METX - Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology

METX80E Aquatic Toxicology

An introduction to the sources, cycling, and impacts of toxicants in aquatic systems, including acid rain, ground water, fresh water rivers and lakes, estuaries, and the ocean. Emphasis is on the properties of toxic chemicals that influence their biogeochemical cycles and factors that influence their toxicity to aquatic organisms and humans.

Credits

5

METX101 Sources and Fates of Pollutants

Presents in-depth important principles of environmental toxicology related to the introduction, transport, and fate of toxicants in aquatic and terrestrial environments, including environmental chemistry and biogeochemical cycles as well as exposure pathways and uptake by organisms. Additional emphasis placed on susceptibility and effects of toxicants across organ systems, toxicokinetic and biomarkers of exposure, and effects at the ecosystem level. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 201.

Credits

5

METX102 Cell and Molecular Toxicology

Emphases of biochemical, cellular, and organ system basis of intoxication, including dose-response relationships, biotransformation of toxicants, biochemical mechanisms underlying toxicity, factors influencing toxic action, and biomarkers of exposure. Emphasizes effects of various classes of toxins, including heavy metals and persistent synthetic organics, with a focus on susceptible biochemical/cellular processes of the central nervous, immune, hepatic, and renal target organ systems. Designed for advanced undergraduates. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 202. (Formerly Cellular and Organismal Toxicology.)

Credits

5

METX119 Microbiology

Cell and molecular biology of bacteria and their viruses, including applications in medicine, public health, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Credits

5

METX119L Microbiology Laboratory

An introduction to the principles and practices of laboratory microbiology, with a substantial presentation of optical microscopy. Students are billed a materials fee.

Credits

5

METX125 Practicing Safe Science

Introduces research safety principles and practices. Instructors and guest experts discuss research hazards and control measures. Students explore the safe use of research methods and materials via hands-on and outside exercises. Issues include compliance with hazardous waste and other environmental safety regulations.

Credits

2

METX135 Functional Anatomy

A rigorous systems-based course in anatomy. Lectures provide an overview of functional anatomy at all levels from the systems to the tissues. Provides a mechanistic understanding of the structures of the body as a foundation for human-health oriented studies. (Formerly BIOL 135.)

Credits

5

METX135C Cadaver Dissection Laboratory

Dissection of a human cadaver under the direction of an anatomy instructor.

Credits

2

METX135L Functional Anatomy Lab

Complements lecture course 135. Emphasizes nomenclature and recognition; includes the embryology and histology of bones, muscles, and internal organs, and the interactions between the systems of the body. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly BIOL 135L.)

Credits

2

METX140 Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes

Focuses on several aspects of prokaryotic molecular biology. Covers transcriptional regulation, translational regulation, DNA replication and segregation, protein secretion, transport of small molecules, control of metabolism, stress response, bacterial differentiation, signal transduction, biofilm formation, and motility. Strong focus on experimental techniques and approaches used in prokaryotic molecular biology. Focus on model bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 240.

Credits

5

METX144 Groundwater Contamination

Analyses of contemporary problems in groundwater contamination, based on current scientific understanding of contaminant transport in aquifers. Topics include both theoretical concepts and case studies.

Credits

5

METX145 Medical Geology

An interdisciplinary analysis of natural geochemical processes that impact human health and of anthropogenic processes that exacerbate those impacts.

Credits

5

METX150 Introduction to Research and Experimental Design

Lecture-based course for advanced undergraduates actively engaged in undergraduate research (e.g., independent study or senior thesis). Emphasizes basic lab skills, including laboratory safety and handling of laboratory equipment; experimental design; scientific record keeping; and literature searching, review, and management.

Credits

5

METX151 Scientific Writing and Presentation

For advanced undergraduates who are actively engaged in undergraduate research (e.g., independent study or senior thesis). Emphasizes the collection, reduction, analysis, management, and interpretation of scientific data; the presentation of scientific data in written and oral formats; and further development of critical thinking.

Credits

5

METX160 Coastal Environmental Toxicology and Policy

Interdisciplinary analysis of the scientific basis and policy development to regulate and manage environmental pollutants in coastal waters. Focuses on case studies involving aspects of environmental toxicology and policy including environmental monitoring and regulatory programs; ecosystem restoration; and regulating the environmental impacts of coastal development.

Credits

3

METX170 Drug Action and Development

Lectures and case studies explore principles and approaches in drug discovery and development, emphasizing concepts in pharmacology; medicinal chemistry; and genomics- and bioinformatics-based approaches to drug discovery to illustrate pathways from discovery through development for clinical use. Cannot receive credit for this course and course 270. (Formerly Frontiers in Drug Action and Discovery.)

Credits

5

METX195 Senior Thesis

An individually supervised course, with emphasis on independent research culminating in a senior thesis.

Credits

5

METX195F Senior Thesis

An individually supervised course with emphasis on independent research culminating in a senior thesis.

Credits

2

METX198 Independent Study

Provides for individual programs of study (a) by means other than the usual supervision in person or (b) when the student is doing all or most of the coursework off campus. With permission of the department, two or three courses may be taken concurrently, or the course repeated for credit.

Credits

5

METX198F Independent Study

Provides for individual programs of study (a) by means other than the usual supervision in person or (b) when the student is doing all or most of the coursework off campus. With permission of the department, two or three courses may be taken concurrently, or the course repeated for credit.

Credits

2

METX199 Tutorial

Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected topics.

Credits

5

METX199F Tutorial

Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected topics.

Credits

2

METX200 Interdisciplinary Approaches in Environmental Toxicology

Introduction to interdisciplinary, case-based approaches to problem-solving. Demonstrates how important, current problems in environmental and human health have been addressed and solved. Presents assigned problems that integrate the different organization levels (environmental, molecular/cellular, organismal/public health) inherent to environmental and human health. Students work in collaborative teams to analyze each problem and create a proposal for a research plan/solution.

Credits

5

METX201 Sources and Fates of Pollutants

Presents in-depth important principles of environmental toxicology related to the introduction, transport, and fate of toxicants in aquatic and terrestrial environments including environmental chemistry and biogeochemical cycles as well as exposure pathways and uptake by organisms. Additional emphasis will be placed on the susceptibility and effects of toxicants across organ systems, toxicokinetics and biomarkers of exposure, and effects at the ecosystem level. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 101.

Credits

5

METX202 Cell and Molecular Toxicology

Emphasizes biochemical, cellular, and organ system basis of intoxication, including dose-response relationships, biotransformation of toxicants, biochemical mechanisms underlying toxicity, factors influencing toxic action, and biomarkers of exposure. Emphasizes effects of various classes of toxins, including heavy metals and persistent synthetic organics, with a focus on susceptible biochemical/cellular processes of the central nervous, immune, hepatic, and renal target organ systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 102 or BIOL 122.. (Formerly Cellular and Organismal Toxicology.)

Credits

5

METX203 Cellular and Molecular Toxicology

Presents in-depth cellular and molecular principles of environmental toxicology. These include modes of action and cellular and molecular targets of toxicants, as well as mechanisms of cellular and molecular responses to toxicants and their detoxification. State-of-the-art biological methodologies and approaches to identify and study cellular targets of toxicants. Designed to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of the biological aspects of toxicology at both cellular and molecular levels, and the skills to approach emerging challenges in the field.

Credits

5

METX205 Scientific Grant Writing

Provides fundamental training of graduate students in the scientific method; experimental design; ethics in science; grant proposal and scientific writing; and data presentation and scientific speaking. Students are evaluated on class participation, performance, and a written NIH/NSF-style research proposal. (Formerly Scientific Skills, Ethics, and Writing.)

Credits

5

METX206A Advanced Microbiology

Focuses on aspects of bacterial molecular biology. Covers four main areas: (1) metabolism-catabolism, anabolism, building-block precursors; (2) transcription/signal transduction; (3) replication/plasmid biology/division; (4) translation/protein processing/secretion/cell structure. Strong focus on experimental techniques and approaches used in molecular biology, and on model bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.

Credits

5

METX210 Molecular and Cellular Basis of Bacterial Pathogenesis

Focuses on the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis with specific emphasis on gene expression, regulation, and ecology and evolution.

Credits

5

METX215 Antibiotics: Actions and Resistance

Critical review of scientific literature covering genetic and physiological mechanisms conferring resistance to antibiotics and their spread in the population. Format based on structured discussion of selected topics and original research proposal. (Formerly Seminar in Advanced Prokaryotic Molecular Biology.)

Credits

3

METX238 Pathogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Provides an overview of the mammalian innate immune response and the role of inflammation in disease. Also, presents how both environmental stressors and microbial pathogens impact inflammation.

Credits

5

METX240 Molecular Biology of Prokaryotes

Focuses on several aspects of prokaryotic molecular biology. Covers transcriptional regulation, translational regulation, DNA replication and segregation, protein secretion, transport of small molecules, control of metabolism, stress response, bacterial differentiation, signal transduction, biofilm formation, and motility. Strong focus on experimental techniques and approaches used in prokaryotic molecular biology. Focus on model bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 140.

Credits

5

METX245A Scientific Communication in Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology A

Introduces multiple forms of scientific presentation and communication to graduate students. Students learn to craft and deliver multiple types of written and visual communications, including formal and informal modes, on a topic developed as part of the class.

Credits

5

METX245B Scientific Communication in Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology B

Continuation of METX 245A. Students develop and refine a capstone in-depth report in a written form and as an oral presentation.

Credits

5

METX250 Environmental Microbiology

How microbes interact with their environments. Topics include anaerobic metabolism; biotransformation of toxic metals and organic pollutants; geomicrobiology; life in extreme environments; water quality. Advanced undergraduates with extensive background in microbiology and biology may enroll with permission of instructor.

Credits

5

METX270 Drug Action and Development

Lectures and case studies explore principles and approaches in drug discovery and development, emphasizing concepts in pharmacology; medicinal chemistry; and genomics- and bioinformatics-based approaches to drug discovery to illustrate pathways from discovery through development for clinical use. Cannot receive credit for this course and course 170. (Formerly Frontiers in Drug Action and Discovery.)

Credits

5

METX281A Topics in Environmental Toxicology

Selected topics in environmental toxicology. Topics vary from year to year.

Credits

5

METX281C Topics in Environmental Microbiology

Seminar and discussion focusing on mechanism of microbial transformation of metals. Participants present results from their research projects in a seminar format. Relevant journal articles presented and discussed.

Credits

2

METX281F Topics in Aquatic Toxicology

Analyses of the sources and fates of aquatic pollutants. Discussions on processes at the air-water interface, within the water column, and in aquatic sediments. Topics vary from year to year.

Credits

2

METX281M Topics in Molecular Toxicology

Seminar and discussion on the mechanisms of toxicity in DNA alkylating agents. Participants present results from their research, and relevant journal articles are discussed.

Credits

2

METX281O Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis

Intensive seminar focusing on mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis of the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Participants are required to present results from their own research and relevant journal articles.

Credits

2

METX281S Cellular and Organismal Responses to Toxicants

Intensive research seminar on the concepts, theory, and techniques in deriving physiologically based pharmacokinetic models of toxin exposure, metabolism, and efficacy of therapeutic treatment in mammalian models of human metal toxicity.

Credits

2

METX281V Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis and Innate Immunity

Focuses on the interplay between the human gut bacterial pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and the innate immune system of the host. Participants are required to present the goals, results, and conclusions from their own research. Participation in the general discussion during others' presentations is also required.

Credits

2

METX281Y Biofilms: Processes and Regulation

Intensive seminar series focusing on the most current work on genes and the processes that regulate biofilm development dynamics as well as on the recent developments on visualization of biofilms. Presentation and discussion based.

Credits

2

METX282 Current Approaches to Molecular Pathogenesis

Graduate level seminar focusing on the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause disease. Specific topics include basic concepts of virulence and virulence factors, virulence factor regulation, toxins, and interactions of pathogens with mammalian cells and organs. Discussions focus on several key pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimuruim, and Listeria monocytogenes.

Credits

2

METX290 Proseminar

Special topics offered from time to time by faculty, visiting professors, or staff members.

Credits

5

METX290A Epidemiology and Risk Assessment

Approaches different techniques of biological monitoring and the exposure and effect of biomarkers related to occupational and environmental exposure to chemicals. Available methods for risk assessment and identification of protective exposure limits also considered. (Formerly Biological Impact of Chemical Exposures.)

Credits

5

METX292 Introductory Graduate Seminar

Weekly seminars by academic and research faculty on their areas of special interest. Students write weekly abstracts on articles covered by the seminars.

Credits

0

METX297A Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for the thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

METX297B Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for the thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

10

METX297C Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for the thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

15

METX299A Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

METX299B Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

10

METX299C Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

15