XII. Course Descriptions
Microbiology
Department of Environmental Biology
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Department of Pathobiology
| MICR*1020 Fundamentals of Applied Microbiology F (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course is designed for students in engineering and applied human nutrition. The importance of microbes from an environmental
point of view, including water systems and soils as well as their importance in disease, nutrition, food and food processing
will be emphasized. The theoretical basis of microbial analysis and control measures will be included. The laboratory component
of the course will deal with microbial growth and practical aspects of microbial analysis of environmental and food samples
including identification and enumeration of specific microorganisms and approaches for their control. B.Sc. students cannot
take this course for credit. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Restriction(s): |
BIOL*1030, BIOL*1040. Registration in B.A.Sc. Program (Applied Human Nutrition major) or B.Eng. program.
|
| MICR*2020 Microbial Interactions and Associations F,W (3-0) [0.50] |
| The interactions and associations of microorganisms with each other and with components of both the biotic and abiotic worlds
have an enormous impact on daily life and their influence is felt on a global basis. The diversity of microorganisms including
viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa will be presented in the context of such interactions and impact. The interactions of
microbes with host organisms in symbioses and pathogenesis, and their survival strategies in extreme environments will be
examined. The host-pathogen interactions in disease will be emphasized, but balanced with consideration of the beneficial
aspects of microorganisms such as their role in biogeochemical cycles and their application in biotechnology. Assignments
will evaluate contemporary microbiological issues in the context of the corresponding scientific literature. Department of
Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 or equivalent
|
| MICR*2030 Microbial Growth S,F,W (2-3) [0.50] |
| The environmental factors and physiological processes of microbial growth. The transport of nutrients, the metabolic availability
of energy, metabolic patterns, and versatility in diverse microorganisms. Microscopy, isolation and enumeration, measurement
of growth. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| MICR*3120 Systematic Bacteriology F (2-3) [0.50] |
| Classification, nomenclature, and identification of bacteria. Methods and approaches for the isolation and identification
of bacteria are considered in the laboratory. The characteristics of some groups of common bacteria and the contributions
of molecular systematics to bacterial classification are discussed. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MICR*2030 |
| MICR*3220 Plant Microbiology F (3-0) [0.50] |
| Interaction between plants and microorganisms. Topics include molecular plant-microbe interactions, plant defenses, bacterial
ice nucleation, interaction among plant microbes, root nodulation, mycorrhizae, wood decay, and decomposition of plant litter.
Department of Environmental Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040 |
| MICR*3230 Immunology I F (3-0) [0.50] |
| An introduction to the immune response of the vertebrate host, the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system, humoral and cell-mediated
immunity, the concept of immunity to diseases and current techniques in immunology. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
and Department of Pathobiology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040, BIOC*2580 |
| MICR*3270 Microbial Cell Biology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course describes the diversity in form and function in microorganisms. The structures of critical cellular components
will be considered from the perspective of the cellular requirements for survival in different environments. The underlying
macromolecular assembly systems will be considered in the context of their integration into cell division and the bacterial
cell cycle, as well as their exploitation as targets for antibiotics and other therapeutic approaches. Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2210, MBG*2020, MICR*2030 |
| Co-requisite(s): |
BIOC*3560 |
| Restriction(s): |
MICR*4270 |
| MICR*3330 World of Viruses F (3-0) [0.50] |
| Viruses infecting many organisms will be covered in the context of their global impact on disease and history, beneficial
uses of viruses and their role in advances of molecular theory. The diversity of viruses, their replication strategies and
interactions with the host in disease at the individual, to societal levels provides a fundamental virology background. Discussions
of protection from viral diseases, including human interventions, and highlighting their pervasiveness through historical
accounts and contemporary news articles on viruses will serve to demonstrate their relevance to today's society. Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*2210, MBG*2020 |
| Restriction(s): |
MICR*4120 |
| MICR*4010 Pathogenic Bacteriology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| Interactions between bacterial pathogens and host animals, including immune and inflammatory responses of the host's defense
mechanisms. The structural and physiological characteristics of a number of important bacteria causing human and animal diseases
are considered. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MICR*3120, MICR*3230, (MBG*3070 or MBG*3080)
|
| MICR*4140 Soil Microbiology and Biotechnology F (3-0) [0.50] |
| The biology of soil microorganisms with an emphasis on their integrated ecology, physiology, genetics and biotechnological
uses in the soil environment. The response of soil microorganisms to soil physical-chemical factors and aspects of nutrient
cycling in soil. Current topics also include soil as an environment for microorganisms, microbial evolution, soil microbial
biodiversity, gene flow and microbial nucleic acids in soil, microbial survival and activity in soil, metabolism of soil pollutants
and metal-microbe interactions. The use of molecular-based methods to study microorganisms in soil. Regulations and guidelines
on the biotechnological applications of microorganisms in the soil environment will be discussed. Department of Environmental
Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOC*2580, BIOL*1040 |
| MICR*4180 Microbial Processes in Environmental Management F (3-0) [0.50] |
| The metabolic basis of microbial processes fundamentally important in the management of agricultural, industrial or municipal
wastes are examined. Topics covered include relevant considerations in using microorganisms for pollution control, factors
that affect efficient microbial degradation in the environment, and major microbial enzyme systems/pathways for biodegradation
of persistent pollutants. Emphasis will be placed on the biochemistry, physiology, genetics and biotechnological applications
of pollutant-degrading microorganisms. Department of Environmental Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOC*2580, BIOL*1040 |
| MICR*4230 Immunology II W (3-3) [0.50] |
| Concepts and current knowledge of the diversity of immune response, experimental systems used in studying immunology, antigen-antibody
reaction methods, monoclonal antibodies, antibody engineering, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and adhesion molecules
and homing of cells of the immune system. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MICR*3230 |
| MICR*4240 Topics in Microbiology S,F,W (1-3) [0.50] |
| Independent study of a selected topic in microbiology, involving a review and critical appraisal of the current literature.
Written and oral presentations are required. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Restriction(s): |
Students are required to discuss a topic with a potential supervisor before registering for the course. Open to students in
semesters 6, 7 and 8. Instructor consent required.
|
| MICR*4280 Microbial Ecology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| This course focuses on analysis of natural microbial communities, factors affecting structure and function of these communities
and the interrelationships among microorganisms within community. There is a strong emphasis on understanding the role of
microorganisms in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus transformations within both aerobic and anaerobic environments. This will
include the major chemical and biochemical transformation by microorganisms in a vertical slice through a pond, from the core
of the earth through the air water interface and up through the stratosphere. Terrestrial and fresh water aquatic environments
will be emphasized, but a consideration of aspects relevant to the marine environment will be included. The interrelationship
of nutrient cycling and global warming will also be discussed. Aspects of environmental biotechnology will be included as
appropriate.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MBG*2020, MICR*2030 |
| Restriction(s): |
MICR*4290 |
| MICR*4310 Research Project I S,F,W (0-12) [1.00] |
| Independent research projects involving experimental or practical work, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.
Results are presented in written and oral form. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Restriction(s): |
Students must have a research advisor and permission from the course coordinator before registering. Instructor consent required. |
| MICR*4320 Research Project II S,F,W (0-12) [1.00] |
| Independent research projects involving experimental or practical work, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member.
Results are presented in written and oral form. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MICR*4310 |
| Restriction(s): |
Students must have a research advisor and permission from the course coordinator before registering. Instructor consent required. |
| MICR*4330 Molecular Virology W (2-3) [0.50] |
| This course will focus on molecular aspects of virus replication cycles and the diverse strategies used for replication of
select RNA and DNA viruses. Virus-host interactions including tumour virology and host antiviral responses such as interferon
and apoptosis and viral anti host-defence responses as well as recent advances in molecular virology and evolution will be
also be covered. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. (Offered in even numbered years.)
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MICR*2030, MICR*3330 |
| Restriction(s): |
MICR*4120. Restricted to students specializing in MICR or MBG.
|
| MICR*4430 Medical Virology W (3-0) [0.50] |
| A study of the interactions of animal viruses and their hosts and of important diseases of humans caused by viruses in different
taxonomic groups. The emphasis is on aspects of pathogenesis, epidemiology, immune responses and control. Recent advances
in the application of molecular biology to the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines will be included. Department of
Pathobiology.
|
| Prerequisite(s): |
MICR*3330 |
