BIOL 5410 (MSEN 5410) Biochemistry of
Proteins and Nucleic Acids (4 semester hours) Chemistry and metabolism of
amino acids and nucleotides; biosynthesis of nucleic acids; analysis of the
structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids and of their interactions
including chromatin structure. Prerequisite: BIOL 3361 (biochemistry) or
equivalent. (4-0) Y
BIOL 5420 Molecular
Biology (4 semester hours) Genetic analysis of gene structure (mutations
and their analysis, complementation, and recombination), gene expression
(transcription, RNA processing, translation), and the regulation of gene
expression in selected model systems (viral, prokaryotic, organellar,
eukaryotic); principles of genetic engineering (cloning and recombinant DNA
technology). (4-0) Y
BIOL 5430
Macromolecular Physical Chemistry (4 semester hours) Structures and
properties of macromolecules, interactions with electromagnetic radiation,
thermodynamics of macromolecular solutions, and transport processes. Prerequisites:
MATH 2417 (Calculus and PHYS 1301 (General Physics)). (4-0) Y
BIOL 5440 (MSEN 5440) Cell
Biology (4 semester hours) Molecular architecture and function of cells and
subcellular organelles; structure and function of membranes; hormone and
neurotransmitter action; growth regulation and oncogenes; immune response;
eukaryotic gene expression. Prerequisites: BIOL 5410 and BIOL 5420, or
the equivalent, or permission of the instructor. (4-0) Y
Work is offered beyond the core curriculum in four major areas that parallel four of the lecture-type core courses. Each area provides elective courses, advanced colloquia, and dissertation opportunities. Electives will usually be offered only one semester per year and in some cases only once every other year.
(Bulla,
DeJong, Gonz�lez, Goodman, Gray, Hannig, Levene, Miller, Reitzer, Spiro)
General Electives
BIOL
6211 Posttranscriptional Regulation of Gene Expression (2 semester hours)
Emphasis on current research in regulation of gene expression involving
posttranscriptional mechanisms. Topics include translational regulation
of gene expression, protein and messenger RNA turnover, regulation of protein
folding and localization, protein phosphorylation, and the formation of active
and inactive protein complexes. (2-0) T
BIOL 6354 Microbial Physiology (3
semester hours) Microbial physiology considers the basic processes of microbes,
especially those variations that are unique to microbes: energy generation,
fermentations, and other pathways specific to bacteria, cellular structure and
differentiation, and bacterial responses to the environment. (3-0) Y
BIOL 6V19 Topics in Biochemistry
(2-5 semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours. ([2-5]-0)
Y
BIOL 6V28 DNA Replication,
Recombination, and Repair (2-3 semester hours) Focuses on central aspects
of DNA enzymology and metabolism.The mechanisms of DNA replication,
recombination, and repair are fundamental to understanding many principles of molecular
biology, genetics, molecular medicine, and evolution. This course is
mechanistically oriented and will provide a strong working knowledge of these
processes through an extensive overview, which includes discussions of some of
the most recent publications on these topics. ([2-3]-0) T
BIOL
7V10 Research Seminar in Biochemistry (2-5 semester hours) Presentation and
analysis of ongoing independent research projects, accompanied by evaluation of
recent related literature. (P/F grading. May be repeated for credit.) ([2-5]-0) Y
Topics in Molecular Biology
(Breen,
DeJong, Gonz�lez, Goodman, Hannig, Levene, , Miller, Pace, Reitzer, Spiro)
BIOL 5381 Genomics (3
semester hours) Genome sequence acquisition and analysis; genomic
identification; biomedical genome research; DNA microarrays and their use in
applied and healthcare research. (3-0) T
BIOL 5376 Applied
Bioinformatics (3 semester hours) Genomic information content; data
searches and multiple sequence alignment; mutations and distance-based
phylogenetic analysis; genomics and gene recognition; polymorphisms and
forensic applications; nucleic-acid and protein array analysis; structure
prediction of biological macromolecules. Prerequisites: STAT 1342
(Introductory Statistics) and MATH 1325 and MATH 1326 (2 semesters of calculus)(3-0) T
BIOL 6121-6123
Biotechnology I-III (1 semester hour) Gene cloning, nucleotide sequencing
and other aspects of genetic engineering. This course has between one
and five components, which will be offered sequentially and which may therefore
be taken independently (with consent of instructor). (0-2) Y
BIOL 6227 RNA World (2 semester
hours) The nature of modern RNA suggests a prebiotic
RNA world. This course will begin with a presentation of the arguments that a
“RNA world” existed before the evolution of protein synthesis.
Additional topics will include RNA evolution, the origin and evolution of
introns, RNA replication, the evolution and involvement of tRNAs and rRNAs in protein
synthesis, the structure and mechanism of large catalytic RNAs such as Group I
and Group II introns and the RNase P RNA, the structure and mechanism of small
nuclear RNAs such as hammerheads and hairpins, RNA editing, and the mechanism
of telomerase. (2-0) T
BIOL 6228 Prokaryotic Gene Expression
(2 semester hours) Principles of gene regulation in bacteria are discussed. The
readings consist of recent developments described in the research literature.
Topics will vary, but will include bacterial chromosome structure, function and
structure of RNA polymerase and promoters, the mechanism of action of various
repressors and activators, the coordination of gene expression in phage lambda,
during nitrogen limitation, and during sporulation. (2-0) T
BIOL 6335 Graduate Medical Microbiology
(3 semester hours) This course expose students to
advanced concepts and principles of medical microbiology. In addition, the
course will deal with mechanisms associated with disease processes, microbial
virulence, the control of bacterial growth, and host responses to infection. (3-0) T
BIOL 6336 Parasitology
(3 semester hours) A look at the molecular level at microorganisms that
live at the expense of higher eukaryotes. Emphasis will be given to the latest
scientific literature describing these important pathogenic interactions.
Therapeutic treatments and preventive methods will also be covered. �(3-0) T
BIOL 6337 Regulation of Gene Expression
(3 semester hours) An in depth look at how the cell makes use of its genetic
information, with a primary focus on the mechanisms of transcription
regulation. The course emphasizes a critical discussion of techniques and
results from the recent scientific literature. Topics are taken from eukaryotic
and/or prokaryotic systems and typically cover areas such as promoter
organization, RNA polymerase and transcription factor structure and function,
the organization and packaging of chromosomes, whole-genome analyses, and the
pathways that control gene expression during growth and development. (3-0) Y
BIOL 6338 Symbiotic Interactions (3
semester hours) An in depth look, at the molecular
level, of well characterized symbiotic interactions between prokaryotes and
eukaryotes. This course makes use of recent scientific literature and the
latest discoveries in the area of symbiosis. (3-0) R
BIOL 6373 Proteomics (3 semester
hours) Protein identification, sequencing, and analysis of post-translational
modifications by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry; determination
of protein three dimensional structure by x-ray crystallography; its use in
drug design; understanding protein interactions and function using protein chip
microarrays. (3-0) T
BIOL 6V29 Topics in Molecular Biology
(2-5 semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours.
([2-5]-0) Y
BIOL 6V34 Quorum
Sensing (2-3 semester hours) The focus of
this course is the analysis of quorum sensing and its role in pathogenic and
symbiotic interactions. This course makes use of recent scientific literature
and the latest discoveries in the area of population density dependent gene
expression. [(2-3)-0] R
Special Electives
BIOL 7V20 Research Seminar in Molecular Biology (2-5 semester hours) Presentation and analysis of ongoing independent research projects, accompanied by evaluation of recent related literature. (P/F grading. May be repeated for credit.) ([2-5]-0) Y
(Gray, Levene, Xia)
BIOL 6358 (MSEN 6358)
Bionanotechnology (3 semester hours) Protein, nucleic acid and lipid
structures. Macromolecules as structural and functional units of the intact
cell. Parallels between biology and nanotechnology. Applications of
nanotechnology to biological systems. (3-0) R
BIOL 6V30 Biopolymers
(2-4 semester hours) Structure and properties of biologically important
macromolecules. ([2-4]-0) R
BIOL 6V32 Electron
Microscopy (2-3 semester hours) Theory and practice of electron microscopy.
The laboratory section includes specimen preparation, operation of the electron
microscope, and darkroom work. ([1-2]-2) R
BIOL 6V33 Biomolecular Structures
(2-3 semester hours) This course includes a discussion of DNA structures,
protein structures, the folding and stability of domains, and the binding of
proteins to DNA. Methods used to investigate the relation of structure to
function are emphasized. Types of protein structures whose structure and
function are considered include transcription factors, proteinases, membrane
proteins, proteins in signal transduction, proteins of the immune system, and
engineered proteins. ([2-3]-0) Y
BIOL 6V39 Topics in Biophysics (2-5
semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours. ([2-5]-0) T
BIOL 7V30 Research Seminar in Biophysics (2-5 semester hours) Presentation and analysis of ongoing independent research projects, accompanied by evaluation of recent related literature. (P/F grading. May be repeated for credit.) ([2-5]-0) R
(Breen, Burr, D’Mello, Draper, Goodman, Pace)
BIOL 6340 Developmental Neurobiology (3
semester hours) The course will cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying
key processes in the development of the vertebrate nervous system such as neural
induction, morphogenesis of the neural tube, patterning of the brain, differentiation
and migration of neurons, axon guidance, synaptogenesis and the regulation of neuronal
survival. The course is designed to be interactive and will include lectures, student
presentations, and discussion of important discoveries in the area. (3-0) Y
BIOL 6345 Molecular Basis of Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (3 semester hours) Topics include an analysis of
the molecular basis of the infection of target cells by HIV, the intracellular
replication of retroviruses, with special attention given to the HIV tat and rev genes, and an analysis of the roles of the HIV accessory genes:
vif, vpr, vpu and nef.�
The immunological response of the host to HIV is considered, as is the
biological basis for the ultimate failure of the immune system to contain this
virus, with attendant immune collapse.� The
molecular basis of a variety of existing and potential anti-retroviral therapies
is considered. (3-0) Y
BIOL 6351 Cellular and Molecular Biology of the
Immune System (3 semester hours) Innate and
adaptive immunity.� Structure and
function of immunoglobulins and MHC molecules, and their role in the adaptive
immune response.� Function of the primary
and secondary lymphoid tissues, and the role of professional antigen presenting
cells.� The molecular basis for the
generation of diversity during cellular development of B and T
lymphocytes.� The role of complement in
innate immunity, and details of T cell and B cell mediated immunity. (3-0) Y
BIOL 6357 Cell Signaling
(3 semester hours) This course will provide information on signal transduction
pathways controlling growth, development and diseases. Students will be
required to present research papers and discuss experimental data. (3-0) R
BIOL 6V41 Oncogenes (2-4 semester
hours) Properties of cancer cells, in
vivo and in vitro. Telomeres and
cellular immortality. The role of DNA and RNA viruses in human cancers.� Molecular biology of chronic leukemia
retroviruses and the acutely transforming retroviruses.� Retroviral oncogenes; the role of mutation,
amplification, and chromosomal translocation of cellular oncogenes in human
cancer. Regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle, and the role of tumor
suppressor genes. The role of oncogenes in growth hormone signal transduction.
The role of apoptosis, and developmental signaling pathways in cancer. ([2-4]-0)
Y
BIOL 6V42 Membrane
Biology I (2-4 semester hours) Membrane traffic in the secretory pathway.
Topics covered include insertion of proteins into membranes, the mechanism of
vesicular traffic from the rough endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi apparatus
to the plasma membrane, protein sorting during secretion and membrane
biogenesis. ([2-4]-0) T
BIOL 6V43 Membrane Biology II (2-4
semester hours) Membrane traffic in the endocytic pathway. Topics covered
include the structure, function and sorting of membrane receptors, the
formation and function of clathrin-coated pits, membrane recycling and the
biogenesis of endosomes and lysosomes. ([2-4]-0) R
BIOL 6V44 Animal Cell
Culture (2-4 semester hours) Theory and practice of the growth of animal
cells in culture. Topics include: the isolation and characterization of
mammalian cell mutants, chromosome mapping, the use of
somatic cell hybrids to investigate eukaryotic gene regulation, gene transfer
into animal cells, gene targeting and production of “gene knockouts.”
([2-4]-0) R
BIOL 6V49 Topics in Cell Biology
(2-5 semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours.
([2-5]-0) Y
BIOL 7V40 Research Seminar in Cell Biology (2-5 semester hours) Presentation and analysis of ongoing independent research projects, accompanied by evaluation of recent related literature. (P/F grading, may be repeated for credit.) ([2-5]-0) Y
BIOL 5V00 Topics in
Biological Sciences (1-6 semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a
maximum of 9 hours ([1-6]-0) Y
BIOL 5V01 Topics in Biological Sciences
(1-6 semester hours) Includes a laboratory component. May be repeated for
credit to a maximum of 9 hours (1-[0-10]) Y
BIOL 5V95 Advanced Topics in
Molecular and Cell Biology (Individual instruction) (1-6 semester hours) May be repeated for credit with permission of
the graduate advisor ([1-6]-0) Y
BIOL 6V00 Topics in Biological Sciences
(1-6 semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours
([1-6]-0) Y
BIOL 6V01 Topics in Biological Sciences
(1-6 semester hours) Includes a laboratory component. May be repeated for
credit to a maximum of 9 hours (1 [0-10]) Y
BIOL 6V04 Biology Seminar (1-6
semester hours) May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 6 hours ([1-6]-0) Y
BIOL 6V92 Readings in Molecular and Cell
Biology (3-9 semester hours) ([3-9]-0) Y
BIOL 6V95 Advanced Topics in
Molecular and Cell Biology (Individual instruction) (1-6 semester hours) May be
repeated for credit with permission of the graduate advisor ([1-6]-0) Y
BIOL
5V50 Methods in Molecular and Cell Biology I (2-6 semester hours)
Laboratory instruction in biological, biophysical, and biochemical techniques.
Supplemental lectures and demonstrations. (P/F
grading) (1-[4-10]) Y
BIOL 5V51 Methods in Molecular and Cell
Biology II (2-6 semester hours) Laboratory instruction in advanced
techniques in molecular and cell biology. Supplemental
lectures and demonstrations. (P/F grading) (1-[4-10]) Y
BIOL 5V52 Methods in Molecular and Cell
Biology III (2-6 semester hours) Laboratory instruction in advanced
techniques in molecular and cell biology. Supplemental
lectures and demonstrations. (1-[4-10]) T
BIOL 6150 Current
Research in Molecular and Cell Biology (1 semester hour) Analysis of recent
developments in molecular and cell biology. Students will attend
presentations of current research literature. P/F grading only.� Maybe repeated for credit (4 hours maximum.)
(1-0) Y
BIOL 6193 Colloquium in Molecular and
Cell Biology (1 semester hour) Required for all
degree students except non-thesis M.S., to be taken before a Supervising
Committee is appointed. (P/F grading) (1-0) Y
BIOL 6252 Current Research in Molecular
Biology (2 semester hours) Recent developments in
biosynthesis, structure, function and expression of nucleic acids in
prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Students will participate in a critical analysis of
current research publications. (P/F grading, may be repeated for credit to a
maximum of 8 hours.) (2-0) S
BIOL 6352 Modern Biochemistry I (3
semester hours) Structure and function of proteins, including enzyme kinetics
and catalytic mechanisms; structure and metabolism of carbohydrates, including
oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport mechanisms. For students who
have not had undergraduate biochemistry. (3-0) S
BIOL 6353 Modern Biochemistry II (3
semester hours) Continuation of BIOL 6352. Structure and
metabolism of lipids, including membrane structure and function.
Nitrogen metabolism: amino acids and nucleotides. Polynucleotide
replication, transcription, and translation. For students who have not
had undergraduate biochemistry. (3-0) Y
BIOL 6356 Eukaryotic Molecular and Cell
Biology (3 semester hours) Regulation of cellular activities in eukaryotic
cells; structural and molecular organization of eukaryotic cells; molecular
basis of cell specialization; membranes and transport. For students who have
not had undergraduate cell biology. (3-0) S
BIOL 6V02 The Art of Scientific
Presentation (1-2 semester hours) Students learn how to give an effective
seminar by reading scientific articles on a central theme in biology and then
delivering a presentation, first to their classmates, followed by another
presentation to the Molecular and Cell Biology faculty and students. While
learning the focused theme, students acquire skill sets in critical reading of
scientific literature and oral presentation. Required for all
Ph.D. students. (P/F grading) ([1-2]-0) Y
BIOL 6V31 Molecular Genetics (3-4
semester hours) A graduate survey of the phenomena and mechanisms of heredity,
its cytological and molecular basis, with a focus on bacterial and model
eukaryotic systems. Topics will include fundamentals of Mendelian Genetics,
genetic recombination and genetic linkage, as well as, gene structure and
replication, gene expression and the transfer of genetic information, mutation
and mutagenesis, and applications of recombinant DNA techniques to genetic
analysis. For students who have not had undergraduate genetics ([3-4]-0) Y
BIOL 7450 Research
Seminar in Molecular and Cell Biology (4 semester hours) Presentation and
analysis of ongoing independent research projects, accompanied by evaluation of
recent related literature. (P/F grading. May be repeated for credit.) (4-0)
BIOL
BIOL 8V50 Internship in
Biotechnology/Biomedicine (3-6 semester hours) Provides faculty supervision
for a student’s internship. Internships must be in an area relevant to
the student’s coursework for the MS in Biotechnology. ([1-6] - 0) R
BIOL 8V98 Thesis (3-9 semester
hours) (May be repeated for credit.) ([3-9]-0)
BIOL