Contacts

Director
Martha Haviland, Ph.D.

Director of Advising
Anne Carr-Schmid, Ph.D.

Coordinator of Academic Services
Cathie Alia

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Quicklinks

Course Descriptions

01:447:392 Pathogenic Microbiology

  • Semester Offered: Spring
  • Credits: 3
  • Course URL: Canvas

Prerequisites 

General Biology 01:119:115-116-117 and General Chemistry 01:160:161-162-171 (or higher) and Organic Chemistry 01:160:307. It is recommended that students have a background in introductory microbiology, human physiology, and/or anatomy and physiology.

Course Description 

This upper-level lecture course introduces fundamental concepts of medical microbiology and immunology. It can be used to fulfill the elective requirements for Genetics and Life Science majors with a strong background in Biological Sciences pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.                              

This course integrates basic microbiology and infectious diseases. In the first half, students will establish a conceptual foundation covering microbial classification, growth, heredity, pathogenicity, antimicrobial chemotherapy, and host defenses. Subsequently, each week, the course will introduce the students to one real-life patient case study. Within these case studies, students will delve into patient history, differential diagnosis, clinical cues, laboratory data, pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention for each particular disease.                                         

Course Syllabus

Spring 2026 Syllabus (accessible)

Course Satisfies Learning Goals 

By the end of the course, students will develop a strong foundation in microbiological principles and immunology, which are crucial for careers in microbiology, healthcare, and related fields. They will achieve comprehensive knowledge about the pathogenesis of some important disease-causing microorganisms, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options.  

Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy

The assessments will include weekly assignments, six bi-weekly quizzes, and a cumulative final. 

Course Materials

Required:

Medical Microbiology for the New Curriculum: A case-based approach; Roberta Carey, Mindy Schuster,  Karin L McGowen. 1st Pub Wiley 12/10/2007 ISBN 9780471479338

Microbiology: Principles and Explorations, 10th Edition, J.G. Black, 2018, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-119-39011-4

Recommended:

Microbiology by OpenStax. Digital ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-23-4 and Hardcover Print ISBN-13: 978-1-938168-14-7 (This textbook is available for free download at the OpenStax website. 

Course Closed? 

If this course is closed, please add your name to request an spn  for the course under the Department of Genetics section of the SPN Request Page.  Please note the system does not notify students unless they can be accommodated in the course. SPNs are distributed throughout the remainder of the semester and through the drop/add period. We ask that if you are provided an spn for a course and choose not to use it, please notify our offices at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  so we may provide it to the next student.

Faculty

Dr. Haiyang Lu

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.