Program in Microbiology

Jordan Hall
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 800734
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0734
(434) 924-5111
www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/microbiology

Degree Requirements

Qualified students will be accepted for graduate study in this department with a baccalaureate degree in biologic or physical sciences from an approved university or college. Those who have not completed courses in calculus and physical chemistry will be required to do so during the first year of residence. Formal course work will be designed to suit the individual needs of each student and with advice from the microbiology faculty, can be elected from those courses offered by the following departments: microbiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, physiology, and others, if appropriate.

As part of the education experience, students will be expected to assist in teaching MICR 702 for one semester only, usually at the end of their own formal course work.

Students must pass a preliminary examination at the end of the first year or during the second year of residence and a qualifying candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Those not admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy may, on approval of the faculty, be permitted to complete the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biological and Physical Sciences. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded only on recommendation by the faculty upon satisfactory completion of original research supported by submission and defense of a dissertation.

Course Descriptions

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MICR 803 - (5) (Y)
Fundamental Immunology
Introduces cellular and molecular immunology, emphasizing antigen-specific immune responses. Topics include structure of antigens and antigen recognition structures, development of immunologically competent cells, cell-cell interactions and signaling, development and regulation of different immune responses, and the relationship of basic immunological mechanisms to the control of disease and immunopathology.

MICR 805 - (4) (Y)
General and Molecular Genetics
Studies the organization, transmission, function and regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes. Three lecture hours.

MICR 808 - (4) (Y)
Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes
Prerequisite: MICR 811 or equivalent
Presents the mechanism and regulation of gene expression in bacteriophages and prokaryotic organisms. Emphasizes genetic analysis of complex processes, such as sensory transduction, cell division, and global regulatory circuits. Readings from the current literature supplemented with critical discussion of classic papers in the field.

MICR 810 - (5) (Y)
Microbial Pathogenesis
A comprehensive study of the morphology, taxonomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and pathogenicity of bacteria and viruses. Five lecture hours.

MICR 811 - (5) (Y)
Gene Structure, Expression and Regulation
Studies the molecular biology of bacterial and eukaryotic cells, emphasizing the application of recombinant DNA for elucidation of gene structure, the mechanism of gene expression, and its regulation. Four lecture hours.

BIMS 812 - (4) (Y)
Cell Structure and Function
Analyzes current research on the interrelationships of structure and their functions in bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Emphasizes the functions of cellular membranes as related to neuromuscular activities and cellular interactions as related to cancer. Four lecture hours.

MICR 815 - (4) (Y)
Molecular Basis of Carcinogenesis
Advanced presentation of the mechanisms of oncogenesis, including discussions on phenotypes of tumor cells, regulation of cell cycle, oncogenes, anti-oncogenes, RNA and DNA tumor virus, tumor progression, and metastasis. Emphasizes mechanisms of proto-oncogene activation, subversion of normal growth control, and inactivation of tumor suppressors which occur in human tumors.

MICR 820, 821 - (3) (Y)
Current Topics in Immunology
Prerequisite: MICR 803 or instructor permission. Provides the opportunity to conduct and in-depth, critical review of the current literature in immunology.

MICR 822 - (4) (Y)
Chromatin Structure and Function
Examines current research topics in eukaryotic chromosome structure and dynamics.

MICR 881, 882 - (1) (S)
Continuing Colloquium in Microbiology
Critical analysis of current research areas in microbiology and related fields. Central topics will be covered seriatim by the staff. Students will present in rotation their analyses of pertinent scientific literature. Two conference hours per week.

MICR 891, 892 - (0) (S)
Seminars in Microbiology
Attendance required for all graduate students in microbiology. Topics of current research interest are presented each week by staff, students, or visiting scientists. One hour per week.

MICR 901, 902 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Pathogenesis Mechanisms

MICR 903, 904 - (3-12) (S)
Research Genetics of Auto Immunity

MICR 905, 906 - (3-12) (S)
Research: Molecular Biology of Human Retrovirus

MICR 910, 911 - (3-12) (S)
Research Molecular Biology Cancer

MICR 912, 971 - (3-12) (S)
Research Intercellular Signaling T Cell

MICR 913, 914 - (3-12) (S)
Research Molecular Virology and Viral Pathogenesis

MICR 915, 974 - (3-12) (S)
Histonics Transcription Chromitin Structure

MICR 916, 917 - (3-12) (S)
Research Molecual Parasites

MICR 919, 972 - (3-12) (S)
Molecular Basis of Cancer Genetics

MICR 931, 932 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Genetics

MICR 933, 934 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Genetics and Biochemistry of Cancer Cells

MICR 937, 938 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Membranes and Tumors

MICR 939, 940 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Immune Therapy

MICR 943, 944 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Tumor Virology

MICR 947, 948 - (3-12) (S)
Research Human Immunology

MICR 949, 950 - (3-12) (S)
Research Signal Tyros Phosph

MICR 951, 952 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Immunology of Cell Surfaces

MICR 953, 954 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Genetics of Yeast

MICR 955, 956 - (3-12) (S)
Research Developmental Genetics

MICR 960, 996 - (3-12) (S)
Allergenes and Allergic Diseases

MICR 961, 962 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Genetic Control of Transcription

MICR 963, 964 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Biochemistry and Immunology of Cancer Cell Transformation

MICR 973, 974 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Biology of Cancer

MICR 975, 976 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Virology

MICR 977, 978 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Biology of HIV

MICR 981, 982 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Fungal Pathogenesis

MICR 983, 984 - (3-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Virology and Viral Pathogenesis

MICR 985, 986 - (3-12) (S)
Research in T Lymphocyte Activation and Effector Function

MICR 997 - (3-12) (S)
Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

MICR 999 -(3-12) (S)
Non-Topical Research
For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.