XII. Course Descriptions

Microbiology

Department of Environmental Biology

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Department of Pathobiology

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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Restriction(s): BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040. Registration in B.A.Sc. Program (Applied Human Nutrition major) or B.Eng. program.
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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040
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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
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
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 Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Pathobiology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1040, BIOC*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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOC*3560, (MBG*3070 or MBG*3080)
MICR*3270 Microbial Cell Biology W (3-0) [0.50]
This course describes the diversity in form and function in microorganisms. The structures of critical cellular components will be considered from the perspective of the cellular requirements for survival in different environments. The underlying macromolecular assembly systems will be considered in the context of their integration into cell division and the bacterial cell cycle, as well as their exploitation as targets for antibiotics and other therapeutic approaches. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*2210, MBG*2020, MICR*2030
Co-requisite(s): BIOC*3560
Restriction(s): MICR*4270
MICR*3330 World of Viruses F (3-0) [0.50]
Viruses infecting many organisms will be covered in the context of their global impact on disease and history, beneficial uses of viruses and their role in advances of molecular theory. The diversity of viruses, their replication strategies and interactions with the host in disease at the individual, to societal levels provides a fundamental virology background. Discussions of protection from viral diseases, including human interventions, and highlighting their pervasiveness through historical accounts and contemporary news articles on viruses will serve to demonstrate their relevance to today's society. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*2210, MBG*2020
Restriction(s): MICR*4120
MICR*4010 Pathogenic Bacteriology W (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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*3120, MICR*3230, (MBG*3070 or MBG*3080)
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): BIOC*2580, BIOL*1040
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): BIOC*2580, BIOL*1040
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 Molecular and Cellular Biology.
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. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Restriction(s): 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. Instructor consent required.
MICR*4280 Microbial Ecology W (3-0) [0.50]
This course focuses on analysis of natural microbial communities, factors affecting structure and function of these communities and the interrelationships among microorganisms within community. There is a strong emphasis on understanding the role of microorganisms in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus transformations within both aerobic and anaerobic environments. This will include the major chemical and biochemical transformation by microorganisms in a vertical slice through a pond, from the core of the earth through the air water interface and up through the stratosphere. Terrestrial and fresh water aquatic environments will be emphasized, but a consideration of aspects relevant to the marine environment will be included. The interrelationship of nutrient cycling and global warming will also be discussed. Aspects of environmental biotechnology will be included as appropriate.
Prerequisite(s): MBG*2020, MICR*2030
Restriction(s): MICR*4290
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. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Restriction(s): Students must have a research advisor and permission from the course coordinator before registering. Instructor consent required.
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. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*4310
Restriction(s): Students must have a research advisor and permission from the course coordinator before registering. Instructor consent required.
MICR*4330 Molecular Virology W (2-3) [0.50]
This course will focus on molecular aspects of virus replication cycles and the diverse strategies used for replication of select RNA and DNA viruses. Virus-host interactions including tumour virology and host antiviral responses such as interferon and apoptosis and viral anti host-defence responses as well as recent advances in molecular virology and evolution will be also be covered. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. (Offered in even numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): MICR*2030, MICR*3330
Restriction(s): MICR*4120. Restricted to students specializing in MICR or MBG.
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*3330
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1

Canada
519-824-4120