Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MBB 328 D100

Introduction to Microbial Pathogenesis (3)

Class Number: 5129

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231 with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The molecular strategies that bacterial and viral pathogens use to colonize the human body and cause disease will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on the specific microbes and their virulence factors, secretion systems, toxins and surface adhesions. Strategies for combating microbial infections - antibiotics, antiviral agents and vaccines - will be discussed in detail. Students with credit for MBB 428 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description:

We will examine the molecular mechanisms by which microbial pathogens colonize the human body and cause disease. Emphasis will be placed on selected microbes and their structure/morphology, genetics, virulence factors, secretion systems, toxins and surface adhesions. Strategies for combating microbial infections, including antibiotics, antiviral agents and vaccines, will be discussed in detail. Students with credit for MBB 428 may not take this course for further credit.

Course Details:

Host immune response
Overview of virus structure

Selected viral pathogens:

- Polio virus

- Coronaviruses including SARS-CoV2
- Influenza virus

- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

- Human papilloma virus (HPV)

- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Antiviral agents and resistance mechanisms

Selected bacterial pathogens:

- Listeria monocytogenes

- Streptococci, Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus

- Pseudomonas aeruginosa

- pathogenic E. coli

- Klebsiella pneumoniae

Antibiotics and resistance mechanisms
Selected fungal pathogen & parasite

Vaccines
Human microbiota

Grading

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

NOTES:

 



Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Wilson, A.B. (2023). Introduction to Microbial Pathogenesis for Simon Fraser University ePDF.
ISBN: 9781394230235

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • 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 Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.