The purpose of this advanced graduate-level course is to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the genetic mechanisms that govern bacterial physiology, adaptation, evolution, and interactions with their environments. The course examines the fundamental processes of DNA replication, transcription, translation, protein folding and secretion, and explores how these processes are regulated through promoters, sigma factors, transcriptional regulators, quorum sensing, and regulatory RNAs. Students will investigate the genetic basis of complex bacterial behaviors, including motility, biofilm formation, phase and antigenic variation, and host-pathogen interactions, while gaining insight into microbial genome organization and evolution. Through critical evaluation of primary scientific literature, student-led presentations, and analysis of contemporary research, students will develop the advanced knowledge and analytical skills necessary to interpret bacterial genetic systems and apply modern genetic concepts to research in molecular microbiology, infectious diseases, biotechnology and related fields.

MCB 3020 is an introductory general microbiology course designed for undergraduates pursuing degrees in biological and health sciences. The course is comprised of four modules on microbial cell structure and function, genetics, growth and metabolism, and infectious diseases. Students will get introduced to the history of microbial discovery and observations that lead to the development of microbiology as a scientific discipline. Then learn about microbial diversity and classification, cell structures, genome maintenance and replication, cell division, gene regulation, transcription, translation, central metabolism and environmental adaptation, immunity, infectious diseases and antimicrobials. The course is ideally suited for students pursuing healthcare or research careers. 

GMS6103 is designed for the research-oriented graduate student who wishes to gain a broad knowledge of medical microbiology and the host response to infection. This will be accomplished by presentation of core principles in medical microbiology, including bacteriology, virology and eukaryotic microbiology, followed by presentations on areas of research in medical microbiology ongoing here at USF.  The knowledge and understanding gained will help students in the future address fundamental research questions in medical microbiology. Registration for GMS6103 is open to Master’s and Doctoral level graduate students by permit. Burt Anderson (banderso@usf.edu) is the course coordinator for GMS6103. 

Lectures in Contemporary Biology course is designed for graduate students pursuing PhD and MS degrees within the Department of Molecular Biosciences. The course consists of weekly lectures by the invited speakers and assignments relating to the research presented at these seminars.