Advanced Bacterial Pathogenesis

This course introduces students to cutting-edge topics in bacterial pathogenesis in a class format designed to encourage both critical analysis and concentration on experimental design, which will aid students in preparation for qualifying exams. The course meets once per week for 2.5-3 hours. Depending on class size and on a rotating basis, individual students, or groups of two or three students lead discussions of selected topics. Presenting students are required to prepare PowerPoint presentations to focus the discussion, and the following week to produce a Specific Aims page modeled after NIH R01 applications. The bulk of class time is devoted to open discussion, critical analysis of the literature, and constructive feedback of student reviews. In the end, each student develops and presents a research proposal on one of the topics discussed. Students taking the course for 2 credits will not be required to prepare the research proposal. Grading is based on quality of presentations, Specific Aims pages, and class participation (all students) and on the quality of the research outline (students taking the class for 3 credits).