MBIO 4703 / 5703
MECHANISMS of PATHOGENESIS
Meeting: Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30-1:45 PM in GEAR 0102
You should make it a point to visit the class website and print all materials to be fully prepared for class.
https://wordpressua.uark.edu/jdurdik/mechanisms-of-pathogenesis/
or you may prefer to get to the class website via Blackboard!
COURSE GOALS:
The goals of this course are several:
First, I would like to introduce you to basic mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Second, I would like to stimulate your thinking, especially from an experimental standpoint, about how these principles and concepts are formed.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course will begin with a general overview of the mechanisms of pathogenesis. This requires an learning both the tricks the pathogens employ and developing an understadning of mammalian responses and defenses. The general features of both will be presented. Next, model organisms that are pathogenic will be introduced. These will be organized by the organ systems where they cause problems. In this survey in depth considerations of the underlying cellular, molecular, and genetic events leading to disease in mammals will be presented. Special topics will include emerging new diseases and discussions of effective vaccine development.
Prerequisites: BIOL 2533 cell biology.
EXAMS:
For BIOL4703 will be three exams and a final exam. The exact format of these will be announced prior to each exam, but will primarily be multiple choice and short answer formats. Exams will be cumulative and comprehensive. They will cover both the reading assignments and the lectures. Any absence from an exam must be pre-approved and approval is NOT guaranteed.
BIOL5703: There will be three papers rather than exams.The first 2 are due on September 26th and November 2 by mid-night. The 3rd is due on [December 5th 2017]. The point is to find three topics that you are passionate about and become an expert in that topic. You will be expected to review the primary literature after you read reviews of the field. You will be expected to know if this is a disease/topic that would benefit from prevention, social interventions, engineering and from vaccination.
SCHEDULE:
Each week will be divided as follows:
Up to 30 minutes will be devoted to an open discussion of the previous week’s lectures/and your questions.
regarding class.
One 50-80 minute lecture will be given.* REMEMBER: The general rule for independent study time: a minimum two hours outside class time per week to study for each hour in class, that is, six hours per week for a three hour course (like this one).
READINGS:
Readings in the primary text, as well as optional texts are given in this syllabus adjacent to the subject being discussed. I strongly suggest you use these readings, as you see fit, to strengthen your grasp and broaden your perspective of the concepts conveyed in class.
TEXT: The text is Microbiology: A Human Perspective by Nester et al 8th edition, McGraw Hill,copyright 2016 [sometimes known as the 4th edition by Anderson= same book.] Copies are available in the University bookstore and they have rentals and used editions too. Customer service is 800 331 5094 There is also an 8th edition of the same book by the same authors in a different order that is a looseleaf edition that could go in a notebook.
In addition, an outline of the lecture notes and a guide to the reading can be found at the following web site:
https://wordpressua.uark.edu/jdurdik/mechanisms-of-pathogenesis/
or on Blackboard
These will be posted prior to lecture.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is not required, although there is no guarantee that information provided during lecture will be covered in the notes or textbook. Further regular attendace and particpation will allow me to determine if excessive absences might be the basis for poor performance – and could mitigate against any special consideration if this is the case.
Caution: There are companies that will try to lure you into selling the notes you take in this class. Don’t let these companies take advantage of you. Selling my notes to any commercial service I will consider a violation of my intellectual property rights and/or copyright law as well as a violation of the U of A’s academic integrity policy. Continued enrollment in this class signifies intent to abide by this policy.
Typial Grading Scale (subject to change by me, this might be more lax but it will not be more stringent)
| >97= A+ | 87-89= B+ | 77-79= C+ |
| 93-96= A | 83-86= B | 73-76= C |
| 90-92= A- | 80-85= B- | 70-72= C-, <70= D, <60= F |
Although the “+” and “-” will have not appear on your transcript, they will be remembered when it comes to recommendations.
CHIP SOURCES AND MAXIMA (I.e. How to interpret your grades)
Exams: Exams are cumulative. If the average exam score is below 70 chips, all grades will be adjusted upwards so the average for the class is 70 chips.
After an exam is returned, written arguments for adjustments in the grading of any question may be submitted within one week of return. Adequate justification for a change must be given. For instance, quoting from the textbook or other authorities may help support your request.
SUMMARY OF CHIP SOURCES AND MAXIMA
Exam I in-class 100
Exam II in-class 100
Exam III in-class 100
Final Exam 100
MAX POSSIBLETOTAL CHIPS 400
To compute your final score: divide the number of chips you have earned by 4.
MAX POSSIBLE FINAL SCORE 100