Microbiology

This survey course in basic and medical microbiology focuses on the more common pathogenic microorganisms that cause morbidity and mortality in humans. The pattern of discussion is uniform: etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and pathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prevention.

This course focuses on fundamental immunological concepts applicable to most mammals, applying specific examples related to common veterinary species. The clinical immunology section of the course will incorporate case studies to apply basic immunology to veterinary disease, with emphasis on conditions most commonly encountered in practice (autoimmunity, hypersensitivities and cancer).

This course uses a didactic approach for a comprehensive coverage of immunology. Students are presented with information pertinent to fundamental principles of immunology, the cells and cell products involved in host defense mechanisms, their origin, function, and their roles in both health and infectious processes. The course is designed not only to instill basic principles in immunology but also to discuss important topics for clinical practice and research, including immunizations, immunodiagnostics, and immunologically-mediated diseases, disorders, and deficiencies.

This course presents basic aspects of the body’s defense system. Initial lectures address cells and organs of the immune system, complement activation, antigen processing and presentation, and cytokines. Introductory lectures are tied together later in the course with discussions of inflammation and the body’s response to infectious disease. The role of the immune system in the rejection of organ transplants, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, cancer, and AIDS are also discussed in detail. Current advances in immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis are emphasized.

This course presents the protozoan, helminth, and arthropod parasites of animals, including those causing zoonotic diseases. Lectures will focus on parasite morphology, biology, and disease manifestations. Laboratory sessions will be sporadically introduced to reinforce lecture material and provide students with opportunities to gain experience in identification of clinically relevant parasites.

Fall quarter of this two-quarter series uses a hybrid didactic and workshop approach for a comprehensive coverage of medical microbiology. This course sequence includes discussion of basic classification, structure, metabolism and genetics of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, as well as discussion of individual pathogens in the context of infectious disease. The infectious disease portion uses an organ systems approach, focusing on basic morphologic, culture and diagnostic modalities, physiology, virulence determinants, epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, and management of disease with special emphasis on factors pertinent to clinical medicine and public health. Clinical correlations and case presentations are featured for each organ system.

Winter quarter of this two-quarter series uses a hybrid didactic and workshop approach for a comprehensive coverage of medical microbiology. This course sequence includes discussion of basic classification, structure, metabolism and genetics of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, as well as discussion of individual pathogens in the context of infectious disease. The infectious disease portion of each course uses an organ systems approach, focusing on basic morphologic, culture and diagnostic modalities, physiology, virulence determinants, epidemiology, host-pathogen interactions, and management of disease with special emphasis on factors pertinent to clinical medicine and public health. Clinical correlations and case presentations are featured for each organ system.

This course concentrates on diseases in domestic animals caused by pathogenic bacteria. Lectures emphasize basic properties of microorganisms, including identification and pathogenesis and will include discussions on diagnosis and treatment of important veterinary infectious diseases. Laboratory instruction includes basic bacteriology laboratory techniques, with hands-on application of the didactic content. 

This course will present lectures on the biology and morphology of fungal and viral pathogens of importance in veterinary medicine with emphasis on pathogenic mechanisms and will include discussions on diagnosis and treatment of important veterinary infectious diseases. Laboratory instruction includes basic mycology and virology laboratory techniques, with hands-on application of the didactic content.