Microbiology This course introduces key microbiological principles, providing a foundation for advanced study in modern biology. Students will explore microbial cell structure and function, as well as the roles of microbes in health, biotechnology, agriculture, and the environment. The course integrates both basic and applied microbiology through lectures and hands-on lab experiences. A central component is an independent research project in which students will apply microbiological techniques to either isolate and characterize microorganisms from natural sources or investigate a novel, student-driven research question involving microbes.

Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis Many microorganisms have the potential to cause disease. An understanding of the mechanisms that promote bacterial pathogenesis is therefore essential for the development of effective disease prevention and/or treatment strategies. This course will explore the mechanisms by which microbial pathogens adhere to, invade, and persist in the human host. While an emphasis will be placed on microbial mechanisms of disease, the host response to the infectious process will also be discussed. (BIOL 0140 and BIOL 0145) 3 hrs lect/disc.

Cell Biology and Genetics In this introduction to modern cellular, genetic, and molecular biology we will explore life science concepts with an emphasis on their integral nature and evolutionary relationships.  Topics covered will include cell membrane structure and function, metabolism, cell motility and division, genome structure and replication, the regulation of gene expression and protein production, genotype to phenotype relationship, and basic principles of inheritance.  Major concepts will be illustrated using a broad range of examples from plants, animals, and microorganisms.  Current topics in biology will be integrated into the course as they arise.

Molecular Genetics This course will focus on the structure and function of nucleic acids in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Lectures will center on molecular mechanisms of mutation, transposition, and recombination, the regulation of gene expression, and gene control in development, immune diversity and carcinogenesis. Readings from the primary literature will complement the textbook and classroom discussions. The laboratory will provide training in both classic and contemporary molecular-genetic techniques including nucleic acid isolation and purification, cloning, electroporation, nick-translation, Southern/Northern blotting, DNA sequencing, PCR and RT-PCR.

Genomics Genomics is a quickly evolving field that analyzes and contextualizes genome sequencing data and high-throughput techniques. Genomics is the study of the nucleic acid content of organisms. In this course students will use national repositories of genomic information, databases, and open-source bioinformatics tools to visualize and manipulate genomic data. We will also explore genomics’ larger social context, particularly as it relates to the environment and medical informatics. In the laboratory we will explore and use the methodology used in genomics to develop and interpret large datasets (CHEM 0104 or CHEM 0107,and BIOL 0145 and BIOL0140, or by waiver)

Emily Putnam

Reviews and ratings for Emily Putnam at Middlebury College.Emily Putnam teaches Microbiology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Cell Biology and Genetics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Emily Putnam good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

The course is very easy and focused on molecular genetics of microbes. I thought there would be more of a human basis for the course but we only touched on applications in humans a handful of times. With that said, it was a fascinating course and Professor Putnam is very enthusiastic

Professor Putnam is very passionate about the topic of cell biology. The teaching style in this course relies heavily on lecture and reading that apply to a weekly homework comprehensive homework assignment. The questions on the homework are typically much harder than the questions on exams, so it is very possible to get a good grade if you show up and do what is asked of you. 

I took this course with Professor Putnam, and I really enjoyed it. She makes the content very interesting and uses case studies to apply it to real-world events. There were problem sets due each week with textbook reading for each class. Exams were straightforward, and you could do revisions if you got less than a 90%. 