Multicellular host species have complex and variable interactions with the microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, archaea, yeast etc.) that interact with them. Often these interactions are hostile, but they can be synergistic. In this course we will investigate the co-evolutionary molecular mechanisms of both the battles between microbes and the hosts they use as well as positive interactions between microbes and hosts. We will become familiar with state-of-the art genomic, biochemical, cell biological, and whole organism techniques and how to interpret the data that results from related experiments. Further we will compare, and contrast mechanisms microbes use to survive in variable host environments. This course will emphasize the development of research skills, including interrogating and managing primary scientific literature, experimental design, hypothesis building, and communication of complex scientific concepts. Students will actively participate in course delivery by presenting a paper to the class, and by writing a mini review article.
Learning Goals:
Identify and understand general concepts in host-microbe interactions including 1) immunological response strategies of hosts and associated trade-offs, 2) microbe transmission strategies, 3) co-evolution of hosts and microbes, 4) microbe contributions to host evolution, 5) host-microbiome interactions.
Understand modern and classic tools used to understand host-microbe interactions, their uses and their limitations.
Find, critically read, analyze, and synthesize primary literature related to Host-Microbe interactions.
Identify key experiments in a scientific paper that most strongly support the proposed hypothesis.
Begin to formulate hypothesis that extend from the current state of scientific knowledge.
Communicate scientific results orally in a concise and engaging manner.
Effectively share scientific knowledge in written form, utilizing multiple drafts with revisions and community editing.
More details at: https://nicole.sexton@unl.edu