Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - MBB 428 D100

Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis (3)

Class Number: 5408

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2016
    Wed, 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:

Course Description

This course examines the molecular strategies that bacterial and viral pathogens use to colonize the human body and cause disease, with an emphasis on specific organisms and their virulence factors and systems. Strategies for combating microbial infections - antibiotics, antiviral agents and vaccines - will be discussed in detail.


Course Details

This is a lecture-based course with three 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute tutorial each week. Lecture topics include bacterial and viral biology and structure, virulence mechanisms and host response, as well as antibiotics, antiviral agents and vaccines and the role of the human microbiota in health and disease. Lectures will focus on individual pathogens and the diseases they cause. An emphasis will be placed on the structural biology of these virulence systems. Students are expected to attend all lectures and complete weekly assignments. Tutorials are optional and will feature a review of the assignments and lecture material. There are 10 assignments, each worth 4% of the course grade, and 3 non-cumulative exams, each worth 20% of the course grade. The third exam will be given during the final exam period.

Grading

  • Two midterm exams and a non-cumulative final exam 60%
  • Assignments 40%

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