Courses of Study
Sections
A graduate program in Molecular and Cell Biology
Last updated: July 14, 2011 at 3:48 p.m.
Thesis research leading to the PhD degree is carried out under the personal direction of a faculty member. A complete list of faculty research interests and recent publications can be viewed online at www.bio.brandeis.edu. Potential applicants are urged to review this information. As a general orientation, the following areas of research are among those represented in the program: molecular biology of the regulation of gene expression; chromosome structure and chromosomal rearrangements; mechanisms of recombination and DNA repair; developmental genetics; behavioral genetics, neural development; biophysics of single nerve cells; learning and memory; regulation of small RNAs; immune cell differentiation and development; cytoskeletal architecture; organization of subcellular structures; structure and function of proteins; mammalian embryogenesis and the biotechnology of DNA diagnostics.
The general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, given in an earlier section of this Bulletin, apply to candidates for admission to this area of study. The student's undergraduate record should ordinarily include courses equivalent to those required of undergraduates concentrating in biology at this institution. Applicants to the PhD program who are deficient in some of these subjects, but whose records are otherwise superior, may make up their deficiencies while they are enrolled as graduate students. In exceptional cases, students may be excused from some of these requirements. Students with serious deficiencies must, however, expect to add additional time to their graduate program in order to satisfy the deficiencies.
Applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination.
Because the summer months provide an important opportunity for uninterrupted laboratory work, the molecular and cell biology program provides twelve-month stipend support for all full-time PhD students.
Jeffrey Agar (Rosenstiel Center; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Mass spectrometry.
Susan Birren (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Developmental neurobiology.
Carolyn Cohen (Rosenstiel Center)
Structural molecular biology.
Paul Garrity (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Neural development and behavior.
Jeff Gelles
Mechanisms of mechanoenzymes and macromolecular machines. Single-molecule light microscopy as a tool to study enzyme mechanisms.
Bruce Goode (Rosenstiel Center)
Biochemistry and genetics of yeast cytoskeleton.
Leslie Griffith (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Biochemistry of synaptic plasticity.
James Haber (Director, Rosenstiel Center)
Genetics and molecular biology of yeast meiotic and mitotic recombination. Mating-type switching. Repair of broken chromosomes.
Kenneth Hayes (Director, Foster Animal Lab)
Comparative nutritional pathophysiology in man and animals. Lipoprotein metabolism and atherogenesis, cholelithiasis.
Lizbeth Hedstrom
Enzyme structure-function. Chemical biology. Mechanisms of retinal degeneration.
Daniel Pomeranz Krummel
Structure-function studies of RNA-protein complexes critical to eukaryotic RNA maturation.
Nelson Lau (Rosenstiel Center)
Gene and genome regulation by RNAi and small RNAs. Molecular biology of germline gene and transposon regulation.
Susan Lovett (Assistant Director, Professional Science Master’s Program in Biotechnology; Rosenstiel Center)
Genetics and molecular biology of bacteria and yeast. DNA repair. Recombination and mutogenesis.
Michael Marr (Rosenstiel Center)
Mechanisms controlling gene expression.
Sacha Nelson (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Synaptic integration in the visual cortex.
Daniela Nicastro (Rosenstiel Center)
Electron tomography of cellular and macromolecular structures.
Suzanne Paradis (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Molecular mechanisms of synapse development.
Gregory Petsko (Rosenstiel Center)
X-ray crystallographic analysis of protein structure and enzyme mechanisms.
Joan Press (Rosenstiel Center)
Developmental immunology and immunogenetics.
Ruibao Ren (Rosenstiel Center)
Signal transduction.
Avital Rodal (Rosenstiel Center)
Endosomal Membrane Traffic in Neurons
Michael Rosbash (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
RNA processing and molecular neurobiology.
Piali Sengupta, Graduate Advising Head (National Center for Behavioral Genomics; Volen National Center for Complex Systems)
Behavioral and neuronal development in C. elegans.
Neil Simister (Director, Professional Science Master's Program in Biotechnology; Rosenstiel Center)
Molecular immunology. Antibody transport.
Lawrence Wangh
Mammalian embryogenesis, gene expression in single cells, DNA amplification and in vitro DNA diagnostics.
Satoshi Yoshida (Rosenstiel Center)
Cytoskeletal organization during cell division.
Program of Study
The program is designed to guide each student toward realizing her or his potential as an independent scientist and foster their career development towards obtaining a position in research, teaching, or other scientific settings. Students are encouraged to become experts in the theory and practice of their chosen area of research, as well as to obtain breadth in other areas strongly represented in the program. Graduate courses are available in the areas of molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry, structural biology, immunology, cancer biology, and neurobiology.
A total of six graduate-level courses are required for the degree, which must include BIOL 103b, BIOL 101a, and one laboratory or research based course, with the balance to be agreed upon with the program adviser. BIOL 105b may be taken in lieu of BIOL 101a with the permission of the program adviser. The laboratory or research component can be met by BIOL 300a or b, BIOL 155a, or BIOL 298a. In addition, all students are required to take CONT 300b (Ethical Practice in Health-Related Sciences), usually offered in the spring.
Students must receive grades of B- or better in all courses. Students may be asked to leave the program at the end of the first semester if the student’s progress is found to be unsatisfactory by the Graduate Committee. Students have the option to write a Masters thesis following completion of the research requirement, provided that the research was performed for at least one full semester in a single laboratory at Brandeis, and if the PI of that lab agrees to read and evaluate the thesis. After being approved, the thesis must be deposited electronically in the Robert D. Farber University Archives at Brandeis.
Residence Requirement
The minimum residence requirement is one year.
Students are expected to obtain knowledge of the principles and techniques of at least three of the areas represented in the program; that is, genetics, developmental biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, immunology, cell biology, and structural biology. The background that a student is expected to have in these areas will be covered in courses offered by the program. Entering students also participate together in a proseminar: an introduction to the research literature of biology. Students take two courses each semester in the first year, with a total of six required for the degree. Required courses are BIOL 103b, BIOL 105b, and BIOL 200a. In the first year, students will complete four nine-week rotations in at least four different laboratories. Throughout the graduate years, students remain involved in seminar courses, journal clubs, presentations of research, colloquia, and research courses.
Each student will choose his/her specific field of interest and will apply for a permanent adviser to be mutually agreed upon by the student and the faculty member at the end of the first year. Exceptions to this timeline are subjected to review by the Graduate Committee. The adviser will assist the student in planning a well-balanced thesis-research program in his/her specific field of interest. In addition, the adviser will ordinarily serve as the chair of the student's dissertation examining committee.
Teaching Requirement
At least one year of teaching experience (or equivalent) is required of all degree candidates.
Residence Requirement
The minimum residence requirement is three years.
Language Requirement
There is no foreign language requirement for the PhD degree. However, students for whom English is a second language are strongly recommended to take remedial English courses.
Qualifying Examination
The qualifying examination consists of two research propositions in which the student identifies an important and interesting research problem and then proposes the experiments to attack it. The propositions are written and the student gives an oral defense. The first proposition, which is taken by the end of the first year, must be in an area outside the student's area of thesis research. The second proposition constitutes a thesis proposal and is taken by the end of the second year.
Advancement in the Program
To pass into the second year of graduate studies, the student must have grades of B- or better in all courses, must have a satisfactory evaluation of the first proposition, and must have found a laboratory in which to carry out thesis research.
To pass into the third year and be admitted to candidacy, the student must have grades of B- or better in all six courses, have performed satisfactorily on both propositions, and be in good standing in the thesis research laboratory.
Dissertation and Defense
Each student will conduct an original investigation. After submission of the dissertation, the candidate will be expected to present the principal results of his/her work and its significance during an examination in defense of the dissertation. The examining committee must include one faculty member from outside the university. A public seminar to the university community is also required.
Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cell Biology with Specialization in Quantitative Biology
Program of Study
Students wishing to obtain the specialization must first gain approval of the graduate program chair. This should be done as early as possible, ideally during the first year of graduate studies. In order to receive the PhD in molecular and cell biology with additional specialization in quantitative biology, candidates must complete (a) the requirements for the PhD described above and (b) the course requirements for the quantitative biology specialization that are described in the quantitative biology section of this Bulletin.
Any alteration to the quantitative biology course requirements must be approved by the graduate program chair and by the quantitative biology program faculty advisory committee.
Courses of Instruction
(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students
BIOL
100b
Advanced Cell Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and 22b.
An advanced course on cell biology. Topics include structure and organization of the cell, principles of signal transduction, and cell division and proliferation. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Yoshida
BIOL
101a
Molecular Biotechnology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22a.
A study of the molecular basis of DNA replication, RNA transcription focusing on molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, genomics, cloning, microarrays, and siRNA and their relation to human disease research applications. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
102b
Structural Molecular Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b, or permission of the instructor.
Cells are filled with machines that carry materials about the cell, that chemically transform molecules, that transduce energy, and much more. Our understanding of how these machines work depends on understanding their structures. This introduction to the structural basis of molecular biology examines the designs of proteins, their folding and assembly, and the means whereby we visualize these structures. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Kosinski-Collins
BIOL
103b
Mechanisms of Cell Functions
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22b or permission of the instructor.
An advanced course focusing on a mechanistic understanding of cell biological processes and the methods by which these processes are elucidated. Papers are chosen to illustrate a variety of experimental approaches, including biochemistry, genetics, and microscopy. Topics include cell cycle, signal transduction, cytoskeleton and cell movement, membrane traffic, and intercellular transport. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Goode and Ms. Rodal
BIOL
105b
Molecular Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b.
Examination of molecular processes in replication and expression of genetic information and techniques by which this understanding has been achieved. Topics include recombinant DNA and other molecular biological techniques, structure and organization of DNA in chromosomes, DNA replication, transcription and regulation of gene expression, RNA structure and processing, mRNA stability, and other mechanisms of post-translational control. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Marr and Mr. Lau
BIOL
107a
Data Analysis and Statistics Workshop
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The interpretation of data is key to making new discoveries, making optimal decisions, and designing experiments. Students will learn skills of data analysis through hands-on, computer-based tutorials and exercises that include experimental data from the biological sciences. Knowledge of very basic statistics (mean, median) will be assumed. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Van Hooser
BIOL
111a
Developmental Biology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22b.
How do complex organisms build themselves starting from single cells? Examines how processes such as fertilization, embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and tissue-specific gene expression occur; what is known about the key molecules and genes that orchestrate these processes; and how genetic changes affecting these processes underlie the evolution of body form. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Paradis
BIOL
122a
Molecular Genetics
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22a.
A lecture- and literature-based course emphasizing strategies of genetic analysis in understanding complex processes, mostly in eukaryotes such as budding and fission yeast, fruit flies, worms, and mice. Examples will focus on the control of DNA replication, the regulation of the cell cycle and cell differentiation, and on mechanisms that preserve genetic stability and ensure accurate transmission of genetic information from generation to generation in both somatic and germ cells. Classical genetic methods and recent molecular genetic and genomic approaches will be examined. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Haber
BIOL
124b
Epigenetics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 18a,b and 22a,b.
For years our concept of gene expression has been written in the language of DNA. Recently, scientists are turning their attention to alterations in chromatin structure that can stably and heritably influence gene expression. Such epigenetic changes are reversible and responsive to the environment. Drawing on readings from the primary literature, this course explores molecular mechanisms underlying diverse epigenetic phenomena. Their role in development, evolution, and human health is also considered.
Mr. Morris
BIOL
125a
Immunology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a,b and CHEM 25a.
Topics include properties and functions of cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity; genes, structure and function of immunoglobins, B cell receptors and T cell receptors; lymphocyte differentiation; genetic regulation; MHC restriction; cell interactions and signaling; pathogen immunity (bacteria, viruses) and vaccines; tolerance and autoimmunity. Usually offered year.
Ms. Press
BIOL
126b
Protein Structure and Disease
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b and CHEM 25a, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
Reviews the basic principles of protein structure so that the functional aspects of different protein designs may be understood. Examines various protein mutations related to certain molecular diseases and the architecture of some key viruses and their infectivity. Consideration of drug design is an integral part of the course. Student presentations are essential to the course. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Cohen
BIOL
128a
Human Genetics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b.
Survey of topics, including: mutation and polymorphism; molecular methodology; single-gene inheritance and complexities thereof; multifactorial conditions, risk assessment, and Bayesian analysis; cytogenetics; hemoglobinopathies; population genetics; gene mapping; cancer genetics; ethical considerations in genetics; immunogenetics; pharmacogenetics; genetics of development; biochemistry of selected genetic diseases; gene therapy, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
132a
General Microbiology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a,b and CHEM 25a.
Topics include the physiology and the properties of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms; microbial nutrition, metabolism, growth, and genetics; horizontal gene transfer; concepts in infectious diseases; microbial pathogenesis; epidemiology; immunity and other means of microbial control. Selected disease-causing organisms are discussed, including problems they pose for medical control and society. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Press
BIOL
134b
Topics in Ecology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 23a or permission of the instructor. Topics may vary from year to year. Please consult the Course Schedule for topic and description. Course may be repeated once for credit with permission of the instructor.
Annually, a different aspect of the global biosphere is selected for analysis. In any year the focus may be on specific ecosystems (e.g., terrestrial, aquatic, tropical, arctic), populations, system modeling, restoration ecology, or other aspects of ecology. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
135b
The Principles of Biological Modeling
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Prerequisite: MATH 10a or 10b.
With examples from neuroscience, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and physiology, dynamical concepts of significance throughout the biological world are discussed. Simple computational and mathematical models are used to demonstrate important roles of the exponential function, feedback, stability, oscillations, and randomness. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Miller
BIOL
141b
Molecular Pathophysiology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 42a, BCHM 100a, or NBIO 140b, or permission of the instructor.
An in-depth investigation of the molecular mechanisms by which the body's organ systems maintain health/homeostasis and succumb to genetic diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's disease, ALS), with additional emphasis on understanding how the body adapts to physical exertion and exercise. Usually offered every second year.
Staff
BIOL
149b
Molecular Pharmacology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22b and CHEM 25a and b. NBIO 140b strongly recommended.
Covers the essentials of pharmacology and the study of the actions of chemical agents (drugs, toxins, neurotransmitters, and hormones) that interact with living systems. Emphasizes molecular mechanisms of neuropharmacology. Topics include pharmacokinetics, hormone action, autonomic pharmacology, and the psychopharmacology of drugs of abuse and mental disorders. Usually offered every third year.
Ms. Griffith
BIOL
155a
Project Laboratory in Genetics and Genomics
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This is an experiential learning course. Prerequisites: BIOL 18a,b and 22a,b. Course fee: $150.
This small, laboratory-based course provides a unique opportunity for students to pursue a genuine research project. Each semester, we focus on a specific topic, such as bacterial genetics, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation, or microbial diversity, and design and carry out original experiments. Students learn basic molecular biology techniques, genetic and genomic analysis, experimental design, and the fundamentals of reading and writing research papers. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Morris
BIOL
156a
Project Laboratory in Biotechnology
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This is an experiential learning course. Prerequiste: BIOL 18a,b and 22a,b or equivalents. Course fee: $150.
This laboratory course features experiments in molecular biology that are fundamental to the field of biotechnology. This includes DNA isolation, DNA sequence analysis, generation of mutations, recombinant DNA cloning, RNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction including real-time quantitative PCR, and DNA/RNA hybridization methods. As part of the course, students will contribute to real research projects of unknown outcome. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Marr and Mr. Sutera
BIOL
160b
Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b.
Course deals with hormonal, cellular, and molecular aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth. Pathological and abnormal variations that occur and the available medical technologies for intervention, correction, and facilitation of these processes are discussed. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Jackson
BIOL
172b
Growth Control and Cancer
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b and CHEM 25a.
Covers the fundamental rules of behavior of cells in multicellular organisms. Examines cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cell growth, and differentiation and survival in normal cells, as well as how this regulation is disrupted in cancer. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Ren
BIOL
174b
Stem Cells
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Prerequisites: BIOL 22a and b and CHEM 25a.
Stem cells are cells that can both undergo self-renewal and give rise to all cells or special cell types of the body. They have the potential for the restoration of lost organ function that cannot be achieved through traditional drug therapies. Covers stem cell biology, cell differentiation and transdifferentiation, cell lineage commitment, gene expression regulation, signal transduction, cell identity memory, and cell therapies. Provides a unique way to gain insights into developmental biology, molecular and cell biology, cancer biology, biology of aging, and regenerative medicine, as well as bioethics and health and public policies. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Ren
BIOL
175b
Advanced Immunology: Topics in Infectious Disease
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Prerequisites: BIOL 125a and permission of the instructor.
An advanced lecture- and literature-based course that focuses on a select group of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.) considered important in human disease. Topics include mechanisms/determinants of pathogenicity, immune evasion, host immune responses, vaccines, public health issues, and bioterrorism agents. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Press
NBIO
123b
Population Genetics/Genomics
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22a.
Overviews the causes and consequences of genetic differences between and within species. Introduces classical population genetics and modern genomics and explores their application to understanding the genetics of neurological disorders. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Garrity
NBIO
136b
Computational Neuroscience
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Prerequisite: MATH 10a or PHYS 10a or approved equivalents.
An introduction to concepts and methods in computer modeling of neural systems. Topics include single and multicompartmental models of neurons, information representation and processing by populations of neurons, synaptic plasticity and models of learning, working memory, decision making and neuroeconomics. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Miller
NBIO
140b
Principles of Neuroscience
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22b or permission of the instructor.
Examines the basic principles of neuroscience. Topics include resting potentials, action potentials, synaptic transmission, sensory systems, motor systems, learning, neural circuits underlying behavior, neurological diseases, and mental illness. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Marder
NBIO
143b
Developmental Neurobiology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22a and 22b or permission of the instructor.
Discusses the mechanisms used in the development of the nervous system. Topics include determination of neuronal cell fates, neuronal differentiation and pattern formation, neuron survival and growth, and mechanisms responsible for generation of connectivity in the nervous system. This course emphasizes reading of original scientific research papers and class discussion. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Paradis
NBIO
145b
Systems Neuroscience
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b.
We are entering an historic period during which many systems-level mysteries of brain function will be solved. This course will attempt to give a perspective on this enterprise. We will begin by defining what it means to understand a brain region, i.e. what criteria must be satisfied. We will then read and discuss key papers that begin to meet these criteria for different brain stuctures, including the cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Lisman
NBIO
146a
The Neurobiology of Human Disease
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b.
A lecture- and literature-based overview of the neurobiological underpinnings of neurological and psychiatric disorders including autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other developmental and degenerative disorders. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Nelson
NBIO
147a
Neurogenetics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 18a and BIOL 22a.
Topics include function of genes, neurons and neuronal circuits in the generation of behavior. The use of genetics and genetic manipulations in the study of behavior will be emphasized. Model organisms to be discussed will include Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish and mammals.Usually offered every third year.
Ms. Sengupta
NBIO
148b
Cellular Neuroscience
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Prerequisite: NBIO 140b or permission of the instructor. Graduate students may take this course concurrently with NBIO 140b.
Focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of excitability and synaptic plasticity. Students examine classic experiments on action potentials and synaptic transmission and the original research literature dealing with the cellular mechanisms of developmental and learning-related plasticity. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Turrigiano
NBIO
150a
Autism and Human Developmental Disorders
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Prerequisite: BIOL 22b.
Autism and other developmental disorders are characterized by cognitive and behavioral deficits and by subtle changes in brain development. This course takes an integrative approach to investigate the biological, behavioral, medical, and social aspects of human developmental disorders. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Birren
NBIO
157a
Project Laboratory in Neurobiology and Behavior
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This is an experiential learning course. Prerequisites: BIOL 18a,b and 22a,b. Course fee: $150.
Focuses on neurobiology, the study of the function of the nervous system. Importantly, research conducted by students will address unanswered biological questions in this field. This course will focus on temperature sensation and regulation, using the fruit fly Drosophila as a model system. Students will learn: techniques for studying animal behavior in a rigorous lab setting, experimental design and analysis, and the fundamentals of reading and writing scientific research papers. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Vecsey
(200 and above) Primarily for Graduate Students
BIOL
200a
Proseminar
For first-year PhD students. Emphasizes the reading, analysis, and presentation of scientific papers. There is considerable emphasis on oral presentations and writing. Students will be guided toward preparing research papers and grant applications, presenting talks and posters at scientific meetings, and writing and defending PhD qualifying exams. Also examines how scientists frame important questions and design appropriate experiments. Papers will be chosen by the instructor for discussions and exercises. Papers focus on one specific research topic while encompassing a broad range of molecular biological, genetic, structural, and biochemical approaches. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Goode and Ms. Rodal
BIOL
202d
Introduction to Genetic Counseling
A two-semester sequence that provides the historical and theoretical foundations for the practice of genetic counseling and the role of genetic services within the health care delivery system. Introduces students to some of the practical aspects of genetic counseling, including case preparation, pedigree construction/interpretation, and medical documentation. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Schneider
BIOL
203a
Proseminar: The Molecular Basis of Genetic Diseases
Covers the molecular basis of muscular dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and several inherited cancer syndromes. A historical perspective is used for each topic; molecular diagnostics and genetic counseling issues are addressed as well. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Tsipis
BIOL
204b
Clinical Genetics I
Introduction to basic concepts of biochemical genetics, cytogenetics, and clinical molecular genetics. Makes use of clinical cases ranging from single-gene disorders to multifactorially determined conditions and includes problems in dysmorphology, inborn errors of metabolism, and cancer genetics. A problem-solving approach is emphasized. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Schneider and Ms. Stoler
BIOL
205b
Counseling Theory and Technique
A comprehensive overview of counseling theory and practice. Topics include listening, observation, and interview skills and strategies; family dynamics and development; coping and adaptation processes; referral and consultation procedures; and ethical principles. Students are provided an opportunity to integrate clinical experiences with the coverage of topics. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Rintell
BIOL
206d
Genetic Counseling Journal Club
Noncredit.
Informal biweekly meeting of students and faculty at which recent papers are discussed. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
207a
Genetic Counseling: Case Conferences and Family Counseling
Taught by a team of health care professionals. Case studies provide the basis for discussion of a variety of genetic disorders and the application of counseling modalities. Students have an opportunity to share experiences gained during clinical internships. Discussions emphasize the interplay of medical, psychological, ethical, legal, social, and cultural factors in genetic counseling. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Rintell
BIOL
211a
Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Placement: Part I
Students work one day per week in a community-based health service organization, school, clinic, or public health agency to develop awareness of disability-related issues and the variety of community-based services for individuals with special needs. Students also observe in a genetics clinic twenty to thirty hours over the course of the semester to gain exposure to concepts learned in BIOL 202d (Introduction to Genetic Counseling). Periodic course discussions supplement the fieldwork experience. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Rosen-Sheidley
BIOL
211b
Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Placement: Part II
To begin preparing for clinical genetics internships, students participate in a variety of experiences that serve to foster and integrate the concepts introduced in courses and presentations. Students are exposed to procedures in clinical labs through lectures, site visits, and/or lab work. In addition, students continue observations in a genetics clinic and meet several times with a family with a child with a disability. Periodic course discussions supplement the fieldwork experience.
Ms. Rosen-Sheidley
BIOL
212a
Genetic Counseling Internship I
Students complete a 25-30 contact day clinical genetic internship under the supervision of a genetic counselor or other qualified clinician. Students increase their knowledge of clinical genetics and master genetic counseling skills by offering genetic counseling services in a prenatal, pediatric, cancer, general, adult ,or specialty clinic setting. Usually offered every summer.
Ms. Schneider
BIOL
212b
Genetic Counseling Internship II
Students complete a 25-30 contact day clinical genetic internship under the supervision of a genetic counselor or other qualified clinician. Students increase their knowledge of clinical genetics and master genetic counseling skills by offering genetic counseling services in a prenatal, pediatric, cancer, general, adult, or specialty clinic setting. Usually offered every fall and spring.
Ms. Schneider
BIOL
213a
Genetic Counseling Research I
In the summer semester students chose a research project, do a review of the literature and summarize key findings, and write a research proposal for a thesis project (to be done in the following fall/spring semesters). Usually offered in the summer.
Ms. Rosen-Sheidley
BIOL
213b
Genetic Counseling Research II
Prerequisite: BIOL 213a.
Students are introduced to the principles and basic techniques of social science research in a series of seminars while they implement their thesis research projects. Usually offered fall and spring.
Ms. Rosen-Sheidley
BIOL
214c
Genetic Counseling Process Group
In this small group setting, students can share and learn from their collective experiences in their field placements, courses, and individual lives and have the opportunity to process and integrate the experience of becoming a genetic counselor. Usually offered every semester.
Mr. Cunningham
BIOL
215b
Readings in Molecular Biology
A combination of readings and clinical laboratory work to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the molecular biology of several human genetic diseases and the techniques used for their diagnosis. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Tsipis
BIOL
216b
Internship Seminar Series
This is a noncredit seminar required for all genetic counseling students.
Students meet once a week for a series of lectures, presentations and mock sessions that explore issues related to advanced practice in genetic counseling. Topics include advanced genetic counseling case management, Baysian analysis, and the use of the NSGC code of ethics. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
220a
Clinical Genetics II
Prerequisite: BIOL 204b or permission of the instructor.
Continuation of BIOL 204b with emphasis on the genetic and developmental disorders of most major organ systems. A case-based, problem-solving approach is emphasized. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Schneider and Ms. Stoler
BIOL
224b
The RNA World
Prerequisite: BCHM 100a, BIOL 105b, or permission of the instructor.
This course employs seminars and lectures to approach a wide range of topics in RNA research. Topics include RNA enzymes, RNA structure, protein-RNA interactions, pre-mRNA splicing, and RNA localization.
Staff
BIOL
236b
Genetics, Law, and Social Policy
Explores advances in human genetics, the clinical and economic benefits promised by new tests, and problems generated by our new ability to manipulate our biological future. Analyzes the role of government in regulating technological development and the legal doctrines of privacy, informed consent, and professional liability. Usually offered every second year.
Ms. Roche
BIOL
298a
Readings in Molecular and Cell Biology
Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
299a
Master's Research Project
Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
300a
Biological Research
Primarily for the first-year student, with the purpose of introducing him or her to biological research and to the work in progress in the laboratories of a number of faculty members. In consultation with the graduate adviser, the student plans a sequence of such tenures, each comprising nine weeks, and then carries out experimental investigations under the guidance of the faculty members involved. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
300b
Biological Research
Primarily for the first-year student, with the purpose of introducing him or her to biological research and to the work in progress in the laboratories of a number of faculty members. In consultation with the graduate adviser, the student plans a sequence of such tenures, each comprising nine weeks, and then carries out experimental investigations under the guidance of the faculty members involved. Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
305d
Topics in Molecular Genetics and Development
Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
316d
Mechanisms of Recombination
Usually offered every year.
Mr. Haber and Ms. Lovett
BIOL
320a
Current Topics in Chromatin Structure
Yields half-course credit. Two semester sequence BIOL 320a in fall and BIOL 320b in spring.
Explores the key processes of DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair by recombination, and chromosome segregation that all take place in the context of chromatin. Topics including how chromatin is established and maintained during these key life processes will greatly enrich the curriculum. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Haber and Mr. Marr
BIOL
320b
Current Topics in Chromatin Structure
Two semester sequence BIOL 320a in fall and BIOL 320b in spring. Continuation of BIOL 320a. Yields half-course credit.
Explores the key processes of DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair by recombination, and chromosome segregation that all take place in the context of chromatin. Topics including how chromatin is established and maintained during these key life processes will greatly enrich the curriculum. Usually offered every second year.
Mr. Haber and Mr. Marr
BIOL
350d
Graduate Student Research Seminar
Usually offered every year.
Staff
BIOL
401d
Dissertation Research
Independent research for PhD candidates. Specific sections for individual faculty members as requested.
Staff
NBIO
306d
Topics in Neurobiology
Usually offered every year.
Ms. Paradis
NBIO
340d
Systems/Computational Neuroscience Journal Club
Usually offered every year.
Mr. Miller
Required First-Year Graduate Health-Related Science Programs Course
CONT
300b
Ethical Practice in Health-Related Sciences
Required of all first-year graduate students in health-related science programs. Not for credit.
Ethics is an essential aspect of scientific research. This course, taught by university faculty from several graduate disciplines, covers major ethical issues germane to the broader scientific enterprise, including areas or applications from a number of fields of study. Usually offered every year.
Ms. Ringe
Cross-Listed in Molecular and Cell Biology
QBIO
110a
Numerical Modeling of Biological Systems
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Prerequisite: MATH 10a and b or equivalent.
Modern scientific computation applied to problems in molecular and cell biology. Covers techniques such as numerical integration of differential equations, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. Applications range from enzymes and molecular motors to cells. Usually offered every second year.
Staff
QBIO
120b
Quantitative Biology Instrumentation Laboratory
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Focuses on optical and other instruments commonly used in biomedical laboratories to make quantitative measurements in vivo and in vitro. Students disassemble and reconfigure modular instruments in laboratory exercises that critically evaluate instrument reliability and usability and investigate the origins of noise and systematic error in measurements. Usually offered every year.
Mr. Gelles