Biotechnology & Biological Medicine — Course Descriptions

Descriptions of courses required of all MS students appear below. Descriptions of elective courses may be found in the biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, and applied physics sections of this publication.

Courses

BIOL 608 (PHYSIC 608)
Biophysical Instrumentation

A lecture and laboratory course on the application of microcomputers and microprocessor-based electronics to laboratory experiments in the biological and physical sciences. Emphasis is on techniques for interfacing the microcomputer with laboratory experiments for automated data acquisition, data reduction and analysis, information display and real-time control of experiments.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.
2 Lect Hrs, 4 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits

BIOL 612
Advanced Cell Biology

The analysis of gene transfer and expression at the cellular level, including the nature of metabolic systems and the factors governing their regulation.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3-5 Credits

BIOL 615
Immunology

Selected topics in immunology are studied in depth, using the current literature. Topics are chosen for relevance and current interest, or for their challenging, even controversial nature.
Prerequisite: BIOL 378 or 380 or permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Beck

BIOL 626
Molecular Genetics of Bacteria

In-depth examination of genetic and molecular processes in bacteria and their associated viruses. Coverage of classical bacterial genetics as well as modern molecular genetic analysis. Topics include genetic transfer processes, gene regulation, mutagenesis and repair, plasmids, transposons, gene fusion methodologies, and protein secretion. Emphasis is given to current experimental approaches and research design. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Prerequisite: BIOL 252 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Skvirsky

BIOL 627
Bacterial Physiology

A rigorous biochemical examination of the bacterial cell. Lectures focus on bacterial cytology, growth, and metabolism. Areas of current research are emphasized. Students are expected to read primary and secondary scientific literature and to discuss course material.
Prerequisite: BIOL 334 and BIOCHM 383, or equivalents.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Shiaris

BIOL 650
Scientific Communication

Required of all master’s and doctoral students; usually taken in the second year. The course covers the storage and retrieval of scientific information (including searching of computerized data bases), the design of tables, figures, and other graphics, the writing of technical reports and papers, and the preparation of posters and publications. Writing, oral presentations and other assignments, and attendance at the weekly departmental seminar, are required.
Prerequisite: Admission to graduate study in biology at either the master’s or the doctoral level.
3 Credits

BIOL 664
Computer Analysis of DNA and Protein Sequences

A lecture and laboratory course focusing on using computers to predict the structure of RNA and protein, to search DNA and protein sequence databases, to align protein and DNA sequences, to deduce the structure and mechanism of regulation of a gene from DNA sequences, to design cloning strategies, and to choose oligonucleotide primers for DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reactions. The course emphasizes the significance and limitations of computer analyses in biological research.
Prerequisites: An advanced undergraduate course or a graduate course in molecular genetics (BIOL 370 or equivalent, BIOL 675, or BIOL 626), and permission of instructor.
1 1/2 Lect Hrs, 3 Disc Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Kleene

BIOL 666
Mammalian Toxicology

This course provides a background in principles of toxicology in mammalian systems. It is an alternative to Environmental Toxicology, ECOS 635, as a core requirement for the Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology doctoral track. Coverage includes: basic concepts of poisons and their commonalities with drugs and hormones; toxicant exposure routes, uptake, sites and mechanisms of action, storage, metabolism, activation, and clearance; toxicant roles in carcinogenesis, development, endocrine, and reproductive functions; roles of diet, lifestyle, and concurrent exposures; methods of toxicant evaluation emphasizing multigeneration and high- throughput testing; and environmental and medical implications of toxicant/toxin expores on individual and ecological health.
Prerequisites: General chemistry and organic chemistry, general biology, and one advanced course in cell biology, biochemistry, or physiology.
3 Credits
Mr Campbell

BIOL 670
Tissue Culture

A seminar and laboratory course on the principles and methods of culturing cells, tissues, and organs of animals and plants. Topics include growth factors, differentiation and morphogenesis in vitro, cell cloning, protoplast fusion, and the production of hybridomas for monoclonal antibodies. Students also apply tissue culture methods to individual research projects.
Prerequisite: BIOL 313 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
2 Sem Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Ms Davis, Mr Kleene

BIOL 675
Advanced Molecular Biology

A lecture and laboratory course covering the biosynthesis and regulation of RNA, DNA, and proteins in eukaryotic organisms. The course examines the importance of gene regulation in oncogenesis, levels of gene expression, and development; as well as regulation by structure and function (chromosome structure and translational regulation); basic research techniques; and current recombinant DNA methodology. Please note: Labs meet every other week, for a total of seven hours every two weeks.
Prerequisites: BIOL 370 or 372 or equivalent, and permission of instructor.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 670.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 1/2 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Mr Ackerman, Mr Kleene

BIOL 676
Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture

A lecture-only course covering the same material as BIOL 675; no lab work is required.
Prerequisites: BIOL 370 or 372 or equivalent, and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Ackerman, Mr Kleene

BIOL 677
Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics

A broad spectrum of readings in plant, animal, and fungal genetics on such topics as segregation distortion, the control of sex determination, modes of asexual reproduction, inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes, self-incompatibility systems, transposable elements, and genetic mapping.
Prerequisite: BIOL 252 or equivalent.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Kesseli

BIOL 678
Protein Chemistry and Enzymology

A lecture and laboratory course on various aspects of protein chemistry and enzymology. Emphasis is on purification, characterization, structure, function, mechanism of action, kinetics, and regulatory aspects of enzymes. Topics also include the practical and theoretical aspects of affinity chromatography and other separation techniques, immobilization of enzymes and other biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and the analytical and industrial use of soluble and insoluble enzymes.
Prerequisites: BIOCHM 383 and BIOL 372, or equivalents, and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 5 Credits
Mr Sugumaran

BIOL 679
Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture

A lecture-only course covering the same material as BIOL 678; no lab work is required.
Prerequisites: BIOCHM 383 and BIOL 372, or equivalents, and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Mr Sugumaran

BIOL 685
Biomedical Tracers

A seminar and laboratory course describing the types and uses of physical tracers in the biomedical sciences. Covers theory and application of various tracers (immunoglobins, radioisotopes, lectins, enzymes, chromogen labels, spin labels, heavy isotopes, and particles), instrumentation for their detection, and general methods. The laboratory includes demonstrations and short projects chosen by the students and the instructor.
Prerequisites: CHEM 253, BIOCHM 383 (or BIOL 317 or 319), or equivalents, and permission of instructor.
2 Lect-Seminar Hrs, 6 Lab Hrs, 4 Credits
Mr Campbell

BIOL 693
Seminar in Neurobiology

Discussion of current literature in neuropharmacology and drug and behavior interactions. Combination of lectures and student presentations.
Prerequisites: BIOL 316 or 318, or equivalent, and permission of instructor.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits
Ms Pollack

BIOL 696
Research Experimentation in Biology

This independent study provides students with sustained experience in a research laboratory. Each student pursues a specific research project, which may originate in a public or private sector laboratory or at the University. Each student’s project should involve the student in ideas and laboratory skills and should permit the student to produce work of publishable quality.
Prerequisites: Admission to the Biotechnology and Biomedical Science Program; permission of instructor.
Hrs by arrangement, 3 Credits