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. 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. Recommended coreq., MCDB 1041. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Requisites: 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. Recommended prereq., high school chemistry and algebra. Recommended coreq., MCDB 1151 and MCDB 1152. 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. Recommended coreq: MCDB 1150 or CHEN 2810 or EBIO 1210. 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 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. Recommended 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.
Provides introductory research and laboratory experience. Students will work in teams to screen small molecule libraries for novel antibiotics using the bacterium Salmonella as a model system. Topics covered include the basic biology of the model system, genetics, approaches to screening for new therapeutics, statistical analysis of the data, compound verification, and lead compound development. Requisites: Requires corequisite course of MCDB 1150.
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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 or CHEN (minimum grade C-). Recommended coreqs., MCDB 2151 and MCDB 2152. 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. Recommended coreq., MCDB 2150. Approved for GT-SC1. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of MCDB 1150 and MCDB 1151 (all minimum grade D-).
Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in 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. Recommended 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.
Provides introductory research and laboratory experience. Students will work in teams to screen molecule libraries using fruit flies as a model system. Topics covered include the basic biology of the model system, genetics, approaches to screening for new therapeutics, statistical analysis of the data, compound verification and lead compound development. Requisites: Requires a corequisite course of 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.
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. Requisites: 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. Recommended coreq., MCDB 3135 or MCDB 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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 3135 (minimum grade C-). 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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070 (minimum grade C-). 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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 (minimum grade C-). Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
Discusses how biological inventions and discoveries fuel biomedical innovations, how important techniques in molecular biology have advanced our understanding of cellular processes and contributed to biotechnology revolution and biomedical sciences to benefit our society. Guest lectures from experts in industry and site visits will enhance the course by providing a non-academic perspective, networking opportunities, and unexpected avenues for career paths for our graduates. Department enforced prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070 or instructor consent.
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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 (minimum grade C-).
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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070 (minimum grade C-). 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. Recommended prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070 (minimum grade C-).
