Topics covered are similar to those considered in 81.404. However, students are required to complete a more in-depth review of a current research topic in environmental microbiology.
Lectures cover the biological and computational basis of approaches to sequence alignment, gene detection, protein structure prediction, phylogenetic inference, analysis of microarray gene expression data, gene mapping, comparative genomics, genome evolution and genome maps. A term paper, seminar or poster presentation may be required.
Co-Requisite: 81.507 Bioinformatics Lab
Computer-based analysis exercises and independent projects designed to showcase the capabilities and limitations of available computational tools used in genome research. Results of comparisons and evaluation of available methods will be summarized in lab reports.
Co-Requisite: 81.505
This online course will examine the structure and function of cells and the regulation of cellular processes characteristice of living organisms. Students will explore the complexity of the eukaryotic cell and gain an understanding of the mechanisms of cellular control and regulation. Course activities will make connections to state frameworks and national standards, and lead to the development of grade-appropriate curriculum materials for use in the elementary and middle school classroom. Class activities will include discussions, quizzes, lesson plans, web reviews, current events, and a final project.
Primarily for M.S. students in biological sciences. Lecture and text assignments on the subjects of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, enzyme and membrane biochemistry will be supplemented with research journal readings.
This course is a continuation of 81-519 and will include discussions on all aspects of amino acid and nucleic acid metabolism and protein biosynthesis.
Biochemistry Required of M.S. students in them Biotechnology Option. Emphasis on common techniques and instrumentation employed in modern research laboratories.
Cultivation of recombinant and non-recombinant mammalian cells and microorganisms.
Topics covered are siilar to those considered in 81.440. However, students are required to complete a more in-depth review of a current research topic in plant biology and will conduct additional reading and writing assignments.
Pre-Req: 81.419 Biochemistry or 81.519 Biochemistry I and 81.335 Principles Of Genetics
Structure and function of the cell: a) cellular membranes, b) transport mechanisms, c) motility, d) excitable cells, and e) energy transduction mechanisms. May be repeated for credit when content varies.
Ultrastructure and biochemistry of eukaryotic cells; cell membranes and organelles; energy capture and transduction; histochemical and biochemical studies of organelles at the optical and electron microscopic level; cytogenetics; brief discussion of prokaryotic cells. A substantial library investigation is required.
Efficient isolation and purification of biological products, especially proteins, from complex natural mixtures.
This course will address a series of issues central to understanding evolution in a biological, environmental, and humanistic context. From the biological perspective, the course will examine how evolution works at the individual, species, and community levels using the avian flu as an example. The second part of the course will compare a few major ecosystems under attack from development and how their loss might impact the course of evolution on a local and global level. Included in these ecosystems are the Brazilian rainforest, The Great Barrier Reef, and Old Growth Forests of North America. Finally, the course will delve into the judicial and political controversy around evolution in the United States and try to understand why Dawrin's ideas still invoke such fierce emotional commitments from different constituents.
This course examines how "drugs", "biologics" and "cellular therapies" are evaluated, manufactured and sold in the United States. cGMP's, clinical trials, INDA, NDA, ANDA, PLA, ELA, validation, Q.A., Q.C., interactions with FDA staff and with company product and process development, regulatory affairs, drug metabolism, medical affairs, and production are covered in a lecture and project format.
Comparative functional morphology, life histories, and phylogeny of a particular taxon (Crustacea, Molusca) of invertebrates.
Classification, identification, anatomy and physiology of selected invertebrates.
The molecular and genetic characteristics of stem cells and their developmental potential will be explored. Lectures and readings will cover the development of embryonic, fetal and adult stem cells, and will examine their use in treating human disorders receiving widesread attention, including neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, spinal cord injury and leukemia. The ethical, legal and social implications of stem cell research will also be discussed. Additional library investigation and a term paper or seminar will be required.
A study of the principles and specialized techniques of cloning, purifying, and manipulating recombinant DNA molecules.
Pre-Requisite: 81.419 or 519 Biochemistry
Laboratory experiments and independent projects designed to illustrate current techniques and instrumentation used in genetic engineering. Included are restriction mapping, cloning, plasmid purification, blot hybridization, and DNA sequencing. Students are introduced to computer software utilized for DNA sequence analysis and manipulation.
Pre-Req: 81.421 or 521 Biochemistry Techniques; and Co-Req: 81.567 Molecular Biology
A study of bacterial, animal, and plant viruses, including viral structure, modes of replication, biochemistry of the infected cell, genetic properties, and viral oncogenesis. Emphasis is on viruscell interaction at the molecular level.
A erie of lecture and laboratory exercises that will focu on the in vitro culture and analyis of multiple cell type commonly used in biomedical research laboratories. The lecture component will review methodologies used to establish immortalized cell lines, medium component for specific cell types, and techniques for genetically manipulating and analyzing cell lines. The laboratory exercises will emphasize the mastery of sterile techniques used to grow both established cell line and primary cultures, and molecular tools used for introducing recombinant genes and for analyzing cell growth and differentiation.
Pre-Req: 81.542 Cell Biology
An in depth discussion of contemporary topics related to reproduction and embryogenesis. Lecture material is supplemented with reading assignments in a recently published textbook and current literature taken from research journals. Emphasis is on the dynamic nature of the interactions between developing cells as well as the events that occur during fertilization, implantation and the development of the mammalian embryo which lead to birth. Students examine how studies with nonmammalian model systems such as Drosophila and Xenopus have enhanced our knowledge of mammalian development. Among the topics discussed are the role of adhesion molecules, HOX genes, apoptosis, hypornethylation of genes, axis formation and hormonal control of differentiation. Class participation is expected. Critical scientific reading and thinking is encouraged by having students present to the class published original research papers on topics of current interest in the field of developmental biology.
A study of the genes and proteins implicated in the cause of human cancer and discussion of the complex behaviors of cancer cells that differ from their normal counterparts in human tissue. Lectures and original research papers will be used.
Design and development of manufacturing processes for the products of biotechnology, with emphasis on techniques for the cultivation of cells, recovery and purification of cell products and analytical methods for the quantification of product yields.
A study of cellular and systems neurobiology with a focus on how these relate to human health and disease. Particular attention will be given to illustrating functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the human CNS using investigations into the pathogenic mechanisms of a variety of human neurodegenerative diseases including epilepsy, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, ALS among others.
Note: Graduate level enrollees will be responsible for additional reading and writing.
A study of the nature of the immune response with sections on antibody structure, function and production; antigen-antibody reactions; immunogenetics; and immune regulation, protection and injury.
A series of basic laboratory exercises dealing with the preparation, isolation and characterization of antigens, antibodies and effector cells.
Assists students in developing effective writing and speaking skills required for preparation of research papers, grants and professional presentations. Disclosure and conflict of interest, publishing ethics, publishing censorship/fraud, and electronic collaborations are also reviewed through outside readings.
