PhD Program

Program Overview

All Faculty

Faculty Research Groups            - Click Banner Insignias

Admissions

Info for MSTP applicants

Info for Current Students

Class Offerings

Curriculum

Financial Support

Annual Research Retreat

Research Seminars Calendar

Med-Into-Grad Program

Local Scientific Resources

Burnham Institute

The UCSD Cancer Center

Ludwig Institute, UCSD

Scripps Research Institute

Salk Institute

Integrative Microbiology I/II

Units: 4
Quarter: Wi
Location: TBA
Time: TBA

This 2-quarter graduate-level course explores multiple facets of the microbial sciences. Its purpose is to view the evolution of microorganisms and viruses through their metabolic versatility, role in biogeochemical cycles, and interactions with one another and higher organisms in symbiosis and parasitism. Overarching themes will be presented that transcend the traditional subfields of microbiology. The six sections offered during the first quarter are:

1. Overview of the microbial world
2. Microbial structure and function
3. The quest for food
4. How food is used
5. The cycle of matter
6. DNA replication and cell division, plasmids and phage

The five sections offered during the second quarter are

1. Microbial differentiation as an adaptive mechanism
2. Occupying sites in nature
3. Mutualism
4. Parasitism
5. Eukaryotic viruses

Faculty members from the School of Medicine, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Scripps Inst. of Oceanography as well as from San Diego State university will participate in lectures and critical analyses of scientific literature. Grading will be based on take-home midterm and final exams and the presentation and analysis of a journal article. The two quarter sequence is offered in the Winter and Spring quarters. Instructors:Bartlett/Schaechter

Purpose

• To acquaint students with structural and functional properties of microorganisms (what are microbes?)
• To acquaint students with the role of microbes in the world.
• To emphasize the integrative aspects of microbiology

Philosophy and Style

• The overarching philosophical theme should be ecology (survival in environments as varied as the human body, soils, and the ocean) and evolution. These transcend all branches of microbiology.
• The style should allow us to share with students our enthusiasm for microbes. Student should actively participate in class. The approach should be “case” oriented and not too concerned with coverage.
• Attention should be paid to overlaps with other courses (a variable feast that will need yearly attention).
• The assumption is made that all students will have a general background in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology. General microbiology will not be a prerequisite, but many students will probably have taken one
  

Winter 2004 Syllabus and Reading

Spring 2004 Syllabus and Reading

Questions or comments about the program?
©2008 UCSD/Burnham Molecular Pathology Graduate Program