Microbiology Lecture (BIOL 2320)

Instructor:

The objective of this course are to describe distinctive characteristics and diverse growth requirements of prokaryotic organisms compared to eukaryotic organisms, and discuss the evolution of cells, organelles, and major metabolic pathways from early prokaryotes and how phylogenetic trees reflect evolutionary relationships. Compare characteristics and replication of acellular infectious agents (viruses and prions) with characteristics and reproduction of cellular infectious agents (prokaryotes and eukaryotes). The course will also focus on the impact of microorganisms on agriculture, environment, ecosystem, energy, and human health, including biofilms, distinguish between mechanisms of physical and chemical agents to control microbial populations. The course will also highlight the functions of host defenses and the immune system in combating infectious diseases and explain how immunizations protect against specific diseases and its impact on transmission and virulence mechanisms of cellular and acellular infectious agents.