Medical Microbiology

Prerequisite: BIOL 395 with a minimum grade of “C-“ or consent of instructor Microbes play an important role in our lives. Many of these organisms are beneficial to our existence; however, some are pathogenic causing devastating disease. This course is designed to give students an understanding of the basic biology of microbial pathogens and the mechanisms by which they cause disease. Topics to be covered include how microorganisms attach to and enter cells, how host cells are damaged by microbial pathogens and their products, how the host responds to invasion, molecular techniques utilized in diagnosing infection and disease, and the evolution of drug-resistant organisms and opportunistic pathogens. Offered spring semester.