Bioscience and Biotechnology

BIO 500 Biochemistry I 3.0 Credits

Covers the fundamentals underlying the energetics and kinetics of macromolecular interactions of enzymes, membranes and nucleic acids in living systems.

BIO 501 Biochemistry Laboratory I 2.0 Credits

Accompanies BIO 500.

BIO 509 Comparative Physiology Laboratory 2.0 Credits

Computational laboratory examining quantitative facets of vertebrate physiology through simulation experiments. Complements BIO 510 Comparative Physiology. Example systems examined include gas and solute exchangers, open vs. closed circulations, and thermoregulatory controllers.

BIO 510 Comparative Physiology 3.0 Credits

Physiology of vertebrate and invertebrate animals focusing on how organisms meet environmental challenges (e.g., aquatic respiration). Focus is on mechanisms of homeostasis, particularly those significantly different from processes in human physiology.

BIO 526 Immunology 3.0 Credits

Covers the fundamental concepts f innate and adaptive immunity, including the molecular and cellular mechanisms that generate responses to a broad spectrum of infectious threats, self/non-self recognition, immune regulation.

BIO 530 Microbial Genetics 5.0 Credits

Covers genetic organization and regulation in viruses (primarily bacteriophages), bacteria, fungi, and algae; techniques of genetic manipulation of microbial genomes; genetic interactions of microbes under natural conditions; and the use of microbial modification in industrial processes.

BIO 532 Advanced Cell Biology 3.0 Credits

This course covers the essentials of cell biology and discusses the life and behavior of cells in the context of the molecules that underlie and drive these processes. In particular, the course focuses on regulation and how integration and coordination is required for normal cell behavior.

BIO 540 Readings in Molecular and Cellular Bioscience and Biotechnology 3.0 Credits

A reading course for first year graduate students based on current manuscripts from the primary literature. The goals of this course are from students to be exposed to the most current findings using primary literature, become skilled in critically reading the primary literature, and to gain experience in making presentation based on a set of papers.

BIO 551 Genetic Regulation of Development 3.0 Credits

Covers molecular and genetic control of morphogenesis and cellular differentiation. Focuses of differential gene function and the interaction between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

BIO 562 Biology of Neuron Function 3.0 Credits

Covers molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuron function. Topics include: molecular and cellular biology of neurons and neural development; molecular biology and physiology of sensory and motor neurons; molecular biology of muscle function; molecular and cellular basis of learning and memory in model organisms.

BIO 565 Neurobiology of Disease 3.0 Credits

The objective of the course is to provide a basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology of disorders of the human nervous system. Advances developed from experimental models that have armed clinicians and basic scientists with new tools for diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury will be presented.

BIO 566 Endocrinology 4.0 Credits

Describes the classical hormones, their regulation and major clinical abnormalities. New directions in endocrinology, such as cellular regulation and cellular mediators of hormonal action are also considered. The major focus of the course will be on mammals, although some examples involving other vertebrates will be included.

BIO 570 Teratology 3.0 Credits

This course will expand on the concepts of developmental biology by examining the agents that interfere with normal development. We will be exploring these agents through presentations and discussion of current peer reviewed literature. The focus will be on an understanding of mechanisms of action and how they are influenced by dose, pharmacology and genetics.

BIO 601 Research Methods 3.0 Credits

This course will provide graduate students in the biological and environmental sciences with the fundamentals needed to develop effective research questions and to design sound approaches to address these questions. A critical component of this course will be development of a research proposal with feedback from the instructor and student colleagues.

BIO 610 Biochemistry of Metabolism 3.0 Credits

Covers how enzymes function and form metabolic pathways, how the pathways fit into cell physiology, and how these pathways are regulated. Overall considers how organisms digest nutrients and utilize them to support life. The terminology and technology commonly employed in contemporary biochemistry laboratories are emphasized.

BIO 611 Biochemistry Laboratory II 2.0 Credits

Accompanies BIO 610.

BIO 613 Genomics 3.0 Credits

This course aims to elucidate current technologies, theory, and applications of genomic research. Though a large emphasis will be placed on the use of genomic tools to study human health, we will also study the genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes of bacteria, fungi, plants, and other animals.

BIO 615 Proteins 3.0 Credits

Discusses protein structure, function, and isolation. Emphasizes biochemical, biophysical, and molecular biological techniques.

BIO 616 Biochemistry of Major Diseases 3.0 Credits

This course focuses on the biochemical bases of several selected human disorders including neoplasm, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and obesity. Biochemical changes and their regulation by signaling pathways under the disease conditions will be examined. The relevance of diagnosis and treatment will be discussed.

BIO 620 Biomembranes 3.0 Credits

Covers biochemical properties of membranes and membrane components, including phase properties, structure, organization, permeability, transport, and biosynthesis of membrane components.

BIO 625 Nucleic Acids 3.0 Credits

Discusses nucleic acid biochemistry. Emphasizes nucleic acid separation techniques, sequencing, and synthesis techniques, as well as methods of physical analysis. Uses current and classical literature as information sources.

BIO 630 Cell Biology of Disease 3.0 Credits

An introduction to the pathobiology of human disease as it relates to principles of cytoskeleton and membrane biology. The course reviews basic intracellular mechanisms and examines how they go awry in respiratory, heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration and during viral and microbial infections.

BIO 631 Bioinformatics I 3.0 Credits

This course uses a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises to develop computational, algorithmic, and database navigation skills utilized in the analysis of genes and genomes. Topics include genomic databases, genome annotation, sequence alignment, metagenomic analyses, and phytogenetics.

BIO 633 Bioinformatics I Laboratory 2.0 Credits

In this course, students develop and apply computational skills in bioinformatics to address a quarter-long research project. Topics generally focus on the ecology and evolution of microbes, which have become much easier to study thanks to the advent of molecular tools and software for the analysis of DNA sequences.

BIO 635 Advanced Genetics and Molecular Biology 3.0 Credits

Covers classical prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics; DNA/RNA structure; DNA replication, transcription, translation and their regulation; major molecular techniques used in the analysis of genes and genomes. Includes readings from primary literature, covering recent advances and classical experiments in genetics, genomics and molecular biology.

BIO 640 Biometry 3.0 Credits

Provides a computational introduction to probability and data analysis via descriptive and inferential statistics for biological scientists with an emphasis on understanding statistics as probability statements about the inherently noisy data commonly encountered by biologists.

BIO 641 Data Analysis in Biosciences 3.0 Credits

Covers the application of computer programs to the analysis of biological data. Focuses on the use of software for microcomputers and mainframes (SAS) for analysis of data and interpretation of results. Also covers use of computers for experiment design. Offered once per year in alternate terms.

BIO 642 Modeling Methods in Biology I 3.0 Credits

Offers practical experience in modeling simple biological systems. Presents applications of linear, trigonometric, and exponential functions in biology. Covers the use of differential and integral calculus, simple differential equations, and the Eulerian approach to simulation; emphasizes practical computational use of such tools in biological problems. Offered in alternate years.

BIO 643 Modeling Methods in Biology II 3.0 Credits

Offers a practical introduction to modeling of dynamic biological processes, including deterministic and stochastic processes. Emphasizes the development and construction of working models of real biological systems and interpretation of results. Discusses both mechanistic and empirical/predictive models. Covers Euler and Runge-Kutta techniques, and feedback loops. Emphasizes practical simulation throughout. Allows students to develop their own model of a real-world biological process. Offered in alternate years.

BIO 644 Human Genetics 3.0 Credits

Covers the fundamentals and principles of genetics with an emphasis on their relevance to human genetics and disease. Topics include human genetic disorders, pedigree analysis and genetic testing, cytogenetics, epigenetics of cancer, gene therapy, stem cell research and human genomics and biotechnology.

BIO 646 Stem Cell Research 3.0 Credits

This course will focus on recent and important topics relevant to stem cell research and development. Topics will include nuclear reprogramming and epigenetics, environmental influences on stem cell differentiation, stem cells and cancer, stem-cell-based therapies for heart and neurogenerative disorders, stem cells and ageing, and politics of stem cell research.

BIO 648 Signal Transduction 3.0 Credits

This course will focus on the mechanisms of cell-cell communication and signal transduction in eukaryotic organisms. It will present an overview for the general mechanisms of different signaling pathways, and will also discuss in detail the molecular mechanisms by which these signal transduction pathways are regulated in a developmental context.

BIO 649 Recombinant DNA Laboratory 5.0 Credits

This course gives a practical introduction to the basis of recombinant DNA manipulation in the laboratory. Students learn the theory behind how DNA functions and how to experimentally test these functions in the laboratory setting. Basic and advanced techniques are covered in this course.

BIO 650 Virology 3.0 Credits

Discusses major viral groups, including biochemistry and molecular genetics of viral replication, structure, gene expression, latency, and role in disease.

BIO 660 Microbial Physiology 3.0 Credits

Covers the physiology and metabolism of microorganisms. Emphasizes aspects unique to prokaryotes, including envelope structure, chemotaxis, transport systems, modes of nutrition, biosynthesis, growth, and mechanisms of action of antibiotics.

BIO 663 Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration 3.0 Credits

This is an advanced course on the current, primary literature in the area of neurodegeneration. Students are expected to be conversant in areas of Genetics, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Neurobiology. This is a discussion course based on reading current manuscripts from the primary literature.

BIO 670 Medical Microbiology 3.0 Credits

Covers infectious diseases in humans, including mechanisms of pathogenicity, techniques of diagnosis, modes of transmission, and methods of treatment.

BIO 675 Advanced Immunology 3.0 Credits

Covers failure in hose defense, immunotherapies, clinical concepts in immunology, and emerging concepts in immunology research. Material is presented in a combination of a Lecture and Journal club format with a focus on class participation, presentation and discussion.

BIO 679 Issues in Scientific Research 3.0 Credits

The course will cover topics related to the appropriate and correct conduct of personnel in a research setting. Issues will be discussed dealing with choosing a research mentor, how to record data, authorship and publication, and the correct and ethical treatment of animal and human subjects.

BIO 680 Special Topics 9.0 Credits

Covers special topics of current interest on an individual or group basis.

BIO 799 Independent Study 3.0 Credits

Provides independent study in Biological Sciences.

BIO 864 Graduate Research Seminar 1.5 Credit

This research seminar is a forum for Biology PhD students to present on their research to faculty and graduate student peers. Discussion of the scientific content as well as feedback on presentation style and quality follows every presentation.

BIO 865 Biology Department Research Seminar 1.5 Credit

This weekly research seminar provides a forum for international and national leaders in Biology to present the latest finding from their specialty.

BIO 898 Master's Thesis 0.5-20.0 Credits

Master's thesis.

BIO 997 Research in Bioscience 0.5-20.0 Credits

Research.

BIO 998 Ph.D. Dissertation 1.0-12.0 Credit

Ph.D. dissertation.