Bioscience & Biotechnology
Courses
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 501 Biochemistry Laboratory I 2.0 Credits
Accompanies BIO 500.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C], BMES 501 [Min Grade: C] (Can be taken Concurrently)
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 534 Bioinformatics I 3.0 Credits
This course uses a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises to develop computational, algorithmic, and database navigation skills used in the analysis of genes and genomes. Topics include genomic databases, genome assembly and annotation, sequence alignment, phylogenetics, and comparative genomics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 535 Bioinformatics II 3.0 Credits
This course uses a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises to develop programming and software skills used in the study of functional genomics. Topics include genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 548 Neuroscience: From Cells to Circuits 3.0 Credits
This courses provides an introduction to the biological basis of human and animal behavior. This course will emphasize fundamental aspects of neuroscience including how individual neurons respond to stimuli, how these neurons connect to form circuits during development, and how ensembles of neurons work together to mediate simple tasks.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 549 Behavioral Neuroscience 3.0 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the biological basis of human and animal behavior. This course will emphasize fundamental aspects of neuroscience with a focus on the principles of how circuits function in the nervous system. Topics covered will include how neural circuits mediate sensory perception, drive behavioral output, and generate thoughts and emotions.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 614 Behavioral Genetics 3.0 Credits
This course explores the role of genetics in determining variation in animal (including human) behavior, and the role of gene expression in regulating behavioral development. The course surveys techniques for quantifying and analyzing genetic variation, behavioral effects, and gene expression.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 615 Proteins 3.0 Credits
Discusses protein structure, function, and isolation. Emphasizes biochemical, biophysical, and molecular biological techniques.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 626 Immunology 3.0 Credits
Covers the fundamental concepts of 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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 632 Advanced Cell Biology 3.0 Credits
Advanced Cell Biology is an up-to-date examination of the basic components and processes of the eukaryotic cell with the goal of understanding how these processes are integrated to drive complex cell behavior. Specifically, the course focuses on the molecular principles, modules and functions that sustain cell motility by integrating the essential concepts presented in class, including energy production, intracellular signaling, vesicular trafficking, and cell adhesion. Students will present cutting edge research publications and ideas spanning cell biology.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 631 [Min Grade: C] (Can be taken Concurrently)
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 636 Population Genetics 4.0 Credits
This course surveys population genetics theory as applied to studies of micro-evolutionary changes. We will examine the forces of evolution—mutation, selection, inbreeding, gene flow, genetic drift—and how they can (and cannot) change allele frequencies in populations over time. We will apply the theory that you have learned by also examining current primary literature on human evolutionary history, population genetics and patterns of adaptation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 653 Protein Dysfunction in Disease 3.0 Credits
Proteins are essential for the function and health of the cell. Misfolded and damaged proteins are at the root of numerous human diseases, known collectively as conformational diseases. In this course we will examine cellular mechanisms involved in biosynthesis, folding and maintenance of proteins, and discuss how the failure of these mechanisms contributes to disease.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 661 Neurobiology of Autism Disorders 3.0 Credits
Autism disorders arise from changes in neurodevelopment that deeply affect how individuals interact with the world around them. As study of autism has increased over the past several decades, it has become clear that autism actually comprises a large, heterogeneous set of similar disorders, most of which are genetic in origin. In this class, we will study how neuronal cell biology is disrupted in known forms of autism, and how distinct forms of autism can arise from alterations in common cellular pathways. Further, we will discuss how these discoveries may lead to eventual treatments or cures. Classes will include both lectures and discussion of recent papers from the scientific literature.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 662 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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 532 [Min Grade: C] or BIO 632 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 664 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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 526 [Min Grade: C] or BIO 626 [Min Grade: C]
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.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: BIO 500 [Min Grade: C]
BIO 701 Bioscience Grant Writing 3.0 Credits
This writing-intensive course provides the fundamentals to write effective research grant proposals for graduate students with research thesis projects in life and environmental sciences. The course focuses on grantsmanship skills and mechanics, and trains students in articulating well-reasoned hypotheses and clear rationales, as well as organizing and discussing experimental approaches, caveats, outcomes and interpretations. Through peer-partner work, mock review panels and instructor feedback, the course instills the criteria of grant peer review and fosters the critical self-awareness that is necessary for successful grant applications. The course will equip students with skills for competitive fellowship applications, and careers that involve research project design and presentation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
BIO 740 Readings and Critical Thinking in Biology 3.0 Credits
A course for first year graduate students emphasizing communication skill sets necessary to excel in Biology and related Graduate Programs. Students will become skilled in critically reading and presenting primary literature, presenting their own research to a scientific audience and generating proposals for interdisciplinary studies.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
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.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is BIO or major is ENVS and program is MS or MSES or PHD.
BIO 997 Research in Bioscience 0.5-20.0 Credits
Research.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO I599 Independent Study in BIO 0.0-12.0 Credits
Self-directed within the area of study requiring intermittent consultation with a designated instructor.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO I699 Independent Study in BIO 0.0-12.0 Credits
Self-directed within the area of study requiring intermittent consultation with a designated instructor.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO I799 Independent Study in BIO 3.0 Credits
Self-directed within the area of study requiring intermittent consultation with a designated instructor.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO I899 Independent Study in BIO 0.0-12.0 Credits
Self-directed within the area of study requiring intermittent consultation with a designated instructor.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO I999 Independent Study in BIO 0.0-12.0 Credits
Self-directed within the area of study requiring intermittent consultation with a designated instructor.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO T580 Special Topics in Bioscience & Biotechnology 0.0-9.0 Credits
Topics decided upon by faculty will vary within the area of study.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO T680 Special Topics in Bioscience & Biotechnology 0.0-9.0 Credits
Topics decided upon by faculty will vary within the area of study.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO T780 Special Topics in Bioscience & Biotechnology 0.0-9.0 Credits
Topics decided upon by faculty will vary within the area of study.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO T880 Special Topics in Bioscience & Biotechnology 0.0-9.0 Credits
Topics decided upon by faculty will vary within the area of study.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
BIO T980 Special Topics in Bioscience & Biotechnology 0.0-9.0 Credits
Topics decided upon by faculty will vary within the area of study.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit