BIOL-Biology Molecular Cell and Developmental

Accelerated introduction to biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics, with an emphasis on class discussion and problem solving. Students must have a solid foundation in general chemistry and high school biology. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 20A. This course is equivalent to course 20A for prerequisites and major requirements. Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1B. Students must apply for admission to this course. Admittance based on scores on the biology and chemistry placement exam and performance in Chemistry 1B. AP biology and chemistry credit will also be taken into account.

Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students isolate and characterize both the structure and genome of a unique bacteriophage. Students gain experience in basic sterile technique, solution, manipulation of DNA, and bioinformatic analysis of a new genome. Enrollment restricted to first-year students and sophomores. Enrollment by online application and permission of instructor.

Introduces students to the principles of health care organizations, including how they are paid for, and examines social constructions of health care in the U.S. Key concepts include access, quality of care, and cultural competence; also features hands-on research. Recommended for health science majors and community studies majors focusing on health. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 89. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; enrollment by permission of instructor at first class meeting.

Fundamental aspects of cell biology explored through experimentation in a modern laboratory setting. Research topics include the structure and function of biological membranes; intracellular transport and organelle biogenesis; the cell cycle; and the cytoskeleton.

Techniques of current immunology applicable to both cellular and humoral mechanisms.

The physiology and biochemistry of endocrine glands and their secretions. Students learn techniques such as radioimmuno and radioreceptor assays, protein hormone purification, electrophoresis, organ cultures, and endocrine gland ablation surgery and immunoprecipitation.

A genetics laboratory course using the nematode C. elegans as a model organism to understand the development and function of the nervous system. Comprehensive research projects are designed to teach the basic methodology and principles of genetic analysis.

Field, laboratory, and computer studies emphasizing problem solving in ecology. Must be taken concurrently with course 160.

Overview of evolutionary systematics: morphological and molecular characteristics, species concepts, biogeographic patterns, cladistics, molecular systematics, and nomenclature. Laboratories include character acquisition, databasing, phylogenetic reconstruction and work in collections of the California Academy of Sciences. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 277. A taxon-based upper-division course is recommended as preparation.

Provides hands-on experience in embryonic stem cell culture methods and techniques. Students grow and passage mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and perform established protocols that differentiate mES cells into cardiac muscle cells and neurons. Enrollment is restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by permission.

Covers the application of modern research techniques to unanswered questions in human molecular genetics. Especially designed for self-motivated students interested in scientific discovery. Admission by permission of instructor.

Covers the application of modern research techniques to unanswered questions in human molecular genetics. Especially designed for self-motivated students interested in scientific discovery. Admission by permission of instructor.

Virus infections of animal cells, including mechanisms of virus entry into cells, viral protein biogenesis, immune responses to viruses, pathogenesis of viral infections, latency, virus evolution, interference with virus infection, vaccine development. Intense discussion and student participation. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 112.

Analysis and discussion of selected topics in endocrinology. Qualified advanced undergraduate students may enroll by permission of instructor.