Teaching

Biology 358

Microbiology lecture and laboratory emphasizes prokaryotic cell structure and function, gene regulation, horizontal gene transfer and host-microbe interactions.

Reed lake flame
Igniting methane produced by Methanogens of the domain Archaea living in the sediment of Reed Canyon Lake.

Catalog Description: Full course for one semester. The biology of microorganisms, emphasizing prokaryotic anatomy, growth and cultivation, metabolism, genetics and gene regulation. Lecture topics include bacteria-to-bacteria signaling, biofilms, secretion, host-parasite interactions, microbial diversity, bacteriophage biology, and the use of phage as genetic tools. Lectures are supplemented with readings from the primary literature. Laboratory exercises demonstrate principles covered in lecture and instruct students on research techniques. An advanced, independent research project is required. Prerequisite: Biology 101/102, Chemistry 101/102. Lecture-laboratory.

Recent Independent Projects

Effects of the biosurfactant saponin on bacterial biofilm consumption of PET plastic
By Sophia Barbour-Weiss, Spring 2022

Detection of Salmonella from different food species by polymerase chain reaction
By Timothy Chao and Shota Wetlesen, Spring 2022

Antibiotic Sensitivity in Various Clinical Strains of E. coli Across Geographical Distance
By Mackenzie Swiecki, Spring 2022

Doing the Dirty: Examining Bacterial Soil Diversity in the Pacific Northwest
By Emilie Badener, Emma Campbell, and Ethan Myer, Spring 2022

Prediction of Secreted Lipases in PET Degrading Bacteria
By Henry Scheffer, Spring 2020

2019-nCOV Therapeutics
By Katherine Descant, Spring 2020

Developing a Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2
By Mila Trank-Greene, Spring 2020

Eating Plastic, It’s Fantastic
By Jamie Lindner and Raina Sacksteder, Spring 2019

Urbanization: Effects on Microbial Diversity
By Meredith Theus and Sawyer Lythcott-Haims, Spring 2019

Effect of CBD on EPEC adherence to human epithelial cells
By Ben Patterson and Claire Milander-Mashlan, Spring 2019

Effects of temperature-induced transformation on the voltage generation and morphology of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
By Gavin Dury, Spring 2019

Microbial diversity in the Portland Harbor superfund cleanup area
By Mary Snook, Spring 2018

The Bugs in Your Bread
By Cam Roberts and Avery Van Duzer, Spring 2018

Host Specificity and Degeneracy in Phage Isolated Against Pseudomonas spp
By Peter McIlroy and William Scott, Spring 2018

Jay Mellies, Why so Red: Interrogating the Genetic Basis of Prodigiosin in Serratia marcescens
By Hannah Bronstein and Arek Rein-Jungwirth, Spring 2018

 

Biology 431

Seminar on The Human Microbiome. Microbes comprise over 90% of the cells of the human body, and form distinctive communities in different regions of our bodies. The microbiome is a complex and dynamic community of microbes having major impact on human health. Using the primary literature, we will investigate how the microbiome intersects with organ development, the immune system, gut health and nutrient acquisition, autoimmunity, acute and chronic disease, dysbiosis and behavior.

Seminar on Bacterial Pathogenesis. An examination of how bacterial pathogens interact with host organisms in order to cause disease. Topics include adhesion, colonization, invasion, toxins, subversion of host cell signaling events, immune evasion, persisters, and bacteria-to-bacteria communication as they pertain to pathogenesis.

Biology 463

Immunology is a primarily lecture, conference course that will address basic principles of mammalian immunity. One inquiry-based laboratory exercise to investigate interleukin-2 production by lymphocytes will be conducted over two, regularly scheduled class periods.

Catalog Description: One-half course for one semester. A discussion of the properties of innate and adaptive immunity, the cells of the immune system, antibody structure and function, antigen recognition, lymphocyte activation and immunity to microbes. Topics also covered will include immunodeficiency and AIDS, and transplantation. An inquiry-based laboratory exercise will be required.  Prerequisites: Biology 101/102 and one of Biology 358 or 372. Lecture-laboratory-conference.