Provides experience with and exposure to computational and experimental methods in bioinformatics and genomics. Meets once a week. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, plan and execute data analysis in selected areas. Same as MCDB 5521.
Focuses on the biophysics governing the structure/function of enzymes, cells, extracellular 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. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and 3145 and PHYS 2010 and 2020 and CHEM 1133 or 1371 and MATH 1300 and/or CHEM 3311 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required. Same as MCDB 5550 and PHYS 4550/5550.
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. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 or MCDB 3145 or instructor consent required. 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. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 or CSCI 3104 or CHEM 4711. Recommended 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. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). Same as MCDB 5651.
Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). 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. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required.
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. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
Embryology is studied by considering experiments relevant to specific topics of early animal development. Emphasizes reading, interpretation, and discussion of research articles.Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
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. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 4711 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required. 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. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150 and MCDB 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. An independent study contract is required. Recommended prereq., MCDB 2150.
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prereq., MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience. Recommended restriction: minimum GPA of 3.20.
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience. Recommended restriction: minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
Examines the physiology and genetics of bacteria, Archaea and viruses. Particular emphasis will be on metabolism, regulation of gene expression and protein function, mechanisms of interactions with and manipulation of the environment, and evolution in response to environmental pressures. Same as MCDB 4310.
Explores the fundamentals of optical imaging in biology. Covered topics include an introduction to optics and microscopes, fluorescence microscopy and image analysis. MATLAB will be taught throughout the course and used for image processing. Same as MCDB 4312.
