Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis - 2011
Course Description / Assignments
GS07 0092 - Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis
The purpose of this course is to provide cutting-edge information on selected topics in microbial pathogenesis, including molecular mechanisms and emergent technologies. The Microbial Pathogenesis course will be based primarily on student and faculty presentations and discussion of recent scientific articles. The list of articles for each block of the course will be available on the course web site in advance. The class will be held in the MMG conference room (MSB 1.500) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 PM unless otherwise noted in the schedule.
This yearly, two-unit course is available for credit to all graduate students in the Houston Area Consortium (UT Health Science Center-Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, University of Houston, and Rice University). Prerequisites include previous coursework in microbiology and a basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques. Please contact Dr. Lorenz to obtain specific information regarding the registration process.
This course is intended to be a highly interactive review of current literature on topics in microbial pathogenesis. Students will be evaluated on three criteria:paper presentations (50%), class participation (20%), and a “Mini-grant” (30%). In each class period the presenter will lead a discussion of the assigned paper, but all students should be familiar with both the paper and relevant background information and participate in the discussion..
The presentations will be done in a round-table format (no PowerPoint!)
iIt is critical that all students have read each paper thoroughly. Each student will lead the discussion five times during the semester.
The mini-grant is intended to develop writing and critical thinking skills. Students will chose a topic relevant to microbial pathogenesis outside their own area of research, develop a hypothesis based on current knowledge in the field, and describe research methods, expected outcomes, and alternative approaches to address this hypothesis. These mini-grants should be 8-10 pages; Dr. Lorenz will describe the appropriate format in the first class session. Students are encouraged to discuss their topic, hypothesis and specific aims with any of the faculty. However, by Feb. 4th students are required to select a primary advisor and draft a set of Specific Aims. On Feb. 23 and 25, each student will have 30 minutes to present the background, significance, and specific aims for their proposal. Discussions can help to revise the aims. The proposal is due on March 20th (email to Michael.Lorenz@uth.tmc.edu). The faculty will review these proposals (on or about April 5) and provide a written critique and initial score. Revised grants are due on April 29th.
Please direct questions to Dr. Michael Lorenz (MSB 1.209, Michael.Lorenz@uth.tmc.edu, 713-500-7422).
Course Schedule (Subject to Revision)
The papers for January are at this site. Details of reading materials past January are under preparation.
Date |
Topic |
Facilitator |
Instructor |
January 11 |
Grant-writing guidelines |
Koehler |
Koehler |
January 13 |
The human microbiota - What's normal and what's pathogenic? |
Norris | Norris |
January 18 |
Model hosts as tools |
Tiller | Garsin |
January 20 |
Model hosts as tools |
Garsin | Garsin |
January 25 |
Model hosts as tools |
Youmans | Garsin |
January 27 |
Modulation of host cellular response by protozoan parasites (Start formulating aims) |
Nobles | Li |
February 1 |
Modulation of host cellular responses by protozoan parasites |
Bakhru | Li |
February 3 |
Modulation of host cellular responses by protozoan parasites (Select advisor and draft aims) |
Tiller | Li |
February 8 |
Modulation of host cellular responses by protozoan parasites |
Youmans | Li |
February 10 |
Secretion and pathogenesis ('Review and approval' of aims with advisor) |
Nobles | Christie |
February 15 |
Secretion and pathogenesis |
Bakhru | Christie |
February 17 |
Secretion and pathogenesis |
Tiller | Christie |
February 22 |
Student Presentations – Mini Grant Specific Aims |
Bakhru | |
February 24 |
Student Presentations – Mini Grant Specific Aims |
Tiller | |
March 1 |
Secretion and pathogenesis |
Youmans | Christie |
March 3 |
Fungal Pathogenesis |
Nobles | Lorenz |
March 7-11 |
Spring break (no class) |
||
March 15 |
Fungal Pathogenesis |
Bakhru | Lorenz |
March 17 |
Fungal Pathogenesis |
Tiller | Lorenz |
March 22 |
Fungal Pathogenesis |
Youmans | Lorenz |
March 29 |
Surface structures and virulence |
Nobles | Ton-That |
March 31 |
Surface structures and virulence (MiniGrant Due) |
Bakhru | Ton-That |
April 5 |
Surface structures and virulence |
Tiller | Ton-That |
April 7 |
|
Youmans | Koehler |
April 14 |
|
Bakhru | Koehler |
April 19 |
|
Tiller | Koehler |
April 21 |
Host responses/ Immune evasion |
Youmans | Norris |
April 26 |
Host responses/ Immune evasion |
Nobles | Norris |
April 28 |
Host responses/ Immune evasion (Revised MiniGrant Due) |
Bakhru | Norris |
