Welcome to Microbiology!

The Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Emerging Diseases is involved in the study of microbes, how they cause disease, the treatment and prevention of diseases and their potential use as bioweapons. Faculty members are active in teaching microbiology and infectious diseases in the classroom, the laboratory and in the field. In addition, faculty performs research in specific areas related to infectious diseases.

Microbiology is an introductory course that is presented during Block I and includes the study of virology, bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology from a scientific and biomedical perspective with an emphasis on morphology, physiology, life history, pathogenicity, epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention.

Infectious Diseases is presented during blocks II-VIII and includes the integration of microbiology, pathophysiology, immunology, pharmacology and clinical experience into a case-based approach to infectious diseases involving faculty members from other disciplines.

Bioterrorism and Disaster Responses Preparedness is a two-day lecture and field experience unique to medical school education where VCOM OMS II students learn how to respond to natural and man-made disasters. To read more about these experiences, go to the VCOM View.

The Department is involved in many programs and activities within the VCOM community. These activities include support of the International Missions trips and disaster relief responses, support the Biomedical and Clinical Seminar series, Infectious Diseases interest group, VCOM Research and Recognition day, and the dual D.O. /Ph.D degree program.