MICR 167 The Biology of Fungi that Cause Disease

This course will focus on the molecular features of fungi that form the basis of strategies for pathogenesis and virulence.  The increasing use of immune modulating therapies coupled with global climate changes has increased the incidence of both human, plant and other animal fungal infections.  The difficulties associated with development of drugs that neutralize fungi but do not harm host cells, heighten the importance of research on fungi and emphasize the unique aspects of eukaryotic pathogens compared to bacteria.  The course format will include didactic lectures and active learning exercises to define fundamental and emerging concepts around fungal pathogenesis and virulence.

Prerequisite

Senior undergraduate with permission of the instructor