Microbiology, Infection & Immunity

This track is broadly divided into the related sub-tracks of immunology, virology, and bacteriology. The foundational courses include two courses focused on each sub-track, denoted as 1=Immunology, 2=Virology, and 3=Bacteriology. Interested students can focus on one sub-track or mix and match from these sub-tracks depending on their specific area of research. Area directors or more senior MCB students can discuss these sub-tracks with interested first-year students.

Foundational Course 1A: IMMUN 532 – Intersection of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Disease (“Advanced Immunology”)

This is the primary graduate-level survey of immunology. Many lectures are given by guest lecturers from the Dept. of Immunology who are renowned experts in these topics. Lectures are complemented by discussion and critique of relevant primary literature. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate immunology course (e.g. IMMUN 441), or equivalent; coursework in molecular genetics; graduate standing in immunology; other graduate students with permission of instructor.
Offered WIN, 4.0 credits, Weeks 1-10, every year. Will be offered in WIN 2025

Foundational Course 1B: IMMUN 537 – Immunological Methods

Introduces whole animal, cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques used in immunological research. Discusses strengths and limitations of each technique and emphasizes caveats in interpreting the resulting data.
Offered AUT, 1.5 credits, Weeks 6-10, every year. Will be offered in AUT 2025

Foundational Course 2A: MCB 532 – Human Pathogenic Viruses

Students will learn basic and advanced concepts in virology by focusing on major groups of human pathogenic viruses. The major emphasis will be on virus replication, evolution, and pathogenesis.
Offered AUT, 3.0 credits, Weeks 1-10, odd years. Will be offered in AUT 2025

Foundational Course 2B: MICROM 540 – Virology

The molecular biology, transmission, and pathogenesis of human viruses will be explored. In addition to general principles of virology, lectures and paper discussions will focus on specific human pathogens including HIV, herpesviruses, ebolaviruses, alphaviruses, and adenoviruses, among others.
Offered AUT, 3.0 credits, Weeks 1-10, even years. Will be offered in AUT 2026

Foundational Course 3A: CONJ 558 – Fundamentals of Prokaryotic Biology

Basic principles in prokaryotic cell structure, genomics, and metabolism. Introduction to prokaryotic physiology, bacterial pathogenesis, and microbial ecology.
Offered WIN, 1.5 credits. Will be offered in WIN 2025 (last offering of this class)

Foundational Course 3B: MICROM 553 – Molecular Interactions of Bacteria with their hosts

The processes bacteria employ to shape interactions with their hosts will be explored in molecular detail through selected examples in the literature.
Offered SPR, 3.0 credits, Weeks 1-10. Will be offered in SPR 2026

CONJ 518 – Molecular Biology and Immunology of HIV and AIDS

Intended for a broad array of science and public health majors. Will cover history of AIDS pandemic, and methodology and current progress in AIDS pathogenesis, vaccine development and cure research. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200.
Offered SPR, 1.5 credits, Course not currently being offered

CONJ 539 – Modern Approaches to Vaccines

Covers selected topics based on recent publications in viral and bacterial vaccine research. Emphasizes understanding the latest advanced and issues in vaccine discovery, mechanisms of action, and special topics in viral vaccines.
Offered SPR, 1.5 credits, Weeks 6-10, every year. Will be offered in SPR 2025

CONJ 551 – Immunity

Provides an understanding of the central cellular and molecular players in the mammalian immune system at a level appropriate for the non-specializing graduate student. Selected topics include the molecular basis of B and T cell activation and effector functions and the mechanisms of innate immunity.
Offered SPR, 1.5 credits, Course not currently being offered

CONJ 557 – Microbial Evolution and Ecology

Selected topics in microbial evolution including evidence for early life on Earth, molecular mechanisms of bacterial and viral evolution, speciation, adaptive niche differentiation, bioinformatics tools to detect selection, and evolution of the virulence and pandemic spread. Prerequisite(s): MICROM 412 or general biology background
Offered SPR, 2.0 credits, Weeks 1-5, every year. Will be offered in SPR 2025

GLOBAL HEALTH 566 (offered jointly with PABIO 551) – Biochemistry and Genetics of Pathogens and Their Hosts

Provides a strong foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics for students interested in disease. Principles illustrated through examples focusing on pathogens, and infectious and non-infectious disease. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate-level coursework in molecular biology or biochemistry, or permission of instructor.
Offered AUT, 4.0 credits, Weeks 1-10, every year. Will be offered in AUT 2025

IMMUN 441 – Introduction to Immunology

This is an undergraduate class that presents a complete introduction to immunology. MCB students interested in this topic who have not taken a basic immunology course are encouraged to take or audit this course in preparation for more advanced immunology courses. Note: Students must obtain approval from the MCB Co-Directors for this 400-level class to count toward their 18-graded credits. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 220
Offered AUT, 4.0 credits, Weeks 1-10, every year. Will be offered in AUT 2025

IMMUN 538 – Immunological Based Diseases and Treatments

Addresses the mechanisms leading to the development of immunologically based diseases. In particular, covers immunological basis and treatment of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Offered SPR, 2.0 credits, Course not currently being offered

PABIO 552 – Cell Biology of Human Pathogens and Disease

Cell biology and immunology explored through diseases of public health importance. Examples of pathogen interaction with host cell biology and immune systems, unique aspects of the cell biology of pathogens, perturbations of these systems in non-infectious diseases, and design of therapeutics and vaccines to combat diseases of public health importance.
Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate-level coursework in biology or molecular biology or permission of instructor.
Offered WIN, 4.0 credits, Weeks 1-10. Will be offered in WIN 2025