Microbiology

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

www.micro.iastate.edu

(Interdepartmental Undergraduate Major)

Supervisory Committee: J. Cunnick, Professor-in-Charge, J. Beetham, N. Boury, J. Dickson, E. Braun, M. Gleason, G. Phillips

(Interdepartmental Graduate Major)

Supervisory Committee: G. Beattie, Chair, D. Bazylinski, Vice Chair, T. Loynachan, C. Minion, A. Mendonca

Participating faculty: M. Allison, R. Andrews, D. Bazylinski, G. Beattie, S. Beattie, J. Beetham, D. Beltz, A. Bogdanove, B. Bonning, C. Bronson, N. Cornick, J. Cunnick, J. Dickson, T. Ellis, J. Fang, B. Glatz, M. Gleason, R. Griffith, L. Halverson, T. Harrington, D. Harris, J. Hill, T. Loynachan, A. Mendonca, W.A. Miller, F. C. Minion, T. Moorman, F. Nutter, E. Nystrom, S. Ong, T. Parkin, G. Phillips, A. Pometto, D. Reynolds, R. Rosenbusch, W. Rowley, J. Sebranek, C. Stahl, T. Stanton, E. Thacker, D. Voytas, M. Wannemuehler, I. Wesley, S. Whitham, Q. Zhang, J. Zimmerman, R. Zuerner

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate study for the bachelor of science degree with a major in microbiology. For the curriculum in microbiology, see Agriculture, Curricula. In this department, principal emphasis is placed on understanding microorganisms and their interrelationships with other organisms in nature, the application of microbiology in medicine, agriculture and industry, and the study of fundamental life processes as exemplified by microorganisms. Some fields of microbiology, especially advanced research, may require further training. Undergraduate work in the department is designed to provide sound preparation for graduate study, training for bachelors-level employment, and admission to professional programs such as medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry.

Graduates of the Interdepartmental Undergraduate Microbiology Program will learn about the diversity and complexity of microbial life represented by procaryotes, eucaryotes and viruses. In addition to being able to explain fundamental principles of microbial growth, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and ecology, students will be able to evaluate the impact that the microbial world has on human, animal and plant health, as well as on industry and biotechnology. Graduates are able to design and implement experimental approaches to address specific questions. In addition, graduates are able to communicate scientifically, using a variety of media.

Students graduating in microbiology find career opportunities in a wide variety of areas including: hospital and clinical laboratories; federal, state, and local government agencies; research and development; dairy and food processing industries; and the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries.

The undergraduate program for the major in microbiology requires the following basic courses: 110, 302, 310, 320, 430 or 477, 450, 451, and labs including 302L, 310L, and 440. In addition, students must take 9 credits of elective microbiology courses from an approved list. Aspects of these courses emphasize communication skills, environmental issues, problem solving, and laboratory techniques. Courses in the following areas are required as supporting work: biology, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, mathematics and physics. For additional details on the undergraduate curriculum in Microbiology see College of Agriculture, Curricula. Students are encouraged to participate in independent studies, internship opportunities, and international experiences.

Preveterinary preparation may be accomplished through the curriculum major in this department (see College of Veterinary Medicine, Admission Requirements).

The department offers a minor in microbiology which may be earned by accumulating a minimum of 15 credits from the departmental offerings.

Graduate Study

The program offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy in microbiology and for a minor for students majoring in other programs. The interdepartmental microbiology major is offered through faculty housed in thirteen departments, including Agronomy; Animal Science; Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology; Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering; Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology; Entomology; Food Science and Human Nutrition; Genetics, Developmental and Cell Biology; Geology; Plant Pathology; Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine; Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine; and Veterinary Pathology. Faculty coordinate graduate education and research in a wide range of topics fundamental to the discipline of microbiology. Specific information about individual faculty and their research areas is available at www.micro.iastate.edu.

Prerequisites to graduate study include a sound undergraduate background in chemistry, mathematics and biology, including microbiology and genetics.

All M.S. and Ph.D. students complete coursework that is comprised of one year of modular courses in microbiology (Micro 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556). Students also take at least 3 credits (M.S.) or 9 credits (Ph.D.) of coursework from an approved list of microbiology courses, one year of biochemistry (BBMB 404 and 405, or the equivalent), and 3 credits (M.S.) or 5 credits (Ph.D.) of seminar (Micro 604).

Graduates in the Microbiology Graduate program have a broad-based knowledge in the fundamentals of microbiology as well as advanced knowledge in specific areas as determined by their areas of research focus. Students completing the thesis have the technical, research, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and computer skills to design, implement, and conduct research using a variety of current techniques and equpment. They are also able to communicate research results effectively with scientific peer groups in both oral and written formats.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 310, 374, 381, 419, 420, 421, 456, and 485.

Courses primarily for undergraduate students

Micro 110. Orientation in Microbiology. (1-0) Cr. 0.5. F. Orientation to the discipline of microbiology, the curriculum in microbiology, and educational research opportunities within the department. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Micro 201. Introduction to Microbiology. (2-0) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: One semester of college-level biology. Selected topics in microbiology with emphasis on the relationship of microorganisms to human and animal health, agricultural technology, and the environment. With written petition to the chair of the supervisory committee, students who obtain a grade of B or better may substitute 201 for 302 in advanced courses.

Micro 201L. Introductory Microbiology Laboratory. (0-2) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 201 or 302. Basic Microbiology Laboratory techniques for non-microbiology majors.

Micro 302. Biology of Microorganisms. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 211, credit or enrollment in Biol 212; 1 semester of chemistry. Basic cell biology, physiology, metabolism, genetics and ecology of microorganisms, with an emphasis on procaryotes and viruses, as well as the roles of microorganisms in the environment, disease, agriculture, and industry.

Micro 302L. Microbiology Laboratory. (0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 302. Basic microbiology laboratory techniques for majors in microbiology, biological sciences and related fields.

Micro 310. Medical Microbiology. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 302 (or 201 if a B or better was obtained). Study of infection and immunity by bacterial and viral pathogenic agents of humans. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 310L. Medical Microbiology Laboratory. (0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 201 or 302; 201L or 302L, credit or enrollment in 310. Isolation and identification of human bacterial pathogens. Use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real time PCR, and electron microscopy for bacterial and viral disease diagnosis.

Micro 320. Microbial Physiology and Genetics. (4-0) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 302, Biol 313, credit or enrollment in Chem 332. Introductory course in microbial physiology and genetics with special emphasis on prokaryotes. Topics include the structure, function, and assembly of cell components, bioenergetics, metabolic diversity, environmental stress tolerance, regulation of gene expression, genetic adaptation, and growth and cellular differentiation.

Micro 353. Introductory Parasitology. (Same as Biol 353.) See Biology.

Micro 374. Insects and Our Health. (Same as Ent 374.) See Entomology. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 381. Environmental Systems. (Same as EnSci 381.) See Environmental Science. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 402. Microbial Genetics. (Dual-listed with 502.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. The fundamental concepts of bacterial and bacteriophage genetics including mutagenesis, mechanisms of both vertical and horizontal genetic information transfer, gene regulation, and genetic approaches to study complex cellular processes. Review and discussion of research literature to examine experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of both historical and contemporary relevance to microbial genetics.

Micro 407. Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins. (Dual-listed with 507, same as FS HN 407.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 420. Examination of the various factors in the production of foods of animal origin, from animal production through processing, distribution and final consumption which contribute to the overall microbiological safety of the food. The two modules of this course will be 1) the procedures and processes which can affect the overall microbiological safety of the food, and 2) the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

Micro 408. Virology. (Dual-listed with 508.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Biol 313 or BBMB 301, Biol 314 recommended. The molecular biology of human, animal, plant and insect viruses.

Micro 419. Foodborne Hazards. (Same as FS HN 419.) See Food Science and Human Nutrition. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 420. Food Microbiology. (Same as FS HN 420, Tox 420.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 302. Effects of microbial growth in foods. Methods to control, detect, and enumerate microorganisms in food and water. Foodborne infections and intoxications. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 421. Food Microbiology Laboratory. (Same as FS HN 421.) (1-6) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 201 or 302; 201L. Credit or enrollment in 420 (FS HN 420). Standard microbiological techniques employed in the food industry, including microscopic examination of foods, plate counts, other enmeration methods, indicator organisms of food quality and safety, foodborne pathogens, and molds. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 430. Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology. (Dual-listed with 530, Same as BBMB 430.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 302, 302L. Survey of the diverse groups of procaryotes emphasizing important and distinguishing metabolic, phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological features of members of those groups.

Micro 440. Laboratory in Microbial Physiology, Diversity, and Genetics. (Same as BBMB 440.) (1-7) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 302, 302L, Chem 332, Biol 313L. Study of the fundamental techniques and theory of studying the diversity of microbial life. Experimental techniques will include isolation and physiological characterization of bacteria that inhabit different environments. Also included are techniques for the phylogenetic characterization, and genetic manipulation of diverse species of bacteria.

Micro 450. Undergraduate Seminar. Cr. 1 each time taken. F. Prereq: Sp Cm 212 and senior standing in Microbiology. Required of all undergraduate majors in microbiology. Discussion of current papers in microbiology and immunology, issues in scientific conduct, and bioethics in microbiology. Students present current papers in a journal club format.

Micro 451. Senior Survey in Microbiology. (1-0) Cr. R. Prereq: Senior standing in Microbiology. Preparations for graduation. Topics include job search strategies, career information, mock interviews, graduate and professional school application processes and guidelines as well as outcomes assessment activities.

Micro 456. Principles of Mycology. (Same as Biol 456.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 10 credits in biological sciences. Morphology, diversity, and ecology of fungi; their relation to agriculture, industry, and human health. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 475. Immunology. (Dual-listed with 575.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 310. An examination of humoral and cellular immune function as well as the interaction of the cells and factors of the immune system that result in health and disease. Micro 475L optional. Credit for either 475 or V MPM 520, but not both, may be applied to graduation.

Micro 475L. Immunology Laboratory. (1-4) Cr. 1. Half semester course. S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 475 or 575. Techniques in primary culture and tumor cell growth, measures of lymphocyte function, and flow cytometry.

Micro 477. Bacterial-Plant Interactions. (Dual-listed with 577; same as Pl P 477.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 3 credits in microbiology or plant pathology. Focuses on plant-associated bacteria in terms of their ecology, diversity, and the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in their interactions with plants; covers symbiotic nitrogen fixation, plant pathogenesis, plant growth promotion, and biological control.

Micro 485. Soil Microbial Ecology. (Dual-listed with 585, Same as Agron 485.) See Agronomy. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Micro 487. Aquatic and Wetland Microbial Ecology. (Dual-listed with 587; same as Biol 487.) See Biology.

Micro 490. Independent Study. Cr. 1 to 5. F.S.SS. Prereq: A minimum of 6 credit hours of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, permission of instructor. A maximum of 6 credits of 490 may be used toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation.
H. Honors

Micro 495. Internship. Cr. 1 to 2. F.S. Prereq: At least 6 credits of 300-level or above coursework in microbiology, approval of academic adviser. Participation in the Cooperative Education Intern Program or an equivalent work experience. Written report of activities required. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduate students

Micro 502. Microbial Genetics. (Dual-listed with 402.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. The fundamental concepts of bacterial and bacteriophage genetics including mutagenesis, mechanisms of both vertical and horizontal genetic information transfer, gene regulation, and genetic approaches to study complex cellular processes. Review and discussion of research literature to examine experimental design, methodology, and interpretation of both historical and contemporary relevance to microbial genetics.

Micro 507. Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins. (Dual-listed with 407; same as FS HN 507.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 420. Examination of the various factors in the production of foods of animal origin, from animal production through processing, distribution and final consumption which contribute to the overall microbiological safety of the food. The two modules of this course will be 1) the procedures and processes which can affect the overall microbiological safety of the food, and 2) the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system.

Micro 508. Virology. (Dual-listed with 408.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Biol 313 or BBMB 301, Biol 314 recommended. The molecular biology of human, animal, plant, and insect viruses.

Micro 509. Plant Virology. (Same as Pl P 509.) See Plant Pathology.

Micro 530. Procaryotic Diversity and Ecology. (Dual-listed with 430, Same as BBMB 530.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 302. Survey of the diverse groups of procaryotes emphasizing important and distinguishing metabolic, phylogenetic, morphological, and ecological features of members of those groups.

Micro 540. Livestock Immunogenetics. (Same as An S 540.) See Animal Science.

Micro 551. Microbial Diversity and Phylogeny. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. Comparisons among the three kingdoms of life (Bacterica, Archaea, and Eukarya). Topics will include metabolism, adaptation, methods of phylogenetic analysis, and comparative genomics.

Micro 552. Bacterial Molecular Genetics and Physiology. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. Review of the molecular genetics and physiology of model organisms.

Micro 553. Pathogenic Microorganisms. (1-0) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. Review and contrast/comparison of common bacterial pathogens of plants and animals and their mechanisms of virulence, including toxins, protein secretion, host invasion and iron acquisition strategies. An overview of eukaryotic cell biology that is relevant to pathogenesis will also be included.

Micro 554. Virology. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. Review and contrast/comparison of insect, animal and plant viruses and bacteriophage. Growth dynamics, replication of model viruses, and the role of specific viruses in disease will also be included.

Micro 555. Fungal Biology. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. Review of the biology, reproduction, genetics, physiology, and diversity of yeast and other fungi.

Micro 556. Microbial Ecology and Environmental Monitoring. (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 302, Biol 313. Examination of microorganisms in their natural habitats, including aquatic, terrestrial and extreme environments, community and biofilm development, microbe-microbe interaction, and current and traditional methods of microbial analysis in natural environments.

Micro 575. Immunology. (Dual-listed with 475; same as V MPM 575.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 310. An examination of humoral and cellular immune function as well as the interaction of the cells and factors of the immune system that result in health and disease. Micro 475L optional. Credit for either 475 or V MPM 520, but not both, may be applied to graduation.

Micro 577. Bacterial-Plant Interactions. (Dual-listed with 477; same as Pl P 577.) (3-1) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 3 credits in microbiology or plant pathology. Focuses on plant-associated bacteria in terms of their ecology, diversity, and the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in their interactions with plants; covers symbiotic nitrogen fixation, plant pathogenesis, plant growth and biological control.

Micro 585. Soil Microbial Ecology. (Dual-listed with 485, Same as Agron 585.) See Agronomy.

Micro 586. Medical Bacteriology. (Same as V MPM 586) (4-0) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: 310. Bacteria associated with diseases of vertebrates, including virulence factors and interaction of host responses.

Micro 587. Aquatic and Wetland Microbial Ecology. (Dual-listed with 487; same as EEOB 587.) See Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology.

Micro 590. Special Topics. Cr. 1 to 5 each time elected. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor.

Micro 599. Creative Component. Cr. arr. Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. Option only. A written report based on laboratory research, library reading, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.

Courses for Graduate students

Micro 604. Seminar. (1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S. Course will expose students to the breadth of subdisciplines within microbiology, offer opportunities for direct interaction between the students and the faculty members within the Interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate Program, and promote interactions among the students within the program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Micro 608. Molecular Virology. (Same as V MPM 608.) See Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine.

Micro 615. Molecular Immunology. (Same as BBMB 615.) See Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology.

Micro 625. Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogenesis. (Same as V MPM 625.) See Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine.

Micro 626. Advanced Food Microbiology. (Same as FS HN 626.) See Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Micro 679. Light Microscopy. (Same as GDCB 679.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

Micro 680. Scanning Electron Microscopy. (Same as GDCB 680.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

Micro 681. Transmission Electron Microscopy. (Same as GDCB 681.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

Micro 685. Advanced Soil Biochemistry. (Same as Agron 685.) See Agronomy.

Micro 690. Current Topics. Cr. 1 to 3 each time elected. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Colloquia or advanced study of specific topics in a specialized field.
A. Microbiology
B. Immunology
C. Infectious Diseases

Micro 692. Molecular Biology of Plant-Pathogen Interactions. (Same as Pl P 692.) See Plant Pathology.

Micro 697. Graduate Research Rotation. Cr. variable each time taken. F.S. Graduate research projects performed under the supervision of selected faculty members in the Interdepartmental Microbiology major.

Micro 698. Seminar in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. (Same as MCDB 698.) See Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

Micro 699. Research.