Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry Courses | 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog | SIU

(Same as MICR 403) A survey of the more common bacterial, mycotic and viral infections of humans with particular emphasis on the distinctive properties, pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, immunology, diagnosis and control of disease-causing microorganisms. Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 405) This course will be offered in Springfield only. A comprehensive course for health science professionals covering the biology, virulence mechanisms, and identification of infectious agents important in human disease and host-defense mechanisms. Clinical applications emphasized. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: MICR 301, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 406) Introduction to Mycology. This course will provide an overview of fungal diversity and taxonomy, fungal cell and molecular biology. Additionally, it will cover the ecological, economic, and historical impact of fungi on the environment, science, and society. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 421) Topics covered will include the genetic basis of the revolution in biotechnology, medical applications including genetic screening and therapeutic agents, industrial biotechnology and fermentation, and agricultural applications. Three hours lecture. Fall semester. Prerequisite: MICR 302, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 423 and GEOL 423) The course will focus on the role that microorganisms play in fundamental geological processes. Topics will include an outline of the present understanding of microbial involvement of weathering of rocks, formation and transformation of soils and sediments, and genesis and degradation of minerals. Elemental cycles will also be covered with emphasis on the interrelationships between the various geochemical cycles and the microbial trophic groups involved. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and CHEM 210 and 211. Recommended: GEOL 220, 221 or 222.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 425) Chemical composition, cellular structure, and metabolism of microorganisms. Fall semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or CHEM 339.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 441) An intensive, lecture-based course in virology which will emphasize principles of molecular virology, the ubiquity of viruses in nature, evolutionary relationships between viruses, co-evolution between virus and host, and the pathogenic consequences of some viral infections (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis, cancer, etc.). Prerequisites: MICR 460 or MBMB 460 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as BCHM 451A and CHEM 451A) First half of the 451 A,B two semester course. Introduction to structure and function of biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, sugars, polysaccharides, lipids and membranes, biochemical techniques, expression of genetic information, signal transduction and transport through membranes. Prerequisites: CHEM 340 and CHEM 342 or 442, or equivalents with grades of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as BCHM 451B and CHEM 451B) Second half of 451A,B two semester course. Basic kinetics, enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibitors, regulation of enzymes, oxidation-reduction, high energy bonds, carbohydrate metabolism, aerobic/anaerobic metabolism, lipid metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, hormonal control of metabolism. Prerequisite: MBMB 451A or BCHM 451A or CHEM 451A or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 453) Principles of molecular and cellular immunology. Particular emphasis is given to molecular mechanisms involved in activation and maintenance of the immune response at the basic science level. The role of the immune system in medical diagnostic procedures and in human health is also discussed. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 403, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 455) This course will be offered in Springfield only. A survey of the components of the immune system and how they interact with each other to produce responses that are important in the control or mediation of human disease. Two hours lecture. Prerequisite: MICR 301, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

(Same as CHEM 456 and BCHM 456) A one-semester course in Biophysical Chemistry intended for biochemists and molecular biologists. Emphasis will be on solution thermodynamics, kinetics and spectroscopy applied to biological systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 340 and 442, MATH 141 or 150, MBMB 451A or BCHM 451A or CHEM 451A, or equivalents.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 460) The genetic mechanisms and regulatory events that control gene transfer, lambda phage infection, recombination, and metabolic pathways including a brief introduction to bioinformatics, genome analysis and global regulatory functions. Three hours lecture. Fall semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and 302, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 470) A consideration of the major groups of prokaryotes with special emphasis on their comparative physiology and ecology. Three hours lecture. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 477) Concepts of ecology applied to microorganisms; methods in microbial ecology; interactions of microbes with their living and non-living environment microbial habitats and functions. Roles and regulation of microbes in natural and man-made environments, from cellular to community level. Prerequisite: MICR 301 or instructor's consent (based on proven background in both microbiology and ecology).

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as MICR 480) Genetic and biochemical analyses of microorganisms using a variety of techniques in molecular biology, molecular genetics and biotechnology. Six hours laboratory per week plus two hours of supervised unstructured laboratory work in most weeks. Fall semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and 302 with a C grade or better and two (or concurrent enrollment in two) of the following: 421, 423, 425 or 460. Lab fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 4

(Same as MICR 481) Enrichment and isolation of prokaryotes from natural samples, diagnostic methods for the identification of pathogenic bacteria, and the nature of the immune response. Six hours laboratory per week plus two hours supervised unstructured laboratory work in most weeks. Spring semester. Prerequisite: MICR 301 and 302 with a C grade or better and two (or concurrent enrollment in two) of the following: 403, 453 or 470. Lab fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 4

An introductory research course. Students rotate through at least three research laboratories. Lecture and laboratory hours to be arranged. Students cannot get credit for both MBMB 502 and MBMB 504. Restricted to acceptance into the Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry graduate program.

Credit Hours: 3

Problem definition, experimental design and research methods in specific areas of molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology. Lecture and laboratory hours to be arranged. Students cannot get credit for both MBMB 502 and MBMB 504. Restricted to acceptance into the Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry graduate program.

Credit Hours: 3

Discussion of current research in specific areas of molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry. One hour of group discussion per week. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1

This course is an introduction to the concepts and practices of public health at the community, state, and national levels. The course addresses the philosophy, purpose, history, organization, functions, activities and impact of public health practice. The course also addresses a number of important health issues and problems facing the public health system. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of public health laboratory in public health practice. Discussion questions and case studies are integrated into the course, serving to stimulate student participation in gaining in-depth knowledge about real world public health issues and practice. Prerequisite: Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or other Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science.

Credit Hours: 3

Individualized laboratory research and training. Graded credit for Master's Degree only. Maximum 6 credit hours. Restricted to admission to master's program in Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

The physiology, biochemistry and genetics of microbial regulatory mechanisms. Topics include transport phenomena, catabolite and nitrogen repression, the stringent response, and autoregulatory phenomena. Two lectures per week. Prerequisite: MBMB 425; or CHEM 451A and B, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 2

An advanced, lecture-based course which will (1) emphasize principles of molecular virology, (2) discuss immune responses to viral infections, (3) learn how viral infections can be prevented or treated, and (4) explore how some viruses can be used as therapeutic agents. Each topic will include an in-depth discussion of current research literature. Prerequisites: 400 level course in genetics and in biochemistry, or consent of the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Supervised readings for qualified graduate students. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

(This course will be offered in Springfield only). An advanced course based on current literature concerning the cellular biology of eukaryotes. Both students and faculty will make presentations followed by discussion. Topics will include: the cellular and subcellular structure and function of the lower eukaryotes, the biochemistry and biophysics of eukaryotic membrane systems and the higher subcellular functions of mammalian cells. Prerequisite: 400 level course in genetics and in biochemistry or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture course in molecular and cellular biological techniques used in the study of organisms; structures and processes involved in genome organization; packaging and replication of DNA; transcription and RNA processing; recombination and transposition of DNA; gene regulation with emphasis on developmental processes; signal transduction; structure and function of cellular components; cell-cell interaction; etc. Prerequisite: BCHM 451B or consent of instructor; MBMB or MICR 460 recommended.

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture course in molecular computer graphics, macromolecular structure prediction, molecular dynamics, applications of NMR and X-ray methods to structural determinations of biological macromolecules; spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, Raman, fluorescence and circular dichroism methods. Prerequisite: BCHM 456 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Lecture course in control mechanisms of biochemical processes, enzyme kinetics, regulation and allostery, coupled systems and energy transduction, membranes, transport, etc. Prerequisite: BCHM 451A or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

The scientific basis of current laboratory practice of public health science in the areas of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, environmental chemistry, biochemistry and instrumentation (to accompany 541A,B). Prerequisite: MBMB 510, Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science.

Credit Hours: 3

This course has a laboratory component of approximately 4-6 hours/week/credit hour of training in a functioning public health laboratory. The content of the course provides in-depth experience in the scientific basis and use of analytical methods in microbiology, immunology and molecular biology that are unique to public health laboratories at the state and national level. Prerequisite: MBMB 510, concurrent with MBMB 540, MICR 301 or equivalent.

Credit Hours: 3-9

This course has a laboratory component of approximately 4-6 hours/week/credit hour of training in a functioning public health laboratory. The content of the course provides in-depth experience in the scientific basis and use of analytical methods in environmental chemistry and biochemistry that are unique to public health laboratories at the state and national level. Prerequisite: MBMB 510, MBMB 541A.

Credit Hours: 3-9

(This course will be offered in Springfield only). A lecture course that deals in depth with mechanisms of symbiosis and other interactions with respect to the biochemistry of microbe and host. Immunological aspects are discussed. Emphasis is placed on molecular mechanisms. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: MBMB 403 or MBMB 405 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

First course of a two semester, comprehensive biochemistry course sequence. Introduction to structure and function of biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, sugars, polysaccharides, lipids and membranes, biochemical techniques, expression of genetic information, signal transduction and transport through membranes. Three lectures and one seminar per week. Seminar will consist of primary literature discussion and student presentation on areas covered in lecture. Principal lecturer for each of the area topics will lead discussion and assign the primary literature. Prerequisites: CHEM 340 and CHEM 342 or 442 or equivalents with a C- or better, or instructor permission. Restricted to consent of program and special approval needed from the instructor. Students who have previously passed MBMB/BCHM/CHEM 451A are not eligible to register for this course.

Credit Hours: 3

Second course of a two semester, comprehensive biochemistry course sequence. Basic kinetics, enzyme kinetics, enzyme inhibitors, regulation of enzymes, oxidation-reduction, high energy bonds, carbohydrate metabolism, aerobic/anaerobic metabolism, lipid metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, hormonal control of metabolism. Three lectures and one seminar per week. Seminar will consist of primary literature discussion and student presentation on areas covered in lecture. Principal lecturer will lead discussion and assign the primary literature. Prerequisites: CHEM 340 and CHEM 342 or 442 or equivalents with a C- or better, or instructor permission. Restricted to consent of program and special approval needed from the instructor. Students who have previously passed MBMB/BCHM/CHEM 451B are not eligible to register for this course.

Credit Hours: 3

A lecture course that intensively considers the most recent developments in antibody structure, antigenic analysis, and antigen-antibody reactions. A special focus will be on the use of immunology as a research tool. Prerequisite: MBMB 453 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(This course will be offered in Springfield only). A lecture-discussion course covering contemporary aspects of cellular immunology. The cellular nature of immune responses as well as current information on the regulation of such responses will be considered. Topics will include cellular components of an immune response; receptors, recognition and signals; cellular cooperation; immuno regulation; and tolerance and autoreactivity. Prerequisite: MBMB 453 or MBMB 455 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Offered in Springfield only). A lecture course providing an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of bacterial, viral and mycotic infections. Immune mechanisms involved in recovery, development of immunity and infection mediated immunopathology will be covered. Prerequisite: MBMB 403 and MBMB 453; or MBMB 405 and MBMB 455; or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as ANTH 554, PLB 554) Advanced topics in evolutionary biology including genetics & development, evolutionary ecology, phylogeny, paleontology, biogeography, population genetics, molecular ecology, speciation, molecular evolution, and macroevolution. Topics will vary each semester. Seminar format with group discussions and student presentations. Graded S/U. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1

(Same as ANTH 556, PLB 556, ZOOL 556) An advanced introduction to modern methods of phylogenetic inference, emphasizing both theoretical background concepts and numerical approaches to data analysis. Topics include properties of morphological and molecular characters, models of character evolution, tree estimation procedures, and tree-based testing of evolutionary hypotheses. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A lecture-discussion course in molecular and cellular biology of tumor pathogenesis. The lecture covers various aspect of current tumor biology. The in-depth discussion on recent articles will provide students with opportunity to become familiar with front-line research in molecular oncology. Prerequisite: MBMB 451A and B or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A lecture and discussion course emphasizing current research and new techniques in replication, transcription, translation, genome organization, gene flow from a general systems viewpoint and regulation. Prerequisite: MBMB 460 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A seminar-discussion course covering the pace-setting topics in oncology research. The topics will be selected by the course director. Students will research and select articles to be presented for discussion. The in-depth discussion on recent articles will provide students with opportunity to become familiar with cutting edge line research in oncology. Prerequisite: MBMB 560 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 1

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Selected topics of current scientific interest to the faculty and students. Specific topic to be covered in any semester will be announced. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

(Same as ANTH 580, ZOOL 580) The Evolution Discussion Group meets weekly throughout the year to discuss current evolutionary literature and the research of participants. All students and faculty with an interest in evolutionary biology are welcomed to participate.

Credit Hours: 1

Departmental seminars, and other appropriate professional assignments. Graded S/U only. One hour required each semester in residence. Restricted to graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 1

Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-12

Research for Master's degree thesis. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Research for Ph.D. degree dissertation. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-12

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1