Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics & Microbiology
Infection and Immune Response
Infectious disease is among the strongest agents of natural selection, and adaptations constituting the armament of pathogens and the defense of the host involve many of the most fascinating mechanisms in biology. This course presents a modern view of the fundamental biology of bacterial and viral disease in the context of molecular mechanisms of host defense. A detailed knowledge of cellular and molecular components of the immune system will be integrated with current understanding of microbial virulence strategies, to provide a working understanding of biological mechanisms important in health and disease. The course is organized as three integrated sections focusing on the fields of immunology, bacterial pathogenesis, and virology. Students will obtain a background for advanced course work in each of these disciplines. We will focus on three themes; (1) basic properties of microbes and the innate and adaptive immune defenses that have evolved to respond to them, (2) the interplay - in both dynamic and evolutionary sense - between host defenses and microbial virulence, and (3) the mechanisms of pathogenesis during infection. Comparative clinical and epidemiological pictures of selected diseases will be presented, and will serve as a framework for development of key molecular, cellular, and physiological concepts. Students taking this course will be eligible to continue advanced studies in either the IVP or MGM programs.
Catalog number: BBS755
Course Coordinator: Brian Akerly
Semester Offered: Spring
Last Taught: Spring 2013
DNA Repair and Genome Stability
DNA repair is vitally important to protect the genome from endogenous and exogenous DNA damage. This course explores the various mechanisms cells employ to protect their DNA using examples from the molecular to the cellular and from bacteria to humans.
Catalog number: BBS763
Course Coordinator: Michael Volkert
Semester Offered: Fall, Odd Years
Last Taught: Fall 2009
Molecular and Cellular Immunology
Some of the most active areas of current immunology are investigated through the reading and discussion of research papers. Students further develop the ability to pose questions and design experiments to answer them through writing a research proposal. Topics to be covered include: regulation of lineage specification / commitment and antigen receptor gene recombination; mechanisms of immunological tolerance and lymphocyte activation, cellular transactions and their consequences (e.g. APC:T cell); and immune responses in infectious diseases.
Catalog number: BBS821
Course Coordinator: Jonsoo Kang
Semester Offered: Fall
Last Taught: Fall 2012
Advanced Animal Virology
This is a paper reading-based course discussing in depth new findings in animal virology, including viral biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics, oncogenesis, and pathogenesis. The course will be team-taught by UMMS faculty. The course will begin with introductory lectures to provide background for more advanced readings. Students will then cover different specific areas chosen by the professors in detail with paper readings. At the end of the course the students will write a research proposal and present it to the class and faculty.
Catalog number: BBS822
Course Coordinator: Raymond Welsh
Semester Offered: Fall
Last Taught: Fall 2011
Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis
This course will introduce students to cutting-edge topics in bacterial pathogenesis in a class format designed to encourage both critical analysis and concentration on experimental design. By doing so, it will aid students in preparation for qualifying exams.
Catalog number: BBS823
Course Coordinator: Jon Goguen
Semester Offered: Fall
Last Taught: Fall 2012
Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology
This paper discussion course is intended to help students refine their reading, debating and problem-solving skills. Readings consist of recent and classic research papers relating to a central problem in eukaryotic molecular genetics. Individual class sessions consist of detailed discussion of one or two papers accompanied by a student oral presentation of relevant background material. During the semester, each student will develop and orally defend a limited research proposal based on one of the discussed papers. Prerequisites: GSBS Core Course Blocks I, II and II
Catalog number: BBS772
Course Coordinator: Richard Baker
Semster Offered: Fall Spring
Last Taught: Has not been taught within past two years
Molecular Genetics of Bacteria
The goal of this course is to provide students with the background needed for participation in research involving bacteria. A tutorial format is used with sessions alternating between textbook-based problem solving and the presentation/discussion of papers from the current literature. The paper presentation/discussion portion of the course may be taken separately. Topics to be covered include: chromosome structure, replication and segregation; mutations and genetic analysis; plasmids; conjugation; transformation; lytic bacteriophages; lysogenic bacteriophages; transposition and site-specific recombination; homologous recombination; DNA repair and mutagenesis; global mechanisms regulating gene expression; and strategies for molecular genetic analysis. Prerequisites: GSBS Core Course Blocks I and II
Catalog number: BBS773
Course Coordinator: Anthony Poteete
Semester Offered: Spring
Last Taught: Spring 2012
Tutorials, Seminars, and Journal Clubs
Current Topics in Molecular Genetics
A weekly journal club that discusses current research articles of general interest.
Catalog number: BBS806
Course Coordinator: Richard Baker
Semster Offered: Fall Spring
Last Taught: Has not been taught within past two years
Current Topics in Prokaryotic Genetics
A weekly journal club that discusses current research articles concerning prokaryotic genetics.
Catalog number: BBS807
Course Coordinator: Martin Marinus
Semester Taught: Fall, Spring
Last Taught: Spring 2012