Microbiology 680

11:680:101 Living in the Microbial World (3) This course examines the impact of the microbial world on humankind. Students will be introduced to microorganisms from the beginning of life on a young and very different earth than we see today and follow the evolutionary journey that has shaped the modern world. This is a lecture course for undergraduates with little or no science background. There are no prerequisites for the course.

11:680:102 The Science and Culture of Cheese and Wine (3) At the intersection of applied sciences and French cultural studies this Summer Session course, coupled with the Study Abroad program, explores the science and culture of cheese and wine through applied microbiology with socioeconomic and cultural history.

11:680:103 Microbiology of Agricultural Products in New Jersey (3) Explores the science and culture of agricultural products, food and beverage fermentations, such as cheese production, wine and beer fermentation, fermented sausages, and mushroom cultivation. Students will study the complex chemical and biological processes that create different fermented foods, with techniques that blend modern scientific knowledge with traditional values and practices.

11:680:201 Introduction to Microbiology (3) Presents the basic principles of microbiology and examines the microbes that inhabit our planet and their effect on the biosphere. Students will assess the influence of microbiology and 21st-century challenges and opportunities that arise from our changing relationship with and understanding of microbes. Prerequisites: Two semesters of biology and two semesters of chemistry.

11:680:296 Honors Seminar (3) The topic for each semester addresses current issues from the perspectives of the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Open only to honors students (SEBS Honors Program, SAS Honors Program, and Honors College) or by permission of instructor. 

11:680:390 General Microbiology (4) Basic principles of microbiology. An introduction to the physiology, morphology, pathogenicity, and genetics of groups of microorganisms. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:119:115,116, and 117 (formerly 01:119:101-102); 01:160:161-162, 171, and 307.

11:680:401 Ethics and Issues in Microbiology (1) Discussion of ethical conduct and scientific integrity in relation to the practice of microbiology. Prerequisite: 11:680:390. Open to microbiology majors. Others by special permission.

11:680:429 Marvelous Microbes (3) The basics of the science of microbiology including its history, importance to humanity, classification of microbes, how microbes fit within the web of life, and interpreting stories of microbiology in the media.

11:680:480 Microbial Genetics and Genomics (3) Applications of genetics and genomics to fundamental biological functions at the molecular and cellular levels in archaeal and bacterial prokaryotes. Recent developments in horizontal gene transfer, quorum sensing, stationary-phase induced mutagenesis, and prokaryotic genome evolution. Prerequisites: 01:447:380; 11:680:390 or equivalent.

11:680:481 Microbial Physiology (3) An intensive course with the goal of integrating biochemistry and genetics to enhance the understanding of the microbial cell and the robust and diverse nature of life.  This course is intended to be a capstone class for the microbiology major.  It will provide the instructors with the opportunity to re-address the learning goals of the microbiology major and address general scientific misconceptions before student graduation.  This course is targeted to advanced juniors or seniors majoring in microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and related fields, as well as graduate students. Prerequisites: Biochemistry: (11:115:403, 11:115:301, 01:694:301, or 01:694:407) and General Microbiology 11:680:390.

11:680:486 Analytical Methods in Microbiology (3) Hands-on training in the use of analytical instrumentation in microbiological research and applications, including biotransformations and fermentations, biodegredation, and identification of bacteria and fungi. One 80-min. lec. and one 180-min. lab. Prerequisite: 11:680:394 or 11:115:403 or lab experience by permission.

11:680:491 Microbial Ecology and Diversity (3) Ecological determinants; characteristics of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; nature and activity of microbial populations; biogeochemical cycles and energy flow; microbial interactions and community structures. Two 80-min. lecs., one 180-min. lab. Prerequisite: 01:447:390 or 11:680:390.

11:680:492 Experiments in Microbial Ecology and Diversity (3) Combines lectures and laboratory experiments with hands-on training in microbial community structure and function analyses including experimental design in microbiological research and applications. Analytical methods that are introduced include sampling design, extraction of DNA/RNA from environmental samples and their preparation for high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics (QIIME) analyses, design and set up of enrichment cultures, and respiration rate measurements. Prerequisite: 11:680:491 or equivalent laboratory experience by permission of the Instructor.

11:680:494 Applied Microbiology (4) Microorganisms in foods; their application in industry, agriculture, environment, and medicine. Physical and chemical factors of growth and control in relation to industrial and natural processes. Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisite: 11:680:390 or equivalent.

11:680:495 Seminar in Microbiology (1) Practice in techniques for oral presentation of scientific reports and reviews, based on search of research literature in microbiology and, where applicable, the student's own research results. Open only to senior microbiology majors.

11:680:497,498 Research in Microbiology (BA,BA)   Research projects in microbiology under the guidance of faculty members. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.