- MICR101 - Microbes and Society
A discussion of the personal and social implications of the interactions between humans and microorganisms. Topics include: microbial structure, genetics and metabolism; the general role of microorganisms in industry, the environment, agriculture, food production, and disease; the use of microorganisms in biotechnology and biodegradation, and in the manufacture of useful products; methods of transmission and control of infectious agents. Three hours lecture.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR201 - Elementary Microbiology
(University Core Curriculum course) Basic concepts of microbiology, classification, metabolic activity and the effect of physical and chemical agents on microbial populations. Host-parasite interactions. Infectious agents, methods of transmission and control. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Spring semester. Satisfies the University Core Curriculum Science Group II requirement in lieu of PLB 115 or ZOOL 115. Lab fee: $30.
Credit Hours: 4
- MICR301 - Principles of Microbiology
Structure, metabolism, growth, genetics, molecular biology, and applied aspects of microorganisms with emphasis on pure culture methods of study of bacteria and viruses. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Fall semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 200, 201, 210 and 211, and BIOL 211 or ZOOL 118. Lab fee: $35. Credit Hours: 4.
Credit Hours: 4
- MICR302 - Molecular Biology
Molecular structure, dynamics, and genetics of living cells and viruses with particular attention to the transfer of biological information. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 200, 201, 210 and 211, and BIOL 200A or BIOL 211.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR403 - Medical Microbiology Lecture
(Same as MBBS 403) A survey of the more common bacterial, mycotic and viral infections of humans with particular emphasis on the distinctive properties, pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, immunology, diagnosis and control of disease-causing microorganisms. Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301, or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR405 - Clinical Microbiology
(Same as MBBS 405) This course will be offered in Springfield only. A comprehensive course for health science professionals covering the biology, virulence mechanisms, and identification of infectious agents important in human disease and host-defense mechanisms. Clinical applications emphasized. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: MICR 301, or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR406 - Introduction to Mycology
(Same as MBBS 406) This course will provide an overview of fungal diversity and taxonomy, fungal cell and molecular biology. Additionally, it will cover the ecological, economic, and historical impact of fungi on the environment, science, and society. Prerequisite: MICR 301 with a grade of C- or better or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR421 - Biotechnology
(Same as MBBS 421) Topics covered will include the genetic basis of the revolution in biotechnology, medical applications including genetic screening and therapeutic agents, industrial biotechnology and fermentation, and agricultural applications. Three hours lecture. Fall semester. Prerequisite: MICR 302, or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR423 - Geomicrobiology
(Same as MBBS 423 and GEOL 423) The course will focus on the role that microorganisms play in fundamental geological processes. Topics will include an outline of the present understanding of microbial involvement of weathering of rocks, formation and transformation of soils and sediments, and genesis and degradation of minerals. Elemental cycles will also be covered with emphasis on the interrelationships between the various geochemical cycles and the microbial trophic groups involved. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and CHEM 210 and 211. Recommended: GEOL 220, 221 or 222.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR425 - Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms Lecture
(Same as MBMS 425) Chemical composition, cellular structure, and metabolism of microorganisms. Fall semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or CHEM 339.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR441 - Viruses and Disease
An intensive, lecture-based course in virology which will emphasize principles of molecular virology, the ubiquity of viruses in nature, evolutionary relationships between viruses, co-evolution between virus and host, and the pathogenic consequences of some viral infections (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis, cancer, etc.). Prerequisites: MICR 460 or MBBS 460 or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR453 - Immunology Lecture
(Same as MBBS 453) Principles of molecular and cellular immunology. Particular emphasis is given to molecular mechanisms involved in activation and maintenance of the immune response at the basic science level. The role of the immune system in medical diagnostic procedures and in human health is also discussed. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 403, or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR454 - Soil Microbiology
(Same as CSEM 454, PSAS 454) A study of microbial numbers, characteristics, and biochemical activities of soil microorganisms with emphasis on transformation of organic matter, minerals, and nitrogen in soil. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or CSEM 240. Lab fee: $15.
Credit Hours: 4
- MICR455 - Medical Immunology
This course will be offered in Springfield only. A survey of the components of the immune system and how they interact with each other to produce responses that are important in the control or mediation of human disease. Two hours lecture. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 2
- MICR460 - Bacterial and Viral Genetics
(Same as MBBS 460) The genetic mechanisms and regulatory events that control gene transfer, lambda phage infection, recombination, and metabolic pathways including a brief introduction to bioinformatics, genome analysis and global regulatory functions. Three hours lecture. Fall semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and 302, or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR470 - Prokaryotic Diversity Lecture
(Same as MBBS 470) A consideration of the major groups of prokaryotes with special emphasis on their comparative physiology and ecology. Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or consent of instructor.
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR477 - Microbial Ecology
Concepts of ecology applied to microorganisms; methods in microbial ecology; interactions of microbes with their living and non-living environment; microbial habitats and functions. Roles and regulation of microbes in natural and man-made environments, from cellular to community level. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or instructor's consent (based on proven background in both microbiology and ecology).
Credit Hours: 3
- MICR480 - Molecular Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory
Genetic and biochemical analyses of microorganisms using a variety of techniques in molecular biology, molecular genetics and biotechnology. Six hours laboratory per week plus two hours of supervised unstructured laboratory work in most weeks. Fall semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and 302 with a C- grade or better and two (or concurrent enrollment in two) of the following: MICR 421, 423, 425 or 460. Lab fee: $60.
Credit Hours: 4
- MICR481 - Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology Laboratory
Enrichment and isolation of prokaryotes from natural samples, diagnostic methods for the identification of pathogenic bacteria, and the nature of the immune response. Six hours laboratory per week plus two hours supervised unstructured laboratory work in most weeks. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and 302 with a C- grade or better and two (or concurrent enrollment in two) of the following: MICR 403, 453 or 470. Lab fee: $60.
Credit Hours: 4
- MICR490 - Undergraduate Research Participation
Investigation of a problem either individually or as part of a research group under the direction of a member of the faculty. Not for graduate credit. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or equivalent and a 3.0 or better grade point average in Microbiology. Special approval needed from the instructor.
Credit Hours: 1-3
- MICR495 - Microbiology Seminar
Readings, discussions, and presentations of current research topics on microbiology. Restricted to 3rd Year and 4th Year standing in Microbiology or Biological Sciences. Graded P/F only.
Credit Hours: 1
