University of Guelph 2003-2004 Undergraduate Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions, Microbiology

Department of Environmental Biology.

Department of Microbiology.

Department of Pathobiology.

MICR*1010 The Microbial World F(3-0) [0.50]

A general introduction to microorganisms for non-science students. It deals with the importance of microorganisms to people and their environment. Department of Microbiology.

MICR*1020 Fundamentals of Applied Microbiology F(2-3) [0.50]

This course is designed for students in engineering and applied human nutrition. The importance of microbes from an environmental point of view, including water systems and soils as well as their importance in disease, nutrition, food and food processing will be emphasized. The theoretical basis of microbial analysis and control measures will be included. The laboratory component of the course will deal with microbial growth and practical aspects of microbial analysis of environmental and food samples including identification and enumeration of specific microorganisms and approaches for their control. B.SC. students cannot take this course for credit. Department of Microbiology.

Restriction(s): BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040

MICR*2020 Microbial Interactions and Associations F,W(3-0) [0.50]

The interactions and associations of microorganisms with each other and with components of both the biotic and abiotic worlds have an enormous impact on daily life and their influence is felt on a global basis. The diversity of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa will be presented in the context of such interactions and impact. The interactions of microbes with host organisms in symbioses and pathogenesis, and their survival strategies in extreme environments will be examined. The host-pathogen interactions in disease will be emphasized, but balanced with consideration of the beneficial aspects of microorganisms such as their role in biogeochemical cycles and their application in biotechnology. Assignments will evaluate contemporary microbiological issues in the context of the corresponding scientific literature. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040 or equivalent

MICR*2030 Microbial Growth S,F,W(2-3) [0.50]

The environmental factors and physiological processes of microbial growth. The transport of nutrients, the metabolic availability of energy, metabolic patterns, and versatility in diverse microorganisms. Microscopy, isolation and enumeration, measurement of growth. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040

MICR*3110 Techniques in Microbiology W(3-3) [0.50]

An "open laboratory" course. Techniques used in microbiology laboratories will be studied, including: kinetics of microbial growth, cell harvesting and disruption, separation and biochemical analysis of cell constituents. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM*3560, MICR*2030, MBG*2020

MICR*3120 Systematic Bacteriology F(2-3) [0.50]

Classification, nomenclature, and identification of bacteria. Methods and approaches for the isolation and identification of bacteria are considered in the laboratory. The characteristics of some groups of common bacteria and the contributions of molecular systematics to bacterial classification are discussed. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): MICR*2030

MICR*3220 Plant Microbiology F(3-0) [0.50]

Interaction between plants and microorganisms. Topics include molecular plant-microbe interactions, plant defenses, bacterial ice nucleation, interaction among plant microbes, root nodulation, mycorrhizae, wood decay, and decomposition of plant litter. Department of Environmental Biology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040, BOT*1150

MICR*3230 Immunology I F(3-0) [0.50]

An introduction to the immune response of the vertebrate host, the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system, humoral and cell-mediated immunity, the concept of immunity to diseases and current techniques in immunology. Department of Microbiology and Department of Pathobiology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040, CHEM*2580

MICR*3260 Microbial Adaptation and Development W(3-1) [0.50]

Adaptation, development, and modulation of microbial physiology in response to environmental stimuli (tutorials included). Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM*3560, (MBG*3070 or MBG*3080)

MICR*4010 Pathogenic Bacteriology F(3-0) [0.50]

Interactions between bacterial pathogens and host animals, including immune and inflammatory responses of the host's defense mechanisms. The structural and physiological characteristics of a number of important bacteria causing human and animal diseases are considered. Department of Microbiology and Department of Pathobiology.

Prerequisite(s): MICR*3120, MICR*3230, (MBG*3070 or MBG*3080)

MICR*4120 Virology F(3-3) [0.50]

Viral diversity, structure and composition. Growth, assay and purification. Lytic replication of bacteriophages; lysogeny and transduction. Animal virus replication cycle and organization of viral DNA and RNA genomes and strategies for their expression and replication. Tumor virology. Induction and mechanism of action of interferon. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): MBG*2020 or MBG*3070

MICR*4140 Soil Microbiology and Biotechnology F(3-0) [0.50]

The biology of soil microorganisms with an emphasis on their integrated ecology, physiology, genetics and biotechnological uses in the soil environment. The response of soil microorganisms to soil physical-chemical factors and aspects of nutrient cycling in soil. Current topics also include soil as an environment for microorganisms, microbial evolution, soil microbial biodiversity, gene flow and microbial nucleic acids in soil, microbial survival and activity in soil, metabolism of soil pollutants and metal-microbe interactions. The use of molecular-based methods to study microorganisms in soil. Regulations and guidelines on the biotechnological applications of microorganisms in the soil environment will be discussed. Department of Environmental Biology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040, CHEM*2580

MICR*4180 Microbial Processes in Environmental Management F(3-0) [0.50]

The metabolic basis of microbial processes fundamentally important in the management of agricultural, industrial or municipal wastes are examined. Topics covered include relevant considerations in using microorganisms for pollution control, factors that affect efficient microbial degradation in the environment, and major microbial enzyme systems/pathways for biodegradation of persistent pollutants. Emphasis will be placed on the biochemistry, physiology, genetics and biotechnological applications of pollutant-degrading microorganisms. Department of Environmental Biology.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040, CHEM*2580

MICR*4230 Immunology II W(3-3) [0.50]

Concepts and current knowledge of the diversity of immune response, experimental systems used in studying immunology, antigen-antibody reaction methods, monoclonal antibodies, antibody engineering, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and adhesion molecules and homing of cells of the immune system. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): MICR*3230

MICR*4240 Topics in Microbiology S,F,W(1-3) [0.50]

Independent study of a selected topic in microbiology, involving a review and critical appraisal of the current literature. Written and oral presentations are required. Students are required to discuss a topic with a potential supervisor before registering for the course. Open to students in semesters 6, 7 and 8. Department of Microbiology.

MICR*4260 Microbial Technology W(3-0) [0.50]

Study of how the metabolism of microorganisms can be manipulated to produce goods and services. The means by which the yields of secondary metabolites, enzymes, and genetically selected products can be maximized are considered and examples of specific processes are examined. Department of Microbiology and Department of Environmental Biology.

Prerequisite(s): (MBG*2020, MICR*2030

MICR*4270 Microbial Design F(3-0) [0.50]

Diversity in structure and function of microorganisms. Adaptation to meet functional demands of the environment. Differences between the Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya emphasized, particularly in respect to action of antimicrobial agents. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): CHEM*3560, (MBG*3070 or MBG*3080)

Restriction(s): MICR*3250

MICR*4290 Microbial Ecology W(2-3) [0.50]

Microorganisms and transformations involved in the major geochemical cycles in marine, fresh water and terrestrial ecosystems. Factors which affect these activities are considered including nutrition, temperature, pressure, salinity, pH, and oxidation/reduction potential. Common techniques used in ecological research such as measurement of ATP and radioisotope measurement of mineralization are studied in the laboratory section. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): MICR*2030

MICR*4310 Research Project I S,F,W(0-12) [1.00]

Independent research projects involving experimental or practical work, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Results are presented in written and oral form. Students must have a research advisor and permission from the course coordinator before registering.

Prerequisite(s): consent of instructor

MICR*4320 Research Project II S,F,W(0-12) [1.00]

Independent research projects involving experimental or practical work, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Results are presented in written and oral form. Students must have a research advisor and permission from the course coordinator before registering. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisite(s): MICR*4310, consent of instructor

MICR*4430 Medical Virology W(3-0) [0.50]

A study of the interactions of animal viruses and their hosts and of important diseases of humans caused by viruses in different taxonomic groups. The emphasis is on aspects of pathogenesis, epidemiology, immune responses and control. Recent advances in the application of molecular biology to the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines will be included. Department of Pathobiology.

Prerequisite(s): MICR*4120


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