Microbial Diversity & Pathogenesis (lab)
- course no.: BIOL-376
- format: laboratory
- credit units: 0.5/1 alternating years
- requirements fulfilled: BIOL major, elective, research credit, laboratory
- Prerequisites:
- offered: Spring Semester
Course Description: This course is structured in three units:
UNIT 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF MICROBIOLOGY
You will be given two unidentified strains of bacteria. Your goal is to identify these species by conducting a series of diagnostic biochemical and physiological tests. In order to be successful at this endeavor, you will need to learn and practice the fundamentals of basic microbiology laboratory techniques including, aseptic technique, isolation and purification of bacteria, propagation of a stock cultures and inoculation techniques.
UNIT 2: AUTHENTIC RESEARCH
As a class and in pairs, you will work on a long-term national research project investigating the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment (PARE). In this project you will isolate novel bacterial strains from the environment and screen them for antibiotic resistance genes. Your findings will contribute to an ongoing nationwide research project.
UNIT 3: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT (IRP)
After completing an NSF style Graduate Research Fellowship research proposal, you will work in a group of 2-3 students to carry out your proposed research. Independent research projects stem from ongoing research projects in the laborites of faculty in the Department of Biology, the Perelman School of Medicine, and the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Link to syllabus