Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, and synthesize and interpret data and to present results in writing and other relevant communication formats.

Nontraditional Format:  These courses belong to a progressive research course sequence to promote a student's increasing skill development and depth of inquiry, as well as growing independent research capability. The courses require the close supervision of a faculty member as the student undertakes a systematic and in-depth inquiry into unknown, fundamental, and applied problems. In some cases, the student will work collaboratively as part of a research team. The student will have to apply understanding of the discipline to identify or shape research questions and apply skills and techniques learned to the research project. Students will gather data, synthesize relevant literature, analyze, and interpret data. The student will present results in writing or through participation in research-group or program meetings and meetings with their faculty mentor. The student will receive feedback from the faculty mentor on their research progress and written or oral presentation of results. A minimum of 45 hours of work per credit hour per semester is required.

Faculty-supervised independent or collaborative inquiry into fundamental and applied problems within a discipline that requires students to gather, analyze, and synthesize and interpret data and to present results in writing and other relevant communication formats.

Nontraditional Format:  This course belongs to a progressive research course sequence to promote a student's increasing skill development and depth of inquiry, as well as growing independent research capability. This course requires the close supervision of a faculty member as the student undertakes a systematic and in-depth inquiry into unknown, fundamental, and applied problems. In some cases, the student will work collaboratively as part of a research team. The student will have to apply understanding of the discipline to identify or shape research questions and apply skills and techniques learned to the research project. Students will gather data, synthesize relevant literature, analyze, and interpret data. The student will present results in writing or through participation in research-group or program meetings and meetings with their faculty mentor. The student will receive feedback from the faculty mentor on their research progress and written or oral presentation of results. A minimum of 45 hours of work per credit hour per semester is required.

Use of recent publications on molecular characterization and analysis of RNA viruses to give students insight on virus genome diversity and evolution.

Molecular genetics, physiology, and diversity of bacteria, as well as presentation of data in a poster or oral presentation format. Faculty who teach the course, together with additional faculty, will provide students with feedback on their presentations.

Genome editing technology has exploded since the recent discovery of bacterial CRISPR systems. Our goal is to present the material while new applications are emerging every day and before a textbook is written! Cutting edge knowledge will enable you to shape the future.

Molecular biology and genetics of plant-microbe interactions, including infection processes by plant pathogens, initial signaling, signal transduction, and plant responses, and molecular analysis of disease resistance.

Offered Fall every even-numbered year.

Ultrastructure, physiology, genetics, ecology, metabolic diversity, evolution, and phylogeny of bacteria and archaea.

Critical analysis and discussion of recent advances in microbiology research through oral presentation. Specific topics may vary but will emphasize molecular biology, physiology, and ecology of prokaryotes.

Independent research in the primary literature in selected areas of microbiology. ​​​​​  Non traditional format:  Directed Study.

Students will study the human effect on the environment through their use of antimicrobials. Application of microbiological laboratory techniques with an emphasis on biochemical analysis and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria identification caused by human consumption and disposal of antimicrobial drugs that arise in natural water systems will allow students to apply their knowledge.