4.00 Credits
In this course designed primarily for allied health and pre-pharmacy majors, students are introduced to microbiology by focusing on the interactions of microorganisms and humans. Students examine important features of microbial cell biology, genetics and the immune system to understand pathogenicity mechanisms of infectious agents, the action of antimicrobial therapies and the selection of antibiotic resistance. Students also discuss communicable diseases affecting public health and compare their transmission. The fundamentals learned in the microbiology lab are applied to safely control, isolate and identify microorganisms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of college level biology or zoology.