Molecular Biosciences Core Courses


BIOL 701 - Topics in Molecular Biosiences Seminar (1 credit).

BIOL 807 - Graduate Molecular Biosciences (6 credits) An introduction to the advanced study of biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell and developmental biology, and neurobiology for all Molecular Biosciences graduate students. Topics can include macromolecular structure, metabolism, kinetics and thermodynamics, bioinformatics, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetic mechanisms, cell structure and function, signal transduction, basic and pathogenic bacteriology, immunology, virology, membrane potentials, synaptic transmission, basic and pathogenic bacteriology, immunology, & virology.

BIOL 817 - Rigor, Reproducibility and Responsible Conduct in Research (3 credits) This class addresses the recognized problems in rigor, reproducibility and transparency that are plaguing modern science. Students will learn the fundamentals of hypothesis design, avoiding bias, randomization, sampling, and appropriate statistical analyses, reagent validation, among other key topics. This course also introduces principles for being an ethical, responsible, and professional research scientist. Topics include: plagiarism, fabrication and falsification of data, record keeping and data sharing, mentor/mentee and collaborative relationships, among others. This class will include a mixture of lecture, case studies and discussion. 

BIOL 925 - Research Grant Proposal Preparation (3 credits). This course introduces the basics of preparing a successful scientific grant application. Topics to be covered include how to develop a novel, fundable project, scientific writing and grantsmanship, and what criteria reviewers consider in evaluating grants. The course will be a mix of instruction and class discussion.

BIOL 985 - Laboratory Rotations/Advanced Study (1-10). Individual investigations; laboratory, field or museum; or reading assignments in specialized topics not ordinarily treated in other courses.

Student Seminar Series

BIOL 701 - Topics in Cellular and Molecular Proteins (CaMP) Seminar (1 credit) .

BIOL 902 - Advanced Molecular Cellular Biology (AMCB)  Seminar (1 credit) .

BIOL 905 - Advanced Molecular Genetics (AMG) Seminar (1 credit). A review of current literature in molecular genetics.

Other Courses Available

BINF 701 - Bioinformatics I (5 credits). First semester of a two-semester course in bioinformatics and computational biology. Topics include basic concepts of bioinformatics and molecular modeling, bioinformatics databases, computational tools and modeling methods, protein sequence and structure alignment, conformational analysis, secondary structure determination, tertiary structure modeling (homology, threading, ab initio, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations, protein folding and dynamics), as well as students presentations of material from current papers in the field of study and their own on-going research for discussion and critique.

BINF 702 - Bioinformatics II (5 credits). Second semester of a two-semester course in bioinformatics and computational biology. Topics include protein quaternary structure modeling (protein-protein/DNA/small ligand docking, binding, computer-aided drug design), protein structure-function relationships, biological membranes (structure and function of integral membrane proteins, protein-membrane and protein-protein interactions in membranes), phylogenetic trees, modeling of genome-wide protein interaction networks based on structure, sequence, experiment and data-mining, as well as students presentations of material from current papers in the field of study and their own on-going research for discussion and critique.

BIOL 673 - Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (3 credits). Mechanisms of neural function and development will be considered at the cellular and molecular levels. Synaptic mechanisms of learning and memory, modulation of transmitter release, and the molecular basis of neurodegenerative disorders will also be discussed.

BIOL 750 - Advanced Biochemistry (3 credits). The structures and dynamics of proteins and nucleic acids will be developed in terms of well-understood examples which will also be used to discuss the function of major classes of proteins. The application of structural and dynamical principles to biological membranes and their function will also be discussed.

BIOL 752 - Cell Biology (3 credits). A lecture course emphasizing biochemical, developmental, and molecular aspects of cell structure and function.

BIOL 754 - Brain Diseases and Neurological Disorders (3 credits). Major brain diseases and neurological disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, etc., will be discussed in terms of the etiology, molecular, and cellular basis of potential therapeutic interventions. Graduate students are required to present original research paper assigned by the instructor to the class in addition to the other assignments for all the students enrolled.

BIOL 755 - Mechanisms of Development (3 credits). Molecular aspects of differential gene function, signal transduction, and cell polarity in the regulation of morphogenesis.

BIOL757- Carcinogenesis & Cancer Biology (3 credits) This course surveys the field of cancer research.  The major goal is to introduce the breadth of cancer research while, at the same time, providing sufficient depth to allow the student to recognize problems in cancer and to design experiments which study cancer biology.  Toward that end, the student should (at the conclusion of the course) be able to: define cancer, identify and discuss its causes and the genetic basis for cancer development and progression; discuss the theoretical basis for cancer therapy design and efficacy testing; discuss the biochemical, molecular and cellular events involved in the natural history of major human neoplasms.

BIOL 772 - Gene Expression (3 credits). A study of the structure and expression of genes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Emphasis on the mechanisms of DNA, RNA, and protein biosynthesis.

BIOL 811 - Advanced Molecular and Cellular Immunology (2 credits). Covers recent advances in immunochemistry and immunobiology. Topics include structure and function of antibodies, hybridoma systems, idiotypes, induction and regulation of the immune response through cell interactions and cytokine action, and the role of immune activity in disease states such as hypersensitivity, autoreactivity, and cancer.

BIOL 812 - Mechanisms of Host-Parasite Relationships (2 credits). Emphasis is on virulence factors of microorganisms and the host response to infection. Topics will include pathogenesis of intracellular and extracellular parasites, bacterial adhesins, and toxins, and the role of innate and acquired immunity in host resistance and the response to infection.

BIOL 814 - Advanced Molecular Virology (2 credits). The course concentrates on evaluation of current literature concerning all aspects of molecular biology, biochemical characterization, and pathogenic mechanisms involved in host-virus interactions. Students will be expected to present articles and participate in discussions.

BIOL 815 - Advanced Molecular Genetics (2 credits). A literature-based course that covers recent advances in microbial molecular genetics. Topics include transcription, translation, mutagenesis and repair, genetic exchange mechanisms, and regulation of gene expression.

BIOL 841 - Biometry I (5 credits). The application of statistical methods to data from various fields of biological research. Special emphasis is placed on practical computational procedures.

BIOL 895 - Human Genetics (3 credits) A lecture course providing balanced coverage of Mendelian and molecular genetics of humans; includes discussions and presentations on current issues in human and medical genetics.  Prerequisite:  A course in genetics.

BIOL 918 - Modern Biochemical and Biophysical Methods (4 credits). This course emphasizes the use of techniques for solving problems of structure and function of biological macromolecules. Students will complete several modules that consist of lectures relating to theory and practical aspects of each methodological approach, and apply these techniques to solving a specific problem. Students will submit a paper describing the resulting data and conclusions.

BIOL 952 - Introduction to Molecular Modeling (3 credits). Introduction to theory and practice of contemporary molecular modeling, including molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, computer graphics, data analysis, use of structure and sequence databases, docking, and homology modeling. Weekly computer laboratory section aimed at allowing participants to pursue independent research projects that incorporate modeling aspects. Lectures, laboratory manuals, program descriptions, and technical notes are presented on course web page.

Graduate Course Catalog