MBIO 600 Laboratory Rotations in Microbiology and Immunology (1-2)
Prerequisite: None. Research experience in different faculty members' laboratories in areas of interest to the student. The purpose is to help the student select a Research Advisor. Acceptance by the faculty members is required. The course consists of one or two laboratory rotations (one rotation/semester) with one credit hour per rotation. This course may be taken more than once if necessary. Pass/Fail grading.

MBIO 601 Molecular Microbiology (2)
Prerequisite: None. This course is an introduction to microbiology, focusing on the molecular make-up, function, and diversity of microorganisms, primarily bacteria. The pathogenic potential of bacteria will also be explored. Graded. Fall semester only.

MBIO 602 Immunology (3)
Prerequisite: BIOC 640 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
An introduction to the mechanics of the immune system at cellular and molecular levels including: identification of the cells of the immune system and their roles in the various immune responses, the role and mechanisms of intercellular communication in induction and regulation of immune responses, and mechanisms of gene rearrangement in formation of the receptors of the immune system. The cellular and molecular mechanisms are presented in the contexts of the generation of acute inflammatory responses, antibody responses, cytotoxic responses, hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmunity.

MBIO 604 General Virology(1) 
This is an introductory course that focuses on building basic virology concepts including the basic replicationsteps common to viruses, entry, replication and egress, interaction of virus with host cellular proteins during thereplication cycle, general virus replication cycle, how and why some viruses cause disease (viralpathogenesis), and how viral diseases spread (mode of transmission), and current approaches of vaccines andantivirals. Format: lectures, student presentations. Graded.

MBIO 606 Seminar (1)
Prerequisite: None. Pass/Fail grading. Fall and spring semesters only.

MBIO 610 Methods and Analysis in the Biomedical Sciences (2)
The primary goal of the Methods and Analysis course is to provide first year graduate students with the conceptual framework to become familiar with key tools and techniques used in biomedical science research. We will examine the kind of information the methodology can provide, the strengths and weaknesses of the approach and how data obtained can be judged and used to address scientific problems. Graded. Fall semester only.

MBIO 618 Topics in Advanced Microbiology (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Graded. Fall, spring and summer semesters.

MBIO 619 Research (1-12) 
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Pass/Fail grading. Fall, spring and summer semesters.

MBIO 621 Advanced Immunology: Innate and Adaptive Immunity (2)
Pre-requisite: MBIO 602 Immunology or consent of instructor. This is an advanced interdisciplinary graduate level course focused on acquiring deeper knowledge about cells and associated concepts involved in innate and acquired immunity. The cells include dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, innate lymphoid cells, NK cells and T cells. Concepts such as cell differentiation, development, activation and function, antigen presentation, thymic selection, and cell cross-talk will be discussed. Format: short lectures, analysis of pertinent high-profile papers. Graded. Spring semester only.

MBIO 622 Advanced Immunology of Disease(2)
Pre-requisite: MBIO 602  Immunology or consent of instructor. The course focuses on the immune system in the context of disease with particular emphasis on Autoimmunity, Cancer, and Transplantation, and in particular, the cellular and molecular components of immune responses that perpetuate or protect against graft rejection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Format: short lectures, analysis of pertinent high-profile papers. Graded. Fall semester only.

This course will teach students writing and presentation skills necessary to compete successfully for grant funding, and more generally to succeed as a scientist. Topics covered in this course include how to write Abstract. Specific aims, Significance and Approach sections, and how to prepare an effective biosketch. Didactic lectures on these topics will be combined with in class presentations by students. Pass/Fail grading. Fall semester only

MBIO 631 Dental Microbiology & Immunology (5)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Offered at the School of Dentistry.
A general course in infectious diseases and immunology. Special emphases are placed on oral infections, immune phenomena, and natural resistance mechanisms. Specific topics include the human immune response, pathogenesis of microbial infections, molecular and microbiological basis of periodontal diseases, pulp and periapical infections and cariogenesis. Graded. Summer semester only.

MBIO 687 Microbial Pathogenesis (2)
Prerequisite: MBIO 601 and BIOC 645, or consent of instructor. Deals with the general principles of host-parasite interactions, with emphasis on the pathogenetic mechanisms of bacteria, fungi and parasites in the human environment. Descriptions of specific diseases will emphasize microbial virulence factors and current research models. Molecular approaches for studying these mechanisms will be discussed. Alternate years/spring semesters. Graded.

MBIO 689 Microbiota in Health and Disease(2)
This is an advanced interdisciplinary graduate level class focused on composition of the microbiota and its role in health and various diseases from birth through death. These diseases include allergies, irritable bowel disease, metabolic diseases and cancer. Factors that influence composition of the microbiota, such as breast vs formula feeding infants, antibiotic treatment, diet in adulthood, hygiene, and the consequences on various diseases, such as obesity and metabolic diseases, will be discussed. The role of fecal transplants, probiotics and prebiotics in alleviating the harmful effects of imbalance of the microbiota will be discussed. Format: short lectures, analysis of pertinent high-profile papers. Graded. Fall semester only.