive course in basic immunology designed for graduate students. Emphasis will be placed on fundamental aspects of immunology and its application to real-world immunological research and concerns. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a solid immunological information foundation suitable for future educational endeavors in the areas of biomedical research or human/veterinary clinical applications. In addition, students will have a fundamental understanding of basic immunological experimental design. Student assessments in PCB 5235 will focus heavily on immunological facts, concepts and problem-solving based on the application of concepts. PCB 5235 will be co-taught with PCB 4233.

  • MCB 5705 Astrobiology

    Astrobiology examines the origin, evolution and future of life in our solar system. Topics will include: planet and star formation, biosphere formation, evolutionary processes biogeochemistry, microbial adaptation to extreme environments, planetary habitability and microbiology on the International Space Station.

  • MCB 6424 Probiotics

    MCB 6424 Probiotics is an upper-division course on probiotics. This course will cover the use of microorganisms to promote a health status in the animal and human host. This course will provide a conceptual background in microbiology and immunology for the use of microorganisms for the prevention or treatment of animal and human diseases.

  • MCB 6670C The Microbiome

    Increase knowledge, appreciation and use of genomics pertaining to the breadth of microbial diversity across a wide variety of organisms and habitats using methods that do not require culturing of the myriad of inhabitants. Students will use tools, practice analysis and interpretation of genomic data sets to analyze different microbiomes.

  • MCB 6458 Post Translational Modifications in Microbiology

    The overall goal of this class is to enhance student learning in the field of microbiology and to network students with professionals within the scientific community. To this end, the course will take an innovative approach to student learning through interactive group projects. The students will prepare projects that will undergo a scientific review by their class peers and faculty instructors.

  • MCB 6151 Prokaryotic Diversity

    This course is an introduction to the diversity of Bacteria and Archaea. Discussions will provide a conceptual and historical framework for understanding their 1) origin and evolution 2) morphological, metabolic and molecular characteristics 3) genetic and physiological diversity 4) importance in human/animal/plant health and 5) roles in elemental cycling.

  • MCB 6937 Microbial Multicellularity

    This graduate course covers the genetics and physiology underlying microbial multicellular behavior, with an emphasis on bacterial examples relevant to human health and disease. 

Department Module Courses

Fall Modules

  • MCB 6417 Microbial Metabolism and Energetics

    Principles of energy and biosynthetic metabolism will be examined in aerobic and anaerobic micro-organisms. Current biotechnology which incorporates these principles will also be discussed.

  • MCB 6317 Molecular Biology of Gene Expression

    This course covers synthesis, processing, transport and translation of RNA in micro-organisms and eukaryotes. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression will be the main topic; however, a review of the general mechanisms of eukaryotic gene activation and repression will also be covered.

Spring Modules

  • MCB 6937 Methods to Study Prokaryotic Transcriptional Regulation

    This course will cover theoretical aspects as well as the methods available to identify and study prokaryotic proteins involved in transcriptional regulation. This course will explore specific methods used for the in silico and for the biochemical study of transcription factors. 

  • MCB 6318 Comparative Microbial Genetics

    Methods to allow experimental scientists lacking computer programming skills to efficiently use the genomic and post-genomic data that is freely available over the web to predict protein function. Examples will be mainly taken from the field of microbial metabolism and regulation. 

  • MCB 6772 Advanced Topics in Cell Biology

    Specific topics about cell structure and function published in recent journal articles with microbiological interest animal and plant systems will be studied. The specific topic for this semester will be cell-surface receptors. We will discuss how cell surface receptors were discovered and how they are involved in transferring extracellular signals. The role of cell surface receptors in host-microbe interactions will be the focus of this semester.

  • MCB 6355 Microbial/Host Defense

    Principles of host defense to microbial invasion in a context of cellular biology involving both plants and animals.

At A Glance

Programs
Tuition
  • $535.00 per credit hour plus fees
Application Procedure
  1. Complete the Application Intent form
  2. Complete the Graduate Application
  3. Send your Transcripts