47 courses with the subject MICRB, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
& MICRB 107 and Elementary Microbiology Laboratory PHYS 1 The Science of Physics Select 3-4 credits of the following: 3-4
MICRB 107 is an introductory laboratory course designed for students who do not intend to pursue further study in the field. The course demonstrates the use and practice importance of microbes in everyday life. Instruction begins with the proper handling and visualization of microorganisms. Almost by definition, the vast majority of microorganisms are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Therefore, students must learn the correct use of the light microscope. Instruction i the proper care and maintenance of the microscope is provided. Students prepare and stain specimens using a number of methods designed to characterize microorganisms. The importance of working safely in a laboratory setting is emphasized throughout the course. Many skills are developed in this laboratory course. Aseptic technique skills allow for the transfer organisms properly from one culture medium to another. A variety of media are used and the reasons for their use are explained. Students also learn how to quantify the number of bacteria in specimens such as water, soil or food. The course demonstrates ways to control microbial growth by various means for example, temperature, osmotic pressure, pH, exposure to ultraviolet light and use of disinfectants. Students learn the importance of controlling microbial growth on their person and how failure to do so can lead to the spread of disease, especially in hospital settings. Other experiments illustrate methods used to preserve food products and test water for contamination and may include molecular techniques to study microbial genomes. While students learn to isolate and identify organisms from their own body, other common bacteria found in or on the human body are also studied. A variety of diagnostic cultural and physiological tests are employed to identify organisms students have isolated. This simulates in a very real way the process physicians depend on for diagnosis of infectious diseases. A related experiment demonstrates how antibiotics that are likely to be effective in treating an infection are selected. Taken together, most of the experiments conducted in MICRB 107 are designed to encourage students to investigate the many important roles microorganisms play in the living world. The specific examples covered each semester may vary based on student and instructor interest. As a course that meets general education (GN) requirements, students will increase their scientific literacy in the field of microbiology and develop critical and analytical thinking skills. Enforced Prerequisite or concurrent at Enrollment: MICRB 106 Bachelor of Arts: Natural Sciences General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
Introduction to basic principles and procedures of clinical laboratory work. Practicum emphasizes proper collection, handling, and preparation of biological samples. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Admission to 2MLT program
Basic principles and procedures for measuring chemical components of blood and other body fluids. MICRB 151A Clinical Chemistry for Medical Laboratory Technicians (5) This course is taken with (or before)
Blood cell identification and analysis. Related procedures for diagnosing normal or disease states of blood cells and coagulation. MICRB 151B Hematology for Medical Laboratory Technicians (5) This course is taken with (or before) MICRB 151E - Hematology Practicum. Topics include: hematopoiesis; measurement of red cells, white blood cells, and platelets; significance of hematology results in the diagnosis of hematological diseases; principles of coagulation and related disease states, with emphasis on common factor deficiencies and platelet abnormalities. Laboratory sessions focus on manual techniques, and microscopic identification of blood cells. A capstone project requires the student to research and present a patient case study to the class. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: [(BIOL 163 and BIOL 164) or BIOL 240] and all of the following: CHEM 202 and MICBR 150 and MICRB 201 and MICRB 202
Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory. Focus is on the practical application of clinical chemistry procedures. Phlebotomy.
Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory. Focus is on the practical application of hematology and coagulation procedures.
Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory. Focus is on the practical application of immunohematology procedures. MICRB 151F Immunohematology Practicum (2) This clinical practicum enables the 2MLT student to gain experience in pre-transfusion testing and serology, and includes approx. 110 hours of supervised experience in an affiliated clinical laboratory. The course is taken concurrently or after the lecture course Micrb 151C - Immunohematology and Serology for Medical Laboratory Technicians. Topics include: routine procedures for determining ABO and Rh blood type; antibody identification; crossmatching techniques; handling and storage of donor products; common serology tests; quality control. Upon completion of Micrb 151F, the student will be able to:1. Perform routine immunohematology and serology procedures at specific mastery levels.2. Follow protocol required for the handling, storage and the issue of blood products.3. Interpret the clinical significance of common serology and immunology tests.4. Maintain a safe working environment in the immunohematology and serology departments in the clinical laboratory.5. Assess the validity of patient results by correlating laboratory data with quality control results.6. Achieve specified standards of attitude and work habits at the clinical bench. Enforced Prerequisite or concurrent at Enrollment: MICRB 151C
Supervised experience at affiliated clinical laboratory. Focus is on the practical application of microbiology procedures and body fluid analysis.
/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.
Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 17-18 credits, in consultation with adviser, supportive of the student's interest Select 12 credits, at least 3 credits from each category, from the approved list of evolution, paleobiology and geology courses and biogeochemistry courses The following substitutions are allowed for students attending campuses where the indicated course is not offered: CAS 100 or ENGL 202C can be substituted for EMSC 100S. If GEOSC 1 is not available, GEOSC 20 may be substituted. Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC.
Elementary principles of microbial and viral structure, reproduction, genetics and physiology; relationship to food, water, soil, industrial and disease processes. MICRB 201H Introductory Microbiology (3)
PSU 16 First-Year Seminar Science 1
In this course, students learn the scientific method and important microbiological concepts and techniques by designing and executing experiments. Through a series of experimental modules, students will practice and hone their skills at formulating interesting questions, developing testable hypotheses, designing experiments, and analyzing results. Module topics will cover identification and characterization of microbes, interactions between microbes and their environment, pathogenesis, and microbial communities. At the end of the course, students will be prepared to participate in engaged scholarship opportunities, such as performing independent research.
Select 3-4 credits of the following: 3-4
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.
/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. .
/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.
2 2,5,7 MICRB/PPEM 456 3 MICRB Elective (List B) 3 2,5,7 MICRB Elective (List B) 3 ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or 3 ‡ 202D Department List C 3-4 Department List C 3-4 General Education Course 3 General Education Course 3 15-16 16-15 Total Credits 124-125 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
Chemistry. Fundamental principles and the quantitative measurement of chemical components in the blood and other body fluids.
Urinalysis. Identification of cellular and noncellular urinary sediments. Qualitative chemical analysis of urine.
Hematology. Principles of red and white blood cell development. Identification of normal and pathological conditions.
Immunohematology. Immunologic and genetic principles governing the transfusion of blood and blood products.
Microbiology. Identification of normal and abnormal microbial flora from various locations on and within the human body.
Serology-Immunology. Immunological principles and their application in the identification of present or past disease states of the human.
/Maximum of 2 Participation in the instruction of undergraduate laboratory courses, including classroom preparation; discussion of principles and objectives of each exercise. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 8 credits in microbiology and permission of department head
The MICRB 410 / VBSC 410 Theories of immunity (3cr.) course provides a basic foundation in immunology with a focus on the progression from antigen recognition and innate immune responses to the development of acquired immunity. During the course, students will have the opportunity to learn about key topics that lead to an understanding of the how the human immune system functions. Such topics include the primary cells and anatomical sites of the immune system as well as the activation and processes of innate immunity. In addition, students will learn about the organization and generation of lymphocyte antigen receptors, major histocompatibility complexes, and antigen presentation. Topics will also be presented that allow students to build an understanding of how antigen recognition and presentation leads to the development, selection, and survival of B and T lymphocytes. T-cell mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and the dynamics of the immune response will also be discussed in depth. Topics such as the immunobiology of allergy, transplantation, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, diseases, vaccines, and/or cancer will also be presented in order to help students build an understanding of the interplay between the immune system and health and disease will be discussed throughout the semester. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (MICRB 201 or MICRB 201H) and (BMB 251 or MICRB 251 or BMB 251H or BIOL 230W or BIOL 230M) Cross-listed with: VBSC 410
/Maximum of 99 An introduction to readings and oral presentations in microbiology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: 8 credits in MICRB courses
Old Listing Effective Through Summer 2026: Characteristics, methods of identification, and pathogenesis of bacteria that cause human disease; principles of disease dynamics and control. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MICRB 201 or MICRB 201H Changes Effective Fall 2026: • Changed Course Description
Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry Option (56 credits) Students can select courses to develop strengths in the study of biology at the cellular and molecular levels, including basic metabolism and its 15-17 regulations, DNA recombinant technology, bioinformatics and genomics. The option prepares students for admission to professional programs in the health sciences, graduate study, or careers in biotechnology or research. Code Title Credits ,
The overall goal of Microbial Biotechnology (3 cr.) is to provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge of microbiology and biotechnology to the synthesis of biologically important and industrially useful products. The course will focus on the application of the tools of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Forensics, Environmental Biology and Bioinformatics to exploit microbes as "vessels" to create an array of products to benefit humans, animals and the environment. For example, discussions may address the use of microbes in the cleanup of polluted environments (bioremediation) as well as their role in producing drugs (vaccines, antibiotics, etc.), industrially important enzymes (rennet, meat tenderizers, indigo production etc.), and biodegradable plastics. Furthermore, ethics and regulations surrounding the production, marketing, and distribution of these biologics will be discussed. Students in the course will also participate in a project wherein they conceive of an idea for a value-added product, research steps necessary to bring said product to market, investigate aspects related to intellectual property, and develop a marketing plan. The student project will culminate in a class competition where students will choose to invest their "biotech bucks" in a fellow student's proposed company. Throughout the entirety of the course, the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation will be at the forefront of class discussions.
2 2,5, MICRB/PPEM 456 3 MICRB Elective (List B) 2,5,7 MICRB Elective (List B) 3 ENGL 202C, 202A, 202B, or ‡ 202D General Education Course 3 Department List C 15 Total Credits 125-128 Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 661 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement All three courses are required for the major, but a grade of C or better is required in two of the following: MICRB 201, BIOL 224 and BIOL 225W or BIOL 226W (or BIOL 220W) and BIOL 234 and BIOL 235W or BIOL 236W (or BIOL 230W). To graduate, a grade of C or better is required in 9 credits of prescribed 400-level courses, excluding BMB 442 and MICRB 421W. Two series of courses can be taken – Cell Biology and Genetics
Advanced level microbiology laboratory course centered on medically important microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and parasites. Course content covers pathology and current techniques for identification of each microorganism, as well as the underlying concepts, such as physiological and biochemical properties. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MICRB 202 or MICRB 203 Concurrent Courses: MICRB 412
The study of signaling pathways that regulate the immune response. BMB 432 / MICRB 432 / VBSC 432 Advanced Immunology: Signaling in the Immune System (3)This course will use the immune system as a model in which to study how cells communicate in order to coordinate an immune response. We will focus on signaling mechanisms that regulate such immune responses as T cell activation, Thl/Th2 differentiation, macrophage activation, and migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation. All lectures are based on recent reviews by key investigators in each field, as well as primary articles to present students with the most recent advances, techniques, and approaches used. The goal of the course will be to convey a basis understanding of intracellular signaling mechanisms that will pertain to all areas of biology, an appreciation for current questions and future directions in th field, and an in depth understanding of the signals that govern immune responses. The material presented will build on the basic concepts learned in BMB 400 and MICRB 410, and will lay the foundation for more advanced courses at the graduate level. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BMB 251 or MICRB 251 or BIOL 230W or BMB 251H or BIOL 230M) and (MICRB 410 or VBSC 410) Cross-listed with: BMB 432, VBSC 432
Viral Pathogenesis provides students with a general knowledge of medically relevant viruses, with a specific focus on important human viral pathogens. The course is meant to help students understand how viruses cause diseases in humans and animals. Lectures and in-class discussions will focus both on the fundamentals of viral infection and disease mechanisms, and on contemporary virology-related topics in the scientific literature. Topics discussed can be divided into two main areas: Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4579 (1) general concepts related to viral pathogenesis and the control of viral infections; and (2) specific viruses that cause human disease including HIV-1, herpes viruses, papillomaviruses, influenza virus, West Nile virus, Ebola virus, and SARS virus. Although prior knowledge of virology is not required for taking this course, a working knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and some microbiology is helpful. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (MICRB 201 or MICRB 201H) and (BMB 252 or MICRB 252 or BMB 252H) or (BIOL 230W or BIOL 230M) Cross-listed with: BMB 435, VBSC 435
(3)The DNA portion of B M B/MICRB 442 serves as an introduction to fundamental techniques of recombinant DNA technology and as a reinforcement of principles of Molecular Genetics from lecture courses. The central experiment entails all basic procedures necessary to clone a gene, i.e. to make a recombinant molecule comprised of DNA from two sources. Students use restriction enzymes to cut two distinct DNA molecules into smaller fragments. The fragments are mixed and treated with the enzyme Ligase, which randomly combines small fragments into large recombinant DNA molecules in new combinations different in composition from either original molecule. The recombinant molecules, which include genes that confer drug resistance, are transformed intoE. coli cells that initially have no drug resistance. Cells that acquir recombinant DNA molecules are identified by selective plating on growth media containing drugs. From the transformed cells, recombinant DNA is isolated and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis, completing the array of basic gene cloning techniques. In addition to this central, multi-session experiment, students also do PCR and an investigation of the lac operon, a classic molecular genetic model system. The proteins portion of BMB 442 / MICRB 442 is designed to introduce students to protein biochemistry topics and laboratory techniques typically encountered in academic and commercial settings. Students will learn about buffers, spectroscopy, enzyme purification and characterization methods. Specifically, the experiments include preparation of buffers and performing kinetic studies to determine Km and Vmax values. Separation of a mixture of phycobiliproteins using ion-exchange column chromatography is a major experiment that the students will perform to learn protein purification methods. In this experiment they will learn how to pour a column, apply sample, elute it with salt gradient and collect fractions using automated fraction collector. Ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis will be part of protein purification procedures. Characterization of the separated proteins will be performed by determining the absorption spectra with spectrophotometer and by determining the molecular weights of the subunits of the phycobiliproteins by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3711 Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (CHEM 202 or CHEM 202H or CHEM 210 or CHEM 210H) and (BMB 251 or MICRB 251 or BIOL 230W or BMB 251H or BIOL 230M) or (MICRB 201 or MICRB 201H) Concurrent Courses: BMB 211 or BMB 401 or BMB 401H
Immunology laboratory course that centers on current molecular techniques that utilize immunological compenents. Students will learn to purify and label antibodies, detect antigens and titer antibodies. Example techniques taught in this course are Dot Blot, Western Blot and ELISA. Most techniques will be taught in a diagnostics or inquiry-based context. RECOMMENDED PREPARATIONS: MICRB 410 or VBSC 410
Emphasis will be on the role of mutations in the analysis of gene function; a detailed analysis of replication, transcription, translation, recombination and DNA repair. The course will also delve into the mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression both at the individual gene level as well as on a "global" scale. The course will examine the structure, replication and utilization of plasmids, transposons and bacteriophages, particularly focusing on their roles in the horizontal transfer of DNA between bacteria. The course will include both formal lecture presentations by the instructor as well as presentations of published research related to the field of bacterial genetics whenever possible. Enforced Prerequisite At Enrollment: (BMB 251 or MICRB 251 or BMB 251H or BIOL 230W or BIOL 230M) and (MICRB 201 or MICRB 201H) Cross-listed with: BMB 450
e 3 Credits This is a lecture-based course that will broaden students' understanding of the diverse biotic and abiotic interactions relevant to microbes in diverse environments. In particular, this course focuses on ecological interactions between microbes in a common environment or between microbes and their eukaryotic hosts (e.g. plants and animals). In addition to learning about ecological theory as it applies to microbes, students will learn about historical and contemporary approaches to studying microbes in different environments. This will include substantial focus on cutting edge '-omics', microscopic, and direct functional analytical approaches to understand both the distribution of microbial taxa (i.e. who's there) and what processes they carry out in their natural environments (i.e. what they're doing). In the latter portions of the class, students will apply the theory and techniques to understanding the ecology of specific environments, including environmental, agricultural, and food environments. The objectives of this course include: provide students with a firm understanding of contemporary microbial ecology and environmental microbiology; conceptually link processes that occur in disparate environments, such as plant roots, termite guts, and cheese
Mechanisms and regulation of protein trafficking, organelle biosynthesis, cell development, signaling and cell cycle control. Emphasizes experimental design and analysis. BMB 460 / MICRB 460 Cell Growth and Differentiation (3) is a unique course that uses the primary literature to teach significant content in advanced cell biology while simultaneously exposing students to the scientific craft of experimental design and analysis. In addition to exploring historical and current cell biology research articles, students will develop two vital scientific skills; critica thinking as applied to experimental data and creative thinking about solving unresolved questions in cell biology. In this course students will read from journals to explore questions about cell biology and how cell biologists decipher cell functions. Instead of a general survey of cell biology, we delve into specific issues, often looking at "classic" papers describing how a specific phenomenon was first investigated to place current questions in context before progressing to the latest publications exploring how innovative techniques have been applied to deciphering cell function. The course is divided into units, each of which emphasizes content in a different area. Actual content may vary from year to year as the course is updated to reflect progress in a field of research. We have previously explored the general areas of cell membrane dynamics, intracellular protein trafficking, cell cycle regulation, cell signaling pathways and cancer cell biology. Finally, the course ends with a unit on stem cells and therapeutic cloning technology. A portion of the final unit is also devoted to discussing the ethical implications of stem cell research with an emphasis on how to make personal decisions about how our society should approach these issues. Reading guides are provided for each assignment to help students find and understand important points in reading assignments. Class periods are devoted to explanations and instructor-led discussions about the readings with an emphasis on understanding the questions, the methods used to approach the questions, the experimental results and the interpretations of the results. Furthermore, periodic class periods are dedicated to experimental approach exercises where students work in groups to practice posing new questions as suggested by our readings and proposing experiments to answer these questions. These skills are vital part of what cell biologists do daily, and these exercises provide practice in thinking like a scientist. Students have previously reported that by taking this course they acquired the ability to read and understand the primary literature and have gained an in-depth understanding about how to use various experimental techniques. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: BMB 252 or MICRB 252 or BMB 252H or BIOL 230W or BIOL 230M Cross-listed with: BMB 460
BMB 480 / MICRB 480 Cancer Development and Progression (3) explores how cancer initiates and progresses with a focus on the interactions between tumor cells and normal tissues in the body. The goal of the course is to build fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms that drive cancer, and the current advances and challenges in cancer treatment. Genetic, biochemical, mechanical, and metabolic aspects of cancer will all be discussed along with relevant experimental techniques. RNA and DNA viruses that cause cancer will be highlighted as agents leading to the discovery of oncogene and tumor suppressor signaling pathways, and as ongoing contributors to cancer-related death. Significant attention will be given to the role of the immune system in cancer development, prevention, and treatment. By understanding mechanisms leading to the disruption of signaling pathways in cancer, students will develop a framework of how hallmark features of cancer arise and what corresponding therapeutic strategies have been developed to target them. Students are expected to participate in lectures and take part in discussion and analysis of scientific literature. This course applies core concepts from genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to the study of cancer and provides a useful foundation for students interested in pursuing related graduate research or medical studie l Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BMB 252 or MICRB 252 or BMB 252H or BIOL 230W or BIOL 230M) and (BIOL 222 or BIOL 322) RECOMMENDED PREPARATIONS MICRB 410 and BMB 460 and MICRB 415 Cross-listed with: BMB 480
/Maximum of 18 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest.
/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction.
Source: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
