BIO 253 - Immune Health and the Microbiome

Immunology is a relatively young and quite exciting sub-discipline of Biology which studies the development, maturation, function, and maintenance of the various cell types of the immune system in health and disease. Recently, several new functions have emerged for the immune system as natural extensions of their already known duties to defend the body from pathogens - tissue repair and the ability to negotiate terms with the resident microbiota at all barrier surfaces. Which brings us to our broad question of interest - what is the relationship between immune health and the microbiome? If you are asking yourselves “why immune health and the microbiome?”, then you have the right mindset and a healthy dose of curiosity needed for this class. Group Investigation courses provide an in-depth research experience that includes development of skills valued by our department and sought after in post graduate education and by employers. This includes literature research, significant experimental design and execution around a guided original question, as well as presenting to different audiences in written and oral format.

Prerequisites & Notes
A passing grade in Bio111/113 and Bio112/114 is required. Completion of one upper level Biology class listed (Bio 201 (Genetics), Bio 202 (Microbiology), Bio 208 (Cell Biology), Bio 230 (Host-Pathogen Interaction), Bio 303 (Biochemistry), Bio 306 (Developmental Biology), Bio 307 (Immunology), Bio37X (Independent research)) or permission of instructor is expected.