MICROBIOLOGY
(MIC)
College
of Science and Allied Health
Department
Chair: Michael Winfrey
3028
Cowley Hall, 608-785-6964
e-mail:
winfrey.mich@uwlax.edu
Professor: Winfrey; Associate Professors:
Rajagopal, Rott; Assistant Professors: Bratina, Schwan, Taylor; Lecturers:
Anglehart, Voyles.
The
University of Wisconsin System and the Board of Regents have identified the
Microbiology Program and UW-L as a Center of Excellence based on the
exceptional quality of the undergraduate laboratory science education. The
Microbiology Program has been nationally recognized for the overall quality of
the program and prepares its graduates for a diversity of professional
opportunities at the baccalaureate level. Since the inception of a major in
1984, more than 95 percent of the microbiology graduates interested in
employment have obtained positions in hospitals, clinics, private laboratories,
food and fermentation industries, pharmaceutical industries, universities, and
government agencies.
Microbiology
is also an excellent curricular track to prepare students for graduate or
professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary, optometry). Microbiology
provides exceptional training in a fundamental discipline in their
post-graduate education, and also provides abundant employment opportunities
for students who do not go on to graduate or professional school.
The
Microbiology major is housed within the Department of Microbiology and provides
students with an extensive curriculum with a strong laboratory emphasis.
Microbiology faculty have obtained over one million dollars in grant funding
within the past decade to ensure that students gain experience in the latest
state-of-the-art techniques. Students may choose from an extensive list of
microbiology electives and emphasize one of five curricular tracks: (1) medical
microbiology, (2) research and developmental microbiology, (3) biotechnology
and microbial genetics, (4) food and
fermentation microbiology, or (5) environmental microbiology. All microbiology
majors receive individual counseling throughout their undergraduate years and
they may tailor their curriculum to meet their
individual career goals. An active American Society for Microbiology
recognized Microbiology Club enhances the educational experience. For
additional information regarding the Microbiology Center of Excellence, contact
the Microbiology Department Chair, Cowley Hall, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse,
La Crosse, WI 54601.
See
department chair for requirements.
(All
colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 40 Microbiology/Biology
credits:
A. Biology Core: BIO 105 and a second
biology course (BIO 204, 210, 303, or 312/313*)
B. Microbiology Core: MIC 230, 406, 407,
416, 425, 461
C. Microbiology/Biology electives (nine
credits; at least six credits from List I, a maximum
of two credits from List III. One course from List II strongly
recommended):
List I: MIC 350, 420, 421, 426, 427, 428, 434, 454, 460
List II: BIO 406, 412, 413, 449, 463; MLS 425
List III: MIC 489, 499
D. Additional Requirements: One course
in physics (PHY 125 or 103 and 104 or 203 and
204) and a minimum of 24 credits of chemistry are required including: CHM
103, 104, 300 (or 303, 304, and
305), 301, 325 (or 417 and 418)
Pre-Professional
Concentration (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs) — 40
Microbiology/Biology credits:
A. Biology Core: BIO 105, 306, 312, 313
B. Microbiology Core: MIC 230, 406, 407,
416 or 425, 461
C. Microbiology/Biology electives (six additional credits; at least
three credits from
List I, a maximum of two credits from List III):
List I: MIC 350, 420, 421, 416, 425, 426, 454
List II: BIO 406, 412, 413, 435, 463
List III: MIC 489, 499
D. Additional Requirements: One course
in math (MTH 151, 205 or 250, 175 or 207),
eight credits of physics (PHY 103 and 104 or 203 and 204), and a minimum of 27 credits of chemistry including: CHM 103, 104, 301, 303, 304, 305, 325 (or 417 and
418).
Students
must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 to stay in the Pre-professional
Concentration within the Microbiology major. Students who fall below a GPA of 3.00
will be given one additional semester to raise their GPA to 3.00.
Pre-professional Concentration Microbiology majors that do not maintain a GPA
of 3.00 may transfer to the general Microbiology major.
Environmental
Science Concentration (All colleges, excluding Teacher Certification programs)
— 40 Microbiology/Biology credits:
A. Biology Core: BIO 105 and a second
biology course (BIO 204, 210, or 303)
B. Microbiology Core: MIC 230, 350,
416, 425, 434, 461
C. Microbiology/Biology electives (11
credits; at least five credits from List I, at
least three credits from List II, and a maximum of two credits from List III):
List I: MIC 406, 407, 420, 421, 427, 428, BIO 307 or 341 or 464*, 447,
448, 449
List II: BIO 406, 412, 463
List III: MIC 489, 499
D. Additional Requirements: MTH 205 or
250 and 175 or 207; one course in physics
(PHY 125 or 103 and 104 or 203 and 204),
and a minimum of 24 credits of chemistry are
required, including: CHM 103, 104, 300 (or 303, 304, and 305), 301, 325 (or 417 and 418).
In
order for any Microbiology majors (including concentrations) to continue in
upper division microbiology course work they must:
1. Complete BIO 105, a second BIO
course (204, 210, 303, or 312) and MIC 230.
2. Complete three semesters of
chemistry (CHM 103, 104 and 300 or 301 or 303).
3. Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the
six science courses listed above.
4. Complete one semester of math (MTH
150 or higher) with a grade of C or better.
Microbiology
students may then apply for continuance in the microbiology program (usually
after the completion of three or four semesters). Application materials may be
obtained from the microbiology adviser. Admission is competitive and not all
students meeting the minimum requirements are guaranteed admission. Students
not meeting the minimum requirements may petition for admission into the
program, and may be accepted depending on space availability. The number
allowed in the microbiology program is flexible and is dependent on room in
upper-division microbiology courses.
+ above a course number indicates a General Education course.
+
MIC 100 Cr.
4
Microbiology
and Human Affairs
Microbiology
plays an integral role in human affairs and our daily lives. Some
microorganisms have caused tremendous suffering throughout history, however
many microbes have also provided countless benefits to humans and play vital
roles in essential global cycles. This course examines the science of
microbiology and the impact of microbiology on human affairs. The principles of
microbial diversity, cell structure, growth and reproduction, global processes,
disease, and prevention of disease are covered. Each topic provides a basis for
discussion of current issues where microorganisms play a role. The laboratory
provides an inquiry based approach to examining the diversity of microorganisms
and their role in disease, spoilage, genetic engineering, food and antibiotic
production, agriculture, and the environment. Not applicable to a major in
microbiology or biology. Lect. 3, Lab. 2.
MIC 102 Cr.
1
Global
Bioterrorism
An
overview of current potential biological warfare agents. Topic areas will
include an historical overview, an explanation of differences in the classes of
biological warfare agents, our preparedness to meet this threat, and counter
measures to prevent a biological warfare catastrophe. Offered Sem. I.
MIC 230 Cr.
4
Fundamentals
of Microbiology
An
introduction to the fundamental principles and
applications of microbiology with an emphasis on the role of microorganisms,
especially bacteria, in human affairs. Lecture topics include microbial
diversity, cell structure and function, growth and metabolism, genetics,
genetic engineering, control of microbial growth, host-parasite interactions,
immunology, microbial ecology and applied microbiology. Laboratory emphasis is
on methods used to cultivate and identify bacteria, genetic techniques, and on
standard techniques used in applications of microbiology (clinical, food,
industrial, and aquatic). Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisites: BIO 103 or 105 and
CHM 103.
MIC 260 Cr.
1–3
Topics
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 299 Cr.
1–2
Introduction
to Microbiology Research
An
opportunity to participate in laboratory or field research experience under the
direction of a faculty member. Depending on the nature of the research project,
study will involve participation in laboratory or theoretical work in addition
to selected readings and instruction. A written report to the supervising
faculty member is an expected outcome. Admission by instructor's consent and
department approval. Completion of safety training required prior to beginning
research. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4.
Bacterial
Diversity
A
survey of the bacteria. Lectures will cover bacterial classification and the
structure, physiology, ecology, and applications of various groups of bacteria.
Special emphasis will be on the more unique species and those of industrial,
ecological and environmental importance. The laboratory will involve enrichment
and isolation procedures for selective groups of bacteria. Lect. 2, Lab. 3.
Prerequisite: MIC 230.
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. Prerequisites: 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, medical
laboratory science major and/or degree as well as an elective for the biology
biomedical concentration. Lect. 2, Lab 4. Prerequisites: MIC 230 and 406 (may
be taken concurrently).
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. Prerequisites: MIC 406, four 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. Prerequisites: MIC 230 and 416 or BIO 306 or 435, 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. Prerequisites: MIC 230 and 416 or BIO 306 or 435, 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. Prerequisites: MIC 406, MTH
150 or higher, CHM 301 and 300 (or 303), and 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, techniques to identify important microorganisms in foods, and data
interpretation and analysis. Lect. 2, Lab. 4. Prerequisites: MIC 230; BIO 412
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 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.
Prerequisites:
MIC
426 or 427 and three semesters of college chemistry. Offered. Sem. II.
MIC 434/534 Cr.
3
An
ecological study of bacteria, cyanobacteria and algae of aquatic ecosystems.
Topics include microbial strategies for survival under various environmental
conditions, the role of micro-organisms 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. Prerequisites: MIC 230 and three semesters of college chemistry; BIO 341
strongly recommended. Offered Sem. I, alternate years.
MIC 450 Cr.
1–3
Internship
in Microbiology
An
academically relevant field experience in government, industry, business or
community agencies. Students must have their internships approved and be
advised by the department. Students must be on their internship worksite during
the semester for which they are registered for academic credit. Maximum of two
credits applicable to major. Repeatable for credit — maximum 8. Pass/Fail
grading.
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. Prerequisites: MIC 406 (or
equivalent) and MIC 407 (or equivalent). Offered Sem. II.
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 461 Cr.
1
Capstone
in Microbiology
A
seminar-style course designed for students to review and discuss basic concepts
necessary for a career in the biological sciences and to assess their major in
microbiology. This course will cover basic concepts of resume and cover letter
writing, quantitative skills, computer literacy, and current topics in biology
and microbiology. Students are expected to actively participate in an
assessment of their major, and participate in discussions on major issues and
developments in the biological sciences. Prerequisite: senior standing;
recommended for seniors in their final semester. Pass/Fail grading.
MIC 479 Cr.
1–2
Microbiology
Laboratory Assistant
An
opportunity to assist in the preparation and instruction of a microbiology
laboratory. Students will be expected to assist in preparation of course
materials, demonstrate proper techniques, and evaluate student performance.
Admission by instructor’s consent. Completion of safety training required.
Lect. 2, Lab. 6. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4. Pass/Fail grading.
MIC 489 Cr.
1–2
A
directed reading/project course covering a standard body of knowledge within
the discipline but outside that offered through regularly scheduled courses.
Under the direction of the supervising faculty member, study may involve a
review of current literature. A written report or project is an expected
outcome. Admission by instructor's and department approval. Completion of
safety training required prior to beginning a laboratory or field-based
project. Repeatable for credit — maximum 4.
MIC 499 Cr.
1–3
Independent
Research in Microbiology
An
opportunity to pursue individual research topics under the direction of a
faculty member. Depending on the nature of the research project, study is
expected to involve substantial laboratory or theoretical work in addition to
literature review and instruction. Students are expected to develop research
skills related to microbiology. In addition to a written report to the
supervising faculty member, expected outcomes may include: laboratory
notebooks, experimental devices, software, papers and presentations to
departments and regional meetings. Admission by instructor’s consent and
department approval. Completion of safety training required prior to beginning
research. Repeatable for credit — maximum 8.