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.

11:680:103 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.

11:680:104 Introduction to Microbiomes (3) This introductory course describes principles of host-associated microbiomes (microbial ecosystems living on humans and animals), including their development, functions, and roles on health. Students will be required to present recently published works on microbiomes.

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.

11:680:202 Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory (1) Introduction to Microbiology Laboratory is a 1-credit course with one three-hour lab per week. The course will be taught by faculty of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, SEBS. This laboratory course will serve as a companion course to Introduction to Microbiology Lecture (11:680:201). It is designed to reinforce the concepts taught in the lecture course and will allow students to apply the knowledge in practice to various microbiology lab topics. Corequisite: 11:680:201.

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.

11:680:395 Peer Mentoring in Microbiology (BA) The objective of the class is to provide mentorship and guidance in teaching, leadership, and research pertaining to microbiology. Microbiology faculty will serve as mentors to undergraduate students. Students will receive instruction on implementing effective mentoring and teaching strategies that will directly translate to career-oriented skills and skills that can be applied to post-secondary programs. Students will be able to participate in the microbiology course of their choice (from an approved list) and support the faculty with active learning activities, class discussions, or lab demonstrations. Students will also be able to implement their own active learning activity during the last part of the semester. This will fulfill the experiential learning requirement for SEBS and may be used as elective course for the microbiology major. Prerequisite: 11:680:390 (General Microbiology) with a grade B or higher or equivalent; by permission of instructor.

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.

11:680:475 Microbiomes and Health (3) This course provides an overview on the role of microbiome in human health and disease. It focuses on conceptual framework and technologies for understanding how particularly the gut microbiome impacts human health. Prerequisites: 11:680:390 or 01:447:390 General Microbiology with a C or better; 11:680:201 with a grade of B or better; or permission of the instructor.

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.

11:680:499 Microbiology Senior Exit Survey (0) This is a 0-credit Pass/Fail course for graduating microbiology seniors. The exit survey will allow for seniors to evaluate their experience in the major, including coursework and research opportunities, and share their future career plans.