Microbial Sciences Initiative

harvard microbiology in action

microbial courses at harvard

graduate and undergraduate courses by dept/school

 

Please remember to check for confirmation the details of each course with FAS Registrar's Office.

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Microbial Sciences Initiative sponsored courses in Life Sciences or Other Depts

Life Sciences 110. A Microbial World

Catalog Number: 5701
Instructors: Roberto Kolter (Medical School) and Jon Clardy (Medical School and Chemical and Chemical Biology)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10-11:30AM. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13.

This course will cover the broad spectrum of microbial sciences from biodiversity to the crucial impact of microorganisms on geological history, the environment, climate, and world health. The course will be taught by an academically diverse team of three Microbial Sciences Initiative (MSI) faculty at a rigorous and fast-paced level appropriate for upper-level undergraduates. Topics include the origins and molecules of life, biogeochemical cycles, microbial diversity, and ecology.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and Life Sciences 1b or higher, or Physical Sciences 1 or higher, or permission of the instructor.

OEB 290. Microbial Sciences: Chemistry, Ecology and Evolution

Catalog Number: 7185
Instructor: Michael Gilmore (Medical School) and members of the Faculty
Half course (fall term). F. 9:45--11:45AM. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3, 4
Enrollment: Limited to 30

This is an interdisciplinary graduate-level and advanced undergraduate-level course in which students explore topics in molecular microbiology, microbial diversity, and microbially mediated geochemistry in depth. This course will be taught by faculty from the Microbial Sciences Initiative. Prerequisite: For advanced undergraduates, Life Sciences 1a and 1b are required, or permission of instructor. MCB 52 is recommended.

*Life Sciences 100r. Experimental Research in the Life Sciences

Catalog Number:2122
Instructors: Alain Viel and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Fall: Tu., 1-3; Spring: F., 2-4 (with 1 or more sections led by MSI-associated faculty and postdocs)
EXAM GROUP: Fall: 15, 16; Spring: 7, 8
Enrollment: Limited to 30

A laboratory course that immerses students in a dynamic project-based research environment. Participate in experimental projects directly linked with ongoing faculty research. Students select a project from the following research tracks: neurobiology, microbial sciences, cell biology, and synthetic biology. New projects, including some in other research fields, are offered every term. In a highly collaborative atmosphere, students form a fully-functional research group based on the sharing of ideas and progress reports between projects.


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Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

OEB 54. Biology of the Fungi

Catalog Number: 9326
Donald H. Pfister and Anne Pringle
Half course (fall term 2009). Tu., Th., 1-2:30 and a weekly laboratory on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 5.
EXAM GROUP:  15, 16

This intensive course explores the fascinating diversity of the kingdom fungi, including evolution, ecology and morphology. All the major groups of fungi from smuts to molds will be included. Students will use a variety of techniques to learn about fungi and their activities.
Note: There is a weekly laboratory and at least one weekend field trip and several afternoon field trips are required (dates to be announced).
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and 1b or permission of instructor.

OEB 100: Evolution in Action (**Note: Counts as Lab Requirement for MSI 2nd Field**)

Spring 2009
Harvard College/GSAS: 9930
Christopher Marx
Location: Lab on 5th floor of Biolabs (available 24/7), meeting in Biolabs 1075/1077
Meeting Time: Monday 3:30-5:30 pm
http://isites.harvard.edu/k41841

In this project-based laboratory course students will conduct research utilizing experimental evolution of microbial populations. Groups of 3-4 students (16 students max in the course) will research questions that synthesize knowledge of genetics, biochemistry, systems biology, microbiology, evolution and ecology. Besides the weekly meeting, the lab will be open and available at all times. Student projects will include the opportunities such as: the use of a high-throughput, robotic system to evolve and monitor populations, whole genome re-sequencing to determine the genetic basis of adaptation, molecular genetics to generate strains bearing various alleles (or combinations), biochemical analysis of mutational effects to enzymes, analytical determination of metabolic network usage, microarray analysis of mRNA levels, and mathematical modeling to assess questions of optimality.
Prereq: LS1a & LS1b or equivalent. Email instructor with any questions (cmarx@oeb.harvard.edu).

OEB 107. Evolution of Plant Life in Geologic Time

Catalog Number: 1318
Andrew H. Knoll
Half course (Fall term 2009). M., W., at 10 and a weekly 2-hour lab to be arranged.  EXAM GROUP:  3

Origin, evolution, dispersal, paleoecology, and geologic history of the major groups of the plant kingdom. Laboratory study of representative groups, living and fossil.
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or permission of instructor.

[OEB 118. Biological Oceanography]

Expected to be given in 2010-2011.
Catalog Number: 7752
James J. McCarthy
Half course (spring term 2011). Tu., Th., 10-11:30. EXAM GROUP:  12, 13

The ocean as an ecological system, with focus on environmental-organismal interactions that regulate plankton production and transfer to higher trophic levels. Specific topics include bloom events, the limits to fish harvest, and the effects of climate change on ocean systems. Plankton demonstrations and optional coastal research vessel day trip.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010-2011. For biology and other natural science concentrators.
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or BS 51, and Life Sciences 1a or LPS A, Physical Sciences 1, or permission of instructor.

[OEB 119. Deep Sea Biology]

Catalog Number: 1397
Peter R. Girguis
Half course (fall term 2009, but also spring term 2010). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7

The oceans contain 97% of Earth’s water, and host the most disparate ecosystems on the planet. This course provides an introduction to deep ocean habitats, macrofauna and microorganisms. Emphasis is placed on the physiological adaptations of organisms to their environment, as well the role of microbes in mediating oceanic biogeochemical cycles.
Note:Expected to be given in 2009–2010.

[OEB 123. Biology of Symbiosis]

Expected to be given in 2009-2010.
Catalog Number: 0508
Colleen M. Cavanaugh
Half course (spring term 2009). Tu., Th., 11:30-1. EXAM GROUP:  13, 14

An examination of the major aspects of endosymbiosis with emphasis on mutualism, although some parasitic interactions are covered. Topics include origins of the eukaryotic cell, specificity and recognition of partners, distribution and diversity of associations, and coevolution of host and symbiont.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009-2010.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1b (or BS 50), OEB 10 (or BS 51), and MCB 52 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

OEB 191. Physiological and Biochemical Adaptation

Catalog Number: 2314
Peter R. Girguis and Stacey A. Combes
Half course (spring term 2009). T., Th., 11:30-1.  EXAM GROUP:  13, 14

This course examines how metabolic systems in organisms, from microbes to mammals, have evolved to maintain function throughout the wide range of habitats found on Earth. Emphasis is placed on organismal physiology and biochemical evolution in response to the environment, including the oxygenation of earth's atmosphere and the so-called "extreme" environments. Topics will include pH regulation, thermo-tolerance, desiccation, locomotion, as well as numerous novel physiological adaptations.
Prerequisite: OEB 10 or BS 51 or MCB 56 (formerly BS 56) or permission of the instructor.

OEB 192. Microbial Evolution

Catalog Number: 5019
Christopher Marx
Half course (fall term 2009). M., W., 2:30-4.  EXAM GROUP:  7, 8

An examination of the evolution of microbes through an integration of lectures and discussion of primary literature. Additionally, students will be involved in two experimental evolution projects: one involving microbes in the laboratory, the other with 'digital organisms.' We will focus on a series of broad questions for which we will draw upon knowledge from both lab-based study of experimental microcosms and comparative studies of natural populations.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and Life Sciences 1b or equivalent required. OEB 53 (formerly BS 53) or equivalent recommended but not required.      

[OEB 221. Microbial Diversity]

Catalog Number: 1234
Colleen M. Cavanaugh
Half course (spring term 2009). Hours to be arranged.

Examines the remarkable diversity of prokaryotes. Physiological, genetic, ecological, and evolutionary characteristics of Bacteria and Archaea divisions are discussed, as well as the relation of phenotype to phylogeny.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009-2010.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1b (formerly BS 50) and OEB 10 or BS 51, and MCB 52 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

OEB 227. Molecular Approaches to Environmental Microbiology

Expected to be given in 2008-2009
Catalog Number: 4444
Colleen M. Cavanaugh
Half course (spring term 2009). Hours to be arranged.

Critical review and discussion of current advances in our understanding of biodiversity, community structure, and metabolic activities in Bacteria and Archaea resulting from the application of cellular and molecular approaches in diverse environments.
Prerequisite: Earth and Planetary Sciences 30 or permission of instructor.

OEB 290. Microbial Sciences: Chemistry, Ecology and Evolution

Catalog Number: XXXX Enrollment: Limited to 30.
Michael S. Gilmore (Medical School)
Half course (fall term). Fall: F., 8:30–11:45. EXAM GROUP: 1, 2, 3

This is an interdisciplinary graduate-level and advanced undergraduate-level course in which students explore topics in molecular microbiology, microbial diversity, and microbially mediated geochemistry in depth. This course will be taught by faculty from the Microbial Sciences Initiative. Prerequisite: For advanced undergraduates, Life Sciences 1a and 1b are required, or permission of instructor. MCB 52 is recommended.

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Earth and Planetary Sciences

Earth and Planetary Sciences 8. History of the Earth
Catalog Number: 0166
Peter John Huybers and Andrew H. Knoll
Half course (spring term 2009). T., Th., 1-2:30; two hours of laboratory weekly and a one-day field trip.  EXAM GROUP:  15, 16

Examines the major stages and critical events in the history of the Earth, with emphasis on the interactions between global tectonics, the climate system, and biological evolution. Topics range from the formation of the Earth and other planets, to catastrophic events that drove mass extinctions, to the most recent period of human interaction with the environment. Laboratories introduce methods of investigation and analysis of the geological record.
Note: Weekend field trip.
Prerequisite: Secondary-school courses in science (physics, chemistry, biology) and calculus.

Earth and Planetary Sciences 137. Biogeochemistry
Catalog Number: 1923
Ann Pearson
Half course (spring term 2009). Tu., Th., 2:30-4. EXAM GROUP:  16, 17

Introduction to biological and organic chemistry of the Earth's environment. Primary focus on the cycles of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with emphasis on processes occurring at the molecular level. Includes an introduction to light stable isotope geochemistry and the isotopic records of individual biomolecules in marine and terrestrial environments.
Note: Given in alternate years.
Prerequisite: A course in college-level chemistry or equivalent. Chemistry 17 or 27 strongly recommended.


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Engineering Sciences

ES 164/264 Aqueous and Environmental Chemistry
Catalog Number: 4099
Colleen M. Hansel and Steven C. Wofsy
Half course (fall term 2009 and 2010). M., W., 1-2:30. EXAM GROUP:  6, 7

Present basic concepts, principles, and applications of environmental chemistry for students in environmental engineering, geology, chemistry, biology and related fields. Goal is to explore and apply the fundamental chemical principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical bonding, and mass transfer to understand Earth processes and solve complex environmental problems. Survey a variety of environmental chemistry topics, including acid-base chemistry, aqueous speciation, solution-mineral-gas equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, kinetics, precipitation/dissolution, and atmospheric chemistry.
Note: Cannot be taken for credit by students who have already taken ENG-SCI 264.
Prerequisite: Physical Sciences 1 or permission of the instructors.

Engineering Sciences 166/266 : Environmental Microbiology
Catalog Number: 3177
Colleen M. Hansel
Half course (fall term 2009 and 2010). T.,Th., 2-4:30. EXAM GROUP:  16, 17

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of microbiology and biochemistry in the context of Earth systems and environmental engineering. The goal is to explore the diverse role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling, biotechnology, and biodeterioration. General topics include cell structure and chemistry, microbial metabolism, bioenergetics, microbial ecology, energy generation, and pollutant degradation.
Prerequisite: LS 1 or permission of instructor.

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Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Chemistry 27. Organic Chemistry of Life
Catalog Number: 5978
Gregory L. Verdine and Christopher T. Walsh (Medical School)
Half course (spring term 2009). M., W., 2:30-4, and a discussion section, and a five-hour laboratory each week, to be arranged. EXAM GROUP:  7, 8

Chemical principles that govern the processes driving living systems are illustrated with examples drawn from biochemistry, cell biology, and medicine. The course deals with organic chemical reactivity (reaction mechanisms, structure-reactivity relationships), with matters specifically relevant to the life sciences (chemistry of proteins, nucleic acids, drugs, natural products, cofactors, signal transduction), and with applications of chemical biology to medicine and biotechnology. An understanding of organic reactions and their "arrow" pushing mechanisms is required.
Note: Chemistry 27 and 30 may both be taken for degree credit. See note for Chemistry 17. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science A.
Prerequisite: Chemistry 17 or Chemistry 30 or Chemistry 20 with permission of the instructor.

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Molecular and Cellular Biology

MCB 52. Molecular Biology
Catalog Number: 1938
Richard M. Losick and A. Thomas Torello
Half course (fall term 2009). M., W., F., at 10, and one laboratory/discussion session weekly. EXAM GROUP:  3

An integrated and quantitative introduction to the basic principles of molecular biology, with an emphasis on experimental methods and problem solving. The course begins with the biochemistry and structure of DNA; continues with the Central Dogma of molecular biology including DNA replication and repair, transcription and RNA processing, and translation; and concludes with an overview of gene regulation and systems biology.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Science B.
Prerequisite: Life Sciences 1a and Life Sciences 1b, or by permission of the instructor.

[MCB 140. Introduction to Biophysics]
Expected to be given in 2009-2010
Catalog Number: 9736 Enrollment: Limited to 40.
Howard C. Berg and Aravinthan D. T. Samuel
Half course (fall term 2009). Hours to be arranged..

An introduction to the biology and physics of stochastic processes that affect the behavior of cells, biopolymers, and biological motors. Elements of probability and statistics, entropic elasticity, the random walk, diffusion, sedimentation, and electrophoresis. Applications to sensory physiology, cell motility, stretching and twisting of DNA, and the motion of motors along biopolymers.

Note: Given in alternate years. Lectures, problem sets, and discussions. May not be taken for credit by students who have taken Physics 140.

Prerequisite: Mathematics at the level of 21a, Physics 15a/15b or Physics 11a/11b or permission of the instructor. Some familiarity with elementary statistical mechanics helpful.

MCB 212. Topics in Biophysics
Catalog Number: 3351
Howard C. Berg
Half course (spring term 2009). F., 2:30-4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Location: Bio Labs 2062-2064

A reading course covering topics of motility and sensory transduction; chemotaxis in bacteria; flagellar motility; prokaryotic and eukaryotic motor molecules.
Note: Given in alternate years. A term paper and seminar are required.

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Biophysics

Biophysics 242r : Special Topics in Biophysics
Harvard College/GSAS: 6011
Spring 2009
Pamela A. Silver (Medical School), and Jack Szostak (Medical School)
Meeting Time: Tu., 3:30-5, Th., 3:30-5; Exam Group: 17,18
Location: Warren Alpert Building (WAB), Room 436

Each year, the course BioPhys 242 invites professors to speak about specialized areas of research. This year, the focus will be on SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY, a rapidly growing field focused on the design of artificial biological systems and the improved understanding of their natural counterparts. Bringing together renowned synthetic biologists from both Harvard and MIT, BioPhys 242 will provide an overview of achievements within the field, as well as insights into the future of synthetic biology. Covered topics include the design and implementation of novel cell-based systems, construction of novel genomes and the chemical basis for building new self-replicating systems.

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Harvard Medical School - Microbiology


Microbiology 200.  Molecular Microbiology and Pathogenesis
Catalog Number: 7773
Stephen Lory (Medical School) and members of the Faculty
Half course (spring term 2009). M., W., F., 9-10:30.

Devoted primarily to bacterial structure, physiology, genetics, regulatory mechanisms and pathogenesis. Class consists of lectures, presentations emphasizing methods, results and interpretation of classic and contemporary literature, guest seminars, and small group discussions of papers.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 726.0.

Microbiology 205.  Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
Catalogue Number:  2480
Clyde S. Crumpacker II (Medical School) and associates
Half course (fall term 2009). Tu., Th., 8:30–1.

The mechanisms of bacterial, mycoplasmal, fungal, and viral pathogenesis are covered. Topics are selected for intrinsic interest and cover the spectrum of pathophysiologic mechanisms of the infectious process. Emphasis on pathogenesis at the molecular level.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as HT 040.
Prerequisite: A background course in molecular biology is strongly encouraged.

Microbiology 209.  Molecular Biology of Bacteria
Catalog Number: 2698
Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Roberto G. Kolter (Medical School)
Half course (spring term 2009). Hours to be arranged. One meeting per week.

Provides in-depth coverage of bacterial development and genomics. Students research topics and prepare lectures. Lectures are followed by discussions of key publications. The specific topics covered vary every year depending on student interest.

Note: Given in alternate years. Open to graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Contact the instructor at least two weeks before the start of spring term via email at rkolter@hms.harvard.edu. Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 727.0.

Microbiology 213. Social Issues in Biology
Catalog Number: 7905 Enrollment: Limited to 18.
Jonathan R. Beckwith (Medical School) and Roberto G. Kolter (Medical School)
Half course (spring term 2009). Th., 1-4.

Readings, discussion of social/ethical aspects of biology: history, philosophy of science; evolution vs. creationism; genetics and race; women and science; genetic testing; stem cell research; science journalism; genetics and the law; scientists and social responsibility.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 722.0. Alternates yearly between the Longwood and the Cambridge Campuses.
Prerequisite: Some background in genetics.

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