Courses

    Introduces molecular and cell biology in the context of microorganisms and their impact on humans. Includes exploration of the biology and social impact on human plagues and emerging human pathogens, how the immune system works to combat such invasions, and the techniques and impact of technology and molecular biology on curtailing diseases. For nonmajors. Approved for GT-SC2. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Covers the basic principles of genetics, human pedigree analysis, and how genetic diseases affect DNA, RNA, and proteins. Considers implications of this research for medicine and society. For nonmajors. Recommended prereq., good background in high school chemistry and biology. Coreq., MCDB 1043. Approved for GT-SC2. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Provides hands-on experience with fundamental genetic principles. Topics include scientific method, experimental design, mitosis, meiosis, classical genetics, molecular genetics, mutagenesis, DNA analysis, and transgenic organisms. Wherever possible, the focus of the lab will be on integrating science process skills with human-relevant experiments to encourage students to learn and apply science skills while seeing the application to humans. Coreq., MCDB 1041. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Prerequisites: Restricted to Biological Sciences (MCDB) non-majors only.

    A web-based, in-class discussion and online laboratory course designed for MCDB majors, covering the fundamental properties of biologic systems, focusing on evolutionary, molecular and cellular mechanisms. The course provides a thorough introduction to the biological sciences and fulfills the departmental requirement for MCDB 1150 and 1151. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1150 or 1151. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Covers biologically important macromolecules and biological processes, together with an introduction to cell structure, function, and physiology. Provides the foundation for advanced MCDB courses to majors, and a rigorous overview of modern biology to nonmajors. MCDB 1151 must be taken concurrently by MCDB and biochemistry majors and prehealth science students. Prereq., high school chemistry and algebra. Coreq., MCDB 1151 for majors. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1111. Approved for GT-SC1. Meets MAPS requirement for natural sciences: lab. Approved for arts and science core curriculum: natural science.

    Offers one two-hour lab per week designed to acquaint students with research techniques and concepts in molecular and cellular biology. Topics include cell structure, function, physiology, and recombinant DNA. MCDB 1150 must be taken concurrently. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1111. Approved for GT-SC1. Meets MAPS requirement for natural sciences: lab. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in co-requisite course MCDB 1150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Coreq., MCDB 1150.

    Provides laboratory experience working on a bacteriophage genomics research project. Students will study novel bacteriophage they isolate from the environment. Topics covered include phage biology, bacteria and phage culturing and amplification, DNA isolation, restriction digest analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis, and electron microscopy. Coreq., MCDB 1150 or successful completion of 2 semesters of General Biology AP credit.

    Introduces the behavior of genes and chromosomes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Covers three areas: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Attention is given to genetic mapping, recombinant DNA procedures, and gene expression. MCDB 2151 must be taken by MCDB or biochemistry majors and prehealth science students concurrently or when next offered. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 or 1111 or EBIO 1210 or general biology. Approved for GT-SC1. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    One two-hour lab per week. Provides hands-on experience with principles introduced in MCDB 2150. Topics include mitosis, meiosis, classical genetics, complementation, mutagenesis, DNA replication, natural selection, and evolution. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 and 1151. Coreq., MCDB 2150. Approved for GT-SC1. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in co-requisite course MCDB 2150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Coreq., MCDB 2150.

    Provides laboratory experience working on a bacteriophage isolated during the previous semester. Topics include bioinformatics, genome annotation, open reading frame and RNA identification, BLAST analysis, phylogenetics and submission to a genomic database. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 and 1161. Coreq., MCDB 2150.

    May be repeated for credit, but only 8 hours of MCDB 2840 plus MCDB 4840 can be counted toward graduation. Students with adequate prerequisites should take MCDB 4840. Prereqs., instructor consent and independent study contract. Coreq., MCDB 1150.

    Examines the central dogma of biology by discussing the most important molecules in cells (DNA, RNA, and protein) and how their synthesis (DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, and translation) is regulated. Incorporated into the discussion is how recombinant DNA techniques are used to discover and dissect cellular processes, how to design and interpret experiments, and understanding the limits of experiments to draw conclusions. These principles are the foundation for subsequent examination of intracellular mechanisms in MCDB 3145. Prerequisites: Requires prerequisite courses of MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070 and CHEM 1113 or CHEM 1251 or CHEN 1211 (all minimum grade C-).

    One four-hour lab per week. Provides experience with and exposure to modern cell biology laboratory techniques. Topics include microscopy, immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, Southern blotting, and flow cytometry. This course does not use vertebrate animals. Coreq., MCDB 3135 or 3145.

    Examines intracellular mechanisms, including transport of ions and small molecules across membranes; protein targeting to organelles; membrane trafficking between organelles; signal transduction; the cytoskeleton; and the cell cycle. Analysis of these activities is from the experimental perspective established in MCDB 3135. Prereq., MCDB 3135. Recommended prereq or coreq., MCDB 3140 concurrent with either 3135 or 3145. Students may not receive credit for MCDB 3145 and 3500.

    Highlights dimensions of the cancer problem; cancer as a genetic/cellular disease; chemicals, viruses, and radiation as causes of cancer; cancer and diet; cancer epidemiology; cancer risk factors; proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, and cancer suppressor genes; and prevention of cancer. Prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070, or instructor consent. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Analyzes cellular mechanisms from a molecular perspective. Examines molecules as machines that are the basis of cellular mechanisms. Uses animal systems' physiology as examples. Prereqs., MCDB 3135 and CHEM 1133.

    Intensive lecture/discussion course on the interrelationships among science, religion, and social policy. Includes historical and scientific development of evolution theory, social Darwinism/sociobiology, and the public perception of science. Prereq., MCDB 1111 or 1150 or instructor consent. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.

    Describes the production of germ cells, ovulation, fertilization, reproductive cycles, controls of reproduction, early development of the embryo, methods of contraception, and causes and treatments of sterility. Recommended for students planning careers in the health sciences. Prereq., MCDB 1150, EBIO 1210, or instructor consent.

    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. Prereq., MCDB 2150. Formerly MCDB 4501.

    Examines the molecular basis of the brain's role in thought, action, and consciousness by exploring issues such as relationship of cognition and localized brain function, sensory systems and their role in cognition, learning and memory, and behavioral neurochemistry. Prereq., MCDB 1150 and 2150 or equivalent.

    Misregulation of synaptic function results in abnormal brain function and behavior that is manifested in numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. This course will explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for altered synaptic plasticity in neurological diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. Prereqs., MCDB 3650 or NRSC 2100 (minimum grade C-).

    Investigate the inner workings of our cells by studying how poisons disrupt these processes. We will learn how selected poisons affect critical processes inside the cell to cause death or destruction. The scientific aspects of the poison will be discussed in the context of its historical significance or impact on society and popular culture. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150.

    Introduces majors with relatively little mathematical experience to the major concepts in systems biology, in the context of key processes (cell growth, division, adaptation, development, and disease). Course is designed to help students master the necessary mathematical tools involved. Prereqs., MCDB 3135 and 3145. Recommended prereq., MATH 1310.

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