Fall Courses

UNC-CH Directory of Class Schedules: Fall 2008

• BIOC 505 INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3). Prerequisites, undergraduate biochemistry or genetics, and organic chemistry. Techniques in molecular biology, mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and translation of genetic material in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems; genomics, gene organization; regulatory and signaling mechanisms; and molecular biology of cancer. Fall. Crews, Fried, Van Dyke, Xiong, Zhang. MWF, 12 – 12:50 pm, 106 Berryhill.
• BIOC 601 ENZYME PROPERTIES, MECHANISMS, AND REGULATION (3). Prerequisite, Chemistry 430 or equivalent. Focuses on enzyme architecture to illustrate how the shapes of enzymes are designed to optimize the catalytic step and become allosterically modified to regulate the rate of catalysis. Fall. Traut, Wolfenden. MWF, 10 – 10:50 am , 408 MEJ.
• BIOC/CBIO 643 CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (3). A comprehensive lecture and discussion-based course covering research on membrane structure, membrane trafficking, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and ion channels. The final block of lectures will apply an understanding of these subjects to various "hot topics" in cell biology. During multiple class periods, the class will be divided into small groups to discuss current or classic papers and methodologies employed to explore problems in cell biology. Prerequisite: undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or permission of instructor. Fall MWF Course director: Ann Erickson.
• BIOC 650 MACROMOLECULAR THERMODYNAMICS (1). Prerequisites, Chemistry 130 and two semesters of physical chemistry or permission of instructor. Basic molecular models and their use in developing statistical descriptions of macromolecular function. Fall. Lentz. MWF, 11 – 11:50 am, 305 MEJ. (Check Biophysics website for specific dates for BIOC 144 – 158 modules).
• BIOC 651 MACROMOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS (1). Prerequisites, Chemistry 130 and two semesters of physical chemistry or permission of instructor. Macromolecules as viewed with modern computational methods. Fall. Sondek (course director), Papoian, Lentz. MWF, 11 – 11:50 am, 305 MEJ. (Check Biophysics website for specific dates for BIOC 144 – 158 modules).
• BIOC 652 MACROMOLECULAR EQUILIBRIA (1). Prerequisites, Chemistry 130 and two semesters of physical chemistry or permission of the instructor. Stability of macromolecules and their complexes with other molecules. Fall. Dokholyan. MWF, 11 – 11:50 am, 305 MEJ. (Check Biophysics website for specific dates for BIOC 144 – 158 modules).
• BIOC 678 ELECTRICAL SIGNALS FROM MACROMOLECULAR ASSEMBLAGES (2). Prerequisite, Biochemistry 147 or permission of course director. An intensive, six-hour-per-week introduction to the fundamentals of ion channel biophysics, including laboratory sessions to demonstrate principles and methods. Fall. Oxford (course director), Cheney, Rosenberg, Pallotta, Stuart. (Check Biophysics website for specific dates for BIOC 144 – 158 modules).
• BIOC 715 ORAL SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATION (1). A successful independent scientist should be able to present their own results in a clear and effective manner to a diverse scientific audience. Toward that end students earning a degree in Biochemistry & Biophysics participate in BIOC 715 over the course of two summers of their own choice. The format is a weekly 1-hour session from mid-May through the end of July. The first meeting is a lecture and discussion from the faculty on the elements of an effective seminar. In subsequent sessions rising fourth or fifth year students present a 30 minute seminar on their original research and attend seminars by the other speakers (once/week) to give anonymous written peer review. These students then register for credit in BIOC 715 in the subsequent fall semester. Rising second and third year students audit the course and provide reviews. Grades are assigned based on total participation over the course of the two summers. Post-doctoral researchers and Research Assistant Professors also give presentations and are asked to provide reviews, but do not take the course for credit. All seminars are advertised and open to the UNC community. Fall. Cook and Strahl.
• BIOC 805 MOLECULAR MODELING (3). Prerequisites, Mathematics 31, 32; Chemistry 181. Introduction to computer-assisted molecular design, techniques, and theory with an emphasis on the practical use of molecular mechanics and quantum mechanics programs. Fall. Tropsha (coordinator).

POSSIBLE ELECTIVE COURSES IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS
(this is not an exhaustive list of electives available)

• BIOL 624 DEVELOPMENTAL GENETICS (GNET 624) (3). Prerequisites, BIOL 202, 205, and permission of the instructor required of undergraduates. Genetic and molecular control of plant and animal development. Extensive reading from primary literature. Fall. Bautch, Reed.
• BIOL 642 CURRENT TOPICS IN CELL DIVISION (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 205. An advanced course in cell and molecular biology integrating genetic, biochemical, and structural aspects of the cell cycle. Principles derived from a variety of biological systems. Extensive reading of classic papers as well as recent literature. Spring. Bloom, Salmon.
• BMME 400 INTRODUCTION TO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (1). Seminar introducing students to biomedical engineering research, including literature search, faculty presentation of ongoing research, and student discussion of research papers. Fall. Quint.
• BMME 480 MICROCONTROLLER APPLICATIONS I (APPL 119) (3). Formerly Comp App I. Prerequisite, COMP 14. Introduction to digital computers for on-line, real-time processing and control of signals and systems. Programming analog and digital input and output devices using C and assembly language is stressed. Case studies are used as vehicles to present software design strategies for real-time laboratory systems. Fall.
• BMME 510 BIOMATERIALS (APPL 510) (3). Prerequisite, BIOL 101. Chemical, physical, engineering, and biocompatibility aspects of materials, devices, or systems for implantation in or interfacing with the body, cells, or tissues. Food and Drug Administration and legal aspects. Fall. Banes/Narayan.
• BMME 550 MEDICAL IMAGING: ULTRASONIC, OPTICAL, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE SYSTEMS (3). Prerequisites: PHYS 128, BMME 410, BMME 430, BMME 730, Statistics; or equivalents. Basic physics of X radiation, gamma radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultrasound are applied to medical imaging problems. Digital electronics, radiation interaction and detection, image analysis, and counting statistics are treated. Fall. (Alternate years). Gallippi.
• BMME 570 FROM GENES TO TISSUES: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS (4). Prerequisites, undergraduate organic chemistry (or biochemistry) and undergraduate biology (or with permission of instructor). An introduction to molecular, cell, and tissue biology for BME students covering molecular genetics, gene expression, self assembling mechanisms, metabolism, bioenergetics, cell organelles, regulation of growth and differentiation, and signaling. Fall. Banes.
• BMME 589 SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY FOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERS (5). Prerequisites, six hours of undergraduate biology or chemistry and permission of instructor. A graduate-level introduction to systems and organ physiology. Topics covered will include membrane structure and physiology, muscle physiology, central neural systems, cardiac electrophysiology, and endocrinology. Fall. Tommerdahl.
• BMME 600 BIOMATHEMATICAL MODELING I (3). Prerequisites, engineering-level mathematics, e.g., MATH 353, 528. Various approaches to mathematical modeling of biological systems will be considered. The major focus at the cellular level will be expanded to include examples in organs, organisms, and populations. Fall. Gomez.
• BMME 730 DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING II (3). Prerequisites, BMME 430, MATH 528, and BMME 450 or equivalent. Advanced techniques for analyzing biomedical systems and signals are presented, including signal characterization, pattern recognition, and parameter estimation. Examples from biomedical literature are studied. Spring. Favorov.
• BMME 765 BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION II (3). Prerequisite, BMME 465 or permission of the instructor. The fundamentals of interfacing microprocessor and microcomputers with physiological transducers. Practical circuit design problems are presented with biomedical applications. This course includes a laboratory and individual student projects. Fall. Hsiao.
• CBIO/BIOC 643 CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION A comprehensive lecture and discussion-based course covering research on membrane structure, membrane trafficking, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and ion channels. The final block of lectures will apply an understanding of these subjects to various "hot topics" in cell biology. During multiple class periods, the class will be divided into small groups to discuss current or classic papers and methodologies employed to explore problems in cell biology. Prerequisite: undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or permission of instructor. Fall MWF Course director: Ann Erickson.
• CBIO 891a CONTEMPORARY APPROACHES TO SOLVING BASIC PROBLEMS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. Organizational meeting will occur within the first two weeks of classes, Permission of Course Director. Analysis of grant proposals dealing with advanced topics in modern Cell Biology and/or Developmental Biology. (discussion) Vytas Bankaitis (course director) vytas@med.unc.edu ,Con Beckers, Patrick Brennwald, Doug Cyr.
  
  CBIO 893 ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY I 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. The course meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5:30 pm.
• GNET 631 ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY I: Advanced Molecular Biology I is a course for graduate students doing research in biomedical sciences. The course covers the most recent advances in the areas of: DNA and chromatin structures, Telomere and telomerase biochemistry, DNA replication, Recombination, Generation of antibody diversity, DNA repair, Cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis, The biological clock, and the interconnection of the cell cycle with the circadian cycle. The course is taught by three instructors, Drs. J. Griffith, D. Ramsden, and A. Sancar who conduct research on the topics that they cover in their lectures. The general philosophy of the course is, after laying the basic foundation of the relevant subject, to familiarize the students with the most current discoveries and problems in these fundamental topics of molecular biology. The goal is to provide the students a solid foundation in modern molecular biology. They will be able to critically evaluate current literature, and and integrate new concepts and methodologies in genetics and molecular biology into their own research. Prerequisites are at least one undergraduate course in both biochemistry and genetics or permission of the instructor. MWF 9:00am-9:50am.
• GNET 621 PRINCIPLES OF GENETIC ANALYSIS: This course covers basic genetic principles and how genetic analyses are used to address fundamental questions regarding the structure and function of cells and organisms. Topics include 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. Prerequisites are at least one undergraduate course in genetics. Shawn Ahmed is the course director, but several other faculty will participate. TR, 11:00am-12:15pm, F, 2:00pm-2:50pm.
• MCRO 614 IMMUNOBIOLOGY (3). Topics include immunochemistry; genetic mechanisms, and development of cells and cell interactions; hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, resistance to infection. Prerequisites, a strong background in molecular biology, eukaryotic genetics, and biochemistry and permission of instructor. MWF 11:00 -11:50.
• MCRO 630 VIROLOGY (4). Current concepts of the chemistry, structure, replication, genetics, and natural history of animal viruses and their host cells. Prerequisites, molecular biology and cell biology. MWF; 10:00 – 10:50.
• MCRO 635 MICROBIAL PATHOGENEIS I (3). Topics include bacterial physiology, genetics, signal transduction, gene regulation, and the localization of proteins in bacteria. Coursework in molecular biology and genetics and permission of instructor. TR 10 00 – 11:15
• NBIO 722 CELLULAR AND MOLCEULAR NEUROBIOLOGY - A series of 6 topical blocks of material taught by the resident faculty experts in the topic. Each block lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. The blocks cover the fundamentals of neurobiology, including methods, receptors and transmitters, electrical signaling, synaptic transmission and plasticity, postsynaptic signaling mechanisms, and neuroanatomy and systems. Six lecture/discussion hours per week. Fall. Stuart and staff.
• NBIO 724 DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY - This course focuses on neural development, including basic developmental biology, modern genetic approaches to studying development, and comparative molecular genetics related to development. Fall, Crews, Polleux and staff
• NBIO 729 INTEGRATIVE NEUROBIOLOGY Fundamentals of nervous system information processing and integration, with examples from sensory systems. Integrative operations are examined from the level of cells through higher brain functions. /Fall/, Manis and Staff
• NBIO 728 DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. In this course, a basic neuroscientist and a clinician are paired to lecture and lead discussion of original research literature on classes of disorders including neurodegenerative disorders, demyelinating disorders, schizophrenia, depression, ALS. Each disorder occupies a week with different faculty pairs participating. Fall, alternate years starting in 2003 Gilmore and staff.
• PATH 426 Biology of Blood Diseases (3 credits) MWF, 10:00-10:50, Bingham Hall 103. Prerequisite, Biology 205 or permission of the instructor. An introduction to the biology and pathophysiology of blood and the molecular mechanisms of some human diseases: anemias; leukemias; hemorrhagic, thrombotic, and vascular disorder: and HIV disease/AIDS. Contact Frank Church (966-3311), fchurch@email.unc.edu in Pathology for permission to register; this course is considered for both graduate students and upper-level (senior) undergraduates.
• PATH 713 MECHANISMS OF DISEASE (3 credits), MWF Noon-12:50, Bondurant Hall 2020. Prerequisite, cell biology, histology, or permission of the course director. A graduate course on cell injury and pathogenesis of disease with emphasis on basic mechanisms at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Contact Frank Church (966-3311), fchurch@email.unc.edu in Pathology for permission to register or for further information about the laboratory course.
• PATH 714L MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF DISEASE: LABORATORY I (2 credits), W 1:00-3:30, West B (Medical School). A graduate-level laboratory on basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, emphasizing cell and tissue-based examples of major disease mechanisms. Must either be enrolled in PATH 713 or have already had PATH 713, or with the permission of the instructor. Contact Virginia Godfrey (966-2903) in Pathology for permission to register or for further information about the laboratory course.
• PHCO 701 - INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY (2). An introductory course on the basic molecular principles of Pharmacology; includes Molecular Biology, Receptors/Ion channels, Signal Transduction, Drug/receptor interactions, and Pharmacokinetics. Fall. Siderovski/Trejo. (Offered on M/W from 9-10 a.m. in 1102 Mary Ellen Jones Bldg)
• PHCO 724 RAS SUPERFAMILY PROTEINS, SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND TRANSFORMATION (2). Seminar/discussion course covering recent advances in the role of these proteins in signaling and growth control. Fall. Cox/Der. (Offered on Fridays from 10-11:50 a.m. in 1102 Mary Ellen Jones Bldg.)
• PHCO 738 SEMINAR IN NANOMEDICINE (2). Nanomedicine is a rapidly growing area of science that involves the integration of nanotechnology and biomedical research. Fall. R. L. Juliano (Course Director). (Offered on Mondays from 4-6 p.m. in Caudill Hall 238--first class will start on Monday, August 20).
• PHYI 625 Stem Cells and Maturational Lineage Biology. Fall 4 credits. The lecture series will comprise general lectures, analyses and discussions of primary literature on stem cell and lineage biology, and research seminars by leaders in the fields of stem cell and maturational lineage biology. The themes to be presented include basic cell and molecular biological characterization of stem cells, regulation of self-replication versus lineage restriction and differentiation of cells, model systems used in studies of stem cells, and the relevance of it all to tissue formation, regeneration, disease states involving lineage-dependent pathogenic infections or mutation(s), and strategies for clinical therapies in regenerative medicine. In addition, there will be lectures on clinical and commercial programs involving stem cells. Course is webcast and also has student discussion sessions. Call department for full schedule.
• PHYI 703 Molecular, cellular and integrative physiology. Fall, 3 credits. Molecular and cellular basis of organ system function and integration of the organ systems to maintain the normal state. The first block, available as a 1-credit module, covers electrical signaling and synaptic transmission in a manner suitable for the student who wants a strong understanding but is not headed to neurobiology or who wants good preparation for PHYI 722C (electrical signaling in neurobiology). The cardiovascular-renal-respiratory block is also available as a 1-credit module. Additional topics include introductions to sensory nervous system function, mouse models, endocrinology, and analysis of complex traits. Understanding of normal physiology is amplified by examples from human disease and mouse models. An excellent companion course to PATH 715. Tentative time: 930-1045 TTH.
• PHYI 722A, 722B and 722C. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. Fall, 2 credits, each section. Permission of Instructor required. See full description under NBIO 722.
• PHYI 751, Seminar in Cell and Molecular Physiology. Fall, 1 credit. A weekly seminar series brings outstanding research scientists to the campus. 12 MWF
• TOXC 707 ADVANCED TOXICOLOGY (3). Prerequisite, TOXC or PHCO 702 or permission of the course director. Cellular and physiological basis of toxicity of environmental chemicals, with emphasis on inhalation toxicology, developmental toxicology, immunotoxicology, radiation toxicology, renal toxicology, and neurotoxicology. Three lecture hours per week. Fall. Toxicology faculty: Swenberg (course director). MWF, 9:00AM-9:50AM