MICROBIOLOGY  (MIC) 

MIC      500 Cr. 2
Orientation in Clinical Microbiology

This course will explore career opportunities within clinical microbiology including public health, diagnostic testing, basic and industrial research and development, and pharmaceutical sales. Discussion will focus on academic and professional requirements for each career track. The course will also cover clinical laboratory management, infection control, diagnostic techniques, and communication skills. Offered by resident faculty and visiting lecturers. Prerequisite: MIC 230 or equivalent; admission to the clinical microbiology program. Offered Sem. I.  

MIC      406/506             Cr. 4
Immunology

An introduction to how the immune system protects against infectious disease and how it can contribute to disease. A discussion of fundamental characteristics of innate and acquired immunity is followed by study of antigens, antibodies, the major histocompatibility complex, T and Blymphocyte recognition of antigen and response, cytokines and immune regulation, hypersensitivity reactions including allergies, and the immune system in AIDS. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite:  MIC 230; BIO 303 or 313 and CHM 300 or 303 recommended. 

MIC      407/507             Cr. 4
Pathogenic Bacteriology

The study of pathogenic bacteria and their relationships to disease; principles of infection and pathogenesis, and unique properties of pathogens. Laboratory emphasis is on techniques for isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria. Not applicable to biology major; may be applied to the microbiology, clinical laboratory science major and/or degree as well as an elective for the biology biomedical concentration. Lect. 2, Lab 4. Prerequisite: MIC 230; MIC 406/506 or concurrent enrollment. 

MIC      416/516             Cr. 5
Microbial Genetics

An in-depth study of the bacterial and bacteriophage genome with emphasis on the central dogma. Specific topics include DNA replication, transcription and translation, DNA mutation and repair, regulation of gene expression, mechanisms of genetic exchange, plasmid structure and function, transposition, gene mapping and recombinant DNA technology. Laboratory emphasis is on the techniques used in bacterial mutagenesis, genetic exchange, gene mapping, and gene cloning. Lect. 2, Lab. 6. Prerequisite: MIC 406, three semesters of college chemistry including organic, and admitted to microbiology major. Offered Sem. I. 

MIC      420/520             Cr. 3
Introductory Virology

An introduction to viruses and their interactions with host organisms. Special emphasis is placed on the structure and replication cycles of virus families with medical importance. Prerequisite: MIC 230 and MIC 426 or BIO 306 or BIO 435/535 and three semesters of college chemistry to include organic chemistry. Offered Sem. II. 

MIC      421/521             Cr. 2
Virology Laboratory

A laboratory course designed to introduce fundamental techniques used to study viruses in medicine, biotechnology and research. Emphasis is on procedures used to safely handle viruses, grow them in tissue culture, and the molecular biological, biochemical and immunological techniques used to detect and analyze viruses.   Lab. 4. Prerequisite: MIC 230 and MIC 416 or BIO 306 or BIO 435/535 and three semesters of college chemistry to include organic chemistry. Offered Sem. I. 

MIC      425/525             Cr. 5
Bacterial Physiology

An in-depth study of bacterial structure and function, catabolic and anabolic pathways, regulation, and macromolecular synthesis. Laboratory emphasis is on current techniques used to examine bacterial structure and metabolism such as macromolecular separations and quantification, use of radioisotopic tracers and quantification of enzyme activity. Lect. 2, Lab. 6. Prerequisite:  MIC 406, MTH 150 or higher, CHM 300 (or 303). Admitted to microbiology major. Offered Sem. II. 

MIC      426/526             Cr. 4
Food Microbiology

A study of environmental factors affecting the growth, activity, and destruction of micro-organisms in food; principles of food spoilage; preservation of foods, including basic methods and their application to foods; food-borne intoxications and infections; indicator organisms; sanitation and microbiological standards in foods. Laboratory instruction includes quality control methods, sampling methods, and techniques to identify important microorganisms in foods, and data interpretation and analysis. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisite: MIC 230; BIO 412/512 strongly recommended. Offered Sem. II. 

MIC      427/527             Cr. 3
Industrial and Fermentation Microbiology

A study of microbiology and biochemistry of food fermentations; bioconversions; production of antibiotics, vitamins, amino acids and organic acids. Starter culture systems will be examined. Prerequisite: MIC 230; MIC 426/526 strongly recommended. Offered Sem. I. 

MIC      428/528             Cr.2
Fermentation Microbiology Laboratory

Principles of fermentation science and biotechnology with emphasis on industrial and food fermentation processes. Laboratory emphasis is on the use of various fermentation systems that generate useful products including fermented food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and other gene products. Lab. 4. Prerequisite: MIC 426 or 427 and three semesters of college chemistry. Offered Summer Session. 

MIC      434/534             Cr. 3
Aquatic Microbial Ecology

An ecological study of bacteria, cyanobacteria and algae of aquatic ecosystems. Topics include microbial strategies for survival under various environmental conditions, the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling of elements, interactions of microorganisms with other aquatic biota, the role of microorganisms in pollution problems, and applications of microbial ecology to biotechnology. Laboratory emphasis is on experimental design and sampling techniques, quantification of microbial biomass, and measurement of microbial activities in aquatic habitats. One weekend field trip required. Lect. 2, Lab. 3. Prerequisite: MIC 230 and three semesters of college chemistry; BIO 341 strongly recommended. Offered Sem. I, alternate years. 

MIC/BIO  440/540             Cr. 2
Bioinformatics

In this course, students will use computers to study and compare the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA, or the amino acids in a protein. Computers also are used to examine the three dimensional structure of proteins. Being able to manipulate and study this information is the basis for the current revolution in biotechnology. Topics include evolution, taxonomy, genomics and understanding disease. This course provides students an opportunity to explore the relationships between biology, microbiology, chemistry and computer science. Lect. 1, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 306 or MIC 230 (BIO 435 or MIC 416 recommended). Cross-listed with BIO 440/540; may only earn credit in MIC or BIO. Offered  Sem. II and J Term.

MIC/BIO  442/542             Cr. 3
Plant Microbe Interactions

This course will explore in-depth various ways that plants interact with microbes in the environment, at the macroscopic, cellular, and molecular levels. Case studies will include both parasitic and mutualistic (symbiotic) interactions. Microbes include fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses. Includes plant pathology and studies of the beneficial relationships between plants and microbes. Inquiry based labs are integrated into the lecture and discussion sessions. Lect. 2, Lab. 2. Prerequisite: BIO 204, MIC 230, EITHER BIO 306 or MIC 416. Offered Sem. II, even years. 

MIC      454/554             Cr. 2
Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenicity

The study of mechanisms of microbial pathogenicity including both overt microbial factors and complex interactions with the host that produce symptoms of disease. The cellular, biochemical, molecular, and genetic bases for modern understanding of microbial disease will be included. Prerequisite: MIC 406/506 or equivalent and MIC 407/507 or equivalent. Offered Sem. II. (alternate years) 

MIC      455/555             Cr. 3
Field and Laboratory Methods in Vector-borne and Zoonotic Disease Research

This course will explore methods used in vector-borne and zoonotic disease research. Students will learn current field and laboratory techniques used to understand the epidemiology, spread, and transmission of vector-borne, infectious diseases (VBID?s) and other zoonotic diseases. Emphasis will be placed on sample collection in the field from birds, mammals, and vectors as well as processing and testing samples from the causative agents of West Nile encephalitis. Eastern equine encephalitis, Lyme disease, Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), and others. Attention will focus on experimental design and computer methods used in study design and application. Lect.10, Lab 30. Prerequisite: MIC 230 or equivalent. Course offered off campus. Offered Summer Session. 

MIC      460/560             Cr. 1-3
Symposium in Microbiology

Varying topics in microbiology with a specific title assigned to each. Offered by resident faculty or visiting lecturers. Prerequisite: MIC 230. Repeatable for credit?maximum 6.  

MIC/BIO     714 Cr. 3
Advanced Genetics

The application of molecular-genetic analysis to problems in modern biology. The course will cover the fundamentals of genetic analysis in both prokaryotic and eucaryotic systems. Assigned readings from current literature will be discussed and evaluated. A variety of topic areas will be considered, including ecology, biotechnology, bioremediation, food science, medicine, and basic research. Prerequisite: a previous course in genetics, microbial genetics or molecular biology. (Cross-listed with BIO.) Offered Sem. II, alternate years. 

MIC/BIO     721 Cr. 1-2
Directed Studies

Directed readings or presentation of material not available in formal departmental courses. (Cross-listed with BIO.) Repeatable for credit ? maximum 4 between BIO and MIC. 

MIC      730 Cr. 2
Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Environmental Contaminants

Microbes are able to breakdown, or biodegrade, a wide variety of compounds including some considered hazardous to human health and/or the environment. The use of microbes as biological agents to reclaim polluted soils and waters is called bioremediation. This course will explore some of the better-studied mechanisms used by microbes to degrade and detoxify contaminants. Practical aspects for the use of microbes in bioremediation and some specific examples will also be covered. In addition, the students will present and discuss a series of special topics such as nuclear waste bioremediation or current clean-up efforts in the news. Prerequisite: one semester organic chemistry, MIC 230 or equivalent microbiology course. Offered Sem. I, alternate years. 

MIC/BIO     751 Cr. 1
Graduate Seminar

In this course students will research and present a formal seminar on a selected topic in biology or microbiology. Students are also expected to actively participate in discussion of other seminar presentations. (Cross-listed with BIO.) Repeatable for credit ? maximum 2. 

MIC      753 Cr. 2
Epidemiology of Infectious Disease

This course examines the causes, distribution, control, and prevention of infectious disease in human populations. Basic epidemiological concepts, including study design, analysis and modeling of infectious disease data, establishing causal relationships, detecting confounding factors, and assessing risk will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on issues of special interest to the clinical epidemiologist including laboratory diagnosis used in outbreak investigations by microbiological, serological and molecular techniques. In addition, methods to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of diagnostic tests will be examined. Prerequisite: MIC 407/507 or equivalent course. MTH 145 or MTH 250 or HED 755. Offered Sem. II. 

MIC      755 Cr. 2
Advanced Immunology

An in-depth study of advanced topics in immunology, primarily focusing on the genetics, mechanisms, and regulation of the immune system. Aspects of the immune response in a variety of disease conditions (infectious and non-infectious) will be discussed. Prerequisite: MIC 406/506 or equivalent. Offered Sem. I. (alternate years)

MIC      761 Cr. 2
Research and Seminar in Microbiology

In-depth literature review of a current research topic in microbiology. As part of the requirements for this course and for the degree each student must complete an acceptable seminar paper under the direction of an assigned faculty member. Not applicable to students pursuing a Plan A thesis. 

MIC      770 Cr. 5 
Clinical Microbiology Practicum I

Students spend 9 full-time weeks (30 hrs/wk) in the clinical laboratories at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center where they receive training and hands-on experience in clinical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, mycology, and virology.  In addition, students will actively participate with physicians, residents, and medical students in weekly infectious disease rounds and journal club. Prerequisite: acceptance into clinical microbiology program. 

MIC      780 Cr. 4
Clinical Microbiology Practicum II

Students spend 6 full-time weeks (30 hrs/wk) in the clinical laboratories at Marshfield Laboratories/St. Joseph?s Hospital/Marshfield Clinic. Training will include hands-on experience with state-of-the art molecular biology techniques. Specific exercises involving molecular epidemiology and infection control will be emphasized. Students will also participate in infectious disease rounds and journal club. Prerequisite: acceptance into clinical microbiology program. 

MIC      790 Cr. 2
Clinical Microbiology Practicum III

Students will spend 2 full-time weeks (30 hrs/wk) at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for public health training in mycobacteriology, sexually transmitted diseases, food-and water-borne diseases, and community respiratory illness surveillance. Emphasis will be on prevention and control programs and outbreak responses currently in place at the Wisconsin Department of Health. Prerequisite: MIC 770 and MIC 780. 

MIC      799 Cr. 1-15
Research: Master?s Thesis

Independent research in microbiology on a problem selected for a thesis under the direction of an assigned faculty major adviser. For students following Plan A.  Repeatable for credit ? maximum 15; maximum six applicable to degree.

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