Microbiology (MICR)

MICR*2420  Introduction to Microbiology  Summer, Fall, and Winter  (LEC: 3, LAB: 3)  [0.50]  
This course will introduce students to the diversity of microorganisms, including, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and the impact of microbes on everyday life. The interactions of microorganisms with the biotic and abiotic worlds will be discussed. Topics will include the roles of microorganisms in host-pathogen interactions in disease, the beneficial aspects of microorganisms in bioremediation and food production, and their application in biotechnology.
Prerequisite(s): 4.00 credits including (1 of BIOL*1070, BIOL*1080, BIOL*1090, CHEM*1040)  
Restriction(s): This is a Priority Access Course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs, specializations or semester levels during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*2430  Methods in Microbial Culture and Physiology  Fall and Winter  (LEC: 1.5, LAB: 3)  [0.50]  
This course uses a hands-on approach to investigate microbial growth and factors that impact growth and the interactions of microbes with biotic and abiotic environments. This course will explore the ecological diversity of microorganisms of selected environments. Students will develop a wide range of microbiology-related laboratory skills.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*2420  
Restriction(s): This is a Priority Access Course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs, specializations or semester levels during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3090  Mycology  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
This course provides an introduction to the fungal lifestyle and to classification and evolution of the major groups of fungi, including microfungi, yeasts and other eukaryotic microbes. The characteristics of fungal cell structure, genetics and metabolism will be presented, and fungal reproduction and sporulation processes discussed with reference to the life cycles of representative forms. The ecological and economic importance of fungi will be demonstrated by considering fungal ecology, symbiotic relationships, mycotoxins and pathogenic fungi and industrial applications of fungi and yeasts.
Prerequisite(s): BOT*2100 or MICR*2430  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3220  Plant Microbiology  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
In this course the interaction between plants and microorganisms will be studied. 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.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1070, BIOL*1090  
Department(s): School of Environmental Sciences  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3230  Immunology  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
This course provides 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.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL*1090, BIOC*2580  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3240  Microbial Physiology and Genetics  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
In this course students examine the genetic and physiological responses of microorganisms to their diverse and changing environments. Topics covered include gene regulation, bacterial quorum sensing and bacterial phage immunity.
Prerequisite(s): BIOC*3560, MBG*2040, MICR*2420  
Restriction(s): MBG*3080, MICR*3260  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3330  World of Viruses  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [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. A fundamental virology background will be achieved by understanding the diversity of viruses, their replication strategies and their interactions with the host in disease. The relevance of viruses in society will be highlighted by discussion of historical accounts and contemporary news articles.
Prerequisite(s): MCB*2050  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3420  Microbial Diversity and Ecology  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
The cycling of elements (carbon, nitrogen, sulphur) within ecosystems involves the contributions of diverse microorganisms. This course will study the diversity of predominantly Bacteria and Archaea in selected ecosystems at an organismal level, investigate the metabolic and enzymatic diversity in microbes that contribute to and thrive within these environments, and examine the methodologies used to study the relationships and evolution of microorganisms within an ecosystem.
Prerequisite(s): BIOC*3560, MBG*2040, MICR*2430  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*3430  Advanced Methods in Microbiology  Winter Only  (LEC: 1, LAB: 6)  [0.75]  
This course will use a hands-on approach to investigate concepts and develop skills needed for the isolation, identification and classification of microorganisms. Classical, molecular, and bioinformatic techniques will be used to isolate and identify bacteria and viruses from natural environments.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*2430, (MBG*3080 or MICR*3240)  
Co-requisite(s): MBG*3350  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*4010  Pathogenic Microbiology  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
This course explores the interactions between microbial pathogens and host animals. Fundamental principles and recent advances in the field of microbial pathogenesis will be interactively discussed, including immune and inflammatory responses of the host's defense mechanisms. The structural and physiological characteristics of several important microbes causing human and animal diseases are considered.
Prerequisite(s): MCB*2050, (MBG*3080 or MICR*3240)  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*4250  Microbiome and Immunity  Winter Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
In this course, students will examine the immune system through the lens of its interaction with non-pathogenic microbes. The course will uncover interactions with the microbiome that regulate immune system development, the role of immune-microbe interactions during health, and how disruption of these interactions contributes to disease. For example, changes in host-microbe crosstalk can contribute to the progression of Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer. Finally, the course will explore opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*2420, MICR*3230  
Restriction(s): MICR*4530  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*4330  Molecular Virology  Winter Only  (LEC: 2, LAB: 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 will be discussed. Viral anti host-defence responses as well as recent advances in molecular virology and evolution will be also be covered.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*3330, (MICR*2430 is recommended)  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*4430  Medical Virology  Winter Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
This course is designed to present an overview of the major viruses causing important diseases in humans. The course focuses on the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, determinants of viral virulence and the host response to infections. Diagnosis of viral infections, vaccines and controls of viral infections are also discussed. The first part of the course will cover the basic principles and concepts used in the study of viral diseases, modern diagnostic methods and recent advances in the application of molecular virology to the development of recombinant vaccines and other means to combat viral diseases. The second half of the course will include material on the individual diseases and causative viruses.
Prerequisite(s): MICR*3330  
Department(s): Department of Pathobiology  
Location(s): Guelph  
MICR*4540  Microbial Cell Biology  Fall Only  (LEC: 3)  [0.50]  
This course explores the structure-function relationships of macromolecular complexes and cellular ultrastructures involved in fundamental microbial processes. The structures of macromolecular machines will be considered from the perspective of the cellular requirements for survival in different environments and will be discussed in the context of their integration into building the basic elements of the microbial cell, as well as their exploitation as targets for antibiotics and other therapeutic approaches.
Prerequisite(s): BIOC*3560, MBG*2040, MICR*2420  
Restriction(s): MBG*3080, MICR*3280, MICR*4520  
Department(s): Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology  
Location(s): Guelph