Course Description

As viruses play a major role in the world, including bacteriophages, as they are one of the most abundant viruses on this earth. As such, bacteriophages have a large influence on research and bacterial evolution and there is a need to further their discovery and identification. As part of the SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) research team, this course covers microbiology and molecular biology content about bacteriophages, followed by hands-on experience through isolation and characterization of novel bacteriophages from soil samples using various microbiology and virology techniques.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the importance of phage discovery
• Describe and discuss key molecular and virology laboratory techniques
• Demonstrate the ability to follow an experimental protocol appropriately and safely
• Analyze and interpret scientific data
• Keep a detailed and properly formatted notebook throughout the semester
• Provide peers with constructive feedback during oral presentations
• Communicate scientific findings in a written and oral format
• Read and discuss scientific research articles
• Work effectively in a team

Course Coordinator

Dr. Corinne Maurice

Life Sciences Complex
Room 332, Bellini Building
3649 Promenade Sir William Osler
Montreal, QC H3G 0B1
Lab: (514)398-1641