Hoffmann, E.M., Chair; Achey, P.M., Undergraduate Coord.; Aldrich, H.C.; Asghari, A.; Bobik, T.; Davis, F.C., Jr.; Duggan, D.E.; Farrah, S.R.; Gurley, W.B.; Ingram, L.O.; Jensen, R.A.; Johnson, H.M.; Maupin, J.; Munro, L.; Preston, J.F., Rasch, M.; III; Schmidt, R.R.; Shanmugam, K.T.

Clark, P.R.; Coleman, S.; Hiebert, E.; Maruniak, J.E.; Mergia, A.; Ogram, A.V.; Rodrick, G.E.; Tamplin, M.L.; Yamamoto, J.K.

A microbiology and cell science major is available to students in the College of Agriculture or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The major requires course background in biology (BSC 2010, 2010L; BSC 2011, 2011L or AGR 3303; or equivalent), general chemistry (through CHM 2046, 2046L), organic chemistry (CHM 2210, 2211, 2211L), analytical chemistry (CHM 3120, 3120L) physics (PHY 2053, 2054, 2055L, 2056L) and calculus (MAC 2311). A C or better is required in all prerequisite science courses and the prerequisites of each course before enrolling in microbiology and cell science courses.

Major requirements include BCH 4024 or CHM 4207, MCB 4203 or PCB 5235, MCB 3020, MCB 3020L, and MCB 430 or PCB 4522, for a total of 15 credits of required courses, and at least 10 credits of additional junior and senior level department electives, for a total of 25 credits. Either MCB 4203 or PCB 5235, when not being used to satisfy part of the 15 credits of required courses, may be used to satisfy the 10 credits of department electives. Three credits of department electives may be satisfied by CHM 3400 or CHM 4411. One advanced laboratory course is required as part of the 10 credits of electives. MCB 4905, MCB 4934, and MCB 4941 are not acceptable toward the 25 credits of requirements. A course in physical chemistry is recommended for students anticipating later work toward a research graduate degree.

All prospective majors should complete the biology and chemistry requirements by the end of their sophomore year. Organic chemistry (CHM 2210 or equivalent) is a prerequisite for the first course (MCB 3020) in the microbiology and cell science program.

Undergraduate majors are required to have their course work in the major approved by an undergraduate adviser from the department. For initial advising, a student should go to the department office to be assigned an undergraduate adviser.

The role of microorganisms in chemical transformations, disease, public health and agriculture. Fundamental concepts are discussed, followed by both beneficial and harmful actions of microorganisms as they affect our lives. Suitable as a general education science course. Not acceptable for admission to advanced microbiology courses. This course will not be acceptable for the preprofessional curricula relating to the medical/veterinary sciences. (B)

Laboratory exercises will demonstrate biochemical transformations and present methods for studying

microbial properties. Suitable as a general education science course; not acceptable for admission to advanced microbiology courses. This course will not be acceptable for the preprofessional curricula relating to the medical/veterinary sciences. (B)

Structure, nutrition and growth of microorganisms; characterization of representative microorganisms and viruses; metabolic properties and introduction to microbial genetics, immunology and pathogenicity of microorganisms. Required of all majors and students anticipating enrolling in more advanced courses in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science. (B)

Laboratory exercises on the structure, nutrition and growth of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Includes isolation and classification of representative microorganisms. Required of all majors and students anticipating enrolling in more advance courses in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science.

Host-parasite relationships in the diseases of man
and animals. The characteristics of bacterial and
viral pathogens. Basic techniques of isolation and identification.

Molecular biology of bacterial gene expression, DNA replication, mutation, genetic mapping using plasmids and phages, recombinant DNA mechanisms.

An analysis of the cell structure and physiology of bacterial cells. Extensive discussion of cell division and cell growth is provided, along with descriptions of important bacterial cell structures (e.g. cell walls, membranes, flagella, etc.)

Nature of viruses and mechanisms of infection and replication. Includes bacterial, animal and plant viruses.

Individual laboratory research under the close guidance of a selected faculty member. Enrollment limited to undergraduate majors in Microbiology. Required of, but not limited to, candidates for High Honors or Highest Honors. Not acceptable toward 25 credits of departmental required and elective courses.

An individual special project course restricted to students in the College of Agriculture’s Honors Program. Students will complete a project on a selected topic, issue, or problem. Projects may relate to research, teaching, or extension. The project will be reviewed by at least two faculty members chosen by the honors coordinator. May be repeated for up to six credits.

Supervised literature or historical study on topics of current interest in microbiology and cell science. Not acceptable toward 25 credits of departmental required and elective courses.

Lecture and discussions in the field of cell biology. Emphasis on the interrelation of structure and function, the regulation of metabolism and the specialized activities of plant and animal cells.

Lectures on the physiology of cell specialization. Emphasis on comparative ultra structure, function and regulation of differentiated cell types.

Molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes covering the fundamentals of genome organization and gene structure, regulation of transcription, DNA replication and repair, and RNA processing. Also included are discussions of strategies, vectors and applications of genetic engineering in higher plants and animals.

Host-parasite relationships of helminth and protozoan diseases important in health sciences and veterinary medicine.

Laboratory in human parasitology. (B)