CORE CURRICULUM: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY |
Course Department & Number | Course Name | Instructors | Credits/Semester |
Microbiology/Genetics 607 | Advanced Microbial Genetics | Roberts | 3 / Fall
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| The purpose of Micro/Genetics 607 is to enable beginning graduate students to read and understand the literature on genetic and molecular biology of bacteria and lower eukaryotes. The course will utilize both standard lecture format as well as group discussion of primary literature. It will cover basic topics of genetic analysis, emphasizing methodology as well as important discoveries. While the course will address all major topics of importance, it will focus particularly on those that are most likely to be utilized by students in their research or on areas which are of particularly broad biological importance. Where appropriate, the instructors will emphasize the major biological and genetic similarities and differences between bacteria and lower eukaryotes. Strengths and weaknesses of the available methodologies available to these two classes of organisms will also be addressed. Approximately 2/3 of the course will focus on prokaryotic systems with the remainder devoted to lower eukaryotes. * Note: Students can count towards their CMB Core Requirement either Micro 612 OR Micro 607, but not both. |
Microbiology/Biochemistry/ Genetics 612 | Prokaryotic Molecular Biology | Gourse, Landick , Keck | 3 / Fall |
| The course will survey topics in prokaryotic molecular biology including transcription, translation, DNA and chromosome structure, regulation of gene expression, replication, recombination, and transposition. The object of the course will be to outline basic paradigms in molecular biology and approaches that are used to solve such problems. In general, the course emphasizes our present understanding of molecular mechanisms obtained from biochemical, structural, and genetic approaches as well as how the information was obtained. Some reading of selected papers from the primary literature will be required. This is not a “methods” course: the details of specific methods will be described only insofar as necesssary in order to understand how particular information is obtained. P: an undergraduate course in basic biochemistry (e.g. equivalent of Biochem 501 or 507/508) and a course providing some background in bacterial genetics/physiology (e.g. an equivalent of Microbiol 370 and/or 526) * Note: Students can count towards their CMB Core requirement either Micro 612 OR Micro 607, but not both. |
Microbiology/Oncology/Plant Pathology 640 | General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses | Ahlquist, Kalejta
| 3 / Fall |
| This course covers the structure and replication strategies of animal and selected bacterial viruses. A major theme of the course centers on the rich set of solutions to a common set of problems encountered by these intracellular pathogens. Highlighted as well are studies in which viruses were used as models for uncovering basic concepts in cellular and molecular biology including protein structure and function, membrane receptors and cellular trafficking, gene expression and replication of nucleic acids. The second phase of the course focuses on virus cell interactions. Here the complex realm of host responses to virus infection is discussed including cell signaling pathways and activation and modulation of host defenses. The course uses primary literature as the basis for consideration of these topics. |
Biochemistry 601 | Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function | Rayment, Holden
| 2 / Fall |
| Protein structure and dynamics. Protein folding. Physical organic chemistry of enzymatic catalysis. Analysis of enzyme kinetics and receptor-ligand interactions. Enzymatic reaction mechanisms. |
Biochemistry 620/ Pharmacology 620: | Eukaryotic Molecular Biology | Ansari, Wassarman | 2 / Spring |
| This course focuses on the basic molecular mechanisms that regulate DNA, RNA, and protein metabolism in eukaryotic organisms. The course is intended for advanced undergraduates and first years graduate students with a firm knowledge of basic biochemistry. P: Biochemistry 508 or equivalent |
Biochemistry/Genetics 703 | Topics in Eukaryotic Regulation | Anderson, Kimble, Wickens.
| 2 / Spring |
| The topics covered in Biochemistry 703/Genetics 703 change from year to year and span a broad range of contemporary issues in eukaryotic gene regulation and in the control of animal development. The focus is on design and interpretation of experiments that address molecular and genetic mechanisms of eukaryotic regulation. P: Firm knowledge of basic biochemistry, molecular biology, and general genetics is essential for admission to the course. Admission requires consent of the instructor in charge of administration for the course (J. Kimble). |
CORE CURRICULUM: CELL BIOLOGY
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Course Department & Number | Course Name
| Instructors | Credits/Semester |
Biochemistry 630/Zoology 630/Pharmacology 630 | Cellular Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Martin, Anderson, Miyamoto, Keely, Ruoho, Bresnick
| 3 / Fall |
| The course covers the essential elements of signal transduction from the cell surface to the nucleus. Topics include basics of receptors, receptor biosynthesis, heptahelical receptors, G protein coupling, regulation of adenylyl cyclase, protein kinase A, phospholipase C, protein kinase C, calcium mobilization mechanisms, calcium-dependent protein kinases, receptor protein tyrosine kinases, signaling through Ras and PI 3-kinase pathways, cytokine receptors, receptor ion channels, organization of DNA and chromatin, mechanisms of gene transcription, nuclear receptors, phosphorylation pathways that control gene transcription, death receptors and apoptotic mechanisms. |
Oncology 703 | Carcinogenesis and Tumor Cell Biology | | 3 / Fall |
| The goal of this annually taught course is to present an up-to-date picture of the cellular and molecular basis for cancer. The course provides a survey of the many genes implicated in cancer development, and their mechanisms of action in normal cell growth and differentiation as well as in cancer. Topics to be discussed include: cell cycle and its regulation; modulation of cell death, signal transduction pathways controlling cell growth and differentiation; tumor suppressor genes and genetic susceptibility to cancer; mechanisms of carcinogenesis by tumor viruses and chemical carcinogens, DNA repair and the fixation of mutations. Topics are discussed in the context of specific cancers including cancers of the breast, cervix, intestine, lymphoid tissues, liver, and skin. *Note: Enrollment limited to second year graduate students only, except by consent of course instructor. |
Pathology 750 | Cellular and Molecular Biology/Pathology | Rapraeger | 3 / Spring |
| The emphasis is on our current understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms. Where possible, human diseases are used to illustrate the outcome at the organismal level of defects in these mechanisms. Lectures will draw from the current research literature and cover topics such as intracellular protein and vesicle sorting, cell cycle, intracellular signaling, cell adhesion, cell migration, and growth. Current papers are discussed during in-class discussion. |
ETHICS COURSES |
Course Department & Number | Course Name | Instructors | Credits/Semester |
Medical History and Bioethics 999 | Advanced Independent Study, Special Topics: Research Ethics | | 1-3 / Fall, Spring |
| This course objective is to enable students to understand the policies regulating research at land grant universities and the moral principles on which these policies are based. |
Medical History & Bioethics 545 | Ethical and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Investigation | Fost | 1 / Fall
|
| This course will explore and examine the ethical issues central to clinical research, regulations governing clinical investigation, and the role of good clinical practice for clinical trials. |
Surgical Sciences 812 | Research Ethics and Career Development | Bjorling | 2 / Fall |
Agronomy/Medical History and Bioethics 565 | The Ethics of Modern Biotechnology | Streiffer | 3 / Spring |
| Study of ethical issues arising from the application of modern biotechnology to microorganisms, crops, and non-human animals. Readings cover moral theory, technology studies, political philosophy, the science used in biotechnology, and current regulations governing its use. |
Medical History and Bioethics 558 | Ethical Problems Raised by Biomedical Technology | Fost, Streiffer | 3 / Spring |
| Ethical issues apparently created by new biomedical technologies, such as genetic screening, prenatal diagnosis, prolongation of life, treatment of severe birth defects, in vitro fertilization, behavior modification, psychosurgery, and transplantation. |
Oncology 675 | Advanced or Special Topics in Cancer Research: Appropriate Conduct in Science | Mertz, Gould, Leong | 1 / Spring |
| A review and discussion of the fundamentals of good scientific communication and ethical issues in science. |
Nursing 802 | Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research | Tluczek | 1 / Spring |
| Ethical issues in the design, conduct and reporting of research are examined in the context of the nature of the scientific endeavor, the structure of the research community, and professional and federal guidelines for supporting scientific integrity and controlling misconduct. |
| Chemistry 901 | Seminar-Teaching of Chemistry | Donohue | 1 / Fall |
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ADDITIONAL COURSES |
Course Department & Number | Course Name
| Professor | Credits/Semester |
AHABS/Microbiology/Medical Microbiology and Immunology 528 | Immunology
| Splitter
| 3 / Fall |
| Development and functions of the immune response in animals; a comprehensive study of experimental humoral and cellular immunity, including a molecular basis for these host responses. P: Two semesters chemistry and one semester zoology or general biology |
AHABS/Medical Microbiology and Immunology 720 | Topics in Immunology | Gumperz | 3 / Fall - even years |
P: Med Micro/VetSci/Bact 528 or equiv.
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AHABS 875 | Special Topics | Patankar, Abbott, Gasch, Sheffield, Perna
| 1-4 / Spring |
Anatomy 675
| Topics in Anatomy
| Griep
| 1-3 / Fall, Spring |
| This class will cover all aspects of stem cell biology from self renewal to industrial and clinical applications. It features some of the leading experts on campus working with all types of stem cells. The format will be two one hour slots per week for each topic-the first a lecture and the second either another lecture, a discussion of papers or round table interactive sessions that will be determined by each professor. |
Anatomy 700 | Cytoskeletal Dynamics | Amann, White, Dent
| 2 / Spring |
| Meets weekly for two hour period of time. The cytoskeleton is a complex and dynamic intracellular machine that is made up of both structural, motor and signaling components. It provides the driving forces and structural framework for such fundamental processes as mitosis, cytokinesis, cell migration, gastrulation, morphogenesis and nerve process outgrowth. This course explores the nature of the cytoskeleton with particular emphasis on how the cytoskeleton is remodeled during various cellular processes. A few specific topics are selected for in-depth analyses that are of mutual interest to the students who sign-up for the course. These topics are pursued by literature searches, presentations by participating students and round-table discussions. The course involves lectures and student presentations. Each student is required to formulate a research proposal at the end of the course and to present it for critical evaluation. |
Anatomy/AnSci/Physiology 725 | Muscle Biology | Greaser | 2 / Fall - even years |
| Anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of muscle. Team-taught course with lecturers summarizing areas related to their current research. P: Course in biochemistry or physical chemistry & physiology or consent of instructor. |
Biochemistry/Botany 621 | Plant Biochemistry | Sharkey, Bednarek
| 3 / Fall - odd years |
| Biochemistry of photosynthesis, respiration, and other metabolic and biosynthetic processes. P: Biochemistry 501 or 602 or consent of instructor |
Biochemistry/Chemistry 665 | Biophysical Chemistry | Record | 4 / Fall, Spring |
Systematic description of physical principles governing biochemical processes and transformations, e.g., protein folding, conformational changes such as helix-coil transition, ligand binding, intermolecular recognition. The main emphasis of the course is on thermodynamic and kinetic principles and their application to the above biological phenomena.
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Biochemistry 711 | Sequence Analysis | Palmenberg
| 2 / Fall - even years |
| For aspiring molecular biologists and genetic engineers, designed to answer the questions: “What can you do with your sequence once you have it?” and “How can you put this information into realistic biological perspective?” |
Biochemistry 712 | Sequence Analysis Laboratory | Palmenberg
| 1 / Fall - even years |
| Hands on laboratory course taught at actual computer terminals, designed to implement and reinforce the sequence analysis concepts presented in the didactic course, Biochemistry 711 |
Biomedical Engineering 601 | Special Topics | Beebe, Radwin, Ogle, Murphy Williams, Masters | 1-3 / Fall, Spring |
| The interface between bioengineering and stem cell biology is among the most intriguing and active areas of inquiry in modern biotechnology. The aim of this course is to illuminate and explore this interdisciplinary research area, with an emphasis on fundamental stem cell biology, modeling of stem cell signaling, control over the stem cell microenvironment, and stem cell-based tissue development and regeneration. |
Botany/Biochemistry/ Genetics 840 | Regulatory Mechanisms in Plant Development | Amasino, Bleecker, Fernandez, Masson
| 3 / Fall - even years |
| Molecular mechanisms whereby endogenous and environmental regulatory factors control development; emphasis on stimulus perception and primary events in the signal chain leading to modulated gene expression and cellular development. P: Biochemistry 501 or 601 and Botany 500 or Biocore 301 and 323. |
Botany 960 | Seminar: Plant Physiology | Fernandez, Day
| 1 / Fall, Spring |
Different topics in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, and developmental biology each semester.
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Biomolecular Chemistry 710 | Biochemical Functions- Macromolecules | Brow, Rayment | 2 / Spring |
| This course focuses on topics and approaches applicable to an in-depth understanding of fundamental biochemical research, and is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for the research phase of their careers.
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Forest & Wildlife Ecology/Hort/Stat 571 | Statistical Methods for Bioscience I | Ane
| 4 / Fall |
| Descriptive statistics, distributions, one-and two-sample normal inference, power, one-way ANOVA, simple linear regression, categorical data, non-parametric methods; underlying assumptions and diagnostic work. P: College algebra: Graduate Student or consent of instructor |
Genetics/Medical Genetics 677 | Advanced Topics in Genetics | Kessel, Schwartz, Ganetzky, Laughon, Culbertson, Proll, Payseur | 1-3 / Fall, Spring |
| Contents vary; consideration of subjects not included in the curriculum. Possible topics: advanced genetics, genetics and evolution, human genetics, contemporary issues in HIV/AIDS prevention, FAS introduction, FAS into on-line, how to facilitate social & health change, HIV/AIDS prevention advanced, gender issues & substace abuse, sexuality issues & developmental disabilities, health issues for adolescents, alcohol & related behaviors, alcohol issues: a multicultural perspective. P: For those with some background in genetics |
Genetics 875, Section 1 | Special Topics: Plant Genetics | Masson, Havey
| 2 / Fall |
| The objective of this course is to cover the basic concepts of genetics and genomics as applied to plants. Possible topics: plant genetics, genomic and proteomic analysis. P: Genetics 466 or equivalent.
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Genetics 875, Section 2
| Special Topics: Genomic and Proteomic Analysis | Gasch, Perna
| 3 / Fall |
| This course will present modern techniques in genomics and proteomics, with particular focus on analyzing the data generated by these techniques. Course materials will cover genomic sequencing, comparative sequence analysis, phylogeny construction and phylogenomics, transcription factor motif discovery, DNA microarray analysis, techniques in mass spectrometry, proeomic screening methods, and protein interaction network analysis. |
Human Oncology 721
| The Conduct of Science | Clark
| 1-3 / Spring - odd years |
Controversial and current topics relevant to the mechanisms of specific anticancer drugs emphasizing the relation of biochemical mechanisms and molecular biology to clinical observations. Topics include: leukemias, biostatistics, DNA repair, chromatin structure and tumor pathophysiology. P: Biochem 501, 601, or cons inst.
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Medical Genetics/Oncology 707 | Growth and Differentiation | Dove
| 3 / Spring - Odd years |
| Contemporary Issues-Human Vertebrate Development & Cancer, A research-level analysis of the current status of the investigation of processes controlling differential gene activity and cellular behavior. The major emphasis is genetic. In successive years, the focus moves from the gene to the cell to the organism. P: Genetics 466 or equivalent, Biochemistry 602 or equivalent. |
Medical Microbiology and Immunology 677 | Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology | Schell | 1-3 / Fall, Spring |
Lectures on a specialized topic of current interest in medical microbiology. Course content will vary with instructor. P: Graduate Status or consent of instructor.
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Medical Microbiology and Immunology/AHABS/ Microbiology 740 | Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis | Dillard
| 3 / Fall |
The yearly course focuses on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and methods for studying pathogenesis. The first four weeks of the course are devoted to discussion of general principles of pathogenesis, host responses to bacteria and bacterial products, and genetic techniques for identifying virulence genes. For the remainder of the course each Tuesday session is a lecture on virulence mechanisms of a specific bacterial species, given by a researcher who is expert in that area. The Thursday sessions are made up of discussions of 2-3 papers on the specific pathogen. Student assignments include two literature critiques and an NIH-style grant proposal.
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Medical Microbiology and Immunology 773 | Eukaryotic Microbial Pathogenesis | Bangs and Woods
| 3 / Spring |
This yearly course focuses on cellular, molecular, and biochemical aspects of pathogenic mechanisms of eukaryotic microbial pathogens, emphasizing protozoan parasites and fungi that cause debilitating and lethal diseases in humans. These pathogens display many distinctions from bacteria and viruses in features related to pathogenesis and infection, in large part due to their phylogenetic similarity to their host organisms. Both their basic biology and ability to infect and cause disease reveal unique evolutionarily adaptations that aid our understanding of how a microbe can exploit its host, and broaden our appreciation of the diversity of eukaryotic organisms. The course is a mixture of didactic lectures covering basic mycology and parasitology, critical reading of the current literature, and student-led presentations and discussions.
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Medical Microbiology and Immunology/Biomolecular Chemistry/Bacteriology 914 | Seminar--Molecular Biosciences (Advanced) | Keck
| 1 / Spring, Fall |
| During the fall semester, molecular biosciences trainees who have not achieved dissertator status will present seminars based primarily on literature related to their projects. During the spring semester, molecular biosciences trainees with dissertator status will present seminars based upon their own research. P: cons inst. (For MBTG Students Only) |
Oncology 675 | Advanced or Special Topics in Cancer Research | Burgess, Gould
| 2 / Fall |
Course topics change every other year as it is offered. Contact the Oncology department for additional course information.
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Pathology 709 | Contemporary Topics in Cell Structure and Function | Sandor | 2 / Spring |
Meets weekly for two hour period of time. The course involves lectures given by different experts from the pathology graduate program (the first hour) and student presentations of current papers relevant to the lecture (second hour). This course explores the immune response in health and disease. There will be a focus on malfunctions of immune system, like immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, allergies. The basic mechanisms by which immunity protects against infectious disease will be explored and practical uses of immunity to facilitate transplantation and protection against tumors will be discussed. Each student is required to present and critique relevant research papers, and to complete an open book exam solving a set of problems associated with the lectures.
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Pathology 751 | Cellular & Molecular Biology of Aging | Malter | 3 / Fall |
Cellular and molecular pathophysiology of human disease typically afflicting the aged, such as Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, Type II diabetes and arthritis, experimental systems to study aging. P: Biochem 501 or equiv.
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Pathology 803 | Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases | Fabry | 3 / Fall |
Introduction to the basic principles of pathology (inflammation, cell death and degeneration and neoplasia). This course will focus on diseases that are major causes of global heath and disability and are good examples of these basic principles. For each major disease there will be three classes. The first class will introduce the human clinical features of the disease. The next class will focus on experimental models to student the disease pathogenesis. The last session will consist of small groups reviewing primary research papers addressing disease pathogenesis and discussing the leading disease model.
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Pharmacology 710
| Cytosolic and Nuclear Signaling Mechanisms | Tibbetts, Bresnick, Anderson | 2 / Spring - Even years |
This is an advanced signal transduction course, in which students learn to critically evaluate literature in this field.
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Pharmacology 711 | Neurotransmitter Receptors and Ion Channels | Makielski, Jones, Ruoho, Rurstyn, Czajkowski
| 2 / Spring - Odd years |
| This is an advanced course in molecular neurobiology, with a heavy molecular and cellular focus. |
Pharmacology 875 | Special Topics | Tibbetts, Keely, Sievert, Levenson | 1-3 / Spring - Odd years |
| This course investigates the cellular and molecular signaling basis for human diseases, with a focus on cancer biology and primary immunodeficiencies. Exciting new advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of disease will be highlighted, including (but not limited to) a discussion of: Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome and WASP protein Ataxia Telangietasia and ATM Breast Cancer and ErbB2(Her-2), Wnt, Ras, PTEN. |
Physiology/Neuroscience 610 | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | Oertel, Chiu, Banks, Czajkowski, Fettiplace | 4 / Fall |
| This course will survey the basic molecular processes governing electrical signaling in single nerve cells and the interactions between groups of cells. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the experimental approaches that have elucidated mechanisms of electrical excitability, synaptic transmission sensory transduction and neuronal integration. Topics covered will include: Patch clamping, molecular properties of voltage-gated ion channels, propagation of action potentials, the biology of glial cells, chemical basis of synaptic transmission, modification of synaptic efficacy, molecular biological techniques and terminology, neurotransmitters, ligand-gated ion channels, second messengers and channel regulation, ion channel disorders, aspects of neural development including axon guidance and synaptogenesis, sensory transduction in hair cells, olfactory and photoreceptors.
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Plant Pathology/Botany/ Entomology 505 | Plant-Microbe Interactions: Molecular & Ecological Aspects | German, Allen, Halterman | 3 / Spring |
| This course uses examples from the contemporary study of plant diseases and comparisons with other host/parasite systems to explore many of the themes of modern biology. The course considers plant diseases and symbioses at all levels, from molecular and genetic to ecological and integrative, with particular emphasis on molecular biology. The course is designed for students with a sound understanding of basic biology who wish to expand their knowledge to plants, plant pathogens, and their interactions with the environment. Prereqs: An upper level course in microbiology (e.g. Micro 303); Biochem (e.g. Biochem 501); and Genetics (e.g. Genetics 466) or Cons Inst.
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Neuroscience 675 | Special Topics in Neuroscience
| Cirelli, Johnson, Adibhatla
| 1-3 / Fall, Spring |
| This graduate level course will be an in-depth analysis of topics in Developmental Neuroscience with an emphasis on experimental approaches. It will be taught by a team of faculty with a diversity of expertise in the field, and will include a combination of lectures and discussions of primary literature. Possible topics covered include behavior, brain and evolution, stem cells and the central nervous system, molecular mechanisms of brain damage, reproductive endocrinology, developmental neuroscience. |
Zoology 625
| Development of the nervous system | Blair | 2 / Fall - Odd years |
This lecture/discussion course will provide an introduction to neuronal development: intended for junior, senior and graduate level students. The mechanisms underlying the formation of the nervous systems will be examined at organismal, cellular and molecular-genetic levels, in both vertebrate and selected invertebrate species. Lectures will provide students with a background in the 'classic' systems of neuronal development while discussions will concentrate on more current studies from the primary literature. Topics covered include neurogenesis, the specificity of neuronal connections, the role of neuronal activity in development, and plasticity and learning in the mature nervous system. The course will utilize readings from various texts, as well as selected review and research articles. Some background in neurobiology, developmental biology and cell-molecular biology is recommended but not required.
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