Courses

Surveys combinatorial algorithms used to understand DNA, RNA, and proteins. Introduces students to methods used to process genomic data. Topics covered include a review of algorithms and molecular biology, sequence analysis, RNA and protein structure analysis, and comparative genomics. Students will get hands-on experience processing recent genomic data. Prereqs., CSCI 2270 and CSCI 3104, or CHEM 4711, or MCDB 3135 or 3500, or IPHY 4200. Same as CSCI 4314 and MCDB 5314.

Explores molecular and cellular interactions between bacteria and their eukaryotic hosts that precipitate disease. Activities include critical reading of review and research articles, preparation of homework assignments based on readings, and student presentations of assigned papers. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, 3120 and 3500, or 3135 and 3145. Same as MCDB 5330.

Provides a molecular phylogeny-based perspective on microbial diversity and the interactions between organisms that result in the biosphere. Provides overview of recent methods and findings in microbial ecology, as well as computer-based workshop in molecular phylogeny. Prereqs., CHEM 1133 or 1371, general biology, or instructor consent. Recommended prereqs., EBIO 3400 and/or CHEM 3311. Same as MCDB 5350.

Relates how recent discoveries in the molecular mechanisms of development are shaping our understanding of animal evolution. The course will review basic principles of molecular developmental biology and apply these concepts to critically discuss current research in the field of Evo-Devo (evolution and development). Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500, or MCDB 3135 and 3145. Same as MCDB 5361.

Studies the human organism as a genetic system, including effect of mutation on protein structure and function, biochemical basis of human genetic disease, polymorphic gene loci, gene mapping and identification, gene cloning and characterization, and impact of human genetics on medicine and society. Prereq., MCDB 3500 or 3135.

Examines how free radicals are formed in biological systems and their roles in oxidative stress, cell signalling, aging, and disease. Emphasis will be placed on the recent literature. Prereqs., MCDB 3135 and 3145. Recommended prereq., CHEM 3311.

In this critical thinking course, students will apply their knowledge of basic biology to exploring several of the most exciting topics in biomedicine including protein folding and stress responses, nutrient sensing and balance, and signal transduction across membranes. Emphasis will be placed upon human physiology and associated human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Prereq., MCDB 3120 or 3135 or 3145 or 3500 or instructor consent. MCDB 4425 and 5425 are the same course.

Introduces several cell signaling processes and their biological functions. Students read and analyze original research articles to learn the thinking processes of scientific research. Writing assignments and oral presentations are required. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500 or MCDB 3135 and 3145, CHEM 4711, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5426.

Explores the neurobiology, cell biology, genetics and developmental biology of the visual system. Discusses neurodegenerative and vascular diseases that lead to blindness. Students read and analyze original research articles to train scientific reasoning. Involves student-organized presentations and classroom discussion. Prereqs., MCDB 3135 and 3145 or instructor consent required. Same as MCDB 5427.

Surveys development in a range of vertebrate and invertebrate systems to reconstruct the common bilatorian ancestor, and elucidate the developmental genetic changes underlying animal diversification. Lab focuses on vertebrate embryos and explores key methods in evolutionary developmental biology including in situ hybridization, embryo microinjection, and transgenesis. Prereqs., EBIO 1210, 1220 and 2070, or MCDB 1150 and 2150. EBIO 4440, EBIO 5440, MCDB 4441, and MCDB 5441 are all the same course.

Explores the cellular basis of disease. Discusses diseases arising from defects in intracellular targeting, cytoskeletal function, intracellular signaling, genomic instability, gene regulation, cell proliferation, and cell death. Involves student-organized presentations and classroom discussion. Prereq., MCDB 2150, MCDB 3120 and 3500 or MCDB 3135 and 3145.

Focuses on manifestations of regulated gene expression. Studies gene regulation at multiple steps, including transcription, RNA processing, and translation. Is based on critical analysis of primary research papers. Written assignments and oral presentations are required. Prereq., MCDB 3500 or 3135 or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5471. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 4470/5470.

This course teaches fundamental knowledge about protein structures, protein interactions and protein folding. It will discuss in detail the most common methods on how proteins and macromolecular complexes are studied, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR-spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The course will offer about 50 percent direct teaching, 40 percent discussion of papers in a journal club style, and 10 percent hands-on practicals on software packages relevant to structural biology. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500 or MCDB 3135 and 3145.

Computational and experimental methods in bioinformatics and genomics, and how these methods provide insights into protein structure and function, molecular evolution, biological diversity, cell biology, and human disease. Topics include database searching, multiple sequence alignment, molecular phylogeny, microarrays, proteomics, and pharmacogenomics. Prereqs., CHEM 4711, and CHEM 4731 or MCDB 3135 or 3500. Same as MCDB 5520.

Focuses on the biophysics governing the structure/function of enzymes, cells, extra-cellar matrix, and tissue. Synthesizes ideas from molecular biology, physics, and biochemistry, emphasizing how low Reynolds number physics, not Newtonian physics, is relevant to life inside a cell. Prereq., CHEM 1133 or 1371, PHYS 2010, 2020, MCDB 3135 or 3145 or instructors consent. Recommended Prereqs., MATH 1300 and/or CHEM 3311. Same as MCDB 5550.

Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. The course will examine the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, and MCDB 3120 and 3500, or MCDB 3135 and 3145, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5615.

Develops essential skills for performing genomic analyses, with focus on developing practical research tools. Introduces human genome and microbiome projects, Python/Sql scripting, accessing and understanding genomic data, sequence alignment and search, evolutionary models, expression data, biological networks, and macromolecular structure. Prereqs., MCDB 3135 or 3500, CSCI 3104 or CHEM 4711; coreq., CSCI 2270. Same as MCDB 5621. Credit not granted for this course and CHEM 4621 or CSCI 4317.

Explores the development of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, emphasizing cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms. Focuses on conceptual understanding and experimental approaches to topics such as embryology, developmental control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis and developmental genetics. Prereqs., MCDB 3135 and 3145, or instructor consent.

Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500, or MCDB 3135 and 3145. Same as MCDB 5680.

Encompasses the structure and replication of both lytic and transforming animal viruses. Emphasizes diversity of naturally occurring genomic structures and the resulting strategies of infection as well as the impact of viral epidemics on society. Includes critical analysis of primary research papers. Prereq., MCDB 3135 or 3500, or instructor consent.

Introduces the functional anatomy of the nervous system, and explores current knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic basis of the development and function of the nervous system. Studies recent insights into the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases, in the last portion of the course. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500, or MCDB 3135 and 3145, or equivalent.

Embryology is studied by considering experiments relevant to specific topics of early animal development. Emphasizes reading, interpretation, and discussion of research articles. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 or 3145, and EPOB 3650 or MCDB 3135 or 3500.

Studies the biology and physics of the biomembrane. Topics include structure and mechanism of membrane proteins; membrane biogenesis; membrane protein folding and stability; membrane homeostasis; mechanisms of membrane fusion and fission; lipid trafficking. Prereq., CHEM 4711 or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5810.

Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedological methods associated with effective instruction and its valuation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Prereqs., MCDB 1111 or 1150, 2150 and MCDB 3120 or 3145. Same as MCDB 5811 and EDUC 4811.

May be repeated for credit, but only 8 hours of MCDB 2840 plus MCDB 4840 can be counted toward graduation. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, instructor consent, and independent study contract.