BIOM - Biology-Micro

BIOM 101  Careers in Microbiology: 1 Credits (1 Lec)

The course introduces students to educational and career opportunities in the fields of medical, molecular, ecological, and environmental microbiology. The course introduces students to the various options in the microbiology degree program. It will emphasize the differences in the options and the employment opportunities in each once a degree has been obtained.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. The student will have an understanding of educational and career opportunities in the different fields of microbiology, including environmental, medical, molecular, and ecological microbiology.
  2. The students will be exposed to the different degree programs available to microbiology majors at MSU.
  3. The students will also be able to associate different career paths to degree options within the microbiology program.

BIOM 103IN  Unseen Universe: Microbes: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

Beneficial and harmful effects of microorganisms on individual health, public health, food and water quality; are relevant to an informed citizen of the 21st century. Current news topics and historical perspectives are emphasized. Laboratory exercises investigate microbial activity in our everyday world.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe and differentiate various types of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, helminths).
  2. Identify and explain how certain current news events relate to microbiology.
  3. Recognize the role of pathogenic, and beneficial, microorganisms in human health.
  4. Compare and contrast methods of genetic change within bacteria, such as mutation or recombination events.
  5. Explain how DNA manipulation is used in applications such as genetic engineering, gene therapy, genomics, and forensics.
  6. Relate how environmental characteristics determine the types of microbes that may be found there.
  7. Diagram the role of microbes in biogeochemical cycles on Earth.
  8. Describe the ways humans use microorganisms to create various food, beverage, medical and industrial products.
  9. Explain a real-life situation where an understanding of microbiology can help an individual make a personal choice in scenarios involving health care, food preparation, social or political views etc.
  10. Connect concepts from lecture to previous or upcoming lab exercises.
  11. Course Learning Outcomes (Lab): Demonstrate lab application of principles presented in lecture material.
  12. Use proper aseptic techniques to maintain lab safety for self and others.
  13. Use a microscope to view both live and stained microbes at various magnifications.
  14. Plan and conduct an experiment, and write a report, using the scientific method to demonstrate the ubiquity of microbes in an environment.
  15. Test and report on the antimicrobial effectiveness of various antibiotics, antiseptics and disinfectants; research the mode of action of each agent.
  16. Experimentally determine the nutritional and growth conditions required for various bacteria.
  17. Examine normal flora microorganisms of the mouth, throat and hands.

BIOM 107CS  Molecules of Life: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Introduction to uses of biological molecules for improving health and agriculture. Gene therapy and DNA fingerprinting are discussed in relation to social/moral issues. Intent of course is to help students develop a rational approach to evaluate cost/benefits of biotechnology to society.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Recall the shape, structure, and composition of DNA. Describe what a gene is and what determines whether a gene is expressed. Describe what a protein is and how it relates to DNA and gene expression. Identify and describe genes that are linked to a trait or disease using bioinformatic databases. Explain mutations and their outcomes. Review how DNA is measured.
  2. Identify proteins used in industry and medicine.
  3. Describe the process of cloning a gene into a microorganism that allows that microorganism to produce a molecule that is beneficial to society. Identify uses for recombinant DNA technology. Research and discuss a recombinant molecule and its application. Recall other ways microbes and microbial ecosystems can be manipulated to solve a problem.
  4. Discuss medical biotechnology. Recall preventions, treatments, and cures to human disease that have resulted from our understanding of biology.
  5. Discuss animal and plant biotechnology. Explain how and why specific animals are chosen as research subject. Explain how GMO plants and animals can solve problems.
  6. Discuss the use of living organisms to bioremediated polluted areas, such as soil or water.
  7. For all above topics, recall ethical arguments for biotechnology advancements. Critique the validity of the ethics arguments, or explain established critiques of ethics arguments.

BIOM 210IN  Environmental Health Science: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W or exempt from course based on ACT or SAT scores. (F) Environmental health science emphasizes how human health is linked to the health of the environment. This course provides an overview of the field of environmental health for all students with an interest in how human health is linked to the health of the environment. Classroom instruction will be combined with presentations, discussions, training activities and field trips. The course explores physical, chemical, biological, climatic and socioeconomic factors that impact human health, including but not limited to water quality, air pollution, food safety, zoonotic and vector borne diseases, solid and hazardous waste, water and wastewater treatment, and environmental public health management in emergencies and in recreational, institutional and occupational environments

View Course Outcomes:

  1. describe the crucial role of the environment in the health of the planet and all of life, including humans.
  2. discuss scientific, justice, emergency management and environmental public health administration concepts in the field of environmental health.
  3. describe how concepts in epidemiology, toxicology, risk assessment and atmospheric science apply to environmental health.
  4. describe agents of environmental disease, including zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, toxic metals, pesticides and other organic chemicals, climate and radiation.
  5. decribe how the science of environmental health applies to water quality, air quality, food safety, solid and hazardous waste, wastewater management, and occupational and institutional health.

BIOM 250  Microbiology for Health Sciences: Infectious Diseases: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Introduction to the world of microorganisms and the role of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infectious agents in human health. Emphasis is on public health aspects of transmission, epidemiology, treatment and control of these diseases. Also host-pathogen interactions with regards to pathogenesis and host immune responses are considered.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe and differentiate between various types of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, helminths).
  2. Outline and apply the principles of epidemiology (etiology, reservoir, transmission, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment/control/prevention) to specific infectious diseases.
  3. Analyze the effect of various social (political, economic, cultural) and environmental aspects on our ability to control particular infectious diseases.
  4. Indicate populations most susceptible to certain infectious diseases and explain the host factors involved.
  5. Explain how microbial pathogenesis results in signs and symptoms in a patient.
  6. Diagram components of specific and nonspecific host defenses in challenging infectious agents.
  7. Choose microbial control methods appropriate to water treatment, food production, health care facilities, and in treatment of disease.
  8. Identify factors involved in increasing drug-resistance of microbes and the challenges of developing new medications.
  9. Recognize the types of vaccines, how they stimulate the immune system and address questions regarding vaccine safety.
  10. Interpret cases studies of disease and summarize concepts of epidemiology in each study.
  11. Relate historical advances in microbiology to our current understanding of microorganisms and infectious disease.
  12. Recognize the importance of beneficial microorganisms in maintaining host health.

BIOM 251  Microbiology for Health Sciences Lab: 1 Credits (1 Lab)

COREQUISITE: BIOM 250. (F, Sp) The course is designed to give students practical experience in the growth of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, including methods for identification and characterization of important pathogens. The lab includes safe handling procedures, spills, disposal, and personal protective equipment

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Become proficient in the use of a light microscope
  2. Be able to identify prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and understand their differences
  3. Understand microbial growth requirements, and techniques for disinfection
  4. Be able to practice aseptic technique and all safety measures required in a microbiology laboratory
  5. Understand methods of diagnostic techniques: selective/differential media, molecular methods
  6. Understand antibiotic therapies, drug resistance and methods for testing
  7. Specific skills include streak plating, pure culture isolation, Gram stain, unknown identification

BIOM 290R  Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a written work or other creative project. Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated.
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

BIOM 291  Special Topics: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: None required but some may be determined necessary by each offering department. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

BIOM 292  Independent Study: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of instructor and approval of instructor. Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

BIOM 360  General Microbiology: 5 Credits (3 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOB 160 or BIOB 260. (F, Sp) An introduction to major topics and subdisciplines in microbiology including microbial diversity and classification, microbial anatomy and physiology, microbial genetics, microbial ecology, medical microbiology and immunology, epidemiology and public health, and biotechnology

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define, describe, use, and apply terms, concepts and theories of fundamental importance in microbiology.
  2. Summarize what is currently known about microbial diversity. This involves using the Three Domain System of classification and Baltimore Virus Classification System as frameworks for organizing this knowledge.
  3. Describe and discuss the exploitation of microbes in the areas of industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology, and biotechnology.
  4. Outline the impact of microbes on human health, both positive and negative. This involves summarizing the role of the human microbiome in human health; describing the interaction of factors, both human and microbial, involved in causing disease; making generalizations about the approaches used to diagnose and treat infectious diseases; summarizing the role of epidemiologists in controlling and preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases; and using information about infectious diseases to suggest appropriate measures for their prevention and control.
  5. Communicate the results of experiments or other types of scientific investigations. This involves: locating, reading, and evaluating scientific information, including primary literature, reviews, personal communications, and web-based publications; developing testable hypotheses or solutions to practical problems; using appropriate controls; collecting, analyzing and interpreting both qualitative and quantitative data; maintaining careful and complete records of investigations; and designing concise, informative tables and figures.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in basic laboratory skills used routinely by microbiologists.
  7. Work safely in a microbiology laboratory.

BIOM 363  Eukaryotic Cell Biology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

COREQUISITE: BIOM 360 and CHMY 321 or CHMY 211. (F) The course will provide an understanding of how eukaryotic cells, in eukaryotic microorganisms such as protozoans and fungi, and multicellular eukaryotic organisms work. Topics covered include membranes, organelles, membrane trafficking, signaling, cell adhesion, and the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, cell motility and a comprehensive section on the cell cycle, which integrates all the other topics. Basic molecular biology relevant to each of these topics will also be covered

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Have a knowledge and understanding of the principles of eukaryotic cells, the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and know theories of the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
  2. Have knowledge of organization of DNA into chromosomes and principles of gene expression in cells of eukaryotic microorganisms (fungi and protozoans) and eukaryotic cells in multicellular animals.
  3. Understand membrane structure and function including mechanisms by which molecules are transported across membranes.
  4. Understand principles of signaling in eukaryotic cells and know the proteins that transduce signals including protein kinases, phosphatases, guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), and adaptor proteins, know the molecules which function as second messengers.
  5. Understand the principles of signal transduction pathways and the molecules involved in key pathways emphasizing signaling pathways of importance in the immune system such as G-protein-coupled pathways, tyrosine kinase receptor and non-receptor pathways, JAK/STAT and the TNF-β/SMAD pathway.
  6. Know the cell adhesion proteins and understand how cell-cell and cell- matrix interactions govern stable processes such as tissue and organization and dynamic processes such as inflammation.
  7. Know the three types of cytoskeletal elements (microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules), understand their structure/function relationships and the cellular processes with which each cytoskeletal element is involved, including cellular motility
  8. Understand the basic processes involved in Cell Division and the different patterns of cytokinesis and nuclear division in the Protozoans and Fungi (eukaryotic microorganisms) as compared to multicellular eukaryotic organisms such as mammalian cells
  9. Know the phases of Cell Cycle including an understanding of stem cells and cell differentiation pathways with emphasis on hematopoiesis and other differentiation pathways of relevance in the immune system
  10. Understand the principle of programmed cell death (PCD) and knowledge of different PCD pathways

BIOM 365  Astrobiology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOB 160 or BIOB 260 or BIOM 360, ERTH 101IN, and ASTR 110IN. This course examines the science of Astrobiology focused on the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. Topics that will be discussed include the origin of life, habitability, evolution, intelligence, and the search for life beyond Earth

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe current definitions of life and the concept of habitability.
  2. Explain current theories for planetary formation within the habitable zone.
  3. Explain origin and early evolution of life on Earth, considering phylogenetic inference and evolutionary analysis and extreme environments.
  4. Describe the evolution of biogeochemical cycles throughout the Precambrian, including debates regarding rates of oxygenation of Earth's ocean and atmosphere, the importance of banded iron formations (BIFs) in Earth biogeochemical history, and new concepts of mineral/life co-evolution.
  5. Explain how life in extreme environments on Earth can inform us about possibilities of life elsewhere in our solar system and beyond.

BIOM 400  Medical Microbiology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360; Recommended BIOB 410 and BIOM 435. Selected medically relevant viral and bacterial pathogens will be discussed at length with an emphasis on infection, immune responses and disease

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Understand the functions of the various branches of the immune system in responding to a pathogen
  2. Understand how viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens are classified. How these pathogens cause disease, how they avoid host immune responses, how we treat infections by these pathogens. Gain an understanding regarding why we have or have not been successful in combating disease caused by these pathogens

BIOM 404  Medical Virology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360. (Sp) BIOB 410 and BIOM 435 are recommended prereqs. The focus is on select medically relevant viral pathogens. Topics covered will include viral replication, ability to cause disease, interactions with host immune responses, and therapeutics

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe how viral pathogens infect and replicate in cells and how they avoid host immune responses.
  2. Identify and describe the means of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of viral disease.
  3. Read and interpret primary research literature.

BIOM 405  Host-Associated Microbiomes: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360 or BIOB 160, and CHMY 123 or BCH 380 or BCH 441 or BCH 442. (Sp) This course will introduce students to the microbial ecosystems that colonize human and animal hosts, detailing their essential roles in host nutrition, health and development. Students will also be exposed to modern molecular techniques used to study these systems

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Have developed skills enabling you to understand and critically evaluate microbiome literature.
  2. Appreciate the importance of the microbial communities (microbiomes) that colonize host systems,\\nincluding plants, insects, and humans and their impacts on host health, nutrition and development.
  3. Be able to describe the genetic, functional, phenotypic, and antigenic diversity of microbes and the\\necology that underscores host-associated microbiomes.

BIOM 410  Microbial Genetics: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360, and BCH 380 or BCH 441 and BCH 442. (Sp) The students will become familiar with concepts in microbial genetics, including DNA replication, RNA, and protein biosynthesis. Other concepts covered in the course include bacteriophage and plasmid biology, gene regulation, mobile genetic elements, and the fundamentals of genetic engineering

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Characterize the structure of DNA.
  2. Describe the activities of enzymes involved in DNA biosynthesis.
  3. Show how DNA structure and DNA metabolic enzymes are used in molecular biology experiments, such as DNA sequencing and PCR.
  4. Describe the molecular mechanisms of transcription, including transcription initiation, elongation, and termination.
  5. Characterize mechanisms of gene regulation at the transcriptional level.
  6. Describe molecular biology experiments that assay gene expression regulation at the transcriptional level, such as microarrays and RT-qPCR.
  7. Describe the molecular mechanisms of translation, including translation initiation, elongation, and termination.
  8. Define the roles of the ribosome, mRNA, tRNA, rRNA in protein translation.
  9. Characterize mechanisms of regulation at the translational level.
  10. Describe the molecular mechanisms of DNA transfer between organisms, including, transformation, conjugation, and transduction.
  11. Understand how reactions involving DNA influence evolution of microorganisms.
  12. Characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA homologous recombination.
  13. Characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in DNA transposition.
  14. Understand molecular mechanisms involved in DNA mutation and repair.
  15. Present findings of a recent literature article on one of the above topics.

BIOM 415  Microbial Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360 or consent of instructor. The linkage between microbial diversity, its evolutionary origins, and its ecological value will be emphasized

View Course Outcomes:

  1. think about microbial community organization from individuals to species to functional guilds, and how this organization results in community function.
  2. apply this way of thinking to a microbial community of interest to them.
  3. explain the microbial ecology of many different microbial communities.
  4. read scientific literature in an appropriately critical manner.
  5. develop a competitive grant proposal.

BIOM 419  Programming for Biologists: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

(F) This course will introduce computer programming languages commonly used in the biological sciences, including Python, R, and command line driven applications. Common commands in each programming language/application will be covered in the context of biological problem-solving using manipulation and analysis of large datasets.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Master basic commands in Python by interpreting functions of pre-written code and by generating code to perform simple tasks.
  2. Use Python to parse files containing different data types (e.g. text and nucleotide sequence) and extract/analyze data sub-sets of interest
  3. Master basic commands in R, and understand how to download and run specific R packages.
  4. Successfully perform an analysis using a pre-built command-line driven pipeline.

BIOM 421  Concepts of Plant Pathology: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOB 110CS or BIOO 220. An introductory course in the study of plant diseases. Includes plant pathogens, etiology of disease, and various control strategies

BIOM 423  Mycology: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOB 100IN or BIOB 110CS or BIOB 160 or BIOB 170IN or BIOM 103IN. . This course surveys the immense diversity of fungi, including all major groups with emphasis on structures, life cycles, identification, and ecology. It provides a basis of knowledge for the rapidly expanding relevance of fungi in research, medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and industry. This course is co-convened with BIOM 523

BIOM 425  Toxicology: Science of Poisons: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

(Sp) This course is appropriate for pre-med, health professional, and environmental science majors. Topics include history principles, and mechanisms of toxicology, disposition of toxicants, chemical carcinogens, target organ toxicity, clinical and environmental toxicology. Co-convened with MB 527.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will be able to evaluate the historical use and abuse of toxicological agents and this impact on managing environmental and clinical chemicals present day.
  2. Describe the chemical properties and the biological processes that modulate the toxicokinetics of chemicals absorption, distribution, metabolism1, and excretion
  3. Explain the biological transformation reactions as a determining factor of the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic activities of chemicals.
  4. Describe molecular, cellular and physiological responses resulting from exposure to chemical agents (clinical and environmental) relevant to human health.
  5. Identify various classes of compounds (i.e., metals, polyaromatic compounds, solvents etc.) and their primary modes (or mechanisms) of action affecting human health. Identify essential risk factors that contribute to the capability of chemicals to elicit biological effects leading to human disease.
  6. Determine the perspective the role of toxicology in the risk assessment process.
  7. Recognize all stakeholders involved in a risk assessment and various perspectives they offer to a management decision regarding a toxicological agent.

BIOM 427  General Parasitology: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360. (F) Recommend BCH 380 or BCH 441 or BCH 442; credit cannot be applied towards major requirements for both BIOM 427 and BIOM 441. Study of the life cycles, biochemistry, molecular parasitology, pathogenesis, identification and treatment of the major parasitic groups, including parasitic protozoa, monogeneans, digeneneans, cestodes, nematodes, acanthocephalans, and parasitic arthropods

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will acquire knowledge of the basic understanding of the main concepts and definitions within the discipline of parasitology.
  2. Students will acquire and demonstrate an understanding of the major taxonomic groups and general biologic adaptations that characterize each parasite group
  3. Students will acquire and demonstrate retention of fundamentals in host-parasite interactions, life cycle strategies, parasite population ecology and how evolutionary processes influence parasitic properties
  4. Students will become familiar with how parasites affect physiological, behavioral and ecological adaptations in the host
  5. Students will have an overview of key research questions in parasitology, and be able to present these orally and in writing.
  6. Students will have an understanding of the important aspects of the pathology, life cycles, epidemiology, and control and treatment for the most important parasitic diseases of humans.
  7. Students will be expected to recognize and identify members of each of the major parasitic groups

BIOM 430  Applied and Environmental Microbiology: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360. The course introduces students to complex concepts in water microbiology, food microbiology, sterility and disinfection, the use of microorganisms in manufacturing processes and in the degradation of contaminates in the environment

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will learn how microorganisms are selected and engineered to accelerate degradation of contaminants in water and soils
  2. Students will learn the limitations and benefits of bioremediation, and the future of this technology in contaminant clean-up in remote environments.
  3. Students will gain experience conducting literature research on a topic of their interest in environmental microbiology and organizing the findings into a written technical paper and as an oral presentation that will be delivered to the class.

BIOM 431  Medical Bacteriology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360; recommend BIOB 410. (Sp) This course considers the nature of the agents of bacterial infectious disease; the etiology, signs, symptoms, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, epidemiology, and prevention of specific diseases. The major objective is for students to gain an understanding of bacteria that cause disease in humans

View Course Outcomes:

  1. describe the characteristics of the bacterial pathogens
  2. describe the affected populations and modes of transmission
  3. describe the major clinical manifestations of disease, significant sequelae of disease
  4. explain the mechanisms of pathogenesis
  5. explain mechanisms of protective immunity
  6. explain the principles of diagnosis, therapy, and prevention

BIOM 432  Med Bacteriology Lab: 2 Credits (2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360
COREQUISITE: BIOM 431. Laboratory methods designed to teach techniques used in culturing and identifying bacterial pathogens and normal flora from clinical specimens. Procedures used to test the antibiotic susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria
.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will demonstrate the skills that will enable them to identify a pathogen from several different clinical specimens.
  2. Students will demonstrate the knowledge of the important characteristics of the pathogens that allow them to identify pathogens correctly.
  3. Students will document an understanding of normal flora in humans and the differences between normal flora and pathogens in some clinical specimens.
  4. Students will demonstrate that they value a patient's life by using procedures correctly, using appropriate controls to verify results and reporting information correctly.
  5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of procedures used to test a pathogen's resistance or susceptibility to antibiotics.
  6. Students will demonstrate a willingness to value their own safety, the safety of others and the safety of the environment.

BIOM 435  Virology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360 or BIOB 375 or BIOH 320 or BCH 380 or BCH 442 or BCH 444R. Fundamentals of virology with emphasis on animal viruses of medical importance. Molecular aspects of structure, replication transmission and host response to viral infection will be covered

View Course Outcomes:

  1. A fundamental understanding of the basic virus replication cycle.
  2. An understanding of the diversity of host-virus interactions at the cellular level.
  3. An understanding of selected examples of viruses important to human health.
  4. An understanding of the role of viruses in the ecology and evolution of life.

BIOM 441  Eukaryotic Pathogens: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360; recommend BCH 380; credit cannot be applied towards major requirements for both BIOM 427 and BIOM 441. The study of medically important parasite and fungal pathogens. Covers the biology, taxonomy, host/parasite relationships, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of protozoan and helminth parasites; as well as of pathogenic fungi; with laboratory procedures in fungal isolation and identification

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Explain the main concepts and definitions within the discipline of Parasitology
  2. Identify the major taxonomic groups of parasite occurring in man and explain the biological adaptations that characterize each parasite group
  3. Explain the mechanisms of disease and pathogenesis caused by each of the major human parasites
  4. Identify the methods of diagnosis and treatment of the medically important parasites
  5. Identify medically important parasites microscopically
  6. Explain the main concepts and define fungal pathogens and fungal diseases
  7. List the major fungal pathogens and their mechanisms of pathogenesis
  8. Identify fungal structure and procedures used to isolate and identify pathogenic fungi

BIOM 450  Microbial Physiology: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: BCH 380 or BCH 441 and BCH 442, and BIOM 360. (F) An in-depth examination of microbial cell structure and function, bioenergetics, intermediary metabolism and its control, and the orchestration and regulation of cellular functions that enable microbes to adapt to and survive in their environment

View Course Outcomes:

  1. synthesize, discuss, and answer questions about fundamental and modern topics with respect to microbial physiology and biochemistry at the appropriate level.
  2. communicate both verbally and in written form fundamental, biochemical principles within the context of microbial physiology.

BIOM 452  Soil & Environmental Microbiology: 3 Credits (3 Lec, 3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: CHMY 143, ENSC 245IN. Microorganisms in soil environments: Focuses on soil microbial ecology, emphasizing relevant aspects of: i) microbial metabolism, physiology and genetics; ii) plant-microbe interactions; and iii) biotransformations of inorganic or organic contaminants

BIOM 455R  Research Mthds in Microbiology: 4 Credits (3 Lec, 1 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360 and BCH 380. Fundamentals of research methodology for undergraduate and graduate students in microbiology and related disciplines. Theory and application of techniques, reagents, and instrumentation will be emphasized in the lecture and laboratory. The emphasis in the course will be on recombinant DNA methodology, and the safe and effective use of radioisotopes
Repeatable up to 8 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will learn about research methodology in microbiology and related discipline
  2. Student will apply some of the learned methods in the lab, with emphasis on recombinant DNA techniques
  3. Students will learn how to plan and conduct experiments

BIOM 457R  Research Methods in Immunology: 4 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360. Theory and application of techniques, reagents, and instrumentation will be emphasized in the lecture and laboratory. The emphasis in the course will be on experimental research involving flow cytometry, microscopy, and protein biochemistry methodology

View Course Outcomes:

  1. apply research methodology used in immunology and related disciplines
  2. apply research methodology to laboratory experiments
  3. synthesize information from other science courses to design research experiments.
  4. conduct experiments using flow cytometry, microscopy, and protein biochemistry methods.
  5. present their experimental results in written and/or oral format

BIOM 465  Plant-Pathogen Interactions: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

This course is to teach students the molecular mechanisms by which plants and pathogens/insects interact during the progress of pathogenesis or resistance, the understandings of how plants recognize relatively conserved microbial patterns to active defense. Co-convened with PSPP 565.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Define concepts of Molecular Plant-Microbe & Insect Interactions.
  2. Discuss experimental approaches used and propose a new hypotheses to advance an overall understanding of interactions at the molecular level.
  3. Describe the methods to study and visualize intracellular interactions during interactions.
  4. Describe the cellular and molecular processes to translational activities upon interactions
  5. Describe the mechanisms that plants use to recognize pathogens and pests, and active defense.

BIOM 475R  Preveterinary Internship: 2-4 Credits (2-4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and consent of instructor. An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience in the field
Repeatable up to 4 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. The Preveterinary Internship program is based on the premise that students will retain theory and concepts longer when they can apply them to "real" life settings. An internship should enhance learning for students, assist them in selecting a career, and enable them to become better acquainted with veterinary practice before they make the transition from campus life to veterinary school. The experiences gained through an internship will add relevancy to theory taught in classrooms.

BIOM 490R  Undergraduate Research: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

Directed undergraduate research/creative activity which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated.
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking necessary to synthesize information
  2. Develop and apply laboratory skills appropriate to the research project
  3. Demonstrate successful collaboration ; as a member of a team (when applicable)
  4. Demonstrate responsible conduct of research

BIOM 491  Special Topics: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

BIOM 492  Independent Study: 4 Credits (4 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing, consent of instructor, and approval of department head. (F, Sp, Su) Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Varies with independent study projects.

BIOM 494  Seminar/Workshop: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360 and junior standing. Senior capstone course. Topics offered at the upper division level which are not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material. When taken in the senior year, this course fulfills the senior capstone course requirement
Repeatable up to 2 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. learn to critically read and evaluate scientific literature
  2. prepare at least two chosen papers for oral presentations
  3. learn to lead and participate in group discussions
  4. provide constructive criticism to their peers

BIOM 497  Educational Methods: Microbiology: 2 Credits (2 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of Instructor. Instruction and practice in effective teaching methods; practice in preparing laboratory materials, assisting a class and grading

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will practice effective teaching methods in a microbiology lab classroom setting.
  2. Students will prepare lab materials, assist in lab course instruction, and assess student learning.
  3. Students will participate in class discussions pertaining to relevant topics in educational methodologies.\\n
  4. Students will explore topics related to current learning theories, interpersonal communication, and classroom management techniques.\\n

BIOM 498R  Microbiology and Biotechnology Internships: 1-4 Credits (1-4 Other)

An individualized assignment arranged with an agency, business, or other organization to provide guided experience in the field.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Internship/Cooperative Education: learning outcomes will vary.

BIOM 499  Senior Capstone: 1 Credits (1 Other)

PREREQUISITE: BIOM 360 and junior standing. (F, Sp) Senior capstone course. Topics offered at the upper division level which are not covered in regular courses. Students participate in preparing and presenting discussion material
Repeatable up to 2 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Prepare and deliver professional oral presentations including correct pronunciation, appropriate use of supporting slides, and audience engagement.
  2. Write critical evaluations of top-tier scientific papers.
  3. Lead and participate in group discussions and provide critical feedback.

BIOM 523  Mycology for Graduates: 3 Credits (2 Lec, 2 Lab)

PREREQUISITE: Basic Biology Course or equivalent
This course is co-convened with BIOM 423. The course surveys the incredible diversity of fungi, including major groups with emphasis on structures and identification. The recent explosion of knowledge on fungi in research, medicine, agriculture, biotech begins with basic mycology.