Microbiology
Although very content heavy, Dr. Burkholder incorporated current news stories relevant to microbiology so we could understand to the full extent what was happening in todays world. I enjoyed how graphic the class was and the fact that Dr. Burkholder did not hold back on any content. I left this class with a clearer understanding of our day to day contact with these pathogens and a healthy respect for limited antibiotic use.
“This course is designed to introduce students to basic concepts and unifying principles of microbiology. Course goals are to provide students with a foundation in core microbiological topics such as structure and function of microorganisms, as well as mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and immunity against infection, and common microbial agents of infectious disease. The labs are designed to teach proper aseptic technique and the application of classical and molecular microbiological methods for the isolation, identification and characterization of microorganisms.”
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:Upon completion of the lecture portion of BIO 232, students will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the structure and function of microorganisms, including prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses
- Describe the kinetics and patterns of microbial growth
- Explain how environmental factors such as pH, temperature, osmolarity and oxygen influence microbial survival and growth
- Explain the major metabolic pathways used by microorganisms, and how metabolism can be exploited for food and industrial purposes
- Describe key features of microbial genetics, including DNA structure and function, as well as prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation
- Explain how and why microbial gene expression is regulated
- Describe mechanisms of genetic mutation, and how mutation affects microbial evolution and fitness, and contributes to generation of antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis
- Compare, contrast and explain the mechanism of action of common antimicrobial drugs
- Define and compare beneficial vs. pathogenic host-microbial interactions
- Describe the role of microbiomes in environmental and human health
- Describe major mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis
- Describe key features of innate and adaptive immunity, and explain how the innate immune response perpetuates the adaptive response
- Explain how immunity is conferred through immunization
- Identify common bacterial, fungal, viral and protozoal pathogens of humans, and describe their modes of pathogenesis and associated disease symptoms
Assignments:
