BIOL: Biology
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/courses.cfm?code=BIOL
BIOL 112 (3) Biology of the Cell
The principles of cellular and molecular biology using bacterial and eukaryotic examples. [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: One of CHEM 12, CHEM 100, CHEM 111 and one of BIOL 11, BIOL 12, BIOL 111.
BIOL 112 - Biology of the Cell
BIOL 112 - Registration Information
BIOL 328 Ecology and Evolution of Parasites (January 2025)
Explore how ecological and evolutionary principles can illuminate important aspects of the biology of host-parasite/pathogen systems, gain insight into the diversity and life-histories of different parasite/pathogen groups, and study the factors shaping host defence and parasite infection strategies, drawing from examples across the host (plant and animal populations/communities) and parasite (virus, bacteria, worms) ‘tree of life’ and using empirical papers as case studies.
BIOL 328 - Ecology and Evolution of Parasites
BIOL 346 (3) Microbes and Society
An elementary course in molecular biology primarily for Arts students. The historical development of recent discoveries in molecular biology with emphasis on bacteria and viruses and their interaction with humans. (Consult the Credit Exclusion list within the Faculty of Science section of the Calendar.) Not for credit in Life Sciences.
BIOL 346 - Microbes in Society
BIOL 421 (3) Plant-Microbe Interactions
Biology and physiology of selected plant-microbe relationships. Impacts of plant-microbe relationships on society. [3-0-2]
Prerequisite: BIOL 200 and one of BIOC 202, BIOC 203, BIOL 201, BIOL 233, BIOL 234, BIOL 260.
Equivalency: APBI 426.
BIOL 421 - Plant Microbe Interactions
MICB: Microbiology
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/courses.cfm?code=MICB
Consult the Credit Exclusion List in the Faculty of Science section of the Calendar.
MICB 203 (1) Basic Microbiology Laboratory
Procedures and principles associated with isolation, characterization and handling of microorganisms. Intended for students requiring a basic microbiology laboratory course. [1*-3-1*]
Prerequisite: One of MICB 153, BIOL 112, SCIE 001.
MICB 203 - Basic Microbiology Laboratory
MICB 211 (3) Introductory Environmental Microbiology
Prokaryotic diversity and the impact and applications of bacterial and archaeal metabolic, genetic, and growth processes in environmental contexts. [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: One of BIOL 112, BIOL 200, SCIE 001. For students with BIOL 112, CHEM 121 is recommended.
MICB 211 - Foundations of Microbiology
MICB 212 (3) Introductory Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Introduction to cellular and humoral immune responses, the properties of viruses and the principles of bacterial pathogenesis. (Consult the Credit Exclusion list within the Faculty of Science section of the Calendar.) [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: One of BIOL 112, BIOL 200, PHAR 201, SCIE 001.
MICB 212 - Introductory Medical Microbiology and Immunology
MICB 301 (3) Microbial Ecophysiology
Dynamics and control of prokaryotic cellular processes in response to the biotic and abiotic environment including metabolic interactions and metabolic cooperation between microorganisms. [3-0-1]
Prerequisite: Either (a) all of BIOL 201, MICB 211 or (b) BIOT 380.
MICB 301 - Microbial Ecophysiology
MICB 302 (3) Immunology
Mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses. Hematopoiesis, development of T and B lymphocytes, leukocyte migration, antigen processing/presentation and the major histocompatibility complex, immune responses against pathogens, and diseases associated with aberrant immune responses.
Prerequisite: MICB 212 and third-year standing.
MICB 302 – Immunology
MICB 306 (3) Molecular Virology
Introduction to virus structure and replication. Detailed examination of selected viruses including polio, HIV and cancer-causing retroviruses. Development of vaccines and anti-viral drugs, the use of virus vectors to cure genetic diseases.
Prerequisite: One of MICB 212, BIOT 380.
MICB 306 - Molecular Virology
MICB 308 (3) Paradigms in Bacterial Pathogenesis
Mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis including adherence, invasion, intracellular survival, toxins, host defenses and microbial evasion strategies, antibiotics, and vaccines. Introduction to experimental approaches used to study bacterial pathogens. [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) MICB 212 and one of BIOL 201, BIOC 202, BIOC 203; or (b) BIOT 380.
MICB 308 - Paradigms in Bacterial Pathogenesis
MICB 322 (3) Molecular Microbiology Laboratory
Aseptic handling and characterization of microbes, growth properties, enzyme assays, protein analysis and plasmid isolation. Restricted to students in Microbiology and Immunology specializations. [2-4-0]
Prerequisite: All of BIOL 200, BIOL 201, CHEM 233, MICB 211, MICB 212.
MICB 322 - Molecular Microbiology Laboratory
MICB 323 (3) Molecular Immunology and Virology Laboratory
Genetic manipulations of bacteria, introductory immunological and virological procedures, tissue culture. Restricted to students in Microbiology and Immunology specializations. [2-4-0]
Prerequisite: MICB 322.
MICB 323 - Molecular Immunology & Virology Laboratory
MICB 325 (3) Analysis of Microbial Genes and Genomes
Genetic, molecular biological and bioinformatic approaches for the analysis of microbial genomes, gene structure-function and gene expression with emphasis on bacteria. [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: One of MICB 211, BIOL 234 and third-year standing or higher.
MICB 325 - Analysis of Microbial Genes and Genomes
MICB 353 (1) Food Microbiology Laboratory
Procedures and principles associated with isolation, enumeration, characterization and handling of microorganisms. Restricted to students registered in the Food Science program. [1-2-0]
Prerequisite: One of BIOL 112, MICB 211, SCIE 001.
MICB 353 - Food Microbiology Laboratory
MICB 398 (3) Co-operative Work Placement I
Work experience in an industrial research setting, taken during the Winter Session (Term 2) of third year. Restricted to students admitted to the Co-operative Education Program of Biotechnology in Microbiology and Immunology. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Prerequisite: MICB 212.
MICB 399 (3) Co-operative Work Placement II
Work experience in an industrial research setting, taken during Summer Session (Terms 1 and 2) following third year. Restricted to students admitted to the Co-operative Education Program of Biotechnology in Microbiology and Immunology. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Prerequisite: MICB 212.
MICB 402 (3) Advanced Immunology
Molecular basis of lymphocyte development, activation and adhesion; immunogenetics and the major histocompatibility complex. Consult the credit exclusion list within the Faculty of Science section of the calendar. [3-0-1]
Prerequisite: One of MICB 302, BIOT 380. If MICB 302 is used as the prerequisite for MICB 402, students are required to take one of the following as a corequisite: BIOL 234, BIOL 335, MICB 325.
MICB 402 - Advanced Immunology
MICB 404 (3) Topics in Molecular Bacterial Pathogenesis
A lecture/discussion/library research course. Topics such as antibiotic resistance, pathogen genomics; host-pathogen interactions; evolution of pathogens; host responses to infection, invasive mechanisms, resistance mechanisms. [1-0-4]
Prerequisite: MICB 302 and one of MICB 308, MICB 408.
MICB 404 - Selected Topics in Pathogenesis
MICB 405 (3) Bioinformatics
Computational methods to analyze genome and protein sequences to derive structural and functional information. Related topics in functional genomics. [3-0-1]
Prerequisite: One of MICB 301, MICB 325, BIOC 302, BIOC 303, BIOL 335, BIOT 380.
MICB 405 - Bioinformatics
MICB 406 (3) Topics in Molecular Virology
Presentations, library research, paper reviews, class discussions about current research in virology. Topics such as molecular targets in viral therapy; chronic viral infection; virus-host cell interaction. [1-0-4]
Prerequisite: MICB 306.
MICB 406 - Topics in Molecular Virology
MICB 407 (3) Viral Infections in Humans
Interactions between viruses and humans; pathogenesis; persistence and viral oncogenesis; virological diagnosis and treatment. (Consult the Credit Exclusion list within the Faculty of Science section of the Calendar.) [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: MICB 306.
MICB 407 - Viral Infections in Humans
MICB 408 (3) Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis
Current and emerging themes in bacterial pathogenesis including cellular microbiology, bacterial cell biology processes and their role in virulence including secretion systems to deliver virulence factors and immune evasion strategies employed by pathogens. Development of antibiotics and resistance to antibiotics. [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: MICB 308. MICB 302 and MICB 325 are recommended.
MICB 408 - Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis
MICB 412 (3) Topics in Immunological Research
Presentations, library research, paper reviews and class discussion on selected areas of advanced molecular and cellular immunological research. [1-0-4]
Prerequisite: MICB 302 and one of MICB 402, MEDG 410.
MICB 412 - Research Topics in Immunology
MICB 413 (3) Topics in Microbiome Research
Critical examination and discussion of contemporary research literature concerning the impact of host-associated microbiomes on host development, health and disease with a focus on humans. Priority given to students in Microbiology and Immunology specializations. [3-0-0]
Prerequisite: Either (a) MICB 302 and one of MICB 308, BIOL 335; or (b) BIOT 380. And fourth year standing in Science.
MICB 413 - Topics in Microbiome Research
MICB 418 (3) Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
Exploitation of microbial and animal cells for the industrial production of chemicals ranging from alcohol to therapeutic proteins. Genetic manipulation of cellular characteristics, fermentation methods, patenting and governmental approval processes. [3-0-0]
Corequisite: One of BIOL 335, MICB 325, BIOT 380.
MICB 418 - Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
MICB 425 (3) Microbial Ecological Genomics
Intrinsic and extrinsic forces driving prokaryotic genome evolution. Gene transfer; microbial species concepts; community genome structure, function and dynamics; ecological impacts of microbial genome diversity. Emphasis on problem solving and experimental design. [3-3-0]
Prerequisite: One of BIOL 335, MICB 325, BIOT 380. One of MICB 211 or MICB 301 is recommended.
MICB 425 - Microbial Ecological Genomics
MICB 430 (3/6) Seminars in Microbiological Research
Student seminars on selected papers from the microbiological literature. Compulsory for Honours students. Major students may enrol with permission of the department head.
MICB 430 - Seminars in Microbiological Research
MICB 448 (3/6) Directed Research
A library (3 credits) or laboratory (3 or 6 credits) project. Requires permission of the Undergraduate Advisor. The results are presented in a written report to be reviewed by oral examination.
Prerequisite: Either (a) MICB 323 or (b) all of MICB 322, MICB 399.
Primary faculty mentors must be from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology (https://www.mbim.ubc.ca/faculty). Research projects are in the fields of microbiology, immunology or virology.
MICB 449 (6) Research Problem
A laboratory investigation in the final year of the Honours program. The results are presented in a written report, to be reviewed by oral examination.
Prerequisite: Either (a) MICB 323 or (b) all of MICB 322, MICB 399.
Primary faculty mentors must be from the Department of Microbiology & Immunology (https://www.microbiology.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/faculty)
Research projects are in the fields of microbiology, immunology or virology.
MICB 449 - Research Project
MICB 471 (3) Laboratory Research in Microbiology and Immunology
A team-based laboratory research experience in microbiology and immunology.
Prerequisite: MICB 323.
MICB 475 (3) Data Science Research in Microbiology and Immunology
A team-based data science research experience in microbiology and immunology.
Prerequisite: MICB 322 and one of MICB 325 or BIOL 335.
MICB 475 - Data Science Research in Microbiology and Immunology
MICB 498 (3) Co-operative Work Placement III
Work experience in an industrial research setting, taken during the Summer Session (Terms 1 and 2) following fourth year. Restricted to students admitted to the Co-operative Education Program of Biotechnology in Microbiology and Immunology. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Prerequisite: One of MICB 398, MICB 399.
MICB 499 (3) Co-operative Work Placement IV
Work experience in an industrial research setting, taken during the Winter Session (Term 1) of fifth year. Restricted to students admitted to the Co-operative Education Program of Biotechnology in Microbiology and Immunology. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
Prerequisite: One of MICB 399, MICB 498.
MICB 502 (3) Advanced Immunogenetics
This seminar-based course will draw from primary literature to examine current and emerging concepts of immunology and immunogenetics in health and disease (e.g. cancer, autoimmunity, metabolic syndromes etc). Recent topics have included human, mucosal, developmental, tumor and systems immunology. Students will gain an appreciation of current and foundational studies in immunology, the breadth of the global immunology community, and develop effective oral communication skills. Familiarity with the fundamental principles of immunity is recommended. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
MICB 505 (3) Molecular Microbiology
Ecological and Synthetic Microbiology
This course explores new disciplinary interfaces between microbial ecology and biological engineering. Drawing on primary scientific literature, it will emphasize a problem solving approach using current experimental methods and design such as logic functions, DNA assembly and regulation of gene expression, alternative host systems, network modeling, high-throughput sequencing, metagenomic screening, and biosafety containment.
This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
MICB 506 (3/6) d Microbiological and Immunological Research
Developing, discussing, and undertaking research projects. Oral communication skills, peer review skills, scientific ethics, and the ability to critically evaluate papers in the literature. To be taken only with permission of the department head. This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
MICB 507 (3) Topics in Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology
This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
MICB 548 (6) Directed Studies on an Approved Problem
This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
MICB 549 (18) M.Sc. Thesis
This course is not eligible for Credit/D/Fail grading.
MICB 649 (0) Doctoral Dissertation