Experimental Microbial Genetics
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this laboratory course in which students design independent research projects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, a pathogen isolated from cystic fibrosis patients' lungs. Coursework covers molecular genetics techniques including plasmid manipulation, genetic complementation, mutagenesis, PCR, DNA sequencing, enzyme assays, and gene expression studies, applied to questions of stationary phase survival, antibiotic resistance, phase variation, toxin production, and secondary metabolite production. The course emphasizes both classical and cutting-edge experimental methods alongside training in scientific writing and oral presentation. Materials include lab safety notices reflecting the hazardous nature of the experiments, which require proper training and supervision. This is a hands-on research-based course rather than a lecture series, drawing on MIT's biology curriculum for advanced undergraduates working directly with a clinically relevant model organism.