Microbiology (MCRO)

Group research experience in microbiology through participation in a faculty-student research project. Foundations of the scientific method including literature review, design of experiments, common laboratory techniques, data analysis, interpretation of results and scientific communication. Intended for freshmen and sophomores with no research experience. Priority to MCRO majors. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 seminar, 1 laboratory.

Microbial classification and identification, cell structure and function, metabolism, microbial systems and evolutionary processes, with applications to industry, agriculture, food production, environment, and health. Not open to students with credit in MCRO 224; not for credit for Biology and Microbiology majors. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Fundamental concepts of prokaryotes, eukaryotic microorganisms and microbiological entities. Microbial taxonomy, classification, cellular structure and function, metabolism, growth dynamics and control. Introduction to microbial genetics and molecular techniques. Microbial interaction with human and society. Fundamental laboratory techniques in microbiology. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories. Fulfills GE Areas B2 and B3 (GE Areas B2 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Microbial diversity, systematics, ecology, and symbiotic relationships. Introduction to host-microorganism interactions including pathogenesis, epidemiology, and immunology. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Wine yeasts, bacteria, and molds: morphology and methods of identification; successful alcoholic and malolactic fermentations; management and prevention of unwanted microbial growth; micro-organisms and flavor development. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as MCRO/WVIT 301.

Recent outbreaks of human diseases, interrelationships between infectious disease agents, human biology, and the environment. Infectious agents and disease processes, virulence mechanisms, and host immune response. Clinical approaches and surveillance methods to detect, investigate, and monitor emerging pathogens. Factors involved in the accelerating emergence of diseases and bioterrorist agents. 3 lectures.

Principles of disease prevention and control. Water-, food-, and air-borne microbial contaminations and epidemiology of ensuing diseases. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Infective macromolecules (prions, viroids, and viruses) associated with microbes, plants, and animals. Epidemiology, immune responses, pathogenicity, carcinogenesis, diagnoses, vaccination, and therapy. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Physiological activities of microorganisms involved in the preparation, preservation, deterioration, and toxicity of foods and related products. Detection and prevention of spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Microorganisms as agents of disease in humans. Epidemiology, host-parasite relationships, and chemotherapy. The compromised host and opportunistic disease. Laboratory safety. Procedures for laboratory diagnosis of human diseases. Rapid miniaturized methods of identification. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Cellular structure and life processes of bacteria; chemical composition, growth, and metabolism. General biological and evolutionary considerations. 3 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Principles and methods used for production of enzymes, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food additives using micro-organisms. Topics include screening and strain improvement, regulation of metabolite production, genetic engineering, heterologous gene expression systems, large-scale production, and intellectual property. 3 lectures.

Ecology and interactions of microorganisms in natural environments. Role of microorganisms in ecosystem function such as nutrient cycling, extreme environments, symbioses. Applications of microorganisms in the environment such as bioremediation, biocontrol, biofuels. Field trip may be required. 2 lectures, 2 activities.