Course Descriptions (Core and Elective Courses)

Computer Concepts and Perl Programming (3 units). This course is designed for biology students who have no experience in computer programming. It will cover basics of computers and perl programming. The student will be able to write simple programs, for example, parse files to extract information, reformat files, and summarize the content of a file. This will greatly save time of visually parsing pages of output from such programs as Blast and enable the student to better data mine the massive amounts of data in genomic and biological databases. The student will also learn concepts in computers so that they can easily collaborate with computational researchers and programmers. (MCB 500, ECOL 500, GENE 500)

Evolution of Infectious Disease (3 units). Causes and consequences of evolutionary change in pathogens. Evolutionary principles, vertebrate immunity, molecular epidemiology, evolution of virulence, evolution of antimicrobial resistance, predicting epidemics, impacts of infectious disease on host evolution, HIV evolution. Graduate-level requirements include a term paper and an in-class presentation on the same topic. (MCB 509, ECOL 509)

Biological Electron Microscopy (5 units). Provides theoretical background and practical experience in transmission and scanning electron microscopy that are necessary for the efficient and effective application of ultra-structural and cytochemical techniques as research tools. (MCB 512A, AN S 512A, BIOC 512A, CBA 512A, ENTO 512A, PATH 512A, PL P 512, PSIO 512A, V SC 512A)

Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis (3 units). Analysis of genome sequences for function using local and internet computer resources. Graduate-level requirements include a research project, written report, and a class presentation. (MCB 516, BIOC 516, ECOL 516, GENE 516)

Microbial Genetics Laboratory (2 units). Laboratory associated with lecture course on Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages. Graduate-level requirements include the DNA sequence of an entire operon from any one of a variety of bacteria and additionally analyze one product from the operon using several GCG protein analysis programs. Also extra exam questions. (MCB 528L, PL P 528L)

Microbial Genetics (3 units). Prokaryotic gene structure and function; methods of gene transfer and mapping, DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation. Hands-on computer analysis of DNA sequences and gene cloning strategies. Principles of regulation of gene expression. Biology of plasmids and bacteriophages. Graduate-level requirements include a DNA sequence of an entire operon from any one of a variety of bacteria and additionally analyze one product from the operon using several GCG protein analysis programs. An extensive exam. (MCB 528R, PL P 528R)

General Virology (3 units). Essential features of the viruses, including structure, gene expression and life cycle. Introduction to pathogenesis with respect to humans, other animals, and plants. (MCB 529, MBIM 529)

Human Genetics (3 units). Basic genetic theory and techniques, as applied to the human species; methods of analysis of genetic and environmental variation among individuals and populations (MCB 533, GENE 533)

Plant Growth and Development (3 units). Surveys central concepts in plant developmental biology including analysis of plant structure and developmental patterns and the molecular, genetic, genomic and physiological bases of plant form and function. Graduate-level requirements include 7 journal club discussions and presentations for graduate students and honors undergraduate students. (MCB 540, PL S 540)

Research Animal Methods  (3 units). Regulations, care, diseases and techniques involving common laboratory animals used in research and teaching programs. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on one of the lecture topics presented in the course plus research proposal preparation. (BIOC 543, V SC 543)

Advanced Genetics (4 units). This course will explore the logic of genetics by discussion of primary literature papers focusing on model systems. (MCB 546)

Plant Genetics and Genomics (3 units). A 3-unit lecture/discussion course that provides an advanced treatment of the current knowledge and experimental approaches used in genetic and genomic analysis, with emphasis on plants. Basic understanding of Mendelian genetics, gene and genomic structure and function is required. Graduate-level requirements include leading 3 course discussions on review articles and problem sets and write a paper based on each of the three research discussions that they lead. (MCB 549A, PL S 549A)

Drosophila: Model System for Evolution (3 units). Drosophila is the most important eukaryotic model system for comparative studies in biology.  We will explore several aspects of its ecology, genetics and evolution, making connections to general concepts of biology and applied research.  The course will combine lectures with hands-on activities (lab and computer) and field trips.  Graduate-level requirements include a review paper on one of the topics discussed in class and additional homework.  Course includes one or more field trips. (MCB 551, ECOL 551)

Functional and Evolutionary Genomics (4 units). Computational, functional, and evolutionary approaches to genomics, including bioinformatics and laboratory methods. Graduate-level requirements include students completing independently designed lab exercises and relate these to the primary literature in a paper. (MCB 553, ECOL 553

Functional and Evolutionary Genomics - Laboratory (1 unit). Computational, functional, and evolutionary approaches to genomics, including bioinformatics and laboratory methods. Graduate-level requirements include completion of independently designed lab exercises and relating them to the primary literature in a paper. (BIOC 553L, ECOL 553L)

Developmental Biology (3 units). Graduate-level introduction to principles of vertebrate and invertebrate embryo development. (MCB 556, CBA 556)

Concepts in Cellular Differentiation (2 units). The differentiation of several cell types will be studied in detail through readings of the current literature. Students will be expected to present one topic in depth at one meeting of the class and to present briefly one paper each week. (MCB 557, CBA 557)

Core Concepts in Plant Biology I (4 units). Physiological, biochemical, genetic and molecular biological principles fundamental to graduate level study of growth, development and reproduction of plants in normal and stressful environments. (MCB 560, PL S 560)

Core Concepts in Plant Biology II (4 units). Physiological, biochemical, genetic and molecular biological principles fundamental to graduate level study of growth, development and reproduction of plants in normal and stressful environments. (MCB 561, PL S 561)

Neurophysiology: Sensorimotor Perspective (3 units). Focuses on mammalian sensorimotor system as a model system to understand principles of neural communication, sensory functions, information processing, and production of behavioral responses. Graduate-level requirements include a research paper. (MCB 564, PSIO 564)

Proteins and Enzymes (3 units). Advanced consideration of enzyme structure and function. (BIOC 565, CHEM 565)

Nucleic Acids (4 units). Chemistry, structure, and function of nucleic acids; replication, transcription, translation, gene organization, regulation of gene expression and organelle nucleic acids. Both procaryotic and eucaryotic systems will be considered. (MCB 568, BIOC 568)

Cell Systems (3 units). Advanced treatment of biological regulation in eukaryotic cells. Topics to be discussed include regulation of cellular metabolism, cytoskeletal dynamics, organelle function, and cell division. (MCB 572, BIOC 572)

Recombinant DNA Methods and Applications (4 units). Relevant techniques for the isolation, purification, and cloning of genes in E. coli hosts. Eukaryotic lambda genomic DNA clones will be characterized by restriction mapping, hybridization analysis, and sequence analysis. Writing emphasis course. Graduate-level requirements include a one-hour discussion section of classic and recent papers featuring major advances in molecular biology or their application to current issues or problems. (MCB 573, BIOC 573, GENE 573, MIC 573, PL S 573)

Principles of Cell Biology (4 units). Intensive, graduate-level introduction to principles and mechanisms of cell biology, including current research strategies in the field. (MCB 577, CBA 577)

Signal Transduction in Molecular Medicine (3 units). Advanced treatment of the biochemistry and molecular biology of disease, considering both genomic and environmental factors. (MCB 578, BIOC 578)

Biological Structure I (4 units). Introduction to the current understanding and methods used for study of the structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics of proteins, nucleic acids, and membranes. (MCB 585, BIOC 585, CHEM 585)

Principles of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (4 units). Detailed introduction to the biology of nerve cells, emphasizing cellular neurophysiology, synaptic mechanisms, and analysis of neural development. (MCB 588, NRSC 588)

Cancer Genetics (3 units). Understanding of correlations of molecular biology/chromosomal change in human cancer and the role of genetic change in progression and metastasis of cancer. (MCB 589, CBIO 589)

Topics in Molecular Biology (1-3 units). Student participation in the presentation and discussion of current literature and research in various areas of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. (MCB 595A)

Oncogenes and Signal Transduction  (1 unit). The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants. (BIOC 595A, CBIO 595A)

Journal Club (1 unit). The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting.  Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons.  Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants. (MCB 595B, BIOC 595B)

Current Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology Research (1 unit). Students do directed reading and discussion or current literature and attend lectures on current research by experts in the field. (MCB 595C, BIOC 595C)

Topics in Entrepreneurship for Scientists (1 unit). This course will present different topics in and aspects of entrepreneurship specifically for undergraduate and graduate students in science Graduate-level requirements include the invention of a technology-based product and write an early stage business plan around that product with the intent of bringing that product to market. This project is intensive and involves a great deal more intellectual acuity, problem-solving, analysis, research, and foresight than the undergraduate project. The quantity of outside hours required of the graduate student project is significantly greater than that of the undergraduates, as is its degree of difficulty. (MCB 595F, PHYS 595F)

Cancer Biology: Focus on Breast Cancer (1 unit). This is a graduate-level journal club which will focus on the biology of cancer with a specific focus on breast cancer-related peer-reviewed research articles.  (MCB 595G, BIOC 595G, CBA 595G, CBIO 595G, PCOL 595G)

Cognitive Psychology (3 units). Investigation of research and ideas on a specialized topic within cognitive psychology, including the psychology of language, visual perception and memory, decision, and learning. The discussion and exchange of scholarly information in a small group setting, papers and student presentations. This is a writing emphasis course. Investigation of research and ideas on a specialized topic within cognitive psychology, including the psychology of language, visual perception and cognitive memory, decision, and learning. The discussion and exchange of scholarly information in a small group setting, papers and student presentations. (BIOC 596F, PSYC 596F)

Molecular Cardiovascular Biology (3 units). The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers. (MCB 596I, SURG 596I)

Frontiers in Medical Research (1 unit). Current translational medical research presented by a variety of faculty research teams consisting of a clinical physician scientist and a basic scientist. Current research, relevant issues, historical perspectives and personal experience will be presented and discussed. Graduate-level requirements include students to write an "in-focus" section for the medical research website to summarize the research teams' recent discoveries and their clinical relevance. (MCB 596J, CBIO 596J)

Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (3 units). Molecular properties that control development of host, parasite, and symbiotic relationships. Contemporary molecular hypotheses are related to genetic and biochemical data available on disease resistance and pathogenesis. (MCB 621, PL P 621)

Steriod and Lipoproteins: Structure, Metabolism and Function in Relation to Human Disease (3 units). Biochemistry and metabolism of sterols and lipoproteins in mammalian systems; regulation of the biosynthesis and catabolism of sterols and lipoproteins in health and abnormalities related to disease; and dietery regulators of sterol and lipoprotein metabolism as related to cardiovascular disease risk and prevention. (MCB 628A, N SC 628A)

Survival Skills and Ethics (3 units). This course is designed for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. It provides information and experiences that will aid in successful "survival" during the graduate-student years and those following graduation. Topics include effective speaking and writing, grantspersonship, mentoring, teaching, career options, among others. Discussion of ethical issues and resources is integrated across topics. (BIOC 649, SP H 649)

Algorithms for Computational Biology (3 units). Design and implementationo of algorithms for computational problems in molecular biology. Topics include exact and approximate string matching, multiple sequence alighment, DNA sequence assembly, physical mapping of chromosomes, and genome rearrangement. No background in molecular biology is required. (MCB 650, C SC 650)

Analysis and Purification of Proteins (3 units). Principles and procedures for analyzing, purifying, and characterizing proteins and amino acids from cells or from cDNA expression systems. (BIOC 665, N SC 665)

Plant Biology Colloquium (1 unit). Enrolled students take turns selecting and leading the discussion on articles from the primary literature. Enrollment is open to students with interests in any of the three focus areas of the Department of Plant Sciences: Plant Biology, Genetics and Genomics; Horticultural and Crop Sciences; and Plant Pathology and Microbiology.  Goals of the course include: fostering interaction among students with diverse interests and backgrounds, keeping abreast of current publications of broad interest, and providing a forum where free discussion is encouraged. (MCB 695A, PL S 695A)

Plant Pathology Colloquium (1 unit). Course description available from Department of Plant Pathology. (MCB 695B, PL P 695B)

Science, Society and Ethics (1 unit). Practical colloquium focusing on ethical issues raised in the research laboratory setting. (MCB 695E, CBA, 695E, GENE 695E, NRSC 695E)

Laboratory Presentations and Discussion (1-3 units). Laboratory small group presentations and discussion. (MCB 696A, BIOC 696A)

Informatic and Comparative Analysis of Genomes (1-3 units). This course provides hands-on experience in the manipulation and analysis of genomic data and teachers the steps in the preparation of writing of scientific manuscripts. (MCB 669C, BIOC 696C, ECOL 696C, PL S 696C)

Introduction to Research (1-6 units). The exchange of scholarly information and/or secondary research, usually in a small group setting. Instruction often includes lectures by several different persons. Research projects may or may not be required of course registrants. (MCB 795A, BIOC, 795A, CHEM 795A, PHSC 795A)