We have compiled a list of courses offered by each department that may be of interest to first year graduate students. We try to be comprehensive but it is always best to check websites of individual programs for the most up-to-date course information. To see the Spring 2012 Courses click here.
Fall 2012 Courses
BCB 710 BIOINFORMATICS COLLOQUIUM (1). Required for First 4 Semesters. M 4:30-5:30pm. Location: TBA. Seminar Course
BCB 716 BIOINFORMATICS AND SEQUENCE ANALYSIS (1).This module introduces foundational statistical concepts and models that motivate a wide range of analytic methods in bioinformatics, statistical genetics, statistical genomics, and related fields. Students are expected to know single-variable calculus (differentiation and integration in 1 dimension), be familiar with matrix algebra and have some programming experience. The course will include material on partial differentiation of multiparameter functions, and use the statistical package R extensively. Familiarity with these will be an advantage but is not assumed. Wang, Vision. TTH 2:30-3:45 PM. Course meets from Nov 1-Dec 4. 4101 Genome Sciences Building. Lecture Course
BCB 720 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL MODELING (2).This module is designed to introduce students to concepts and methods in the comparative analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences, including sequence alignment, homology search, phylogenetics and genome assembly. Valdar, Lange. MW 10:30-11:45 AM. Course meets from Aug 22-Oct 31. 210 Stone Center. Lecture Course
BIOC 442 BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY (3). See TOXC 442 for course description.
BIOC 601 ENZYME PROPERTIES, MECHANISMS AND REGULATION (3). Prerequisite, CHEM 430, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Focuses on how the shapes of enzymes are designed to optimize the catalytic step and become allosterically modified to regulate activity, on the sources and evolution of transition state stabilization by enzymes, and on the design of artificial enzymes. Trout (course director), Wolfenden. MWF 10–10:50am.
BIOC 631 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY I (3). See GNET 631 for course description.
BIOC 643 CELL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND GROWTH CONTROL I (3). See CBIO 643 for course description.
BIOC 649 ESSENTIAL OF MACROMOLECULAR SCIENCE (1.5). Prerequisites, permission of course director. The course is primarily designed for students who need more background in mathematics and macromolecules before taking the core biophysics modules, BIOC 650, 651 and 652. This course will focus on the application of mathematics to topics important in biophysics, such as thermodynamics and electrostatics. Fall. Lentz (course director), Herman, and Colleagues. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
BIOC 650 BASIC PRINCIPLES: FROM BASIC MODELS TO COLLECTIONS OF MACROMOLECULES (1.5). Prerequisites, CHEM 430 and two semesters of physical chemistry or permission of the instructor. Basic molecular models and their use in developing statistical descriptions of macromolecular function. Course intended primarily for graduate students. Lentz (course director). Lecture Course
BIOC 651 FORCES BETWEEN MACROMOLECULES AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES (1.5). Prerequisites, CHEM 430 and two semesters of physical chemistry or permission of the instructor. Macromolecules as viewed with modern computational methods. Course intended primarily for graduate students. Lentz (course director), Hermans, & Colleagues. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
BIOC 701 CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN BIOCHEMISTRY (2). Prerequisites, permission of course director. Critical analysis of current research in conjunction with biochemistry faculty and departmental seminar series. Students select and present research papers, lead discussions, attend seminars and meet with seminar speakers. Course provides an opportunity to become familiar with departmental research as well as state-of-the-art and standard laboratory techniques. Lunch with external seminar speakers. Fried (course director). M 12–1:30pm. Seminar Series/Paper Discussions
BIOC 702 TEACHING IN BIOCHEMISTRY (2). Permission required of course director. Students should be 1st year BBSP students or 2nd year Biochemistry students who want to gain instruction and experience learning how to teach biochemistry. Students will gain experience leading small group session and may present a lecture to undergraduates. Fall. Toews (course director). Teaching Credit
BIOC 706BIOCHEMISTRY OF HUMAN DISEASE (3) Prerequisites, undergraduate biochemistry or biochemical principles in a related biology course; 1st year BBSP, or graduate student in Biochemistry and Biophysics, or permission of course director. This advanced graduate level course involves lectures, critical readings and discussions on the biochemical aspects of human diseases. Core biochemical principle and cutting edge approaches are considered in the context of the following diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, HIV, thrombosis and heart disease, schizophrenia, V(D)J recombination and neglected diseases. Fall. Parise (course director), Staff. TTH 1:00-2:30 pm TBA. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
BIOL 426 BIOLOGY OF BLOOD DIESEASES (3). See PATH 426 for course description.
BIOL 514 EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT (3). Pre-requisites: Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution preferred or permission of instructor. The course examines the mechanisms by which organisms are built and evolve. In particular, it examines how novel and complex traits and organisms arise from interactions among genes and cells. Goldstein, B., Pfennig, D. TTH 11-12:15pm. Wilson 202. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
BIOL 528SYSTEMS BIOLOGY OF GENETIC REGULATION (4). Prerequisites, BIOL 202, COMP 116, and MATH 232 or 283. The course will focus on mathematical and informatics approaches to modeling biological systems in particular gene networks. Students are expected to have some experience with programming. Laederach. TTH 2-3:15pm. Wilson 202.
BIOL 535 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES (4). Pre-requisites: Molecular Biology or permission of the instructor. Students will learn basic laboratory skills and techniques in molecular biology; includes experiments with bacterial phage, nucleic acid isolation and properties, recombinant DNA techniques, and DNA sequencing. Additional laboratory hours will be needed to complete assignments. Stafford, D. TH 1-4:50pm. Wilson 130.
BIOL 621 PRINCIPLES OF GENETIC ANALYSIS 1 (3). See GNET 621 for course description.
BIOL 624 DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS (3). This is a one semester course designed to give an overview of concepts and processes important in development, and to address some of the important questions and issues in the field today. The focus is on genetic and molecular approaches to understanding animal development, using a variety of model organisms to illustrate these approaches. We combine lecture (approximately 70% of the course time) with selected readings of papers and subsequent discussion (approximately 30% of the course time). This course is designed for first or second year graduate students wanting to better understand developmental processes. It covers basic developmental concepts, with a special focus on areas such as development of the nervous system; development of heart and blood vessels; and stem cells. Bautch V. TTH 2–3:15pm. Wilson 218. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
BIOL 631 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3). See GNET 631 for course description.
BIOL 639 PLANT CELL BIOLOGY (3).The class will cover topics in plant biology, including developmental patterning, signal transduction, and responses of plants to other organisms and to environmental conditions. The class will meet in a seminar format once per week, with students presenting and discussing recent papers from the literature. We will have an organizational meeting on Wednesday, August 24th at 12:00 in 119 Coker Hall. Please contact Jason Reed (jreed@email.unc.edu) if you cannot attend the organizational meeting or for further information.W 12-12:50pm.
BIOL 643 MOLECULAR CYTOSKELOTON (3). First meeting will be on Monday August 20th from 10-12:30 in GSB 4101. This seminar focuses on molecular mechanisms of cytoskeletal components. The course will examine the actin cytoskeleton and the microtubule cytoskeleton. A sample of topics include 1) the core building blocks: actin and tubulin; 2) nucleators: Arp2/3 and gamma tubulin/gamma-TuRC/Augmin; 3) motors: myosin, kinesin and dynein; 4) regulators: formins and microtubule plus end binding proteins; 5) destabilizers: KinI and stathmin; and 6) kinetochore-microtubule attachments complexes: the Dam1 and Ndc80 complexes. Primary literature will be examined, presented and critiqued. Each topic will examine a molecular/mechanistic paper and a complementary cell biology paper that correlates structure with mechanism. Emerging techniques in cell biology and structure will be discussed including single molecule fluorescent techniques (PALM, FIONA, speckle microscopy), optical trapping, single particle electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography and small angle X-ray scattering. The course is intended to familiarize cell biologists with molecular mechanisms and protein structure, promoting proficiency in viewing, evaluating and presenting structure models using molecular graphics programs in order to design and implement structure-based experiments. The seminar aims to develop presentation skills, scientific writing, as well as manuscript evaluation and critique. If you cannot make the organizational meeting and are interested in taking the course, please email Kevin Slep at kslep@bio.unc.edu. Paper Discussions
CBIO 643 CELL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND GROWTH CONTROL I (Supercell) (BIOC 643, MCRO 643, PHCO 643) (3). Prerequisite, undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or permission of the instructor. CBIO 643 is a graduate cell biology course designed to provide a systematic and in-depth understanding of cell structure and function, and includes 3 major blocks that focus on membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton, and cell adhesion/cancer biology. The course's goal is to provide the key background required to understand research in these areas of cell biology and to develop the ability to read and critique the primary literature. The course is taught in the fall by faculty from several departments, including Cell Biology and Physiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Biology. The course consists of lectures, reading, and small group discussions of key and recent papers. Grading is based on take-home exams at the end of each block and other factors such as participation in discussions. Undergraduate biochemistry or cell biology is a prerequisite. CBIO 643 is a fall course and meets MWF from 2:00-2:50 PM. CBIO 644 is taught in the spring and is an independent course that focuses on cell signaling; some students take both classes while others take either CBIO 643 or 644. Cheney. The course meets MWF 2-2:50pm. Taylor Hall 124. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
CBIO 893 ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY I (4). Literature based discussion course on the application of modern approaches from multiple disciplines in Cell Biology. Emphasis is on small group discussion and dissection of primary literature including methods, scientific logic, and critical thinking. Maximum of 12 students are allowed in the class. Students not currently in Cell & Developmental Biology Department who are interested in this course should contact the course director prior to registering. Hammond. TTH 3-5:30pm. MBRB 6201. Paper Discussions
CHEM 430 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY (3). Pre-requisites include undergraduate level general chemistry, organic chemistry and general biology. Genetics and cell biology are helpful but not required. *The study of cellular processes including catalysts, metabolism, bioenergetics and biochemical genetics. The structure and function of biological macromolecules involved in these processes is emphasized. Hogan. TR 8–9:15 am. Chapman 201. * For students with no prior coursework in Biochemistry. Lecture Course
CHEM 431 MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND METABOLISM (3). Pre-requisites: at least one undergraduate biochemistry course. Structure of DNA and methods in biotechnology; DNA replication and repair; RNA structure, synthesis, localization and transcriptional reputation; protein structure/function, biosynthesis, modification, localization, and degradation. Erie. TR 11–12:15pm. Chapman 211.
CHEM 732 ADVANCES IN MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE–ENZYME DESIGN AND ENGINEERING (3).**** In-depth analysis of the structure-function relationships that govern fundamental biological processes including replication, translation, RNA processing, motility and movement, and cell surface interactions. Brustad. TR 8–9:15 am. Chapman 0125. ** For students who would like to strengthen their basic knowledge of Biochemistry. **** Stronglyrecommended for BBSP students interested in Biochemistry & Chemical Biology. Paper Discussions
CHEM 733 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY (3). See MEDC 807 for course description.
GNET 621 PRINCIPLES OF GENETIC ANALYSIS 1 (BIOL 621) (3). Fundamental principles of genetic analysis including mitosis and meiosis, linkage and mapping, recombination, mutagenesis, complementation, epistasis, bacterial genetics, transposable elements, genetics of mosaics, forward and reverse genetic techniques and genetic screening, genetic dissection of biochemical and signal transduction pathways, and gene cloning. Sekelsky. TTH 11-12:15pm. Wilson 128. Recitation: F 3:00-3:50 pm. Wilson 128. Lecture Class/Paper Discussions
GNET 631 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY I (BIOC 631, BIOL 631, MCRO 631, PHCO 631) (3). DNA structure, function, and interactions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, including chromosome structure, replication, recombination, repair, and genome fluidity. Three lecture hours a week. Sancar. MWF 9-9:50am. 217 Wilson Hall. Lecture Class/Paper Discussions
MCRO 614 IMMUNOBIOLOGY (3). Prerequisites, a strong background in molecular biology, eukaryotic genetics, and biochemistry. Topics include immunochemistry; genetic mechanisms, and development of cells and cell interactions; hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, resistance to infection. Collins, Klapper, Liu. MWF 11-11:50 am. MEJ 202. Lecture Course
MCRO 615 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MICROBIOLOGY OR IMMUNOLOGY (1). This has been set up as an extra hour of MCRO 614 for MCRO students or students who plan to become MCRO students. Collins. F 3–4:00pm. Lecture Course
MCRO 630 VIROLOGY (3). Prerequisites, molecular biology and cell biology. Current concepts of the chemistry, structure, replication, genetics, and natural history of animal viruses and their host cells. Fall. Pickles, staff. MWF 10-10:50 am. MEJ 802. Lecture Course
MCRO 631 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY I (3). See GNET 631 for course description.
MCRO 635 MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS I (3). Prerequisites, coursework in molecular biology and genetics, and permission of the instructor. Topics will include aspects of basic bacteriology as well as bacterial and fungal pathogens and mechanisms of disease. Cotter.TTH 10:45-12:00pm. MEJ 802, Lecture Course
MCRO 643 CELL STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND GROWTH CONTROL I (Supercell) (3). See CBIO 643 for course description.
MCRO 711 SEMINAR/TUTORIAL IN ANIMAL VIROLOGY (var.). One or two faculty and a small number of students consider current research of importance in depth. Emphasis is on current literature, invited speakers, etc., rather than textbooks. Abel. Specific prerequisites are not required, but some knowledge in virology and pathogenesis would be very helpful. T 2–4:00pm. BW 9001. Paper Discussions
MEDC 805 MOLECULAR MODELING (3). Prerequisites, MATH 231–232, CHEM 481, permission of the instructor. Introduction to computer-assisted molecular design (CAMD) of small molecules. Emphasis on the practical use of molecular and quantum mechanics programs (MM2, MNDO, GAUSSIAN). Two lecture and three to four laboratory hours a week. Tropsha. MW 1-1:50pm. Beard 102. Lecture Course/Lab
MEDC 807 FOUNDATIONS OF CHEMICAL BIOLOGY: ORGANIC AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY (CHEM 733)(3). Prerequisite, CHEM 262 or equivalent. Elements of organic chemistry required for the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds. Lawrence. MWF 8:30-9:30am. Murray Hall G205. Lecture/Paper Discussions
MEDC 833 MOLECULAR TARGET-BASED DRUG DELIVERY (3). PrerequisitesCHEM 62, Physiology 93, Physiology 140, or equivalent, and instructor permission.Rational drug design for cellular targeting for disease therapy. Jarstfer. MWF 11-11:50pm. Beard 102. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
MEDC 842 THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS (3). Prerequisites, PHCY 421, PHCY 422. This course covers the discovery, development, mechanism, and clinical use of protein therapeutics. Bastow. TTH 9-10:15am. Beard 105. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
MOPH 862 ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICS (3). This course covers industrial approaches to pharmaceutical formulation development. Cho. MW 10-11:15pm. Beard 105.
MOPH 738 NANOMEDICINE (3). This course offers an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of nanomedicine for students with physical, chemical or biological sciences background. This course will emphasize emerging nanotechnologies and biomedical applications including nanaomaterials, nanoengineering, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, nano-based imaging and diagnostic systems, nanotoxicology, and translating nanomedicines into clinical investigation. Mumper, Juliano. TTH 4–5:15pm. Beard 102.
PHCY 801 ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN RESEARCH (1). Ethical dilemmas in pharmaceutical research will be discussed. Issues include scientific fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation of data, conflict of interest, new basic scientific research areas and dissemination of confidential information. Dressler. T 1–2pm. (course part of the MOPH course offerings)
MOPH 899 SEMINAR IN MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS (1). This seminar series comprises a variety of research topics presented by MOPH division researchers and visiting scientists. W 4-5:00pm. Beard 116.
NBIO Core Courses:
NBIO 722 CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY (PHYI 722, PHCO 722) (2) Pre-requisites: basic undergraduate biology, chemistry, physics and intro calculus is assumed. Comprised of 6 blocks (MWF 10-12:00pm), see below for first 3 blocks, Stuber, Director. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
NBIO 722A- BLOCK 1- INTRODUCTION / ELECTRICAL SIGNALING (18 sessions)
This first half of this block introduces such topics as brain cell biology, molecular biology applied to neurons, membrane potentials and imaging methods. The second half of this block introduces such topics as resistance, capacitance, passive membranes, classes of ion channels, potassium and calcium channels and action potential initiation. Fall. *Pevny, Hutton, Street, Ghuksyan, Robinson, Newbern, Brenman, Sealock, Manis and Stuber.
NBIO 722B BLOCK 2-POSTSYNAPTIC MECHANISMS- RECEPTORS (10 sessions)
This block covers such topics as cell and G Protein signaling, ligand binding, GABA-gated ion chanels, neurotransmitter receptor trafficking and dopamine release and receptors. Fall. Manis, Brenman, Harden, Nicholas, Weiss, Robinson, Kash, McElligott and Stuber.
NBIO 722C BLOCK 3-SYNAPTIC MECHANISMS AND INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING (10 sessions)
This block introduces calcium signaling, electrophysiological analysis and molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity and expression and maintenenace of LTP and LTD. Fall. *Philpot, Carelli, Kash, McCarthy, Wightman and Stuber.
NBIO 850COMMUNICATING SCIENTIFIC RESULTS (PHYI 705) (1). This class employs faculty coaching and peer critiquing to develop students' skills in speaking and writing about science with ease, clarity, and precision. The class aims to build self-confidence and the ability to take criticism without defensiveness. It meets once a week for 1.25 hours for both semesters. Students take this course for two semesters; second-year students are paired with first-year students as mentors, as rehearsal partners, and as editing partners for written assignments. The class size is approximately 16 students. Each session is coached by two faculty members, Ann Stuart and an invited Neurobiology or Cell and Molecular Physiology faculty member. Thus, the class also provides a mechanism for expanded student-faculty bonding, reinforced by a social event at the end of each semester. Fall and Spring. Goy.
NBIO Electives:
NBIO 890-002 Special Topics in Neurobiology: Genetic Engineering (2).
Pre-requisites: basic undergraduate molecular biology. This course will introduce modern techniques for genetic engineering. Students will learn cutting edge molecular engineering with some hands on lab experiments. Lectures will start with the basics of genetic engineering, the methodology of gene manipulation, and the implications of genetic engineering with specific additional topics covered by guest lecturers. For the lab, students will learn to gather genetic information and design DNA constructs. Fall. Cheng, Brenman. Lecture Course
NBIO 890-003 Special Topics in Neurobiology: Network NeurosciencE (2).
Pre-requisites: basic neuroscience knowledge and interest in quantitative approaches. This graduate-level seminar course combines lectures and paper presentations on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research of dynamics and function of brain networks. The course is designed to be informal and highly interactive and requires active participation. Application of modern tools such as massively-parallel, electrophysiological recordings, large-scale computer simulations, optogenetic manipulations and advanced MR imaging represents a major focus. Frequent guest lectures provide unique perspectives by leading experts in the field. This course counts as an elective for the Neurobiology Curriculum. Ultimate goal is to strengthen the network neuroscience community at UNC and build novel
bridges across subdisciplines, research labs, and academic departments. Fall. Frohlich. Lecture Course/Paper Discussions
NBIO 729 NEURAL INFORMATION PROCESSING (3).This discussion/reading seminar covers the fundamentals of nervous system information processing and integration, with examples from sensory systems. Information processing is examined from the level of single cells through networks. Topics include spiking models of neurons, dynamical systems at the single cell level, theoretical analyses of synaptic plasticity, analysis of spike trains, concepts of information theory, neural networks, and emergent properties of neural networks. Readings will be from the primary literature. Prerequisites include at least 1 year of calculus, familiarity with MATLAB or Python (or permission of the instructor), and NBIO 722/723 (or an equivalent general neuroscience course). Fall. Manis.
NBIO 801 CLINICAL SYNDROMES & NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS (2).This seminar will review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental syndromes and disorders. Topics will range from single gene (e.g. fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis) to complex genetic (e.g., autism, schizophrenia), to environmental disorders with varied phenotypes, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatments. Fall and Spring. Philpot and Piven. Lecture Course
OBIO 710,712 DISCUSSIONS IN ORAL BIOLOGY (Seminar) (1). A series of seminars on topics relevant to research and scientific knowledge in the field of oral biology. Current Trainees will participate in the discussion series by giving research presentations related to student lab rotations or dissertation research. Flood, Program Faculty. W 1-2:00pm. Seminar Course
OBIO 730,731 ADVANCED ORAL BIOLOGY: INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS IN ORAL BIOLOGY (3). Overview of structures and biological functions associated with the oral cavity and related conditions and diseases; mechanisms of both cellular and tissue growth and development and changes will be introduced in the contexts of three areas within the discipline of oral biology: biology of extracellular matrices, host-pathogens interactions, and orofacial neurobiology. Lectures, seminars. Arnold, Yamauchi, Program Faculty. M 8-10:00am. Lecture Course
OBIO 770,772 SEMINARS IN ORAL BIOLOGY (1). Review of current literature in selected areas of Pathogenesis, ECM, or Sensory Neuroscience. Students will present and critique current literature dealing with the newest discoveries in their relevant field with faculty from that programmatic track in an interactive forum between students and faculty. Flood, Oral Biology Faculty. M 1-2:00pm. Paper Discussions
PATH 426 BIOLOGY OF BLOOD DIESEASES (BIOL 426)(3). This is a biology/pathology course focused entirely on the biological and disease processes of blood, with emphasis on human biology and the molecular mechanisms associated with normal host defense processes and some diseases of blood and bone marrow. Several aspects of hematology and oncology are covered, with lectures on diseases such as cancer (leukemia and lymphoma), anemia (sickle cell disease), blood coagulation disorders (hemophilia and thrombosis), atherosclerosis and cholesterol metabolism, and some pathophysiology on HIV disease/AIDS. Substantial class time is used to cover the normal biology and molecular processes of blood/bone marrow, the genesis of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The course is organized into four instructional units: (1) Red blood cells and anemias, (2) White blood cells and leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma, (3) HIV disease and AIDS, and (4) Hemostasis and thrombosis. The fifth unit of the course features poster presentations of various diseases by the students in the class. Church. MWF 10-10:50am. Lecture Course
PATH 713 MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF DISEASE: MECHANISMS OF DISEASE (3). This is a graduate course on cell injury and pathogenesis of disease with emphasis on basic mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The course objectives include: (i) to convey to students an understanding of various pathophysiologic processes, including cellular injury, inflammation, immune responses, neoplasia, hemodynamic disorders, and vascular disease, and (ii) to teach students to recognize and describe normal histology and histologic changes manifest in various pathophysiologic processes, including cellular injury, inflammation, immune responses, neoplasia, hemodynamic disorders, and vascular disease. This is a team-taught course. Members of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine faculty and guest faculty lecturers present information on histology and pathologic mechanisms of disease. Course content is derived from the leading pathology textbook and primary literature. Student performance in the course will be assessed through in-class and take-home examinations. Wolberg/Homeister. MWF 11-11:50am. Lecture Course
PATH 714L MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF DISEASE LABORATORY(2). This is a graduate pathology laboratory course that serves as the companion to Pathology 713. The course is organized around the major pathologic processes, and utilizes illustrative diseases that are representative of specific mechanisms of disease. In each laboratory session, students are given the opportunity to see gross specimens that are representative of disease processes and observe microscopic images of these same pathologies. Emphasis is placed on recognizing pathologic processes and lesions when compared to normal tissues. This course is taught in Fall semester and class size is limited. Prerequisite: Pathology 713 (this course can be taken concurrently with Pathology 713). Godfrey. W 1-3:30pm. Lab
PATH 726 HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASE (1-3).This course will study human disease processes that are induced or exacerbated by our environment. Environmental disease stressors include solar radiation, air and water pollution, bioreactive substances in foods, pesticides, metals, dusts, particles and allergens. Lectures will emphasize epidemiology, mechanisms of toxicity and human disease pathogenesis.Kaufmann. TTH 10:30-11:45am. Lecture Course
PATH 801 CRITICAL SCIENTIFIC THINKING (3). A graduate-level course designed to teach the ‘scientific method’ and based on student presentations of primary literature and group discussions. The primary goal is to teach students the process by which scientists identify problems, formulate testable hypotheses, collect data through experiments, and eventually establish new models describing biological processes. The course will chronologically follow the development of a field of study, the cell cycle, illustrating the logical evolution of a coherent line of scientific inquiry. Students will present key papers that significantly advanced our understanding of the cell cycle. During group discussions, students will critically analyze the results of papers, then identify interesting questions, formulate new hypotheses and describe experiments to test their hypotheses. This helps students to understand both the thought processes and experiments that have led to current concepts in the cell cycle literature. This course provides a structured mechanism to help facilitate the transition of students from the classroom to the lab and helps develop skills that will be required throughout their scientific careers. Course content will be derived solely from primary literature. Grades will be determined based on in-class performance and take-home assignments. Vaziri. T 2-5:00pm. Paper Discussions
PHCO 631 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY I (3). See GNET 631 for course description.
PHCO 643 CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION AKA SUPER CELL I (3). See CBIO 643 for course description.
PHCO 701 INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY (2). Permission of the instructor required. A first-year pharmacology course outlining the basic of molecular pharmacology, including molecular biology, drug/receptor interactions, receptors and ion channels, regulation of second messengers, and drug metabolism. Two lecture hours a week. Zefeng Wang, Course Director. MWF 9-9:50am. Lecture Course
PHCO 722 (A-C). (2). See NBIO 722 (A-C) for course descriptions.
PHYI 702 EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY OF HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE (4). Students will learn the principles of cell, organ and systems physiology and pathophysiology required to identify and understand important areas of current biomedical research. Companion course to PHYI 703. Both courses will cover a variety of physiological systems (cardiovascular, neuro, respiratory, etc), and will emphasize examples of specific diseases (channelopathies, schizophrenia, hypertension, diabetes, etc) and current research opportunities. PHYI 702 will focus on non-human model systems (cultured cells, mice, zebrafish, etc), while PHYI 703 (offered in the spring) will focus on approaches that utilize human samples or human genomics. In addition to lectures and ample time for in-class discussions, both courses will have a strong emphasis on the current research literature and will include journal-club discussion of assigned papers. Goy, staff. MWF 9-10:20 am. Lecture Course
PHYI 705COMMUNICATING SCIENTIFIC RESULTS (1). See NBIO 850 for course description.
PHYI 722 (A-C). (2). See NBIO 722 (A-C) for course descriptions.
TOXC 442 BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY (BIOC 442) (3). Prerequisites, any combination of two courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or cell physiology (or permission of the course director). Development of a comprehensive understanding of biochemical and molecular actions of environmental chemicals and toxicants, and proper application of novel laboratory techniques for hypothesis-driven mechanistic research. Rusyn. TTH 3:30-4:45pm. HC 0003. Lecture Course
TOXC 721 TOXICOLOGY SEMINAR II (1). Student-conducted presentations and discussions of recent advances in toxicology; emphasis on critical evaluation of published investigations and on organization and oral delivery of presentations. Padilla and Cordeiro-Stone. W 3:45-4:45pm. Seminar Course
TOXC 722 TOXICOLOGY SEMINAR III (ENVR 722) (1). Presentations by outside invited speakers, local faculty, advanced graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. Topics will cover all areas of research in toxicology. Rusyn. M 4-5:00 pm. Seminar Course
