Courses of Instruction

MICROBIOLOGY (MBI-Arts and Science)

MPF 111 Microorganisms and Human Disease (3)

Discussion of microorganisms and human diseases they cause, with particular emphasis on the impact of these relationships on the development of human societies' past, present, and future. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. IVA.

MPF, MPT 115 Biological Concepts: Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, and Diversity (4)

Integrated study of microbes, plants, and animals, emphasizing biological diversity and interdependence of life and the environment. Cross-listed with BOT 115 and ZOO 115. 3 Lec. 1 Lab. IVA, LAB. CASD/ LAB.

MPF, MPT 116 Biological Concepts: Structure, Function, Cellular and Molecular Biology (4)

Biological principles common to microbes, plants, and animals, including interactions between organism and the environment. Cross-listed with BOT 116 and ZOO 116. 3 Lec. 1 Lab. IVA, LAB. CAS-D/LAB.

MPF 121 The Microbial World (3)

Basic principles and concepts of microbiology as they pertain to current and foreseeable future issues that face us as individuals and members of society. Fosters appreciation of the novel and integral role microorganisms play in nature and their use in biotechnology. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. IVA.

MPF 123 Experimenting with Microbes (1)

A series of laboratory exercises and demonstrations emphasizing general techniques of isolation, characterization, and cultivation of selected microorganisms. Prior or concurrent registration in MBI 111 or 121 required. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. IVA, LAB CAS-D/LAB.

MPF 131 Community Health Perspectives (2)

Discussion of community health primarily from the perspective of leading causes of disease and death in the U.S. Exploration of the impact of environment, behavior, and disease, including prevention and treatment strategies, on human health, public resources, and quality of life for society. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. IVA.

MPF 143 Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Science (1)

Combined lecture and laboratory introduction to hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, and medical microbiology. Field trip including laboratory exercises at Miami University-affiliated hospital laboratories. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. CAS-D/LAB.

MPF, MPT 161 Elementary Medical Microbiology (4)

Elementary microbiology for students interested in a single unit devoted to understanding characteristics and activities of microorganisms and their relation to health and disease. Taught in Hamilton and Middletown only. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. IVA, LAB. CASD/ LAB.

175 Environmental Science Seminar (1)

Introduces the multidisciplinary nature of environmental science and the solution to environmental problems. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. Cross-listed with BOT/CHM/GEO/GLG/MTH/STA/ ZOO 175.

Advanced Courses

MPT 201 General Microbiology I (4)

Consideration of fundamental aspects of structure, metabolism, genetics, and behavior of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. Laboratory stresses basic techniques and procedures common to all phases of science at professional level. Corequisite: CHM 231 or 241. 3 Lec. 1 Lab. CAS-D/LAB.

202 General Microbiology II (4)

Consideration of viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and their evolution and microbiological subdisciplines of microbial ecology, applied microbiology, epidemiology, and immunology. Laboratory stresses techniques relevant to each course subject area. Prerequisite: MBI 201. Corequisite: CHM 242, 332, or permission of the instructor. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

275 Principles of Environmental Science (3)

Introduction to the principles and methodologies of environmental science. Topics include contamination of earth systems and pollution mitigation; use, abuse and conservation of natural resources; land use, conservation and preservation, planning and management and the value of biodiversity and wilderness. Emphasis is on the multidisciplinary nature of environmental problems and their solutions. Does not count as credit toward an A.B. in microbiology. Prerequisites: At least one course from each of the following three categories is either pre- or co-requisite: 1) BOT/MBI/ ZOO 115 or BOT 191 or ZOO 113; 2) CHM 111 or CHM 142/5; and 3) GLG 111/115 or 121/115 or 141/115 or GEO 121.

277/377/477 Independent Study (1-4; maximum 8)

Research experience in the laboratory of a professor. Special attention given to the scientific method, literature searches, experimental design, and laboratory instrumentation and techniques. Prerequisite: MBI 201. (MPC 477C is a Miami Plan Capstone with concurrent enrollment in MBI 490C.)
340 Summer Internship (1-12) Laboratory research experience. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

MPT 361 Epidemiology (3)

Consideration of the epidemic nature, etiology, and characteristics of infections and organic diseases, and methods used to analyze their control within the framework of environmental and population variables. Prerequisite: two hours of microbiology.

MPT 365 Molecular and Cell Biology (3)

Cellular and molecular mechanisms utilized by bacteria, bacterial viruses, eukaryotes and animal viruses in converting genetic information into functional macromolecules, transporting them, using them to receive signals that induce cellular effects, and controlling the cell cycle. Prerequisites: MBI 116, 201, or equivalent.

402/502 Geomicrobiology (3)

Focuses on mutual interactions between microbial and geological processes. Topics include: role of microorganisms on mineral weathering rates, microbial mediated ore deposit formation, microbe enhanced oil recovery, life in extreme environments, search for bio-signatures in geological records and meteorites and implications for life on Mars, microbial ecology in ocean floor hydrothermal vents. Prerequisite: Any 100-level, 3 credit hour GLG course; CHM 137 or 141, 144; or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with GLG.

405/505 Pathogenic Microbiology (4)

Pathogenic bacteria, their identification, and mechanisms by which they cause disease. Prerequisite: MBI 202. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

414/514 Immunology Principles (3)

Lectures covering molecules, cells, tissues, and organs of the immune system. Primary emphasis on the mechanisms involved in immune responses. Prerequisite: MBI 202 (or permission of instructor) and CHM 242 or 332; recommended: MBI 365, ZOO 203, or ZOO 443.

415/515 Immunology Principles and Practice (4)

Covers the same content as MBI 414/514, but adds laboratory exercises and demonstrations illustrating a variety of immunologic phenomena, techniques, and applications. Credit not given for both MBI 414/514 and MBI 415/515. Prerequisite: MBI 202 (or permission of instructor) and CHM 242 or 332; recommended: MBI 365, ZOO 203, or ZOO 443. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

424/524 Biological Instrumentation (4)

Theory and application of modern biological instrumentation and techniques such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, thermocyclers, and DNA sequencers. Basic and advanced skills including use, maintenance, and calibration of biological instruments. Prerequisites: BOT/MBI/ ZOO 115/116 or BOT 191 or MBI 201 or MBI 202 or ZOO 113/115 or ZOO 114/116 or equivalent, CHM 141/142 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with BOT 424/524 and ZOO 424/524.

425/525 Microbial Physiology (4)

Biochemical activities of microorganisms as revealed by their cellular physiology. Prerequisite: MBI 202 and CHM 242 or 332. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

435/535 Medical Mycology (3)

Characteristics of fungi associated with disease. Includes discussion of epidemiology, pathology, and diagnosis of mycotic diseases. Laboratory focuses on identification and biochemical activities of pathogenic fungi. Prerequisite: MBI 405/505 or BOT 421/521 or permission of instructor. 2 Lec. 1 Lab.

440 Research Problems (2; maximum 4)

Library research. Open to senior majors. Prerequisite: 20 hours of microbiology and permission of instructor. (MPC 440C is a Miami Plan Capstone with concurrent enrollment in MBI 490C)

445/545 Microbial Genetics (3)

Genetic changes that occur in bacteria and bacterial viruses and resulting changes in their biochemical and physiological activities. Prerequisite: MBI 425.

464/564 Human Viruses (3)

Study of the physical and chemical characteristics of viruses, virus replication mechanisms, disease causation and host response, and tumor induction. Prerequisite: MBI 202, or equivalent.

465/565 Microbial and Molecular Genetics Laboratory (2)

Laboratory methodology associated with experimental aspects of microbial genetics and recombinant DNA technique. Prerequisite: BOT 342 or ZOO 342, or MBI 445/545 or permission of instructor.

466/566 Bioinformatics Computing Skills (3)

Programming in Perl and MatLab. Use of BLAST, BioPerl, BioPHP, and MatLab Bioinformatics Toolbox. Emphasis placed on biological database design, implementation, management, and analysis. Prerequisite(s): Programming course and BOT 116, or BOT 342, or permission of instructor. Cross-listed with CSA/BOT/ ZOO 466/566.

475/575 Microbial Ecology: Exploration of the Diverse Roles of Microorganisms in Earth's Ecology (3)

Integrative examination of the evolution of life, distribution, and abundance of microorganisms, and biogeochemical cycles leading to the discovery of principles used for societal applications such as water quality management and bioremediation. Prerequisite: MBI 202 and CHM 242 or permission of instructor.

480 Departmental Honors (1-3; maximum 6)

Departmental honors may be taken for a minimum of one semester hour and a maximum of six semester hours in two semesters of student's senior year. (MPC 480C is a Miami Plan Capstone in conjunction with MBI 490C)

485/585 Bioinformatics Principles (3)

Concepts and basic computational techniques for mainstream bioinformatics problems. Emphasis placed on transforming biological problems into computable ones and seeking solutions. Cross-listed with BOT 485/585 and ZOO 485/585. Prerequisite: BOT/MBI/ ZOO 116 or MBI 201 or BOT/ ZOO 342 or CHM 332 or CHM 433 or permission of instructor.

MPC 487, 488, 489 Clinical Laboratory Science Practicum (8, 12, 12)

Off-campus, structured sequence of laboratory and lecture rotations through clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular, and other emerging diagnostics laboratories. Structured lecture criteria accompany the corresponding laboratory rotations.

490 Undergraduate Seminar (1; maximum 4)

Discussion by undergraduate majors and staff of current topics in selected areas. Prerequisite: 20 hours of microbiology. (MPC 490C is a Miami Plan Capstone in conjunction with MBI 440C or MBI 477C or MBI 480C)

495/595 Bacterial Cellular and Developmental Biology (3)

Focuses on the biology of bacteria at the cellular level, including regulation of cell shape, cell division, motility, development and differentiation, and interactions with other cells, including life in a biofilm and in association with symbionts. Prerequisite(s): MBI 202.

605 Advanced Molecular Biology (3)

In-depth study of genome organization, rearrangement, replication, and expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their viruses, with an emphasis on regulatory mechanisms. Prerequisite: graduate status, a course in molecular genetics, biochemistry, or cell biology, and permission of instructor. Cross-listed with BOT 605 and ZOO 605. Offered even year Fall semesters.

606 Advanced Cell Biology (3)

Advanced level study of molecular basis of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure/function relationships. Prerequisite: graduate status, course in molecular genetics, cell biology, or biochemistry, and permission of instructor. Cross-listed with BOT 606 and ZOO 606. Offered even year Spring semesters.

615 Communicating Science: Papers, Proposals, and Presentations (2)

Introduces the principles of scientific writing for the biological sciences. Students practice writing grant proposals and papers and prepare graphic presentation of data for poster and oral presentations. Offered infrequently.

630 Microbiology for Teachers (4)

Survey of the diversity of microorganisms in nature, their unique metabolic properties, their usefulness in recombinant DNA technology, gene engineering and industrial microbiology, their involvement in selected disease processes, including AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, cancer and immune response. Prerequisite: Primary or secondary school teacher with background in biological sciences. Summer only.

640 Infectious Disease Microbiology for Teachers (3)

Discussion of infectious diseases, the microorganisms that cause them and the hosts that they affect, with emphasis on pathogenesis, host responses, epidemiology, and social impact. Prerequisite: primary or secondary school teacher with background in biological sciences. Summer only.

640L Infectious Disease Microbiology Laboratory for Teachers (1)

Introduces junior high and high school biology teachers to laboratory approaches used by microbiologists for understanding infectious diseases and pathogens that cause them. Fosters firsthand understanding of the research basis for and the investigative nature of, clinical microbiology and assists in development of insight into how microorganisms cause infectious diseases. Prerequisite or co-requisite: MBI 640. Summer only. Offered infrequently.

650 Seminar in Molecular Biology (1)

Discussion of current literature in molecular biology. Prerequisite: graduate standing. Cross-listed with BOT/CHM/ ZOO 650. Offered every semester.

671 Population and Community Ecology (4)

Principles and applications of population and community ecology: population dynamics, direct and indirect species interactions, food webs, and species diversity. Prerequisites: At least one course in general ecology. A course in calculus is recommended. Cross-listed with BOT / ZOO 671.

672 Ecosystem and Global Ecology (4)

Structure, dynamics and management of ecosystems and the biosphere, including food web interactions, nutrient cycling, ecosystem functioning, and biogeochemical cycles at local, regional and global scales. Prerequisites: At least one course in general ecology and general chemistry. Cross-listed with BOT/ ZOO 672.

689 Pedagogy in Microbiology for Graduate Students (1)

Introduction of new graduate students to the role of the graduate teaching assistant. Summer only.

690 Graduate Seminar (1; maximum 8)

Discussions of current research and literature by graduate students and faculty.

700 Research for Master's Thesis (1-10; minimum 6, maximum 12)

710 Graduate Research Problems (1-10; maximum 16)

Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor.

750 Advanced Topics in Microbiology (1-3; maximum 36)

Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Study of special topics from current research in the following areas:
750A Pathogenic Microbiology
750B Immunology
750C Microbial Physiology
750E Microbial and Molecular Genetics
750F Microbial Ecology
750H Virology

850 Research for Doctoral Dissertation (1-16; minimum 16, maximum 60 depending on department requirements)

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