Phage Hunters is a one-semester FYS class geared towards providing first-year students with hands on laboratory experience and a general background in molecular biology. Student applications are submitted in the summer and admitted students will receive overrides to register before the end of shopping period. You will isolate, cultivate, and purify a bacteriophage from the local environment. Lab work includes isolation and purification of your own phage, DNA isolation and restriction mapping, and PCR to characterize the phage. There will be a series of lectures that introduce concepts in bacteriology, virology, genetics, and molecular biology. One bacteriophage will be selected among the purified isolates and its genome will be sequenced. If time allows, you will annotate the sequenced genome, which entails identifying all the protein-coding sequences found within the bacteriophage using computational approaches. Instructor permission required. Admittance based on applications

Introduces role of microbes in our understanding of biology at the cellular and molecular level. Focuses on microbial significance for infectious disease, public health, genetics, biotechnology, and biogeochemical cycles. Laboratory involves basic microbiological techniques and selection and manipulation of microbes and their genes. Expected: BIOL 0200 or equivalent; CHEM 0330. Students MUST register for the lecture section and the lab.

Introduction to experimental and theoretical foundations of immunology. Focuses on concepts, landmark experiments and recent advances. Topics include innate and adaptive immunity; structure/function of antibody molecules and T cell receptors; regulation of immune responses through cellular interactions. Applications of concepts to medically significant issues (vaccines, transplantation, inflammation, autoimmunity, cancer, HIV/AIDS) are discussed. Interpretative analysis of experimental data is emphasized. Expected background: BIOL 0200 or equivalent placement credit.

To understand the art and science of fermentation, we need to explore the complex interplay of polymicrobial communities, where multiple microbial species interact, collaborate, and compete to produce the final product. This requires both experimental microbiology and computational analysis. In this CURE class, we carry out a novel, scientifically important experiment related to polymicrobial fermentation. We analyze the data using traditional microbiological techniques alongside sequencing and computational methods. Together, we write and submit a manuscript for publication based on our findings. In 2025, for example, the class focused on kimchi and published here: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/11/1948. In addition to the research project, students give presentations on other fermented foods and, for the final project, propose a new experiment to be conducted in the following year’s class. In effect, we go from fermentation all the way to publication in one exciting semester.

Innate immunity is the initial response to microbes that prevents infection of the host. It acts within minutes to hours, allowing the development of the adaptive response in vertebrates. It is the sole mechanism of defense in invertebrates such as insects. The components and mechanisms dictating this response are explored. Expected: BIOL 0530, or 1550.

Pathogen genomes offer a wealth of information—from the discovery of new gene functions to helping to pinpoint the source of a food borne disease outbreak—and have become an increasingly widespread tool in microbiology in recent years. This course will introduce the fundamentals of genome sequencing and analysis for the study of microbial pathogens, and discuss current applications of these techniques in diverse microbial taxa (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites). In addition to lectures, the course will include hands-on computational analysis of pathogen genomic data in which students will learn how to analyze genomic data and apply these skills to an independent project investigating a novel question using a publicly available genomic dataset. Students should have taken introductory courses in genetics or microbiology (either BIOL0470 or BIOL0510) and computing in a unix environment prior to enrolling in this class.

Emerging diseases influence the health of human populations in less developed countries and are expected to have similar effects worldwide. Rising incidence of "new" diseases underscores the need for knowledge of infection mechanisms and their outcomes. Focuses on biochemical, genetic, cellular and immunological events of emerging pathogens and host responses. Expected: BIOL 0470 or BIOL 0530.

Emphasizes the understanding of molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis. Begins with a general introduction to the field of virology and then focuses on the molecular biology of specific viruses that are associated with human disease. Lectures based on current literature. Expected: BIOL 0280, 0470 or BIOL 0530.

Metabolism is a fundamental biological process encompassing all chemical reactions in the human body. The genetic diversity of trillions of microorganisms that live in and on the host further enhances the chemical diversity in mammals. Metabolic perturbation underlies almost all human diseases. Recent advances in analytical tools such as high-resolution mass spectrometry and imaging mass spectrometry, the use of stable isotope tracing and metabolic flux analysis, as well as the development of genetically encoded sensors and mathematical modeling have provided critical insights into mammalian biology in health and diseases. This course provides historical perspectives and explores recent advances in various metabolism-related topics. It is designed to be interactive and includes guest lectures from renowned scientists and learning modules to develop skills in creative writing, critical thinking, science communication, and artistic expression.

Provides background on steps involved in vaccine development, from conceptualization to production to immunization. Considers infectious diseases and their associated vaccines in the context of community health. Appropriate for any student wanting to gain an understanding of vaccine science, and also provides a foundation for other advanced courses in immunology and infectious disease, biomedical research, or medical/graduate studies. Activities include an in–class presentation and a research paper on a topic chosen by the student. Expected: BIOL 0200 or equivalent placement; BIOL 530, and at least one additional biology course.