Graduate Courses

MICR 801 Principles of Immunology. (1 credit) Description of the cellular and molecular basis of immunity, the nature of immune recognition and immune cell activation, and the role the immune system plays in health and disease.

MICR 802 Principles of Virology. (1 credit) Molecular biology of viruses, including the fundamentals of viral genomes and genetics, the viral life cycle and virology techniques, especially viral vectology.

MICR 803 Principles of Bacteriology. (1 credit) Bacterial cell structure, molecular genetics of bacteria and phages, DNA repair, genetic exchange, gene regulation, protein secretion, antibiotics, and bacterial pathogenesis.

MICR 804 Science Communication. (1 credit) This 1-credit course is designed for students pursuing a graduate degree (PhD or MS) in a biomedical field. This course seeks to provide students with not just experience, but training in science communication, including both oral presentations and written communication. The goal of the course is to equip students with techniques and experience communicating to fellow scientists and non-science audiences, thus better equipping students with key skills necessary for a future in science regardless of career path. Prerequisite: An introductory course in biology, genetics, chemistry or biochemistry.

MICR 808 Immunology. (3 credits) Molecular and cellular aspects of immunity. Specific topics will include immunoglobulin and receptor structure/function, attributes of antigenicity, antigen-antibody reactions, immunocompetent cells, cellular interactions, soluble mediators of immune responses, and normal and abnormal immune regulation. Prerequisite: Two Fundamentals Courses (MICR 810-812) or permission of course director.

MICR 809 Tumor Immunology. (3 credits) Immune system and tumor growth; tumor immunotherapy. Analysis and applications of experimental systems and discussion of contemporary as well as classical primary literature in the field.  Collaborative learning and communication skills emphasized. Prerequisite: IGPBS core curriculum or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

MICR 810 Fundamentals of Immunology. (2 credits) Immune cells and soluble mediators of the innate and adaptive systems, antigen and pattern recognition, lymphocyte development and activation, immune effector mechanisms, mechanisms of immune-based diseases.  Analysis and applications of experimental systems and discussion of contemporary as well as classical primary literature in the field.  Collaborative learning and communication skills emphasized.  Prerequisite:  Introductory course work in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics.

MICR 811 Molecular Genetics of Bacteria and Phages. (2 credits) This course is designed for students pursuing a graduate degree in a biomedical field.  The goal of the course is to introduce the fundamental concepts of modern microbial genetics and to expose the students to commonly used experimental procedures in microbial and molecular genetics.  Students will study both textbook and literature sources and will learn to apply research methods to understand the problems associated with the bacterial physiology and genetics. Active learning approaches in the classroom will require that students work collaboratively with others.  Both written and oral communication will be emphasized as important learning outcomes in this course. Prerequisite: An introductory course in biology, genetics, chemistry or biochemistry.

MICR 812 Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis. (2 credits) This course is aimed at graduate students who are pursuing a graduate degree in a biomedical field. It provides a contemporary understanding of how viruses are built, how they infect and replicate in host cells, how they spread and evolve, how they interact with host cells, how they eventually cause diseases, and how infection of a host can be prevented. Prerequisite: Introductory course work in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics.

MICR 820 Bacterial Genetics and Pathogenesis. (3 credits) Genetics of bacteria with emphasis on bacterial pathogens.  Topics include:  gene regulation, recombination, bacteriophages, transposons, genetic exchange, plasmids, genetics of virulence, bacterial adherence and colonization, immune evasion mechanisms, bacterial toxins, vaccines and antimicrobials, re-emerging bacterial diseases.  Prerequisite: Two Fundamentals Courses (MICR 810-812) or permission of course director.

MICR 825 Virology. (3 credits) Literature-based course.  Students will bring their knowledge/training in virology to a more sophisticated and advanced level by reading, presenting and critically discussing papers that represent original research in the field of modern virology, including research conducted by KUMC virologists. Specific topics of the course include mechanisms of viral replication, antivirals, virus infection and induced host response, and viruses and microRNAs.  Prerequisite: Two Fundamentals Courses (MICR 810-812) or permission of course director.

MICR 826 Oncogenesis Associated with Viral Infections. (3 credits) The course is designed primarily for students pursuing a graduate degree in a biomedical field. The course will evaluate current understanding of the various mechanisms that mediate carcinogenesis that is linked to viral infections. It will also consider strategies of circumventing  virus infections as a potential way of preventing the development of tumors. Prerequisite: Course MICR 812 Molecular Virology and Pathogenesis or permission of instructor.

MICR 830 Seminar in Microbiology .(1 credit) Reports on research and literature.

MICR 855 Host-Pathogen Interactions . (3 credits) Concepts of host-pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on how pathogens interact with the innate immune system. Course is primary literature-based with a body system organized approach covering niche-specific immune factors and how pathogens circumvent these systems. Prerequisite: MICR 810 and one of two Fundamentals Courses (MICR 811 or 812) or permission of course director.

MICR 835 Research in Microbiology. (1-6 credits) This course is specifically designed to provide research experience in various laboratories in the department.

MICR 890 Master's Research in Microbiology. (1-10 credits) This course is designated for research leading to the master's degree.

MICR 899 Master's Thesis in Microbiology. (1-10 credits) This course is designated for thesis writing leading to a master's degree in Microbiology.

MICR 930 Advanced Topics in Microbiology. (1-8 credits) An advanced approach to selected topics in any of the major disciplines in microbiology. Readings and conferences, or advanced laboratory techniques.

MICR 990 Research for Ph.D. in Microbiology. (1-10 credits) This course is restricted to dissertation research.

MICR 999 Dissertation for Ph.D. in Microbiology. (1-10 credits) This course is restricted to actual writing of the dissertation.