BIOL 5210 Molecular Basis of Infectious Disease

Satisfies the advanced experience requirement for the Biology major. This course will introduce students to the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying infectious diseases. It will focus on a small number of microbial pathogens representing distinct modes of replication, pathogenesis, and transmission. These pathogens will serve as paradigms for an in-depth exploration of the diverse molecular mechanisms by which microbes cause disease, and how these mechanisms are targeted by therapeutics. Students will need strong background knowledge of cellular biology, biochemistry, and/or microbiology; the course will include both lectures and extensive assigned reading. Prerequisites: BIOL2000, BIOL2040, and additional 3000+-level coursework in cell biology or molecular biology.

Course overview

Department
Biology
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Annually

Catalog details

Prerequisites
BIOL2000 and BIOL2040

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

No source-backed degree requirement is attached to this course yet.

Official evaluation summary

4.39 / 5

Based on 36 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Welkin Johnson
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025 · Official rating 4.67/5
  • Zachary Williams
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025 · Official rating 4.53/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Welkin Johnson, Zachary Williams · Higgins Hall 225 TuTh 10:30AM-11:45AM · Offered