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Dept. of Microbiology & Immunology University of Tennessee, Memphis
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DEPARTMENTAL COURSES
Molecular Biology This course combines a lecture format with class discussions to introduce the student to a broad array of topics in molecular biology. The goal of the course is to provide the background necessary for an understanding of various molecular processes including the basis of DNA and chromosome structure; DNA replication, recombination, repair, transcription and translation. Several prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems are utilized as models to illustrate the mechanisms involved in regulating these processes. In addition to providing a comprehensive introduction to these topics, the reading of recent reviews and research papers is used to familiarize the student with the current status of each of these fields. Techniques in Molecular Biology This course covers the conceptual basis for contemporary molecular technologies used in biomedical research, with emphasis on their advantages, applications, and theoretical and practical limitations. Current topics include radiochemical labeling; ultracentrifugation; electrophoresis and blotting of proteins and nucleic acids; absorption and emission spectroscopy; chromatography and protein purification; automated peptide synthesis and sequence analysis; isolation and hybridization of nucelic acids; DNA restriction, modification, and cloning; PCR and site-directed mutagenesis; footprinting and DNA sequence analysis; computer-assisted analysis of protein and DNA sequences; oligonucleotide synthesis and uses; monoclonal and polyclonal antibody production, purification, and applications; light and fluorescence microscopy; automated cell and chromosome analysis and purification. Hands-on experience is acquired in research laboratories. Bacterial Pathogenesis This course emphasizes the molecular basis for diseases caused by bacterial infection and the resulting host response. Topics include virulence factors promoting adherence, colonization, and invasion; the contributions of exotoxins, endotoxins, and hydrolytic enzymes to pathogenesis; genetic and biochemical approaches to the identification, characterization, and regulation of virulence genes; molecular strategies for vaccine development; and discussion of selected paradigm organism-disease systems. Cell Biology This course is designed to familiarize the student with contemporary cell biology and thus is different at each offering. The goal is to understand the normal functioning of a cell and how this can be disrupted upon conversion to a cancer cell. This is accomplished through readings of recent reviews and research papers and extensive class discussions and problem sets. A sample of recent topics covered include: protein sorting and localization to subcellular organelles, secretion, cytoskeleton, membrane transport, integrins, cell-cell adhesion, cell cycle, growth factors and receptors, signal transduction, oncogenes and tumor suppressors and mechanisms of transformation. Eukaryotic Genetics The goal of this course is to introduce participants to eukaryotic genetics through a series of lectures, student presentations and discussions. The course covers many of the classic model systems which have been used to eludicate the mechanisms of genetic exchange and gene expression in eukaryotes. The course includes discussions of both historically significant experiments as well as currently interesting topics. Topics include chromosome structure and mechanics, the regulation of mating type switching in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, P-element trasnsduction in Drosophila melanogaster, gene hopping in maize, genetic analysis of development and cell lineage in Caenorhabiditis elegans, as well as various aspects of human genetics and contemporary gene mapping. Immunology Serving as a general introduction to the field of immunology, this course begins with discussion of the structure and function of antibodies, mechanisms of immune tolerance and autoimmune disease, interaction of immune cells in the development of cellular and humoral immunity, and the role of the major histocompatibility systems and complement in immunological defense mechanisms. Other topics include: regulation of the immune system, immunogenetics, immunological techniques such as monoclonal antibodies, and the role of idiotypes and antiidiotypes. Prokaryotic Genetics Prokaryotic genetics covers the molecular basis and rationale for genetic analysis and manipulation of bacteria and bacteriophages. Topics include mutagenesis, repair, and recombination; generation, isolation, and characterization of mutants and suppressors; transfer of genetic information by conjugation, transduction, and transformation; the use of plasmids, phages, transposons, PCR and recombinant DNA technology to characterize and manipulate prokaryotic genomes and physiological processes. Virology The first section of the course is broad-based dealing with the structures, and classifications of viruses, as well as general concepts and techniques used in virus research. With this introduction, the next section covers several selected topics concerning bacteriophages. Issues that are unique to specific to RNA and DNA viruses make up the next two sections of the course with the final section focusing on topics that are both timely and of particular significance. Recent topics have included: "how new viruses emerge," "development of viral vectors for gene therapy," and "viruses as model systems for studying apoptosis." Oral Communications Skills Seminar This seminar is offered in conjunction with the Department of Education. Skills in oral presentation of scientific data are developed through student reports from the microbiology literature with evaluation of performance emphasizing improvement in communication skills. Each presentation is videotaped and critiqued by the class and the course directors. Advanced Special Topic Courses Special topic courses prepare a student to read and critically evaluate the current literature in selected fields of interest. The emphasis in these courses is placed on presentation of current and exciting topics. Discussion of published work focuses on an in-depth understanding of the background, development, and experimental approaches used in the work. Because of the constantly changing nature of these fields, topics included in a particular course are constantly changing. Representative examples of recent topics include:
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