BIOL 52601 - Eukaryotic Microbiology

This upper-level course examines the origin, evolution, and diversity of major eukaryotic microbial groups including algae, fungi, and parasites (protozoans and helminths). Lecture topics include recent classification and taxonomic schemes, ecology of important lineages, and relevance to wildlife, animals and humans. Eukaryotic microbes are considered as the primary cause of human diseases throughout the world. We will analyze the complex life cycle of pathogenic fungi and parasites. We will also examine some of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that are a group of diseases causing significant problems often resulting in death in more than 1 billion people worldwide. We will discuss the origin and transmission patterns of fungal and parasitic diseases as well as evolutionary and ecological approaches that are now crucial to much research in the area of infectious diseases. Permission of department required.

Preparation for Course
P: BIOL 43700 C- equals the lowest passing grade.

Cr. 3.
Notes
Department Permission Required.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss basic terminology for diversity, taxonomy and nomenclature in Eukaryotic Microbiology.
2. Understand the origin of multicellularity and its relationship to the diversity and evolution of eukaryotic microbes.
3. Examine the evolutionary relationship between eukaryotic microbes and their hosts (plants, animals and humans) including the complex relationship between host immunity and pathogen immunoevasion.
4. Analyze recent developments in the field of molecular biology of eukaryotic pathogens.
5. Discuss an important question in eukaryotic microbiology by literature-driven research and experimental approaches and provide with answers or explanations.