Biology

BIOL 5100. Biology Colloquium. (1 Hour)

Offers a series of colloquia in biological research by invited experts on current topics. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 5301. Clinical Embryology. (4 Hours)

Designed to familiarize students with core biological processes associated with fertilization and early embryogenesis in humans, with an emphasis on clinical relevance. Covers fundamental aspects of female fertility and embryo development, including hormonal control of ovarian follicle growth and ovulation, fertilization, preimplantation embryonic development, implantation, and postimplantation embryonic development through gastrulation. Examines current parameters for determining egg and embryo quality. Additionally, discusses evolving stem-cell-based strategies for the treatment of female reproductive failure.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5303. Clinical Embryology II. (4 Hours)

Expands upon material and concepts from BIOL 5301 by familiarizing students with development of the organ systems, culminating with the end of the fetal period and birth. Examines fundamental aspects of development for each major organ system, including the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems; limb development; the nervous system; neural crest development; sense organs; head and neck, digestive, and urogenital systems; and the cardiovascular system. Evaluates parameters for determining fetal developmental progress.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 5301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5306. Biological Clocks. (4 Hours)

Examines the expression of endogenously generated twenty-four-hour (circadian) rhythms in eukaryotic life, emphasizing theoretical foundations as well as current research strategies for understanding how biological clocks work. Presents analytic principles essential for understanding biological rhythmicity in any organism at any level of organization. Emphasizes strategies used to understand the concrete mechanisms underlying biological rhythmicity.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5307. Biological Electron Microscopy. (4 Hours)

Presents techniques of electron microscopy applied to biological materials. Discusses specimen preparation, fixation, thin-sectioning, staining, operation of the microscopes, photographic techniques, and interpretation of electron micrographs. Requires student seminars and project.

Corequisite(s): BIOL 5308

BIOL 5308. Lab for BIOL 5307. (1 Hour)

Designed for graduate and advanced undergraduate students with no formal training in electron microscopy. Offers students an opportunity to acquire a thorough working knowledge of transmission and scanning electron microscopy by having each student process specimens from living tissue through the production of electron micrographs. This involves standard specimen preparation protocols including fixation, embedding, ultramicrotomy, staining, critical point drying, and sputter coating, as well as the independent operation of state-of-the-art electron microscopy equipment.

Corequisite(s): BIOL 5307

BIOL 5541. Endocrinology. (4 Hours)

Explores the endocrine regulation of physiological systems, emphasizing current research. Lectures provide background, followed by analysis of primary literature and case studies. Topics include growth, reproduction, nutrient utilization, stress, and environmental endocrine disruption. Emphasizes humans but includes material on other animals, including invertebrates.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2319 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 2323 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 3405 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 3611 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 4707 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5543. Stem Cells and Regeneration. (4 Hours)

Explores the biological basis of embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells toward an understanding of their roles in development, homeostasis, and regeneration, as well as their therapeutic potential. The study of stem cells is a rapidly advancing area in biology and biomedicine. Although the biological basis of stem cells is a major focus, the course aims to put this knowledge into a biomedical context.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5549. Inventions in Microbial Biotechnology. (4 Hours)

Offers readings and seminar-style discussion from the current literature on important inventions and practical applications in biotechnology, with a focus on drug discovery.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5569. Advanced Microbiology. (4 Hours)

Focuses on how microorganisms develop, exchange, and regulate genes, and survive in various environments. Emphasizes experimental design and proof, particularly as related to genetic exchange, gene regulation, single and multicellular development, and cell-cell communication.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2321 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 2323 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5573. Medical Microbiology. (4 Hours)

Emphasizes host-parasite interactions: virulence, toxins, natural flora, and immunological responses; characteristics of the common bacterial, rickettsial, and protozoal infections in humans; and epidemiology, pathology, vaccines, and chemotherapy.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5581. Biological Imaging. (4 Hours)

Illustrates imaging principles and techniques and their application to biological problems. Topics vary and may include microscopic and macroscopic approaches in areas such as cellular and neurobiology, ecology, and biochemistry.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5583. Immunology. (4 Hours)

Provides an overview of the structure and function of genes, proteins, and cells involved in the generation of the immune response. Emphasis is on molecular immunology and immunogenetics.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2323 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 3611 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5585. Evolution. (4 Hours)

Discusses history of evolutionary theory and lines of evidence. Emphasis is on mechanisms of speciation. Introduces and discusses current evolutionary topics.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5587. Comparative Neurobiology. (4 Hours)

Presents a cellular approach to structure and function of the nervous system. Topics include neuronal anatomy, phylogeny of nervous systems, electrophysiology of membrane conductances, synaptic transmission, integration in nerve cells, neuronal networks, sensory systems, motor systems, sensory-motor integration, development and regeneration of neuronal connectivity, and fundamentals of neurotechnology for biomedics. Focuses on the development of these concepts from the primary research literature. A term project involves the design of a simple nervous system for a hypothetical animal.

Attribute(s): NUpath Creative Express/Innov

BIOL 5591. Advanced Genomics. (4 Hours)

Intended for those familiar with the basics of genetics, molecular and cellular biology, and biochemistry, all of which are required to appreciate the beauty, power, and importance of modern genomic approaches. Introduces the latest sequencing methods, array technology, genomic databases, whole genome analysis, functional genomics, and more.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5593. Cell and Molecular Biology of Aging. (4 Hours)

Covers the recent scientific discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the process of aging. Examines in-depth the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control life span in model organisms, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice. Discusses dietary interventions and pharmacological approaches that extend the life span and delay the onset of age-related diseases. Covers potential applications of the new science of aging to improve human health. Requires students to read, discuss, present, and report on primary research papers from the literature.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5595. Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. (4 Hours)

Combines molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, and genetics to address the fundamental molecular properties of neurons and neuronal networks. At its core, the principles that govern the communication between cells of the nervous system are determined by their molecular components. The molecular landscape defines the individual properties of a neuron and the function of neuronal networks as a whole. Focuses on neuronal signaling through the function of ion channels and receptors, supramolecular mechanisms like synaptic transmission and axonal transport, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological networks and neural coding of information. Uses the fundamental understanding of molecular networks as a framework to explore the mechanisms that underlie neurological diseases and disorders. Discusses current treatments and therapies that rely on modulating neuronal signaling through molecular interactions.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- ; (PSYC 3458 with a minimum grade of D- or BIOL 3405 with a minimum grade of D- )) or graduate program admission

BIOL 5597. Immunotherapies of Cancer and Infectious Disease. (4 Hours)

Describes the basic principles and the current promises and disappointments with immunotherapies of cancer. Provides a historical overview of the main barriers between tumors and antitumor killer cells. The unifying focus of the lectures is the role of immunological and physiological negative regulators, i.e., “brakes” of anti-tumor immune response. A significant part of the course is dedicated to the retrospective evaluation of the last three decades of the immunological and biochemical studies that culminated in identification of the “chief of tumor defense operations,” i.e., a hypoxia-adenosinergic pathway in the tumor microenvironment.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2301 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

BIOL 5599. Principles of Data Management and Peer Review in Biology. (4 Hours)

Designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of all aspects of data management within an academic setting. Topics include data acquisition, documentation and storage, intellectual property and patents, assignment of ownership, identification of conflicts of interest, and the peer review process for manuscript and grant submission. Responsible conduct of research (RCR) training is an important part of this course. Offers students an opportunity to become familiar with, and complete, fundamental training using nationally accepted standard certifications, including RCR training, pertaining to data management. Students analyze patent preparation and manuscript and grant peer review. Additionally, students participate in a study section review panel.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 4701 with a minimum grade of D-

BIOL 5601. Multidisciplinary Approaches in Motor Control. (4 Hours)

Studies the field of human motor control, or motor neuroscience. Offers students an opportunity to obtain a fundamental understanding of the processes underlying the acquisition and control of sensorimotor behavior. The systems approach connects a variety of disciplines ranging from neurophysiology, to engineering, to neurorehabilitation. Reviews a selection of approaches with emphasis on motor learning. Focuses on early behavioral approaches, more recent neurophysiological and imaging approaches, and rehabilitation. Discusses selected representative papers, including seminal historical papers and more recent studies reflecting the current discussion in the field.

BIOL 6299. Molecular Cell Biology for Biotechnology. (3 Hours)

Integrates biochemistry and molecular biology in the cellular context. Includes the organization and replication of genomes, principles and methods for genetic manipulation, the regulation of gene expression, and the structure and function of organelles. Emphasizes protein synthesis, including translation, post-translational modifications, and translocations of proteins within the cells and secretion.

BIOL 6300. Biochemistry. (4 Hours)

Studies the structure and function of biomolecules, with an emphasis on proteins; enzyme catalysis; and cellular metabolism, with an emphasis on bioenergetics and carbohydrate/lipid.

BIOL 6301. Molecular Cell Biology. (4 Hours)

Integrates biochemistry and molecular biology in the cellular context. Emphasizes the organization and replication of genomes, the regulation of gene expression, the structure and function of organelles, and the mechanisms of signal transduction.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 6300 with a minimum grade of C-

BIOL 6303. Neurobiology and Behavior. (4 Hours)

Offers a lecture course that aims to provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral neurobiology, with special emphasis on a neuroethological approach. At the end of the course, the successful student should have a contemporary understanding of the historical development of the behavioral sciences, the major ethological and neurobiological concepts, and the principal mechanisms that govern behavior in animals and humans. Requires permission of instructor for those students not enrolled in bioinformatics, biology, or marine biology.

BIOL 6381. Ethics in Biological Research. (2 Hours)

Discusses ethical issues relevant to research in the biological sciences. Requires student presentations.

BIOL 6399. Dynamics of Microbial Ecology. (4 Hours)

Explores state-of-the-art research on microbial biology of the environment and human body. Focuses on molecular diversity of microbial species and microbial discovery, microbial dynamics across time and space, microbiology of extreme environments, microbial ecology in the genomics age, host-microbe interactions in the human body, and translation of basic microbiology into practice. Emphasizes how new concepts in microbial biology, such as signal-based regulation and cell individuality, may change the current views on organization and function of microbial communities in nature. Requires permission of instructor for those students not enrolled in bioinformatics, biology, or marine biology.

BIOL 6401. Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Molecular Cell Biology. (4 Hours)

Encompasses biochemical and cell biological approaches to understanding cell structure and function, including membranes, organelles, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, and signaling. Structured activities integrate critical analysis of recently published literature and methods. Offers students an opportunity to prepare for the professional practice of molecular cell biology. Permission of instructor required for those students not enrolled in biology.

BIOL 6405. Prokaryotic Cell and Molecular Biology. (4 Hours)

Provides in-depth discussion about fundamentally important cellular processes in prokaryotic systems—such as replication, transcription, and translation—and the corresponding regulatory mechanisms. Also discusses molecular mechanisms of gene regulation and bacterial pathogenesis, using selected examples and mechanisms of prokaryotic cell signaling, and advanced and high-throughput techniques used in prokaryotic molecular and cell biology.

BIOL 6407. Biochemistry for Molecular Biologists. (4 Hours)

Focuses on the interface between molecular biology, molecular genetics, and biochemistry. Concentrates on biochemical problems that molecular biologists are likely to find in their research. Includes examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic (whenever available) systems. Experimental approaches are discussed for all topics. Seeks to enable students to develop a deep understanding of concepts in biological systems through reading and discussion of the primary literature.

BIOL 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 7399. Research Problem Solving, Ethics, and Communication Skills. (4 Hours)

Focuses on research problem-solving skills, including formulation of hypotheses; experimental design, execution, and analysis; and research ethics. Offers instruction in scientific writing, including daily record keeping, grants and papers, and oral communication skills. Discusses the use and misuse of statistics and discusses responsibility to the public. Requires permission of instructor for those students not enrolled in biology.

BIOL 7962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 7990. Thesis. (1-4 Hours)

Offers thesis supervision by members of the department. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 7996. Thesis Continuation. (0 Hours)

Offers continuing thesis supervision by members of the department.

BIOL 8420. Biological Lab Rotation 1. (4 Hours)

Offers experience in biology research in a faculty research laboratory. Intended only for students who have not yet chosen a lab in which to carry out dissertation/thesis work.

BIOL 8421. Biological Lab Rotation 2. (4 Hours)

Offers a second semester of research experience in a different laboratory than that for BIOL 8420. Intended only for students who have not yet chosen a lab in which to carry out thesis work.

BIOL 8960. Exam Preparation—Doctoral. (0 Hours)

Offers the student the opportunity to prepare for the PhD qualifying exam under faculty supervision.

BIOL 8982. Readings. (1-4 Hours)

Offers readings from current literature on an area of interest to students and faculty. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 8984. Research. (1-4 Hours)

Focuses on research methods and their application to a specific problem under the direction of a graduate faculty member. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 8986. Research. (0 Hours)

Offers the student the opportunity to conduct full-time research. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 9000. PhD Candidacy Achieved. (0 Hours)

Indicates successful completion of the doctoral comprehensive exam.

BIOL 9984. Research. (1-4 Hours)

Focuses on research methods and their application to a specific problem under the direction of a graduate faculty member. May be repeated without limit.

BIOL 9990. Dissertation Term 1. (0 Hours)

Offers theoretical and experimental research for the PhD degree.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 9000 with a minimum grade of S

BIOL 9991. Dissertation Term 2. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 9990 with a minimum grade of S

BIOL 9996. Dissertation Continuation. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 9991 with a minimum grade of S or Dissertation Check with a score of REQ