MICROBIOLOGY (MIC)
Course Descriptions
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 Fall.
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 B lymphocyte 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.
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. Lect.
2, Lab 4. Prerequisite: MIC 230.
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 230 and three semesters of college chemistry
including organic. Offered Fall.
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 416 or BIO 306 or BIO 435/535 and
three semesters of college chemistry to include organic
chemistry. Offered Spring.
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 Fall.
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 230, MTH 145 or higher, and
CHM 300 (or 303). Offered Spring.
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. Prerequisite: MIC 230
and two semesters of college Chemistry. Offered Fall
odd-numbered years.
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 foods
and beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and other gene
products. Prerequisite: MIC 230 and two semesters of college
chemistry. Offered Summer odd-numbered years.
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 Fall,
even-numbered 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 416. Cross-listed with BIO 440/540;
may only earn credit in BIO or MIC. Offered Spring and Winter
Intersession.
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. Cross-listed with
BIO 44/542; may only earn credit in BIO or MIC. Offered Spring,
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 Spring, odd-numbered 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. Lecture/Lab full-time
three weeks. Prerequisite: MIC 230 or equivalent. Course offered
off campus. Offered occasionally.
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 714; may only earn credit in MIC or BIO.) Offered
Spring, odd-numbered 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 721; may
only earn credit in MIC or 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 Fall,
odd-numbered 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 751; may only earn
credit in MIC or 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 PH 755. Offered Spring, even-numbered years.
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
Fall, odd-numbered 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 at least 8 full-time weeks (40 hrs/wk) in the
clinical laboratories at
MIC 780 Cr. 4
Clinical Microbiology Practicum II
Students spend at least 6 full-time weeks (40 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 weekly infectious disease rounds and journal
club. A special course fee applies. Prerequisite: Acceptance
into M.S. Biology: Clinical Microbiology Program.
MIC 790 Cr. 2
Clinical Microbiology Practicum III
Students will spend 2 full-time weeks (40 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 6 applicable to degree.