Graduate
Online Academic Catalog
Biological Sciences Course Listings
Online Academic Catalog Home > Graduate Academic Catalog > College of Sciences > Biological Sciences > Biological Sciences Course Listings
Quick Links
81.504 Enviromental MicrobiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.505 BioinformaticsCredits: 3
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-Req: 81.507 Bioinformatics Lab.
81.507 Bioinformatics LabCredits: 1
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-Req: 81.505 Bioinformatics.
81.508 Cell Biology for TeachersCredits: 3
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.
81.509 PhotobiologyCredits: 3
Biological process involving light in plants and animals. Topics include mechanisms of light absorption, energy transduction, light reactions in photosynthesis, functions of color in flowering plants, visual systems and structural and pigment coloration in animals, pigmentation in animals affecting camouflage and reproductive strategies. In addition, the genetics involved in responses to light such as photoperiods, cicardian rhythms, and seasonal cycles will be covered.
Pre-Req: 81.419 or 519 Biochemistry.
81.513 Invertebrate Zoology IICredits: 3
An in depth exploration of the deutorostome phyla with a focus on anatomy, ecology and evolution of the lophophorates, Echinodermata, Chaetognatha, Hemichordata and Chordata. Includes readings from the primary literature.
Co-Req: 81.515 Invertebrate Zoology Lab II
81.515 Invertebrate Zoology Lab IICredits: 1
The laboratory study of live and preserved specimens of invertebrate animals with a focus on anatomy and functional morphology.
Co-Req: 81.513 Invertebrate Zoology II
Climate change offers one of the greatest challenges yet faced by society and scientists. The scientific consensus is clear that climate change is occurring, its pace is accelerating, its impacts on human society will be largely negative, and it is largely caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, despite strong scientific evidence for the enormous challenges that society may face, scientists' attempts to disseminate that evidence beyond their peers have not yet been successful. Indeed in today's media world of blogs, YouTube video clips, and sound-bites, confusion over the scientific reality of climate change frequently dominates the discourse in classrooms and communities. This course will provide students with the tools and knowledge that they need to develop their own well-informed view of climate change. Because climate change is both impacted by humans and will increasingly impact society, this course takes a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating science, policy solutions, and media literacy as they relate to climate change.
81.519 Biochemistry ICredits: 3
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.
81.520 Biochemistry IICredits: 3
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.
81.521 Biochemistry TechniquesCredits: 2
Biochemistry Required of M.S. students in them Biotechnology Option. Emphasis on common techniques and instrumentation employed in modern research laboratories.
81.523 Biology of Global ChangeCredits: 3
81.526 Evolutionary BiologyCredits: 3
Lectures deal with the patterns and processes of biological evolution. Covers the history of evolutionary thought, the evidence for evolution, the generation and maintenance of population-level variation, natural selection, adaptation, sexual selection, speciation, phylogenetics, molecular evolution, the fossil record and extinctions. In addition to lecture and textbook material, the course surveys classic and contemporary primary literature from evolutionary biology. A written paper and/or seminar presentation will be required.
Proteins are major targets of Pharmaceuticals, and are themselves increasingly used as therapeuticals. However both basic research and the pharmaceutical industry depends on availability of purified proteins that are often difficult to isolate from native sources. In this lecture course, students will learn basic and advanced theoretical background in expression and purification of recombinant proteins. It will cover a variety of expression systems, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The course will also address traditional and new methods in recombinant protein purification. Furthermore, students will be introduced to some downstream applications such as crystallization screens and biochemical/biophysical studies. Student will choose a term project for oral and written presentation.
This course surveys the field of genomics, examining current technologies and their biological applications. Lectures cover genome organization, genome sequencing and annotation, functional genomics, evolutionary genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and the role of bioinformatics in organizing and interpreting genomic data. Students will be expected to submit written papers and to make oral presentations.
Pre-req: 81.235 Genetics and Co-req: 81.534 Genomics Laboratory.
81.534 Genomics LaboratoryCredits: 1
A series of molecular laboratory and computer-based bioinformatics exercises providing practical experience in the collection and analysis of genomic-level data.
Pre-req: 81.235 Genetics, and Co-req: 81.532 Genomics.
81.535 Cell and Microbe CultivationCredits: 3
Cultivation of recombinant and non-recombinant mammalian cells and microorganisms.
81.537 Biology and Evolution of ArthropodaCredits: 3
A detailed examination of phylum Arthropoda from developmental, ecological, genetic, morphological and paleontological perspectives. Specific topics include arthropod origins and relationships to proto-arthropods, the evolution of segmentation, and current perspectives on relationships within the phylum.
Pre-req: 81.306 Invertebrate Zoology; 81.308 Invertebrate Zoology Lab; 81.426 Evolutionary Biology and Co- req: 81.539 Biology and Evolution of Arthropoda Lab.
An exploration of protoarthropod and arthropod diversity using live and preserved specimens of the major taxa including Tardigrada, Onychophora, Chelicerata, Crustacea, Myriapoda and Hexapoda. Students will learn to collect, dissect, identify, handle and care for live specimens.
Pre-req: 81.306 Invertebrate Zoology; 81.308 Invertebrate Zoology Lab, 81.426 Evolutionary Biology and Co-req: 81.537 Biology and Evolution of Arthropoda.
81.540 Advances in Plant BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.541 Topics in Cell BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.542 Cell BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.545 Isolation and PurificationCredits: 3
Efficient isolation and purification of biological products, especially proteins, from complex natural mixtures.
81.547 Evolution in Context for TeachersCredits: 3
This course empowers life science teachers of all levels with the skills and knowledge to more effectively foster student understanding of evolution by natural selection. By exploring evolution in multiple contexts, the Darwinian framework for how life evolved (and continues to evolve) are presented in an interactive and engaging manner. Teachers learn to use virtual resources to enhance their students learning while digging deep into some of the most profound and interesting science conducted in the last 100 years. Evolution in context makes the science of evolution come alive in a real and relevant manner. From the historical and scientific to the environmental and political, Teachers will learn about evolution in ways they never imagined.
81.552 Quantitative PhysiologyCredits: 3
81.555 Biopharmaceutical GMP and LicensingCredits: 3
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.
81.557 Advanced Invertebrate ZoologyCredits: 3
Comparative functional morphology, life histories, and phylogeny of a particular taxon (Crustacea, Molusca) of invertebrates.
Co-Req: 81.559 Adv Invertebrate Zoology Lab
Classification, identification, anatomy and physiology of selected invertebrates.
Co-Req: 81.557 Advanced Invertebrate Zoology.
81.560 Stem Cell BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.567 Molecular BiologyCredits: 3
A study of the principles and specialized techniques of cloning, purifying, and manipulating recombinant DNA molecules.
Pre-Req: 81.419 or 519 Biochemistry.
81.568 Bioprocess Project LaboratoryCredits: 3
81.569 Molecular Biology LaboratoryCredits: 2
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: 81.521 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.
81.576 Cell CultureCredits: 4
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: 81.421 or 521 Biochemistry Techniques.
81.580 Developmental BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.582 Cancer BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.588 Structural BiologyCredits: 3
Structural basis of the molecular biology of cells and the regulation of cellular processes will be discussed. This course will cover the fundamental knowledge about protein, nucleic acid and membrane structure in relation to central systems in biology. Topics to be discussed include structural enzymology, macromolecular assemblies for replication, transcription, translation, membrane proteins, signal transduction, cell motility and transport, cell-cell interactions, the immune system, and virus structure. Students will choose a recently published primary research article for an oral presentation, and will lead a class discussion on that topic.
81.590 Human NeurobiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.593 ImmunologyCredits: 3
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.
81.595 Immunology LaboratoryCredits: 2
A series of basic laboratory exercises dealing with the preparation, isolation and characterization of antigens, antibodies and effector cells.
81.601 Graduate Seminar BiologyCredits: 3
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.
81.603 Graduate Colloquium BiologyCredits: 1
Presentations of current topics by visiting scientists and staff. Required of all graduate students.
The course instructs students in developing effective writing and speaking skills required for preparation of publishable scientific manuscripts and presentations. The importance of clear, concise writing style and delivery of presentations to both research, scientists and non-scientists is emphasized. Guest speakers discuss commercialization of technology, intellectual property, and electronic literature searches/citation. Experimental design, statistical analyses, research grant preparation, and poster presentations are also reviewed. Outside readings are used to critically evaluate contemporary issues related to disclosure, conflict of interet, publishing ethics, biosecurity, and electronic science collaborations/team research.
Topics will focus on the central dogma of molecular Biology (DNA to RNA to protein) and how they relate to the structure and function of the cell. Course material will be taken directly from the current, primary literature with emphasis on student presentations and discussion. Multidisciplinary groups will select topics of interest to present to the class, and topics will vary by semester depending on student interests. Student groups will be expected to organize presentations into background and discussion sections and will lead class discussions.
81.701 Graduate Seminar: BiologyCredits: 2
81.702 Graduate Seminar BiologyCredits: 2
81.703 Biotechnology SeminarCredits: 2
81.704 Biotechnology SeminarCredits: 2
81.705 Supervised Teaching Biological ScienceCredits: 0
81.706 Current Literature In BiologyCredits: 2
81.707 Internship BiologyCredits: 1
81.708 Graduate Course ReviewCredits: 1
Internship or co-op.
81.731 M.S. Project in BiologyCredits: 1-9
81.739 M.S. Project in Biology-INACTIVECredits: 9
81.743 Master's Thesis - BiologyCredits: 1-9
81.753 PhD Dissertation BiochemistryCredits: 3-9
81.763 Continued Graduate ResearchCredits: 3
81.766 Continued Graduate ResearchCredits: 6
81.769 Continued Graduate ResearchCredits: 9