Courses
Biol 0180 - The Biology of AIDS
Fall
AIDS represents an example of the vulnerability of humans to new infectious agents. We will review some human infectious diseases including small pox yellow fever and influenza and then explore AIDS/HIV. First characterized in 1981 AIDS, became the leading cause of death in U.S. males aged 25-44 in within a decade. We will examine what factors make HIV such a potent pathogen. The course is intended for students beginning in biology. Expected: BIOL 0200, or equivalent placement (Test or AP credit). This course does carry Biology concentration credit.
Biol 0510 – Introductory Microbiology
Spring
Introduces role of microbes in our understanding of biology at the cellular and molecular level. Focuses on microbial significance for infectious disease, public health, genetics, biotechnology, and biogeochemical cycles. Laboratory involves basic microbiological techniques and selection and manipulation of microbes and their genes. Expected: BIOL 0200 or equivalent; CHEM 0330. Students MUST register for the lecture section and the lab.
Biol 0530 – Principles of Immunology
Fall
Introduction to experimental and theoretical bases of cellular immunology. Focuses on concepts, landmark experiments and recent advances. Topics: innate and adaptive immunity; structure/function of immunoglobulin molecules and T-cell receptors; cellular interactions and intracellular signals regulating immune responses. Applications of concepts to medical problems, (vaccine transplantation, inflammation, autoimmunity, cancer, AIDS) are discussed. Interpretative analysis of experimental data is emphasized. Expected: BIOL 0200 or equivalent.Biol 1520 – Innate Immunity
Fall
Innate immunity is the initial response to microbes that prevents infection of the host. It acts within minutes to hours, allowing the development of the adaptive response in vertebrates. It is the sole mechanism of defense in invertebrates such as insects. The components and mechanisms dictating this response are explored. Expected: BIOL 0530, or 1550.
Biol 1550 – The Biology of Emerging Microbial Diseases
Spring
Emerging diseases influence the health of human populations in less developed countries and are expected to have similar effects worldwide. Rising incidence of "new" diseases underscores the need for knowledge of infection mechanisms and their outcomes. Focuses on biochemical, genetic, cellular and immunological events of emerging pathogens and host responses. Expected: BIOL 0470 or BIOL 0530.
Biol 1560 – Virology
Fall
Emphasizes the understanding of molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. Begins with a general introduction to the field of virology and then focuses on the molecular biology of specific viruses that are associated with human disease. Lectures based on current literature. Expected: BIOL 0280, 0470 or BIOL 0530.
Biol 1600 – Development of Vaccines to Infectious Diseases
Spring
Provides background on steps involved in vaccine development, from conceptualization to development in the lab, to immunization. Considers vaccines in the context of community health. Aimed at students considering a career related to vaccine development and/or public health. Activities include updating vaccine website, class presentations, and a paper in the form of a research proposal. Expected: BIOL 0530; BIOL 0470, or 0280. Instructor permission required.
Biol 2640A – Viral Immunology
Fall
Viral Immunology is an advanced topics course in Microbiology and Immunology which will be focused on viral immunology. Weekly meetings will cover different issues concerning defense against viral infections and pathology related to viral infection, with focus on viral-host interactions. Topics will be selected to present either important basic concepts in the context of immune responses and/or major challenges in controlling viral infections. Recent advances in understanding virus-host interactions, host responses to viruses, cytokine regulation of immune responses or cytokine-mediated pathology during viral infections will be emphasized.
Biol 2640B – Advanced Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
Fall
Examines microbial pathogens and the underlying mechanisms by which infectious organisms cause diseases. Bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral pathogens will be studied using tools of modern biology. Also examined are the host's immune responses to infection and disease. Areas covered include mechanisms of pathogen internationalization and survival, immune responses, signal transduction and pathophsiology. It is expected that students will have taken: BI 51, 53, or 155.