Spring 2015 - MBB 428 D100

Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis (3)

Class Number: 3981

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2015
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 322 with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The molecular strategies that bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens use to colonize the human body and cause disease will be studied. Using specific organisms as illustrations, emphasis will be placed on the structural biology of molecular systems such as acquisition and use of virulence factors, adhesion to and invasion of host cells, secretion of toxins and immune escape. Prions, zoonoses and emerging diseases will be included. Students who have taken MBB 420 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

We will investigate the molecular strategies that microbes use to colonize the human body and cause disease. We will use specific organisms to illustrate molecular systems such as acquisition and use of virulence factors, adhesion to and invasion of host cells, secretion of toxins and immune escape. An emphasis will be placed on the structural biology of these systems. We will cover selected bacterial and viral pathogens as well as prions. We will also discuss antimicrobial interventions, specifically antibiotics, antivirals and vaccines, and the role of the human microbiome in health and disease.

Grading

  • Two midterm exams and a non-cumulative final exam 80%
  • Assignments 20%

NOTES:

Students who have taken MBB 420 under the same title cannot take this course for further credit.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

  • Students are advised to review the plagiarism tutorial found at
    http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/tutorials/plagiarism-tutorial
  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  csdo@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS