Cancer Biology

BIOC 5083. Hydrodynamic Methods. 2 Credit Hours.

This course is intended to provide students with the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of hydrodynamics and macromolecular transport processes, such as sedimentation and diffusion. The focus will be on hydrodynamic methods involving analytical ultracentrifugation and light scattering. Topics in sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, buoyant density sedimentation, as well as static and dynamic light scattering and the complementarity of these approaches will be discussed. Macromolecular interactions involving mass action, concentration dependent nonideality and reaction rates are covered. This course will also cover a range of data analysis approaches including the van Holde-Weischet method, the second moment method, direct boundary fitting by finite element modeling, the C(s) method, the 2-dimensional spectrum analysis, genetic algorithm optimization and nonlinear least squares fitting approaches to user-defined models. Statistical analysis using Monte Carlo and bootstrap methods will also be covered. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

BIOC 5085. Biophysical Methods In Biology. 2 Credit Hours.

This course is required for all students enrolled in the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry track. The course covers modern biophysical methods for studying biological macromolecules in sufficient detail to understand the current literature. Topics to be covered include macromolecular structure determination by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy; absorbance, fluorescence, and EPR spectroscopy; circular dichroism; light scattering; mass spectrometry; and hydrodynamics, including diffusion, electrophoresis, sedimentation velocity, and sedimentation equilibrium. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

BIOC 5087. Molecular Genetics And Biotechnology. 1 Credit Hour.

This course is required for all students enrolled in either Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry Track. The objective of this course is to provide comprehensive treatment approaches to experimental biochemistry and biophysics rooted in genetics, recombinant DNA technology, and genomics.

BIOC 5091. Special Topics In Biochemistry: Hydrodynamic Methods. 1 Credit Hour.

This course is intended to provide students with the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of hydrodynamics and macromolecular transport processes, such as sedimentation and diffusion. The focus will be on hydrodynamic methods involving analytical ultracentrifugation and light scattering. Topics in sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, buoyant density sedimentation, as well as static and dynamic light scattering and the complementarity of these approaches will be discussed. Macromolecular interactions involving mass action, concentration dependent nonideality, and reaction rates are covered. This course will also cover a range of data analysis approaches including the van Holde-Weischet method, the second moment method, direct boundary fitting by finite element modeling, the C(s) method, the 2-dimensional spectrum analysis, genetic algorithm optimization, nonlinear least squares fitting approaches to user-defined models. Statistical analysis using Monte Carlo and bootstrap methods also will be covered.

BIOC 6010. Gene Expression and Omics. 2 Credit Hours.

This course presents 1) the principles of gene expression, including transcription, epigenetic regulation (histone modifications and DNA methylation), mRNA processing and degradation, translation, post-translational modifications, and protein degradation, and 2) the omics approaches for collective characterization and quantification of different aspects of gene expression, including genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Two main teaching formats are used in this course: 1) Didactic lectures in which information is delivered to the class, and 2) Paper presentations and discussions, in which students present assigned papers and lead discussions by the entire class. Although one student will present each paper, all students will be expected to read each paper and to be prepared to discuss it in the form of comments and questions. Prerequisites: Permission of the Course Director and IBMS 5000 (or equivalent).

BIOC 6015. Metabolic Disorders. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will present an introduction to dysfunctions in normal metabolic processes that lead to major human disorders and pathologies. Major topics to be covered include the causes and pathogenesis associated with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related hormonal signaling pathways. Other topics will focus on lipid and protein metabolic disorders, and on dysfunctions associated with mitochondrial and extracellular matrix defects.

BIOC 6033. Cell Signaling Mechanisms. 2 Credit Hours.

This course covers the molecular mechanisms of action of various extracellular mediators including hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, cytokines, etc., and cell signaling events. Several areas will be discussed including: (1) mechanisms of mediator synthesis; (2) interaction of mediators with specific receptors; (3) modulation by mediators of various second messenger systems including cyclic nucleotides, inositol phospholipids, calcium, protein phosphorylation, ion flux, etc.; and (4) intra- and intercellular mechanism for regulating mediator action. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

BIOC 6035. Target Identification and Hit/Lead Discovery. 2 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with an understanding of the overall process of drug discovery and development. It covers the principles of target identification and validation, the basic methods of drug development, the physical biochemistry of how drugs interact with their biological targets, the role of protein structures in drug-protein interactions, the application of medicinal chemistry in lead optimization, and the development of biologicals like antibodies, vaccines, and RNAs for therapeutics. Focused lectures on specific therapeutic areas will include anti-parasite drug development and drug development for cancer. Prerequisites for the course is at the discretion of the course directors, based on adequate undergraduate courses in chemistry, biochemistry and mathematics. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

BIOC 6043. Structure & Function Of Membrane Proteins. 2 Credit Hours.

This is a course targeted at students within any of the Graduate Tracks. The objective is to provide a broad view, allowing for in depth consideration in selected areas, of the structure and diverse functions of proteins within a membrane environment. Specific topics covered will include: ion selective channels, large membrane pores, membrane transporters, membrane pumps, and membrane receptors. The format of the course will be didactic lecture followed by student presentations of relevant topics. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

CSAT 5023. Development. 1 Credit Hour.

The course provides a survey of concepts in developmental biology (induction, cell-cell interactions, morphogen gradients, morphogenetic movements, transcription regulation, organogenesis) using experimental examples from both invertebrate and vertebrate embryos. The first set of lectures will focus on gametogenesis, fertilization, and early developmental events, such as cleavage, midblastula transition, gastrulation, and axis formation. The second set of lectures will explore the fates of germ layers in the contexts of cell type-specific differentiation and cell-cell interactions during organogenesis.

CSAT 5024. RNA Biology and Genomics II. 1 Credit Hour.

The challenges of controlling RNA viruses, the promise of RNA vaccines and the recent findings on the roles of ncRNAs and RNA binding proteins in human disease highlight the importance of studying RNA biology. This course, coupled with MMED 6001, covers all aspects of RNA expression and metabolism, such as RNA processing, decay, transport, alternative splicing and translation and, the function of RNA binding proteins and non-coding RNAs. We will also discuss recent discoveries, such as RNA vaccines, RNA granules, RNA modification, the impact of RNA mediated processes in metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer and, RNA therapeutics. Another important goal of these courses is to teach students to employ omics methods such as RNA-seq, RIP-Seq, BRIC, CLIP, Ribo-seq, and CRISPR to study these processes and their regulators. This includes hands-on training on biological databases and classes covering examples of the use of genomics. We expect students to acquire skills that will help them visualize how RNA genomics can be used in their own research projects. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

CSAT 5025. Genetics. 1 Credit Hour.

This course is designed to provide an overview of genetic research. Topics to be covered include: cytogenetics, mitochondrial genetics, cancer genetics, linkage analysis, complex traits, population genetics, animal models, sex determination, and epigenetics.

CSAT 5077. Scientific Writing. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in scientific writing and the presentation of research results. It will emphasize learning-by-doing-and-re-doing. Students will be required to write something every week. The capstone project for students will be to write a grant proposal and defend it in front of the class. One hour per week will be devoted to lecture and critique of published work; the other hour will consist of critique and revision of student writing by other students, as well as by the course director. Topics to be covered include: (1) fundamentals of writing clearly, (2) principles of revision, (3) effective presentation of data, (4) fundamentals of oral presentation, (5) writing/presenting to the appropriate audience, (6) how to write background/introductory sections, (7) how to write materials and methods, (8) how to write the discussion section, and (9) how to constructively critique one's own and others writing.

CSAT 5083. Practical Optical Microscopy. 1 Credit Hour.

This course will be a one-hour elective for graduate students consisting of eight (8) one-hour lectures plus eight (8) one-hour laboratories. The course focuses on the practical aspects of using optical microscopes. The objectives are to teach students the fundamental principles of optical microscopy and to provide them with hands-on experience using the optical instrumentation in the Institutional Imaging Core.

CSAT 5089. Graduate Colloquium. 2 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide graduate students with training in evaluating the scientific literature and in presentation of research in a seminar or journal club format. The course will focus on critical thinking, including evaluation of existing literature, interpretation of experimental results, and comparison of alternative models and interpretations. These tools are essential both for oral presentations and for writing grant proposals and manuscripts. Emphasis will be placed on evaluation of the science, organization of the manuscript, and on oral presentation skills.

CSAT 5095. Experimental Design And Data Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to experimental design and statistical analysis. The emphasis of the course will be on the selection and application of proper tests of statistical significance. Practical experience will be provided in the use of both parametric and nonparametric methods of statistical evaluation. Among the topics to be covered are: data reduction, types of distributions, hypothesis testing, scales of measurement, chi square analysis, the special case of the comparison of two groups; analysis of variance; a posteriori multiple comparisons tests, tests of the assumptions of parametric analyses, advanced forms of the analysis of variance, linear regression, and correlation analysis. This course involves the use of statistical software; therefore, access to a laptop or a computer with web access for classes and examinations is required.

CSAT 6005. Rigor & Reproducibility. 1 Credit Hour.

This course will focus on two of the cornerstones of science advancement, which are rigor in designing and performing scientific research and the ability to reproduce biomedical research findings. The course will also emphasize the application of rigor that ensures robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. The notion that when a result can be reproduced by multiple scientists, it validates the original results and readiness to progress to the next phase of research will be covered in this course. This is especially important for preclinical studies that provide the basis for rigorous clinical trials in humans. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for rigorously designed published preclinical studies, to ensure that such studies can be reproduced. The aim of this course is to help attendees acquire the skills necessary to meet the need to enhance rigor and reproducibility in preclinical scientific research. Successful completion of CSAT 5095, or an equivalent approved by the Rigor & Reproducibility course director, is a prerequisite for this course.

CSAT 6021. Animal Models. 3 Credit Hours.

The relevant biology, applicability, and practical use of a number of animal models to biomedical research is covered. Invertebrate (e.g., C. elegans) and vertebrate (e.g., fish and rodents) model systems are included in the course. Strengths and weaknesses of each organism that render them particularly valuable as animal models are emphasized. Experimental approaches and tools that are utilized in conjunction with each animal model are rigorously examined. The course is taught from primary scientific literature using classic historical publications and recent publications.

CSAT 6048. Biology of Aging. 4 Credit Hours.

Biology of Aging is the core course of the Biology of Aging Track. The course consists of two modules: Aging and Longevity Mechanisms and Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Aging. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the most up-to-date information on the current understanding of the aging process. This advanced interdisciplinary graduate course provides experimental understanding of the interrelated areas of aging and age-related diseases. Faculty from several departments will be involved in teaching this course, which will cover the molecular and cell biology of aging, model systems used for aging studies, age-related changes in organs and tissues, and age-related diseases.

CSAT 6059. Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine. 1 Credit Hour.

The fields of stem cells and regenerative medicine are rapidly evolving and have great potential to change the way medicine is practiced. This course will encompass topics from basics of tissue specific stem cell biology to pre-clinical animal models, strategies and progress in regenerative medicine. We will discuss some of the most current research being done in regenerative medicine from stem cell transplantation to biomaterials. Prerequisite: IBMS 5000.

CSAT 6068. Cancer Biology Core 1: An Introductory Course. 1.5 Credit Hour.

This team-taught course will provide an introduction to molecular oncology with a focus on defining cancer and key molecular/cellular changes often associated with the development of cancer. The goal of the course is to provide the student with a solid background in general cancer biology. This course requires a strong background in basic cellular processes, such as those covered in IBMS 5007. These processes will be discussed with regard to how they are altered in cancer and whether such differences from normal biology offer a therapeutic opportunity to target cancer. Tumorigenesis is a multi-step process driven by genetic, epigenetic and metabolic/environmental changes that occur over time. Although cancer is a heterogeneous disease, many human tumors exhibit similar acquired physiological features. This course will cover the underlying molecular and cell biology mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis at a basic level. The implications of these biological findings on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment will also be introduced. Upon completion of the class, students should have a general understanding of the mechanisms by which tumors gain and maintain a growth advantage as well as an initial handle on potential therapeutic targets. This course is meant to be the basic introduction/foundation for CSAT 6069, Cancer Biology Core 2; Advanced Cancer Biology. Open for Cross Enrollment on Space Available Basis.

CSAT 6069. Cancer Biology Core 2; Advanced Cancer Biology. 2.5 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide a detailed representation of cancer biology, from progression, standard of care and molecular alterations that drive recent diagnoses and therapeutic strategies. In addition, this course will offer an overview on special populations affected by cancers and models used in the investigation of cancer. Included are basic experimental methods, mouse models, ex vivo systems, molecular profiling and clinical trials. The conceptual notions on clinical trials of cancer drugs and the process of development of novel therapeutic drugs in cancer will be discussed. Required for Cancer Biology Discipline. Prerequisites: INTD 5007 (or INTD 6007 and INTD 6009) and CSAT 6068.

CSAT 6071. Supervised Teaching. 1-12 Credit Hours.

This course consists of participation in the teaching program of the first-year medical, dental, or health professions curriculum. Semester hours vary depending on the time spent in teaching.

CSAT 6073. Selective Topics In Oncology: Gynecological Cancers. 2 Credit Hours.

This is an advanced elective course for the Cancer Biology Track. The course is a unique learning experience in preparing students in the emerging research areas of gynecological cancers for designing research experiments using preclinical and clinical research materials. The entire course is a small-group format in which student interact closely with a group of faculty who have active research or clinical programs focusing on molecular, clinical, and therapeutic areas of gynecological cancers.

CSAT 6074. Molecular Aspects Of Epigenetics. 2 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the molecular aspects of epigenetics. This advanced course will be a unique learning experience that prepares the student to evaluate and design new research in the areas of epigenetic processes including imprinting, gene slicing, X chromosome inactivation, position effect, reprogramming, and the process of tumorigenesis. This module concerns epigenetic mechanisms. Topics include: DNA methylation, histone modifications, epigenetics and stem cells, cancer epigenetics, RNA interference and epigenetics, bioinformatics and epigenetics, and translational epigenetics. This course will include a didactic program and student discussion. For the student discussion module, faculty and students will jointly discuss key publications that serve to bridge the gap between the student's prior understanding of the field and the state of the art in that area.

CSAT 6095. Analysis and Visualization of Genomic Data. 2 Credit Hours.

This course covers the basics of genomic data analysis and visualization. The focus is on general computational methods, their basis in biomedicine, and how to evaluate and visualize analysis results. Students are expected to be able to qualitatively describe the algorithms presented. Prerequisites: CSAT 5095 or Equivalent.

CSAT 6097. Research. 1-12 Credit Hours.

This course consists of independent, original research under the direction of a faculty advisor.

CSAT 6165. Medical Genetics. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of medical genetics and current areas of medical genetic research. The course reviews basic genetic concepts including the principles of Mendelian and nontraditional inheritance, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, quantitative and population genetics, and discuss important medical aspects of genetic counseling and pedigree analysis, dysmorphology, cancer genetics and counseling for inherited cancers, developmental genetics, prenatal diagnosis, newborn screening, and pharmacogenetics. Diagnosis and current research toward treatment and cure of common genetic disorders affecting metabolism, reproduction, the endocrine system, the functioning of the eye and the nervous system are discussed. An important aspect of the course will be a discussion of ethical issues in medical genetics. A basic background in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry is assumed. Prerequisites: A basic background in genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry.

IBMS 5000. Fundamentals Of Biomedical Sciences. 8 Credit Hours.

This core course covers the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, organismal and systems biology, and microbiology and immunology. The course is designed for first-year graduate students matriculating into the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program (IBMS).

IBMS 5008. Lab Rotations. 1-3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an opportunity for students to participate in research activities in the laboratories of faculty members in different disciplines to learn laboratory skills and to gain an introduction to the research fields of faculty members.

IBMS 6090. Seminar. 1.5 Credit Hour.

This course is required of all students in the IBMS program, except of those who have signed up for Final Hours. Students are required to attend a minimum of 16 seminars per semester and to complete a requirement to demonstrate their attendance and participation. To fulfill the minimum number of seminars, students may include seminars offered by disciplines other than their own in which they are enrolled. However, to enroll, students should obtain permission from the course Section Director affiliated with the appropriate discipline. The course numbers of the individual course sections are INTD 6090-1GEN, 6090-2BA, 6090-3CB, 6090-4CGM, 6090-5MIM, 6090-6MBB, 6090-7NS and 6090-8PP for the IBMS Disciplines: Biology of Aging (BA), Cancer Biology (CB), Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Medicine (CGM), Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry (MBB), Molecular Immunology & Microbiology (MIM), Neuroscience (NS), and Physiology & Pharmacology (PP). Some students who have not declared a discipline, and have obtained the approval of their academic advisor and the Senior Associate Dean of the GSBS, may sign up for INTD 6090-1GEN. Grading will be Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. A list of seminars from all disciplines will be posted on the Graduate School Web site. Each Section Director will determine, for the relevant IBMS-6090 section, the policy for tracking student's attendance and participation in seminars.

IBMS 6097. Research. 0.5-12 Credit Hours.

This course is required of all students in the IBMS program, except of those who have signed up for Final Hours. Students are required to attend a minimum of 16 seminars per semester and to complete a requirement to demonstrate their attendance and participation. To fulfill the minimum number of seminars, students may include seminars offered by disciplines other than their own in which they are enrolled. However, to enroll, students should obtain permission from the course Section Director affiliated with the appropriate discipline. The course numbers of the individual course sections are INTD 6090-1GEN, 6090-2BA, 6090-3CB, 6090-4CGM, 6090-5MIM, 6090-6MBB, 6090-7NS and 6090-8PP for the IBMS Disciplines: Biology of Aging (BA), Cancer Biology (CB), Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Medicine (CGM), Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry (MBB), Molecular Immunology & Microbiology (MIM), Neuroscience (NS), and Physiology & Pharmacology (PP). Some students who have not declared a discipline, and have obtained the approval of their academic advisor and the Senior Associate Dean of the GSBS, may sign up for INTD 6090-1GEN. Grading will be Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. A list of seminars from all disciplines will be posted on the Graduate School Web site. Each Section Director will determine, for the relevant IBMS-6090 section, the policy for tracking student's attendance and participation in seminars.

IBMS 7001. Qualifying Exam. 1 Credit Hour.

The objective of the Qualifying Examination (QE) is to determine if a student has met programmatic expectations with regard to: i) Acquiring a level of scientific reasoning and a knowledge base in his/her field of study appropriate for a graduate student at the current stage of training; ii) Demonstrating skills of problem-solving and development of experimental strategies designed to test hypotheses associated with a specific scientific problem; and iii) Demonstrating the ability to defend experimental strategies proposed for solving scientific problems. Successful completion of the QE is required for Advancement to Candidacy and continuation in the IBMS Ph.D. program. During the Spring semester of Year 2 (4th semester overall) of the student's program, the QE will be administered by a faculty committee approved by a student's Discipline leadership. Each IBMS discipline will administer the QE process for its students so as to achieve the goals of the discipline while satisfying the expectations of the IBMS graduate program. In general, the QE requires the solving of a relevant unsolved problem in the biomedical sciences by writing a research proposal based on an idea conceived and developed by the student, followed by an oral defense-of-proposal to explore the student's problem-solving process, and the soundness of the student's experimental design. Following the QE, a report will be submitted by the chair of the examination committee to the student's discipline leadership indicating the outcome of the exam and any recommendations that may be required to foster further academic progress by the student. IBMS 7001 is divided into 7 modules overseen by the 7 IBMS Disciplines, each that is responsible for providing its students with a detailed description of the examination process, and for ensuring that the programmatic expectations and goals of the QE are met.

IBMS 7010. Student Journal Club & Research Presentation. 1-2 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide graduate students with experience in critical reading of the primary literature, seminar preparation and presentation, data analysis and interpretation, and group-based learning as they relate to the graduate program in Integrated Biomedical Sciences. This course is required of all students in the IBMS program starting in their second year except of those who have signed up for Final Hours. Students are required to attend a minimum of 16 total presentations per semester (journal club or research presentations) and to complete a requirement to demonstrate their attendance and participation. Students are also required to present one journal club presentation per semester until they are Advanced to Candidacy. Once Advanced to Candidacy, the student will present one journal club presentation per academic year and one research presentation per academic year such that the student is giving at least one presentation in each semester. To enroll, students should obtain permission from the course Section Director affiliated with the appropriate discipline. The course numbers of the individual course sections are INTD 7010-1GEN, 7010-2BA, 7010-3CB, 7010-4CGM, 7010-5MIM, 7010-6MBB, 7010-7NS and 7010-8PP for the IBMS Disciplines: Biology of Aging (BA), Cancer Biology (CB), Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Medicine (CGM), Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry (MBB), Molecular Immunology & Microbiology (MIM), Neuroscience (NS), and Physiology & Pharmacology (PP). Some students who have not declared a discipline, and have obtained the approval of their academic advisor and the Senior Associate Dean of the GSBS, may sign up for INTD 7010-1GEN. Grading will be by letter grade (A, B, C, etc). A list of journal clubs from all disciplines will be posted on the Graduate School Web site. Each Section Director will determine, for the relevant IBMS 7010 section, the policy for tracking student's attendance and participation and will be responsible for assigning a final grade.

IBMS 7099. Dissertation. 1-12 Credit Hours.

This course is required of all students in the IBMS program, except of those who have signed up for Final Hours. Students are required to attend a minimum of 16 seminars per semester and to complete a requirement to demonstrate their attendance and participation. To fulfill the minimum number of seminars, students may include seminars offered by disciplines other than their own in which they are enrolled. However, to enroll, students should obtain permission from the course Section Director affiliated with the appropriate discipline. The course numbers of the individual course sections are INTD 6090-1GEN, 6090-2BA, 6090-3CB, 6090-4CGM, 6090-5MIM, 6090-6MBB, 6090-7NS and 6090-8PP for the IBMS Disciplines: Biology of Aging (BA), Cancer Biology (CB), Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Medicine (CGM), Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry (MBB), Molecular Immunology & Microbiology (MIM), Neuroscience (NS), and Physiology & Pharmacology (PP). Some students who have not declared a discipline, and have obtained the approval of their academic advisor and the Senior Associate Dean of the GSBS, may sign up for INTD 6090-1GEN. Grading will be Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. A list of seminars from all disciplines will be posted on the Graduate School Web site. Each Section Director will determine, for the relevant IBMS-6090 section, the policy for tracking student's attendance and participation in seminars. Registration is only permitted following a student's admission to candidacy for the PhD degree, approval of the dissertation research proposal and approval of the membership of the candidate's Supervising Committee.

INTD 5040. Fundamentals Of Neuroscience1: Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Neuroscience. 2 Credit Hours.

This course is intended to introduce students to a broad survey of the basics of molecular, cellular and developmental neuroscience. The course is organized into a series of three modules: biochemical and cellular properties of nervous system cells, development of neuronal systems, and neutrotransmission and neuromodulation, which covers the fundamentals of these three areas. Current topics and concepts are discussed in discussion sessions that include student participation. Two components; Neuroscience students register for both PHYL 5041 and INTD 5040.

INTD 5043. Fundamentals Of Neuroscience 2: Systems Neuroscience. 3 Credit Hours.

This course, the second component of our broad survey of the basics of neuroscience, begins at the level of the neural circuit, and guides the students through an understanding of increasingly complex levels of organization and function in the brain. Topics include neurotransmitter systems, sensory and motor function, motivated behavior, regulation and integration of autonomic, behavioral, and emotional responses in the limbic system, higher order cognitive processes, and the neurobiological basis underlying some important psychiatric disorders and their treatment.

INTD 6007. Advanced Cell Biology. 2 Credit Hours.

This course provides an in-depth learning experience that instructs students on the fundamentals of cell biology as well as prepares the student to evaluate and design new research in the cutting-edge areas of modern cell biology. The course combines a didactic program of lectures along with a small-group discussion format in which students interact closely with a group of faculty who have active research programs. The course focuses on active areas of research in cell biology: Cell Signaling and Communication, Cell Growth, and Cell Death. Each week, the faculty jointly discuss key publications that serve to bridge the gap between the fundamental underpinnings of the field and the state of the art in that area. Students and faculty will then jointly discuss key publications that serve to bridge the gap between the fundamental underpinnnings of the field and the state of the art in that area.

INTD 6009. Advanced Molecular Biology. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will provide an in-depth learning experience on the fundamentals of molecular biology as well as prepare the student to evaluate and design new research in the cutting-edge areas of modern molecular biology. The course combines a didactic program of lectures along with a small- group discussion format in which students interact closely with a group of faculty who have active research programs. The course focuses on active areas of research in molecular biology: Chromatin structure, Transcription, DNA Replication and Repair, Recombination, RNA processing and regulation, Protein processing, targeting and degradation. Each week, the faculty provide students with didactic lectures on a current research area. Students and faculty then jointly discuss Key publications that serve to bridge the gap between the fundamental underpinnings of the field and the state of the art in that area.

INTD 7074. Topics In Translational Medical Product Development. 1 Credit Hour.

It is crucial to understand the intricate process of translating basic research into market driven products, navigate the complex pathways of intellectual property management and the regulatory affairs of agencies such as the FDA. This course will offer students in biomedical sciences the opportunity to integrate industry-relevant training and experience with their basic science education. The course will explore the marketing and regulatory process by which a biomedical product is developed and brought to commercialization.

MICR 5027. Immunology. 1 Credit Hour.

MICR 5027 is designed to build on the immunological concepts covered in MICR 5051 given in the Fall semester and to put those concepts to use as we focus on understanding the world of the mammalian host response to infection and on applying fundamental immunological concepts to the understanding of current immunological research questions in a student-presentation and in-class discussion format. Prerequisite: MICR 5051.

MICR 5028. Virology. 1 Credit Hour.

This course focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of animal viruses, and their interactions with host cells. Many of the viruses to be covered in this course are medically significant or have provided critical information that has expanded our understanding of cell biology, immunology, development, and differentiation.

MMED 6017. Cell Responses To DNA Damage. 1 Credit Hour.

This advanced course will cover recent advancements in the molecular and cellular aspects of cellular responses to DNA damage. Topics include new insights into DNA repair mechanisms, interactions between DNA repair and tumor suppressor genes, and DNA damage- activated cell cycle checkpoints.

PHAR 5013. Principles Of Pharmacology & Physiology 1. 3 Credit Hours.

Topics include principles of drug action; receptor classification and quantitation; dose response relationships; cellular mechanisms of drug action; fundamental concepts of drug receptor interactions; voltage gated and ion channels; drug actions mediate by transduction and non-transduction enzymes; time course of drug action; absorption, distribution, biotransformation and elimination of drugs; pharmacokinetics; and experimental approaches to drug action.

PHAR 6025. Molecular Pharmacology. 2 Credit Hours.

This course will be presented in a journal club/paper discussion format and will focus on the molecular aspects of pharmacology, with emphasis on molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology of a variety of physiological systems subjected to pharmacological manipulation. The topics to be discussed will include molecular mechanisms of drug action, signal transduction and regulation, molecular approaches, and recent advances in areas of molecular pharmacology.

PHYL 6091. Selected Topics Of Physiology. 2 Credit Hours.

Students must take a least two courses selected from among the offerings in:(1) Cardiovascular; (2) Cell Biology in Neural Science; (3) Endocrine and Metabolism; (4) Molecular Physiology; and (5) Ion Channels in Disease. Courses that may be substituted for one of these selections: (1) INTD 5040 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience I: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience; (2) INTD 5043 - Fundamentals of Neuroscience II: Systems Neuroscience; (3) CSBL 6048 - Biology of Aging; and (4) CSBL 6058 - Neurobiology of Aging. Not all selected topics are offered each semester. Please discuss this with the Academic Coordinator for more details. Substituted courses in conflict with Physiology course schedule will require approval from COGS.

TSCI 5070. Responsible Conduct of Research. 2 Credit Hours.

This foundational course introduces students to core ethical content necessary for responsible research conduct. Through interactive seminars, students will learn about (1) scientists as responsible members of society (contemporary ethical issues in biomedical research and environmental/social impacts of research), (2) policies for research with human subjects and vertebrate animals, (3) collaborative research, (4) conflicts of interest (personal, professional, financial), (5) data acquisition and laboratory tools (management, sharing, ownership), (6) responsible authorship and publication, (7) mentor/trainee responsibilities and relationships, (8) peer review (9) research misconduct (forms of misconduct and management policies) (10) informed consent, privacy regulations, good clinical practice, and special populations in clinical investigations.