Pre-doctoral Training in Emerging and Tropical Infectious Diseases

 

 

 

Courses

 

 

Course Descriptions

 

MICR 6201 - Orientation

The objective of this course is to allow the student to gain insight into the ongoing research programs within the Microbiology and Immunology program faculty laboratories. The student confers with individual faculty members to learn research approaches and methodologies. The course consists of conferences and demonstrations. Short introductions to electronic-based literature searching, and access and manipulation of information in electronic databases (e.g. Genbank) and statistics are also included. 

2 credits

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MICR 6006 - Laboratory  Rotations

This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to become familiar with the faculty and their research by participating in the activities of the laboratory (gaining supervised hands-on experience with techniques and experimental protocols) and by becoming acquainted with the laboratory staff and the goals of the research project. Students will have opportunities for discussions with the instructor, exposure to relevant literature and active participation in laboratory procedures. The goal of this course is to provide exposure to a variety of experimental approaches and to help in the identification of a supervisory professor and dissertation project. Students are required to provide a written summary of their activities at the end of the term. Letter grades will be determined by the instructor and will be based on the laboratory performance of the student.

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MICR 6408 - ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY

An in-depth study of the immune response and related events, with emphasis on the mechanism of cellular and humoral immunity. Some of the topics to be covered include antibody structure and function, antigen-antibody reactions, cells involved in the immune response, antibody formation, cellular immunity, mediators, tolerance, and immunogenetics. Material will be presented in lectures and assigned readings of texts, reviews, and research articles. Grading will be based on written examinations and class participation. Teaching is by lecture and discussion. 

4 Credits

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MICR 6409 - DISEASE MECHANISMS

The course examines the principles of normal and abnormal body functions at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and whole body levels. The course will provide important background for studies of experimental disease and also for research and interaction with physicians. Teaching is conducted by research faculty from both the basic science and clinical departments. 

Hours per week: Lecture, 4

4 Credits

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MICR 6403 - GENERAL VIROLOGY

Principles and concepts of animal virology are introduced, but the majority of the course is devoted to the study of viruses of medical importance. Emphasis will be placed upon the chemical and physical characteristics of viruses, mechanisms of replication, immunology, and pathogenesis. The course consists of lectures and discussion periods.

4 Credits

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MICR 6315 - PATHOGENIC BACTERIOLOGY

The objective of this course is to introduce students to concepts of research on bacterial pathogens.  Pathogens infecting man are studied with emphasis given to their pathogenic mechanisms, induction of immunity, the genetic and molecular basis of pathogenesis and physiochemical characteristics.  The course consists of lectures and discussions.

3 Credits

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MICR 6320 - MOLECULAR AND MICROBIAL GENETICS

This course provides a detailed study of the genetics of microorganisms.  Topics include: mechanism of conjugation, transduction, transformation and recombination; plasmids and transposons; recombinant DNA technology; and, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.  Teaching is by lecture and discussion.

3 credits.

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MICR 6425 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES

This course emphasizes lecture and laboratory material to familiarize students with modern molecular biological techniques.  The objectives are to provide the theoretical and biochemical basis for commonly utilized molecular biological methods; to discuss the in vivo functioning of enzyme systems used in molecular biological techniques; and, to discuss the use of molecular biological techniques in the approach of outstanding problems in biomedical science.  The course is structured with six laboratory hours to provide hands-on experience, one lecture hour, and one discussion hour per week to analyze laboratory results.

4 Credits.

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MICR 6195 - STUDENT SEMINAR

This course provides an opportunity for the student to gain experience in literature research, literature analysis and oral presentation.  Students present at least one current research paper from the literature.

1 credit.

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MICX 6000 - SPECIAL TOPICS

The objective of this course is to offer tutorial study for the student in a specialized field of microbiology.  The specialized field is determined by the faculty member involved and the individual student.  The course consists of laboratory work, conferences and assigned readings.

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MICR 6097 - RESEARCH

Research involves work designed to introduce the student to the techniques and philosophy of scientific research and to guide the student to the development of a research problem in the major area of concentration.  A maximum of nine hours is creditable toward a degree program.

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MICR 6398 - THESIS

Our program requires formal preparation and completion of the thesis for the Master of Science degree under the direction of the student's supervisory committee.  A publication may be substituted for thesis.

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MICR 6399 - DISSERTATION

Formal preparation and completion of the dissertation for the Doctor of Philosophy degree under the direction of the student's supervisory committee is required.

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HBCG XXXX - ADVANCES IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY

  Modern methods on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and computational methods will be used to understand the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules. Theory and applications of multidimensional and multinuclear NMR of proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes will be described. Theory and applications of X-ray crystallographic techniques will be also provided. Molecular mechanisms and dynamics, molecular modeling and structural prediction methods will be used in conjunction with the NMR and X-ray crystallographic experimental methods. Grades will be based upon exams in each of the three segments (NMR, X-ray and computation methods) of the course.

Course coordinator: Gorenstein

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Last Modified:February 27, 2001


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