This course focuses on bacteria, and emphasizes how microbial metabolism, structure, genetics, and reproduction drive their ubiquity and evolution. Concepts such as mutualism, antibiotic resistance, immunity and vaccines, and virulence are explored through reading and discussion of primary literature. Laboratory course. Students who have received credit for BIOL 339 may not receive credit for this course. Prerequisite: BIOL 133; (BIOL 213, BIOL 223. BIOL 224, BIOL 233, or BIOL 243); and (CHEM 119, CHEM 120, or CHEM 150).