Undergraduate & Graduate Courses

Fall

Host-Pathogen Interactions
BIOL.4945/BIOL.5945

This course is available to both graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. Undergraduates must have passed Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology (BIOL.2220). There is no prerequisite for graduate students

This transdisciplinary course will examine the interface between pathogens and their hosts at multiple levels. We will begin with molecular and cellular interactions between host and pathogen species and will expand to include ecological patterns, behavioral biology, and host-pathogen co-evolution. Following an introduction to infectious disease, microbiology, and immunology, we will critically read and evaluate scientific literature. The objectives of Host Pathogen Interactions are to gain a comprehensive and practical understanding of host-pathogen dynamics, patterns of disease ecology, and host-pathogen coevolution. Students will learn to critically read and evaluate scientific literature, interpret data, and design experiments. 

Senior Seminar - BIOL.4510

This is a required course for Senior undergraduate Biology majors. The primary purpose of this course is for students to gain skills in oral and written scientific communication. Students will spend the semester analyzing and critiquing a research article of their choice, which will be the focus of their oral and written assignments.

Public speaking can be intimidating, especially for young scientists, however, it is a vital skill for all professionals. During BIOL.4510, seniors will have many opportunities to practice and hone their public speaking skills in a low-stakes environment. By the end of the course students will be able to develop and present organized, coherent, and engaging oral presentations.

Spring

Immunology II: Current Topics
BIOL.4940/5940

This course is available to both graduate and upper-level undergraduate students who have passed Immunology (BIOL.4930/5930) or the equivalent with instructor permission.

Students in Advanced Topics in Immunology will gain a comprehensive and practical understand of current immunological principals in research and clinical/applied sciences. The course will focus on reading and evaluating state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed primary literature. Through interactive group case study activities, students will practice evaluating data, generating their own hypotheses, and designing experiments to test these hypotheses.