BIOMI 2600

Microbiology of Human Contagious Diseases

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course provides an introduction to the microbiology of microbial diseases. The primary focus is on molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, including detection of the host environment, binding of pathogenic microbes to host cell surfaces and their invasion of host cells and tissues, and the delivery and functions of microbial toxins. It will include host defenses and microbial countermeasures against these defenses. We will also study the evolution of pathogens and the co-evolution of their hosts.

Prerequisites one semester of introductory biology or equivalent.

Forbidden Overlaps BIOMI 2500, BIOMI 2600

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG, OPHLS-AG), (BIO-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SU, 2025SP, 2024SU

Learning Outcomes

• Explain fundamental aspects of molecular microbiology as they apply to pathogenic microorganisms.
• Explain how host defenses work against infection and microbial countermeasures to evade host defenses.
• Describe a variety of medical interventions used to fight infectious diseases.
• Instruct one another in various aspects of infectious disease, in small discussion groups and in poster sessions.
• Communicate scientific arguments and ideas verbally and in writing.
• Explain, evaluate, and effectively interpret claims, theories, and assumptions in medical microbiology, including those presented in the current scientific literature.

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