MB - Microbiology


MB (BCH) 101Introduction to Microbiology and Biochemistry Laboratory PracticesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Curricular bridge between high school and college for high school and transitional students. A "hands on" introduction to fundamentals in Microbiology and Biochemistry. Bacterial isolation, identification and growth using aseptic technique, microscopy, and metabolic analysis. Experiments with DNA isolation and analysis, protein isolation, and purification, and enzyme kinetics. Lectures and readings on background, theory and applications of these techniques. Field trips to university and industry research laboratories. This course is part of the Summer College in Biotechnology and Life Sciences (SCIBLS) as well as other pre-college, transitional and early-college programs and is offered as 4 week intensive course. Applicants should have completed high school courses in biology and chemistry. Students must have completed no more than 30 credit hours. Departmental approval is required for current NCSU students.


MB 103Introductory Topics in MicrobiologyUNITS: 1 - Offered in Spring Only
Introduction to scope and objectives of university education. Emphasis on microbiology. Career opportunities, computers, university resources.


MB (BEC) 180Introduction to Applied BioprocessingUNITS: 3
Curricular bridge between high school and college for high school and transitional students. Fundamental cell biology concepts pertaining to biomanufacturing. Students gain an understanding of the basic principles of microbiology, culture preparation, physiology, and genetics of microbial cell cultures. Team-based decisions, collaborations and consideration of multiple perspectives are emphasized. Practical experience in laboratory and culture techniques used in biomanufacturing. Transportation will be provided for field trips. This course is part of the Summer College in Biotechnology and Life Sciences (SCIBLS), as well as other pre-college, transitional and early-college programs. Suitable for students with less than 30 credit hours.


MB 200Microbiology and World AffairsUNITS: 3
An integrated and comprehensive study of the microbial world and its influence on global events and human affairs.


MB (BIT) 210Phage HuntersUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
This course offers first-year students an opportunity for mentored research. Students will apply the scientific method to make novel discoveries. Students will isolate and characterize naturally-occurring bacteriophage (viruses that infect bacteria, but not humans) from the environment. They will present their data to each other, and the genome of one phage will be sequenced. Students have the option to continue in a second semester to annotate that genome, culminating in a submission to genbank and a poster presentation. Students in the course are part of the National Genome Research Initiative funded by The Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Student should have had a high school biology course before taking this course.


MB (BIT) 211Phage GenomicsUNITS: 2 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BIT(MB) 210
This course offers first-year students an opportunity for mentored research. Student will apply the scientific method to make novel discoveries. Students will build on the work they began in BIT/MB 210; The novel phage isolated in the previous semester will undergo genome sequencing over winter break, and in this course students will learn to analyze and annotate the genome sequence. This semester will culminate in a submission to genbank and a poster presentation. Students in the course are part of the national genome research initiative funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.


MB (BEC) 320Fundamentals of Microbial Cell CultureUNITS: 2 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: BIO 183
This is a half-semester course. This introductory module addresses fundamental cell biology concepts and enables students to gain an understanding of the basic principles of microbiology, culture preparation, physiology and genetics of microbial cell cultures. The lab portion of the course provides students with practical experience in basic laboratory and culture techniques. Students who have completed MB 352 may not take this course for credit.


MB 325Fundamentals of Microbial Cell BiotransformationsUNITS: 2
Prerequisite: BEC(MB) 320 or MB 352
This is a half-semester course. Basic microbial cell culture theory and practice: cell physiology, mass balances, and metabolic control as seen in a dynamic bioreactor culture. The biological understanding, mathematical models, and engineering controls that enable a bioreactor process to be scalable, consistent, and robust. The lab portion of the course provides students with hands-on experience in culture techniques using bioreactors. Students who have completed BIT(CHE) 463 may not take this course for credit.


MB 351General MicrobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: One Biology course (BIO 181, BIO 183, ZO 150 or ZO 160) and one Organic Chemistry course (CH 221 or CH 220)
Rigorous introduction to basic principles of microbiology for students in biological and agricultural sciences and for all students planning to take further courses in microbiology.


MB 352General Microbiology LaboratoryUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Corequisite: MB 351
Laboratory experience in general microbiology. Aseptic technique, isolation and identification of bacteria, staining and microscopy. Enumeration of bacteria and viruses.


MB (FS) (FS) 405Food MicrobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351
Microorganisms of importance in foods and their metabolic activities. Source of microbial contamination during food production, processing and storage. Microbial spoilage; foods as vectors of human pathogens. Physical and chemical destruction of microorganisms in foods and the kinetics involved. Conversions of raw foods by microorganisms into food products. Microbiological standards for regulatory and trade purposes. Cedit will not be given for both FS/MB 405 and FS/MB 505.


MB (FS) (FS) 406Food Microbiology LabUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351 and Corequisite: FS 405 or FS 505
Laboratory experience to complement FS/MB 405. Skills in detecting and quantitating microorganisms and their toxins in foods. Application of colony and direct microscopic counts, most probable numbers, enzyme immunoassays, nucleic acid probes and computer modeling are used to understand the numbers and types of microorganisms or microbial end products in foods. Laboratory safety and oral and written reports are emphasized.


MB 411Medical MicrobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351
Comprehensive study of microbial pathogenesis and mammalian host resistance. Diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of common human diseases of microbial origin.


MB 412Medical Microbiology LaboratoryUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Only
Laboratory experience to complement MB 411. Techniques of detection, growth and identification of bacteria and viruses relevant in clinical microbiology laboratories. Good laboratory practices (GLP) and safety stressed.


MB 414Microbial Metabolic RegulationUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351, BCH 451
An integrative perspective on bacterial physiology and metabolism through an analysis of metabolic regulatory functions.


MB (BEC) 420Fundamentals of Microbial Cell BiotransformationsUNITS: 2 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: BEC(MB) 320 or MB 352
This is a half-semester course. Basic microbial cell culture theory and practice: cell physiology, mass balances, and metabolic control as seen in a dynamic bioreactor process to be scalable, consistent, and robust. The lab portion of the course provides students with hands-on experience in culture techniques using bioreactors. Students who have completed BIT (CHE) 463 may not take BEC (MB) 420 for credit.


MB 441ImmunologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351
Introduction to principles of molecular immunology. Overview of immune system development and function, and discussions of ongoing scientific research regarding immune regulation.


MB 451Microbial DiversityUNITS: 4 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: MB 411/412 and either GN 311 or BCH 451
Molecular, biochemical and evolutionary diversity of the microbial world, including Bacteria (a.k.a. eubacteria), Archaea (archaebacteria), and unicellular Eucarya (eukaryotes). Evolutionary perspective on microbial relationships, molecular methodsof study and classical and modern biotechnological methods utilizing this genetic diversity to meet the needs of our own species.


MB 455Microbial BiotechnologyUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: MB 351 and GN 311
Introduction to industrial microbiology with focus on biotechnology including developments employing recombinant nucleic acid and monoclonal antibody techniques. Bioremediation, industrial enzymes, transgenic plants, biopesticides, medical diagnostics, recombinant vaccines production of important secondary metabolites, and other topics. Field trips to local biotechnology companies.


MB 461Introduction to Molecular VirologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: MB 351, MB 411
Introduction to principles of molecular virology. Overview of classification and nomenclature, virus structure, interaction of viruses with cells, organisms (immunology, pathology), and populations (epidemiology). Detailed case studies from major groups of viruses; picornaviruses, togaviruses, orthomyxoviruses, retroviruses, polyomaviruses, and herpesviruses.


MB 480Current Issues in MicrobiologyUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: SMB majors or minors, Senior standing, and MB 351
Library research on current topics in all areas of microbiology. Presentation of research results orally and in the form of a major term paper.


MB 492External Learning ExperienceUNITS: 1-6 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
A learning experience in agriculture and life sciences within an academic framework that utilizes facilities and resources which are external to the campus. Contact and arrangements with prospective employers must be initiated by student and approved by a faculty adviser, the prospective employer, the departmental teaching coordinator and the academic dean prior to the experience.


MB 493Special Problems in MicrobiologyUNITS: 1-6 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
A learning experience in agriculture and life sciences within an academic framework that utilizes campus facilities and resources. Contact and arrangements with prospective employers must be initiated by student and approved by a faculty adviser, the prospective employer, the departmental teaching coordinator and the academic dean prior to the experience.


MB 495Special Topics in MicrobiologyUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Offered as needed to present materials not normally available in regular course offerings or for offering of new courses on a trial basis.


MB (PB) (PP) 501Biology of Plant PathogensUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: PP 315, or PP 318, or an introductory course in microbiology
Biology of microbes that cause plant diseases. The ecology, genetics, physiology, taxonomy, and mechanisms of parasitism, pathogenicity and virulence of bacteria (and other prokaryotes), fungi (and oomycetes), nematodes, and viruses that cause plant diseases. Prepares graduate students for advanced courses in plant pathology, host-parasite interactions, and provides a knowledge base for students in other disciplines involved with plant pathogens or who seek to broaden their knowledge of microbes.


MB (FS) (FS) 505Food MicrobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351
Microorganisms of importance in foods and their metabolic activities. Source of microbial contamination during food production, processing and storage. Microbial spoilage; foods as vectors of human pathogens. Physical and chemical destruction of microorganisms in foods and the kinetics involved. Conversions of raw foods by microorganisms into food products. Microbiological standards for regulatory and trade purposes. Cedit will not be given for both FS/MB 405 and FS/MB 505.


MB (FS) (FS) 506Food Microbiology LabUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351 and Corequisite: FS 405 or FS 505
Laboratory experience to complement FS/MB 405. Skills in detecting and quantitating microorganisms and their toxins in foods. Application of colony and direct microscopic counts, most probable numbers, enzyme immunoassays, nucleic acid probes and computer modeling are used to understand the numbers and types of microorganisms or microbial end products in foods. Laboratory safety and oral and written reports are emphasized.


MB (SSC) 532Soil MicrobiologyUNITS: 4
Prerequisite: MB 351, CH 220
Soil as a medium for microbial growth, the relation of microbes to important mineral transformations in soil, the importance of biological equilibrium and significance of soil microbes to environmental quality.


MB (PB) (PP) 575Introduction to MycologyUNITS: 4 - Offered Alternate Even Years, Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BS 125 or BS 181 and 183 or BO 200 or PP 315 or PP 318
A survey of the fungal kingdom in context of phyla and classes. Systematics, ecology, biology and utilization. Illustrative material, cultural techniques in laboratories. Collection and paper required.


MB 590Topical ProblemsUNITS: 1-3
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Informal group discussion of prepared topics assigned by instructor.


MB 601SeminarUNITS: 1 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring


MB 610Special Topics MicrobiologyUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer


MB 620Special ProblemsUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer


MB 624Topical ProblemsUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Graduate standing


MB 670Laboratory Research MethodsUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Directed research of microbiology graduate students in departmental laboratories prior to selecting thesis research topic. Selection of a minimum of three laboratories for research experience lasting 3 to 5 weeks. Acquisition of research methods relevant to each laboratory. Microbiology graduate students only.


MB 680Microbiology Research PresentationsUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Essential elements of structure, delivery, data presentation and use of media in scientific research seminars. Presentation and evaluation of student seminars. Coverage of topical material in microbiology as determined by instructor. Microbiology graduate students only.


MB 685Master's Supervised TeachingUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.


MB 686Teaching ExperienceUNITS: 1 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Microbiology Graduate student
Faculty mentoring in didactic and methodological aspects of teaching, including instructional technology as well as design and grading of assessment instruments. Provision of individual performance evaluations to encourage enhancement of teaching skills. Microbiology graduate students only.


MB 688Non-Thesis Masters Continuous Registration - Half Time RegistrationUNITS: 1 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain half-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc.


MB 689Non-Thesis Master Continuous Registration - Full Time RegistrationUNITS: 3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
For students in non-thesis master's programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain full-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master's exam, etc. Students may register for this course a maximum of one semester.


MB 690Master's ExaminationUNITS: 1-6 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
For students in non thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam.


MB 693Master's Supervised ResearchUNITS: 1-9 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.


MB 695Master's Thesis ResearchUNITS: 1-9 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
Thesis research.


MB 696Summer Thesis ResearchUNITS: 1 - Offered in Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.


MB 699Master's Thesis PreparationUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Master's student
For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their theses.


MB 703Microbial DiversityUNITS: 2 - Offered Alternate Years, Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: MB 351
Introduction to theory and practice of bacterial taxonomy. Historical view of significant developments; classification into phrenetic and phylogenetic; modern approaches of chemotaxonomy and numerical taxonomy; identification methods; interactions and biotechnology, ecology, genetics and pathology. The role of microbial culture collections.


MB 705Biological Scanning Electron MicroscopyUNITS: 2
Prerequisite: Graduate standing with some biological background
On demand. Theory and application of scanning electron microscopy, including specimen preparation, microscope alignment and operation, performance evaluation, interpretation of problems and darkroom technique. (Limited to 8 students with prior approval of instructor.)


MB 710Biological Transmission Electron MicroscopyUNITS: 3
Prerequisite: Graduate standing with some biological background
On demand. Theoretical and practical aspects of transmission electron microscopy, including microscope alignment and use, performance evaluation, interpretation of problems and darkroom techniques. (Limited to 8 students with prior approval of instructor.)


MB 711Ultramicrotomy For Life SciencesUNITS: 2
Prerequisite: MB 710, Graduate standing
On demand. An intensive laboratory course covering sample preparative techniques for transmission electron microscopy, including tissue preparation, thick sectioning, staining and ultramicrotomy. (Limited to 8 students with prior approval of instructor.)


MB 714Microbial Metabolic RegulationUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 351, BCH 451
An integrative perspective on bacterial physiology and metabolism through analysis of metabolic regulatory functions. Credit in both MB 414 and MB 714 is not allowed


MB (PP) 715Applied Evolutionary Analysis of Population Genetic DataUNITS: 3
This course will introduce nonparametric and model-based methods for making inferences on population processes (mutation, migration, drift, recombination, and selection). The goal is to provide a conceptual overview of these methods and hands-on training on how to implement and interpret the results. Sample data sets in computer laboratories will integrate summary statistic, cladistic, coalescent, and bayesian approaches to examine population processes in different pathosystems with specific emphasis on eukaryotic microbes, viruses and bacteria.


MB 718Introductory VirologyUNITS: 3 - Offered Alternate Odd Years, Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: BCH 451 or GN 411 or MB 351
Introduction to principles of virology including: classification and nomenclature, epidemiology, structure, genome replication, gene expression strategies and cellular infection cycle. Major groups of viruses including those with DNA genomes and positive-sense or negative-sense RNA genomes.


MB (FS) 725Fermentation MicrobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered Alternate Years, Offered in Spring Only
Fermentation bioprocessing and characteristics, function and ecology of responsible microorganisms. Fermentative activities, growth responses and culture interactions related to metabolism, physiology and genetics of lactic acid bacteria and selected yeasts and molds. Current developments in starter culture technology and genetics; application to food and industrial fermentations.


MB (GN) (PB) (PP) 730Fungal Genetics and PhysiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered Alternate Years, Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BCH 451, BO 775, GN 411 or PP 501
Basic concepts of genetics and physiology of fungi, with emphasis on saprophytic and plant pathogenic mycelial fungi. Current literature on evolution, cell structure, growth and development, gene expression, metabolism, sexual and asexual reproduction and incompatibility systems. Laboratory exercises on mutant isolation, sexual and parasexual analysis, genetic transformation, and RFLP and isozyme analysis.


MB 735Pathogenic MicrobiologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Focuses on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis: bacterial stategies to subvert host defenses; host defense mechanisms; virulence gene regulation; pathogen evolution. The course is lecture and research article based; it requires a written paper and an in-class presentation.


MB (IMM) 751ImmunologyUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BCH 451, GN 411, MB 351
Introduction to mechanisms of immunity in man and animals. Emphasis on interactions between cells of the immune system in production of immune responses and the molecules in control of these interactions.


MB (CBS) (IMM) (PHY) (PO) 756ImmunogeneticsUNITS: 3 - Offered Alternate Years, Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB 501C or MB 751
Basic concepts of the immune system. Genetic basis of the immune response including immunoglobulin genetics, major histocompatibility complexes and their role in the immune response, the molecular basis of the immune system and effector mechanisms.


MB (GN) 758Prokaryotic Molecular GeneticsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Spring Only
Prerequisite: BCH 451, GN 411
Structure and function in prokaryotic molecular genetics, with emphasis on mutations and mutagenic pathways, transcriptional and translational regulation, RNA processing, DNA replication and recombination and characterization of recombinant DNA molecules. Applications of genetic and recombinant DNA techniques to microbial processes, including strain construction and enhancement of gene expression.


MB 771Molecular Virology Of Animal VirusesUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Only
Animal virus replication. Selected examples from each virus group illustrate principles underlying lytic, persistent and tumor-inducing viral infection.


MB (PB) 774PhycologyUNITS: 3 - Offered Alternate Odd Years, Offered in Spring Only
Introduction to taxonomy, morphology, reproduction and ecological importance of organisms which may be included in the algae. Attention to local freshwater flow and physiology of selected species in relation to algal blooms, water quality and nutrient loading in aquatic habitats.


MB (CBS) (IMM) 783Advanced ImmunologyUNITS: 3 - Offered Alternate Odd Years, Offered in Fall Only
Prerequisite: MB (IMM) 751
In depth study of the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunity, including antigen processing and presentation, T cell development, initiation of the immune response, effector mechanisms, and immunological memory. The course is designed for advanced graduate students who wish to focus on the current concepts in immunology.


MB 790Topical ProblemsUNITS: 3 - Offered in Fall Spring Summer


MB 801SeminarUNITS: 1 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring


MB 810Special Topics MicrobiologyUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer


MB 820Special ProblemsUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer


MB 824Topical ProblemsUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Prerequisite: Graduate standing


MB 870Doctoral Lab RotationsUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall and Spring
Directed research of microbiology graduate students in departmental laboratories prior to selecting thesis research topic. Selection of a minimum of three laboratories for research experience lasting 3 to 5 weeks. Acquisition of research methods relevant to each laboratory. Microbiology graduate students only.


MB 880Doctoral Microbiology Research PresentationsUNITS: 1 - Offered in Fall and Spring
Essential elements of structure, delivery, data presentation and use of media in scientific research seminars. Presentation and evaluation of student seminars. Coverage of topical material in microbiology as determined by instructor. Microbiology graduate students only.


MB 885Doctoral Supervised TeachingUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.


MB 886Teaching ExperienceUNITS: 1 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Microbiology Graduate student
Faculty mentoring in didactic and methodological aspects of teaching, including instructional technology as well as design and grading of assessment instruments. Provision of individual performance evaluations to encourage enhancement of teaching skills. Microbiology graduate students only.


MB 890Doctoral Preliminary ExaminationUNITS: 1-9 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
For students who are preparing for and taking written and/or oral preliminary exams.


MB 893Doctoral Supervised ResearchUNITS: 1-9 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.


MB 895Doctoral Dissertation ResearchUNITS: 1-9 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
Dissertation research.


MB 896Summer Dissertation ResearchUNITS: 1 - Offered in Summer
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.


MB 899Doctoral Dissertation PreparationUNITS: 1-3 - No Course Evaluation, Offered in Fall Spring Summer
Prerequisite: Doctoral student
For students who have completed all credit hour, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.