Department of Biology

(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students

BIOL 14a Genetics and Genomics
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Studies fundamentals of genetics, molecular biology and genomics through analytical thinking and problem-solving. Topics include heredity, meiosis, molecular basis of phenotypic variations, and an introduction to tools and techniques used by past and current researchers in genetics and molecular biology. Usually offered every semester.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 15b Cells and Organisms
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Introduces contemporary biology with an emphasis on cells, organs, and organ systems. Topics include the forms and functions of macromolecules, organelles, and cells, the integration of cells into tissues, and the physiology of fundamental life processes. The course is intended to prepare students to understand the biology of everyday life, and to provide a strong foundation for those who continue to study the life sciences. Usually offered every semester.

Neil Simister (fall), Maria Miara (spring)

BIOL 16a Evolution and Biodiversity
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"Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution," the geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky said famously. Evolution is the unifying theory of biology because it explains both the unity and diversity of life. This course examines processes and patterns of evolution, including the sources and fate of variation, natural selection and genetic drift, species and speciation, biogeography, and the history and diversity of life on Earth. We end with a discussion of human evolution and the impact we are having on the planet. Usually offered every fall.
James Morris

BIOL 17b Conservation Biology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 16a or ENVS 2a.

Considers the current worldwide loss of biological diversity, causes of this loss, and methods for protecting and conserving biodiversity. Explores biological and social aspects of the problems and their solutions. Usually offered every spring.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 18a General Biology Laboratory
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a, BIOL 18b and sophomore standing. Yields full-course credit. This lab is time-intensive and students will be expected to come in to lab between regular scheduled lab sessions. In order to accommodate students with time conflicts it may be necessary to re-assign students without conflicts to another section of the course. Students' section choice will be honored if possible.

Provides firsthand experience with a wide array of organisms and illustrates basic approaches to experimental design and problem solving in genetics and genomics. Usually offered every year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 18b General Biology Laboratory
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Prerequisite: BIOL 15b and sophomore standing. Yields full-course credit. This lab is time-intensive and students will be expected to come to lab between regular scheduled lab sessions. In order to accommodate students with time conflicts it may be necessary to re-assign students without conflicts to another section of the course. Students' section choice will be honored if possible.

Provides firsthand experience with modern molecular biology techniques and illustrates basic approaches to experimental design and problem solving in molecular and cellular biology including applications of biochemical techniques. Usually offered every year.

Kene Piasta

BIOL 19b General Biology Laboratory
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Prerequisite: BIOL 15b.

Provides online experience with modern molecular biology techniques and illustrates basic approaches to experimental design and problem solving in molecular and cellular biology including applications of biochemical techniques. Usually offered every year.

Kene Piasta

BIOL 23a Ecology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 16a, or a score of 5 on the AP Biology Exam, or permission of the instructor.

Illustrates the science of ecology, from individual, population, and community-level perspectives. Includes citizen science ecological research to contextualize theory. Usually offered every year.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 26a Plant Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Adopts a molecular and chemical approach as we explore various concepts in plant biology including plant metabolism, structure-function, development, genetics and taxonomy. Intended for students who are familiar with central dogma, structure-function relationship and genetic inheritance, but have not yet applied those concepts in plant systems. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 32a Field Biology
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Introduces students to basic field research methods, the skills of species identification, and the use of dichotomous keys and field guides to identify the biodiversity of southern New England. Field explorations primarily focus on campus as an outdoor classroom complemented with nearby local field trips. The course introduces the basic principles of natural history to understand how these principles are shaped by natural selection and evolution, and in turn, how they inform other biological fields, particularly ecology, behavioral and community ecology. Usually offered every fall.
Staff

BIOL 39b Biology of Global Climate Change
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Prerequisites: ENVS 2a, BIOL 16a or BIOL 17b.

Examines the biology of global climate change from how biology informs understanding climate change to the evolutionary and ecological responses to climate change. This course includes an exploration of the primary literature. Usually offered every spring.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 42a Physiology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Introduces basic physiological principles. Topics include the physiology of human nervous and endocrine systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, water and electrolyte regulation, digestion and absorption, the musculoskeletal system, reproduction, and immunology. Usually offered every year.

Maria Miara

BIOL 42b Human Physiology Lab

Prerequisite: BIOL 42a. BIOL 42b may be taken concurrently with BIOL 42a. Yields half-course credit.

Students will be introduced to laboratory techniques used to study human physiology including electromyography, electrocardiography, exhaled gas analysis, and spirometry. Students will set up equipment, make predictions, record results and analyze how their observations reveal physiological principles. Usually offered every year.
Maria Miara

BIOL 43b Human Anatomy
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Prerequisite: BIOL 15b and 16a. Yields six semester-hour credits towards rate of work and graduation.

Focuses broadly on vertebrate anatomy. The gross and microscopic morphology of each organ system is considered in depth. Comparative anatomy, embryology, and relationships between structure and function are explored. Lectures, laboratory dissections, and clinical cases are used to illustrate the structure and function of vertebrates, with an emphasis on humans. Usually offered every spring.
James Morris

BIOL 44a Exercise Physiology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 42a or BIOL 43b. BIOL 42a or 43b may be taken concurrently.

Examines the physiology and anatomy behind exercise science looking specifically at how the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems respond to physical activity. We will consider how the body reacts differently depending on activity type, environment and age. Usually offered every second year.
Maria Miara

BIOL 50b Animal Behavior
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Prerequisites: BIOL 23a or BIOL 16a.

Examines a wide range of animal behavior, including mating and reproductive tactics, territoriality, and social behaviors. Why does an animal perform a given behavior? We will explore the approaches to answering this question and learn a logical framework to examine the various aspects of animal behavior. Class meetings will focus on understanding behavior from both an ecological and evolutionary perspective. We will start the term by understanding how to study behavior and end the term examining key topics in behavior. Usually offered every second year.
Colleen Hitchcock

BIOL 51a Biostatistics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

An introductory level biostatistics class providing an overview to statistical methods used in biological and medical research. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, commonly observed distributions, basic concepts of statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression, as well as analysis of variance. Basic statistical analysis using the R software package will be introduced. Usually offered every semester.
Kene Piasta

BIOL 53a Introduction to Animal Science and Nutrition
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of animal science. The course is intended for students who are familiar with central dogma, cellular structure and genetic inheritance, but have not yet applied those concepts in animal systems. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 55b Diet and Health
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Prerequisite: BIOL 15b must be successfully completed prior to taking BIOL 55b.

Explores the current evidence-based concepts linking foods and nutrition to health and prevention of chronic diseases. We also examine how specific nutrients –carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber and water –influence our well-being. We will explore optimal, planet-friendly food choices and dietary patterns that support healthy lives, how food insecurity impacts health disparity, as well as the role of nutrigenomics and microbiota. Usually offered every second year.

Vasuki Wijendran

BIOL 72a Genetics Principles and Applications
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a.

Extends from the basic principles students learned in BIOL 14a Genetics and Genomics to give them a deeper understanding of genetics, including molecular genetics, transmission genetics, population genetics, and genomics. Usually offered every second year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 91g Introduction to Research Practice

Prerequisite: Student must complete online safety training relevant to the research group. Offered exclusively on a credit/no-credit basis. Yields quarter-course credit. May be repeated for credit.

Students engage in Biology research by working in the laboratory of a faculty member for a minimum of 3 hours per week for one semester. Students who have declared a Biology major must receive permission from the Biology Undergraduate Advising Head as well as the faculty sponsor to enroll in BIOL 91g. Students who have not yet declared a major must receive permission from their academic advisor as well as the faculty sponsor. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 93a Research Internship and Analysis

Supervised biological research experience in a Brandeis University laboratory. In consultation with a Brandeis faculty member, the student will design and execute an individual research project, culminating in an oral and written presentation. Students seeking to do biology research in Brandeis laboratories outside the biology department but still within Brandeis must obtain sponsorship of a biology department faculty member as well as permission of the departmental BIOL 93a coordinator. This course is not intended to and will not provide credit for off-campus internships. BIOL 93a is offered both semesters but is a one-semester course and may be taken only once. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 93a. Course requirements include laboratory research, a written report and an oral presentation, as specified in the BIOL 93a petition. Students wishing to do a summer internship for academic credit must obtain permission from the BIOL 93 coordinator and their biology department sponsor prior to commencing the internship; complete the summer internship (a minimum of 10 weeks full-time); and complete the appropriate academic work. Credit will be awarded via the student enrolling in BIOL 93a in the subsequent fall term. BIOL 93a may also be used as one of the two courses needed for Senior Research (see BIOL 99), but does not count as a Biology elective alone. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BIOL 98a Readings in Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b. Does NOT meet requirements for the major in biology. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed BIOL 98b. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 98a and receive permission from the departmental Undergraduate Advising Head as well as the faculty sponsor.

Open to exceptionally well-qualified students. This is a tutorial course with readings in a specified biological field. The student will be given a reading list, including current literature and reviews of the topic to be discussed. Course requirements include weekly discussions and the writing of several papers. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 98b Readings in Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b. Does NOT meet the major requirement in biology. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed BIOL 98a. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 98b and receive permission from the departmental Undergraduate Advising Head as well as the faculty sponsor.

See BIOL 98a for course description. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 99a Senior Research

The first of a two-semester course involving the student in an independent research project conducted under the supervision of a staff member and serving as an intensive introduction to specific methods of biological research. In cases where students are able to do unusually long, intensive work in the laboratory, they may request a third course credit during the petition process; if this request is approved by the senior honors coordinator, students should register for BIOL 99a (fall) followed by BIOL 99e (spring). The combined enrollments for BIOL 93 and BIOL 99 may not exceed three semester course credits. Two semesters of BIOL 99 may be used as one elective for the biology major. Students may also use one semester of BIOL 93 and one semester of BIOL 99 to count as senior research and one elective. To fulfill the BIOL 99 requirements, students must (1) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their first BIOL 99 semester, a paper that reviews the literature pertinent to their field of research (or, fulfill the BIOL 93 requirements), and (2) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their second BIOL 99 semester, a senior thesis that includes an abstract, an introduction, a review of materials and methods, results, discussion, and references. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 99. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BIOL 99b Senior Research

A continuation of BIOL 99a. See BIOL 99a for course description.
Staff

BISC 2a Critters of the Microbial World
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We live in a microbial world. This course will address the role of how microbial interactions with other microbes, plants and humans shaped our world. Most of the time, these interactions are beneficial, but the principle of pathogenicity will also be covered. Classes will build up from basic microbiology, cell biology and evolution concepts and advance to mechanistic insights of how simple organisms can create complex ecosystems. We will discuss microbial interactions that have been known for centuries, long before any modern concept of the cell was established, and the current state-of-the-art knowledge.

This course will be divided into 3 modules: 1) broad conceptual background of what are microbes, the historical context of their discovery, and how to detect them; 2) development of critical reading and writing skills, translating scientific literature to popular news articles; 3) hands-on expertise in building simple microscope systems. Identify and describe environmental microbial life in the classroom through oral presentations.

The target public for this course is every student with the desire to understand and communicate about microbes, regardless of scientific background and major requirements. Usually offered every spring.
Alex Bisson

BISC 3a Bridging Research and Medicine: The Science, Genetics, and Medical Implications of Diseases Impacti

This is a two part course that yields half-course credit.

Part I is an online, asynchronous course consisting of 20 hours of instruction and assignments, covering the genetic, anatomical, and physiological aspects of women’s biology, including hormones and reproductive health. We examine disparities in the US healthcare system, and focus on several diseases, such as endometriosis and breast cancer, to explore the biological complexity of women’s health.
Part II is an 8-day residential course on the Brandeis campus consisting of an additional 60 hours of instruction and assignments. In this segment, we investigate the molecular, genetic, medical, and clinical basis of several diseases impacting women’s health. Students conduct hands-on laboratories looking at viral structure and assembly, model clinical procedures for diagnosis, hear from experts in the field, and begin to develop an understanding of how governmental policy on these concerns is formed. Usually offered every summer.

Melissa Kosinski-Collins and Sumana Setty

BISC 5a Pathogens and Human Disease
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Prerequisite: High school chemistry and biology. Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.

Recent advances in public health have led to declines in the mortality from infectious diseases. But surprisingly outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, and other diseases continue to evade public health defenses and ravage populations around the globe. This course explores how external factors like environmental alteration, climate change, and human activity interact to shape disease transmission and emergence. Students will learn fundamental concepts of infectious disease spread, including basic concepts of disease ecology, transmission, virulence, immunity, vector, and host susceptibility in the population. Then focus shifts to how natural and human-driven activities (e.g., climate change, deforestation, travel, and development) affect disease transmission and emergence. Examples of diseases to be covered include COVID, influenza, Ebola, malaria, SARS, avian flu, etc. Students will draw on relevant case studies to explore how threats from previous outbreaks may shift under a changing climate, rising globalization, and environmental degradation. Usually offered every year.
Staff

BISC 5b Diseases of the Mind
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Prerequisite: High school chemistry. May not be taken by students who have completed BIOL 15b. Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.

An exploration of biology of several protein folding diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, ALS, and mad cow disease and their effect on normal brain function. Examines the medical and ethical challenges of therapies, drug design, and clinical trials on patients afflicted with these disorders. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BISC 8b Drugs that Changed the World
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Prerequisite: High school chemistry and biology. Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.

Introduces the science underlying drug discovery and development. Students learn basic principles of microbiology, chemistry, biology, pharmacology and statistics while learning how a drug progresses from bench to bedside. Students learn to decipher a drug packaging insert. Topics include landmarks in antibiotic and cancer chemotherapy, featuring recently approved drugs such as Herceptin and Gleevec. Readings are drawn from the original scientific literature, FDA rulings, patent law, and the popular press. Usually offered every third year.
Lizbeth Hedstrom

BISC 10b Reproductive Health
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Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.

We will explore the molecular, genetic, medical, and clinical basis of several diseases impacting women's health. We will investigate viral structure and assembly, model clinical procedures for diagnosis, and begin to develop an understanding of how governmental policy is designed surrounding these concerns. Usually offered every year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins and Sumana Setty

BISC 11a Biodiversity Connections
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Does not meet the requirements for the major in Biology.

Explores the evolution, extinction, and conservation of biodiversity. We will focus on the interactions among the world's biodiversity inclusive of humans. Usually offered every summer.
Colleen Hitchcock

EBIO 33b Citizen Science: Bridging Science, Education and Advocacy
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Citizen science (the public generation of science knowledge) from both a practical (through direct participation in research) and theoretical application will be explored as the basis for examining how research, scientific literacy, education, and advocacy projects are complementary. Usually offered every second year.
Colleen Hitchcock and Rachel Theodorou

EBIO 98b Readings in Science Education

Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and BIOL 16a. Does NOT meet the major requirement in biology. May not be taken for credit by students who have satisfactorily completed EBIO 98a.

See EBIO 98a for course description. Usually offered every year.
Staff

(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students

BIBC 126b Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
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Prerequisite: BCHM 88b or BCHM 100a. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 126b in prior years.

Explores biochemical changes in proteins, enzymes and metabolic pathways that underlie human diseases. Examines molecular mechanisms for a variety of diseases, with a particular focus on molecular mechanisms for therapies. Draws heavily on current literature. Usually offered every second year.
Emily Westover

BIOL 100b Advanced Cell Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

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.
Avital Rodal

BIOL 101a Molecular Biotechnology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a and BIOL 18b.

Develops knowledge of molecular biology, and skills to research, choose and interpret the best experimental approaches for answering research questions in molecular biology. Studies molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, genomics, cloning, microarrays, and CRISPR, and their research applications. Usually offered every year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 102b Structural Molecular Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b, or permission of the instructor.

This introduction to the structural basis of viral molecular biology examines the designs of proteins, their folding and assembly, and the means whereby we visualize these structures. We will use several recent viral pandemics including SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and HIV as models of how to understand viral structure and assembly. Usually offered every second year.
Melissa Kosinski-Collins

BIOL 103b Mechanisms of Cell Functions
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Prerequisite: BIOL 100b.

Focuses on the mechanistic basis of cell biological processes, with a heavy emphasis on how they are elucidated experimentally. Classic and modern research papers are used to illustrate a range of genetic, biochemical, and imaging-based experimental approaches. Topics include cell compartmentalization, membrane traffic, cytoskeleton, cell motility, and cell division. The primary learning goal is to understand how the scientific method is applied in cell biology research. Intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Usually offered every year.
Bruce Goode

BIOL 105b Molecular Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

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.

Sebastian Kadener

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 and computer coding 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 year.
Stephen Van Hooser

BIOL 112b Evolutionary Developmental Biology
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a and BIOL 16a.

Examines both the evolution of developmental processes and the impact of development on evolution. This course will draw on the many sub-disciplines that feed into Evo-Devo including developmental biology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, ecology and paleontology. Usually offered every second year.
Maria Miara

BIOL 122a Molecular Genetics
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Prerequisite: BIOL 14a. Recommended prerequisite: BIOL 72a or another upper-level course in genetics, genomics, or molecular biology.

A lecture- and literature-based course for students who have already taken a basic course in genetics and molecular biology. Organized somewhat historically, we will explore how genetic approaches have elucidated the nature of the gene and its regulation and the analysis of gene function. In other words, it's a course about 'genetic thinking,' with increasingly large doses of molecular biology added in as we progress. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics will be discussed. Before each class, students will be assigned one or two papers from the published literature that will form the basis of the next lecture/discussion. To facilitate this discussion, students will be required to post questions about the reading prior to class. In addition, each student will be responsible for writing a paper, due near the end of the semester, about a topic that they found particularly creative in using genetic approaches to delve into the mysteries of cell growth and development. Usually offered every second year.
James Haber

BIOL 125a Immunology
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Prerequisites: BIOL14a and BIOL 15b. CHEM 25a is recommended. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 70a in prior years.

Topics include properties and functions of cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity; genes, structure and function of immunoglobulins, 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.
Staff

BIOL 127b Introduction to Systems Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Exposes students to the design principles that underlie complex biological systems. We will cover a wide range of topics, including biological networks, network motifs, dynamics in transcriptional circuits, designing and engineering synthetic circuits, prey-predator models, bacterial and animal navigation strategies. Special one-time offering, spring 2020.
Alon Zaslaver

BIOL 128a Human Genetics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Survey of topics, including: overview of the human genome; variation; mutation and polymorphism; reproductive genetics; single-gene inheritance and complexities thereof; multifactorial conditions;risk assessment including Bayesian analysis; gene mapping including linkage analysis and genome wide association studies (GWAS); molecular methodology in genetics and genomics; cytogenetics; hemoglobinopathies; population genetics; cancer genetics; genetics of development;biochemistry of selected genetic diseases; treatment including pharmacogenetics and gene therapy; ethical considerations in genetics and genomics. Usually offered every year.
Nikkola Carmichael

BIOL 131b Introduction to Genomics
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Focuses on the recently developing field of Genomics. During the course, the students will be introduced to general concepts and approaches for generating and analyzing large genomic datasets in the context of biological questions. Usually offered third year.
Sebastian Kadener

BIOL 132a General Microbiology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b. May not be taken for credit by students who took BIOL 71a in prior years.

Topics include the physiology and properties of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms; microbial nutrition, metabolism, growth; bacterial genetics; horizontal gene transfer; microbial pathogenesis; immunity; antibiotics and other means of microbial control. Usually offered every year.
Susan Lovett

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.
Dan Perlman

BIOL 152b Virus Hunter Project Lab
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, BIOL 18a, and BIOL 18b.

During this course, students will learn about a common type of virus called bacteriophage. They will isolate novel bacteriophage from the marine environment and using modern molecular biology and bioinformatic techniques, they will sequence, analyze, and annotate the viral genome. Usually offered every year.
Michael Marr

BIOL 159a Project Laboratory in Microbiology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 18a and BIOL 18b.

A discovery-based laboratory to study the diversity of microorganisms in particular environments. Students will isolate microbes with ability to metabolize complex compounds from special environments, characterize their properties and identify them by DNA sequence analysis. After students learn foundational microbiology concepts and techniques, they will choose, design, and carry out a short research project. This project lab is primarily for seniors and master's students. Usually offered every year.
Deani Cooper

BIOL 160b Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

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.
Judith Jackson

BIOL 163b Repairing and Editing the Genome
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

DNA damage must be repaired to maintain genome integrity and prevent mutations and chromosome rearrangements associated with cancer. Understanding of these repair mechanisms has opened the door to precisely modify genes, for gene therapy or even to recreate extinct mammals. Usually offered every second year.
James Haber

BIOL 172b Growth Control and Cancer
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Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b, and CHEM 25a.

Investigates the research that has revealed the molecular basis of cancer development and cancer treatments, including the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cell growth, differentiation, and survival in normal cells, and how this regulation is disrupted in cancer. Usually offered every second year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 199a Senior Research

The first of a two-semester course for students pursuing the combined BS/MS in Biology, this is an intensive research experience. The student conducts an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. To fulfill the BIOL 199 requirements, students must (1) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their first BIOL 199 semester, a paper that reviews the literature pertinent to their field of research, and (2) submit to their research sponsor, at the conclusion of their second BIOL 199 semester, a senior thesis that includes an abstract, an introduction, a review of materials and methods, results, discussion, and references. Students enrolled in this course must defend their thesis, receive Departmental Honors, and submit their thesis to GSAS. If a student drops out of the BS/MS program, BIOL 199 will be replaced with BIOL 99. Students must petition the department for permission to enroll in BIOL 199. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BIOL 199b Senior Research

A continuation of BIOL 199a. See BIOL 199a for course description.
Staff

CBIO 101a Chemical Biology
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Prerequisites: A satisfactory grade (C- or better) in BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and CHEM 25a and b, or the equivalent.

Explores how scientific work in chemistry led to fundamental understanding of and ability to manipulate biological processes. Emphasis is placed on chemical design and synthesis as well as biological evaluation and utility. Content based on scientific literature readings. Usually offered every second year.
Thomas Pochapsky

CBIO 102a Chemical Innovation Feeding Biological Discovery
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Prerequisite: A satisfactory grade (C- or better) in BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, and CHEM 25a and b, or the equivalents.

Cover exciting instances in which chemical innovation has been used to fuel biological discovery that is not possible with standard biological techniques. Topics will vary but include a basic introduction to carbohydrate, peptide and bioorthogonal (i.e., 'click') reactions, incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins, chemically defined vaccines, and the use of directed evolution to produce biological macromolecules with desired recognition or catalytic functions. Readings drawn from textbooks and the original scientific literature. Usually offered every second year.
Isaac Krauss

CBIO 106b Chemical Biology: Medicinal Enzymology
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Prerequisites: Satisfactory grade in BIOL 14a, BIOL 15b, CHEM 25a and 25b, and BCHM 100a or the equivalent.

Introduces students to the conceptual framework and experimental methods in medicinal chemistry. Topics include mechanisms of drug-target interactions, strategies for lead optimization and issues in metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Readings drawn from textbooks and the original scientific literature. Usually offered every second year.
Lizbeth Hedstrom

NBIO 136b Computational Neuroscience
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Prerequisites: MATH 10a or MATH 10b or MATH 15a and either NBIO 140b or PHYS 10b or PHYS 11b or COSI 11a.

An introduction to concepts and methods in computer modeling and analysis 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 neural oscillations. The course will be based on in-class computer tutorials, assuming no prior coding experience, with reading assignments and preparation as homework. Usually offered every second year.
Paul Miller

(200 and above) Primarily for Graduate Students

BIOL 200a Proseminar

Required seminar for first-year graduate students in MCB and Neuroscience PhD programs.

Emphasizes the fundamentals of research design and grant writing. With close guidance, students develop and write a research proposal based on their own research. The course will place a strong emphasis on how to create and develop an original scientific research project and on developing writing, data analysis, graphic presentation, and oral presentation skills. Students will be guided toward preparing a mock research proposal that will serve as a model for the second-year PhD qualifying exam. Not offered to MCB or Neuroscience MS students. Usually offered every year.
Piali Sengupta

BIOL 205a Masters Proseminar

Enrollment limited to Life Science Masters students.

In the life sciences, theories, methods and discoveries must be communicated effectively. Equally important is the ability to interpret and evaluate the work done by others. Students will have opportunities to learn, practice and evaluate oral and written methods of scientific communication. Usually offered every year.
Maria Miara and Neil Simister

BIOL 251a Project Laboratory in Protein Biochemistry
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Features experiments in protein biochemistry that are fundamental to the field of biotechnology. These include protein purification, characterization and quality assessment. Focus is placed on designing purification protocols for both tagged and untagged proteins using biochemical knowledge. The designed protocols are tested by purifying known proteins. As part of the course, students will contribute to research projects of unknown outcome by purifying and assaying novel proteins. Usually offered every year.
Kene Piasta

BIOL 256a Project Laboratory in Biotechnology
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The primary goal of this course is to teach current methods in molecular biology so students can establish a skill set that makes them viable in today's research job market. The secondary goal is to encompass the many aspects that present themselves to a researcher working in a laboratory setting. A final goal is to help place you on the career path you desire. The class projects aim to answer real research questions posed by Brandeis principal investigators, create a research environment that prepares students for a career in science, and allows them to fully understand what attributes are necessary to be competent in the field of research. For Fall of 2022 there will be four possible projects. These will consist of: A) trying to enhance the binding efficiency and overall performance of a thermophilic polymerase, commonly used in PCR reactions, by adding a non-specific DNA binding domain. B) continuing our screen of small chemical molecules on a model system that may inhibit the production of toxic proteins called Shiga toxins that can lead to Hemorrhagic Colitis in people. C) refine our search for genes that might be responsible for the extracellular transport of ATP. D) a new project that is to be determined. Students will have their choice to investigate 2 out of the 4 projects for the semester. This class has a large time commitment in and outside of class time and should not be taken in conjunction with other research laboratories or internships. Usually offered every year.
Vincent Sutera

BIOL 296a Master's Research Lab

Prerequisite: Permission of the Program Director.

Students engage in biological research by working in the laboratory of a faculty member for a minimum of 10 hours per week for one semester. Intended for students in the MS Program in Molecular and Cell Biology. Usually offered every semester.
Staff

BIOL 297a Readings in Molecular and Cell Biology