Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 College Catalog 
    
2018-2019 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

BI 240 FORENSIC MICROBIOLOGY w/LAB



This course teaches the identification and tracing of microbial pathogens used in bio-terrorism and the use of site and/or region-specific microbes as evidence to uncover circumstances of interest to the law, often related to a crime such as in the movement of bodies and the location of original crime scenes. The course covers the study of pathogenic microbes and their toxins, their spread and methods of detection, as well as legal procedures. The structure, biochemistry, physiology and classification of the microorganisms that have pathogenic significance and the immune response are emphasized. Mechanisms of infection, toxicity and disease are covered with attention to various human body systems that are targets of such pathogens. Students learn methods of handling Biological Samples in the lab, methods of identification both through molecular microbiology and traditional microbiology. Mechanisms of pathogenesis and spread of microorganism and the epidemiology of tracing the sources of such spread are covered along with structure, function, and action of antimicrobial drugs and drug resistance and other treatment techniques. Students will defend their laboratory findings in a mock trial. 4 Credits: 3 hours lecture and 3 hours Lab. Prerequisites: BI110, CH110. 4 Credits Prerequisites: BI110, CH110.