Biology Course Descriptions
Core
Courses
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
Advanced
Study
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.
Topics
in Biochemistry
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
Special Electives
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
General Electives
BIOL5375
Genes to Genomes (3 semester hours) is an expansive coverage of
molecular genetics with emphasis on genomes rather than genes. Students will gain a new perspective on how
genes function together and in concert in living cells, focusing at the genome
level. Students also will learn how to
study genomes, inspect genome anatomies, analyze how genomes function and
determine how genomes replicate and evolve. The course is structured to involve students directly in individual
topics by class discussions of research papers and reviews, the latest advances
in genome science and new and innovative techniques. (3-0)T
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 exposes 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
BIOL6385
Computational Biology (3 semester hours) Using
computational and statistical methods to analyze biological data, and perform
mathematical modeling and computational simulation techniques to understand the
biological systems. The course introduces methods in
DNA/protein motif discovery, gene prediction, high-throughput sequencing and
microarray data analysis, computational modeling gene expression regulation,
and biological pathway and network analysis. Prerequisite: BIOL5376 or instructor permission. (3-0)Y
BIOL 6V29 Topics in Molecular Biology (2-5 semester hours) May be
repeated for credit to a maximum of 9 hours. Recent topics include Molecular
Biology of Neurodegenerative and Hematopetic Diseases,and Genes to Genomes.
([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
Topics
In Biophysics
General Electives
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
Special Electives
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
Topics
In Cell Biology
General Electives
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
Special Electives
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
General
Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology
General Electives
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
Special Electives
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 the first
semester of 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 the second semester of 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
6V50 Internship in Biotechnology/Biomedicine (1-6
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 6V98 Thesis (3-9 semester
hours) (May be repeated for credit.) ([3-9]-0) S
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) S
BIOL 8V01 Research in Molecular and Cell Biology (1-9 semester hours)
(May be repeated for credit.) ([1-9]-0) S
BIOL 8V99 Dissertation (1-9 semester hours) (May be repeated for
credit.) ([1-9]-0) S