BIOL - Biology Molecular Cell and Developmental

BIOL 15 Undergraduate Research Reports

Undergraduate students who work in faculty research laboratories present the results of their projects. Organized by the Minority Undergraduate Research Program and the Minority Access to Research Careers Program. Designed for students with membership in the above-mentioned programs. Prerequisite(s): qualifications as determined by instructor at first class meeting.

Credits

1

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

BIOL 20A Cell and Molecular Biology

Introduction to biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics.

Credits

5

Instructor

John Tamkun, Melissa Jurica, Guido Bordignon

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1A or CHEM 4A.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 20L Experimental Biology Laboratory

Provides biology majors with the theory and practice of experimental biology. A wide range of concepts and techniques used in the modern laboratory are included in the exercises. Designed to satisfy the introductory biology lab requirement of many medical and professional schools.

Credits

2

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOE 20B.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

BIOL 80A Female Physiology and Gynecology

Biochemical, medical, social, and clinical aspects of the female body. Emphasis will be on biological-chemical interactions in the female organs. Topics include female anatomy, cell physiology, endocrine functions, sexuality and intimacy, sexually transmitted diseases, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, birth control, abortion, immunity, cancer.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

General Education Code

SI

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 80J Biology of Emerging and Pandemic Diseases

Designed to introduce non-biology majors to the biology of viruses, the human immune system, HIV/AIDS, and emerging viral pandemics. Also explores vaccine technology and viral mediated therapies. Social, political, and economic influences of HIV and other viral pandemics discussed.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

General Education Code

PE-T

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 86 Research Deconstruction: MCD Biology

Explores scientific principles and logic through research seminars in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Additional topics may include diseases, stem cell biology, and other medically relevant areas in biomedical research. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 3 or equivalent (i.e., mathematics placement examination score), and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to first-year, sophomore, and junior students. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor.

Credits

3

Instructor

Joshua Arribere, Guido Bordignon

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

BIOL 88 Studies in Medicine: Its Art, History, Science, and Philosophy

An interdisciplinary, multicultural, and historical perspective of medicine focused primarily upon therapy and practice to achieve better understanding of the scope, practice, and limits or medicine.

Credits

5

Instructor

Grant Hartzog

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

General Education Code

SI

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 100 Biochemistry

Introduction to biochemistry including biochemical molecules, protein structure and function, membranes, bioenergetics, and regulation of biosynthesis. Provides students with basic essentials of modern biochemistry and the background needed for upper-division biology courses. Students who desire a more in-depth exposure to biochemistry should consider taking the BIOC 100A/BIOC 100B/BIOC 100C series as an alternative. Students cannot receive credit for this course after they have completed the BIOC 100A, BIOC 100B, and BIOC 100C sequence.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jeremy Lee, Joshua Arribere

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; and CHEM 8B.

Quarter offered

Winter, Spring

BIOL 100L Biochemistry Laboratory

Basic techniques and principles of laboratory biochemistry including isolation and characterization of a natural product, manipulation of proteins and nucleic acids to demonstrate basic physical and chemical properties; and characterization of enzyme substrate interactions.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 100L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L or METX 119L.

BIOL 101 Molecular Biology

Covers the basic molecular mechanism of DNA replication and transcription, protein synthesis, and gene regulation in bacterial and eukaryotic organisms. The experimental techniques used to determine these mechanisms are emphasized.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jordan Ward, Carol Greider

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100. Enrollment is restricted to Biology B.S., Human Biology B.S., Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology B.S., and Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor.

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

BIOL 101L Molecular Biology Laboratory

Laboratory course providing hands-on experience with, and covering conceptual background in, fundamental techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry, including DNA cloning, PCR, restriction digest, gel electrophoresis, protein isolation, protein quantification, protein immunoblot (Western) analysis, and use of online bioinformatics tools.

Credits

2

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20L or BIOL 102J or BIOL 107J; and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101; or BIOC 100A and BIOC 100B is required. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 102L or BIOL 107L. Enrollment is restricted to biochemistry and molecular biology, biology B.S., molecular, cell, and developmental biology, and neuroscience majors.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 102J Toxic RNA Lab I

Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students will create models of a unique uncharacterized disease causing mutation using site directed mutagenesis. An understanding of introductory molecular biology and genetics required. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors with sophomore standing or higher. Enrollment by application and permission of instructor.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jeremy Sanford

BIOL 102L Toxic RNA Lab II

Introduces hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students create models of a unique uncharacterized disease causing mutation and determine how it impacts the process of pre-mRNA splicing. An understanding of introductory molecular biology and genetics is required. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A; and BIOL 20L or BIOL 102J. Enrollment is restricted to sophomore, junior, and senior biological sciences and affiliated majors. Enrollment is by application and permission of the instructor.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jeremy Sanford

General Education Code

PR-E

BIOL 103L Toxic RNA Lab III

Introduces hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students create models of a unique, uncharacterized, disease-causing mutation and determine how it impacts the process of pre-mRNA splicing. An understanding of introductory molecular biology and genetics is required. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 102J and BIOL 102L and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors majoring in biology, molecular, cell, and developmental biology, neuroscience, human biology, and biochemistry and molecular biology. Enrollment is by application and permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 103L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 186L or METX 119L.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jeremy Sanford

BIOL 104L Coronavirus Bioinformatics Lab

The overall objective of this lab is to apply bioinformatic tools to analyze the structure, function, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic). Students experience using web-based tools to retrieve and annotate genetic sequences, align sequences from related species, perform phylogenetic analyses, design sequence-based diagnostic protocols, and perform three-dimensional protein structure analyses.

Credits

2

Requirements

Prerequisites: BME 105 or BIOL 105; and BIOC 100A or BIOL 100; and BIOL 20L or BIOL 101L. It is assumed that students have minimal level exposure to bioinformatic/sequence analysis tools prior to this course. Students who have taken BME 110 should not enroll in this lab. Enrollment is restricted to biology B.S., biochemistry and molecular biology, human biology, molecular, cell and developmental biology, and neuroscience majors.

BIOL 105 Genetics

Mendelian and molecular genetics; mechanisms of heredity, mutation, recombination, and gene action.

Credits

5

Instructor

Giulia Gurun, Upasna Sharma, Jeremy Lee

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

BIOL 105L Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory

Classical and newly developed molecular-genetic techniques used to explore genetic variation in wild populations of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Topics include Mendelian fundamentals, mapping, design of genetic screens, bio-informatic and database analysis, genetic enhancers, and population genetics.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L; BIOL 105; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition Requirements. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students may not enroll in BIOL 105L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L or METX 119L.

BIOL 106L Eukaryotic Genetic Engineering

Lab course focusing on teaching students specific molecular genetic methods such as Phenotype analysis, Cloning, PCR, Expression analysis, CRISPR/Cas9-based Gene insertions, Protein Blots, etc., for the genetic manipulation of model organisms.

Credits

5

Instructor

Rohinton Kamakaka

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L; BIOL 105; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology BS ; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors.  Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 106L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L or METX 119L.

BIOL 107J Synthetic Gene Regulation Lab I

Goal-driven research laboratory. Students collectively formulate a goal and design experiments to achieve their objectives. Students develop molecular tools and use these and other methods to investigate various aspects of gene silencing in eukaryotes. An understanding of introductory molecular biology is required. Prerequisites: CHEM 1B and BIOL 20A. Students who have taken BIOL 102J or BIOL 20L cannot enroll in BIOL 107J. Completion of BIOL 107J is required to enroll in BIOL 107L. Enrollment is by permission and is restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Credits

5

Instructor

Rohinton Kamakaka

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 107L Synthetic Gene Regulation Lab II

The Synthetic Gene regulation course is a goal-oriented research laboratory. Students are given a project and discuss and design experiments to reach that aim. Students develop molecular tools and use these and other methods to investigate various aspects of gene silencing in eukaryotes. An understanding of introductory biology and genetics is required. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 107J. Completion of BIOL 107L is necessary to enroll in BIOL 108L. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor and is restricted to sophomore, junior, and senior biology B.S., molecular, cell, and developmental biology, biochemistry and molecular biology majors and proposed majors.

Credits

5

Instructor

Rohinton Kamakaka

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 108L Synthetic Gene Regulation Lab III

The Synthetic Gene regulation course is a goal-oriented research laboratory. Students will be given a project and will discuss and design experiments to reach that aim. Students will develop molecular tools and will use these and other methods to investigate various aspects of gene silencing in eukaryotes. An understanding of introductory biology and genetics is required. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 107L and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition is required. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 108L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 186L and METX 119L. Enrollment by permission of instructor.

Credits

5

Instructor

Rohinton Kamakaka

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 109L Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory

Using budding yeast as a eukaryotic model organism, this laboratory provides practical experience in classic and modern molecular biology techniques and experimental genetic and epigenetic methods, alongside developing strong scientific analysis, interpretation and communication skills. Topics include mendelian genetics, linkage, gene replacement, chromatin immunoprecipitation and gene function assays.

Credits

5

Instructor

Gurun Giulia

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 and BIOL 101; or BIOC 100A and BIOC 100B; and BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L or BIOL 107L; and BIOL 105. Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 109L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L, and METX 119L.

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 110 Cell Biology

Covers the structure, organization, and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics include biological membranes, organelles, protein and vesicular trafficking, cellular interactions, the cytoskeleton, and signal transduction. Requires a good understanding of basic biochemistry and molecular biology.

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 and BIOL 101, or BIOC 100A and BIOC 100B; and BIOL 105; and BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L or BIOL 20L. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Human Biology, and Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor.

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

BIOL 111A Immunology I

Principles and concepts of the innate and adaptive immune systems, with emphasis on mechanisms of action and molecular and cellular networks. The development, differentiation, and maturation of cells of the immune system are also discussed.

Credits

5

Instructor

Susan Carpenter

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): courses BIOE 20B, BIOL 20A, BIOL 105, and BIOL 110.

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 111B Immunology II

The immune system in health and disease, including failures of host immune-defense mechanisms, allergy and hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation biology, the immune response to tumors, immune-system interactions with pathogens, and manipulation of the immune response.

Credits

5

Instructor

Martha Zuniga

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 111A.

BIOL 112 Virology

Principles of virology illustrated through study of specific examples. Topics include: viral genome organization, viral assembly, virus-host interactions, genetic diversity of viruses, viral ecology, and the epidemiology of viral diseases. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 and BIOL 110 and consent of instructor.

Credits

3

Instructor

Martha Zuniga

BIOL 113 Principles of Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease across human populations; it is the basic science of public health. This course introduces students to the principles and methodologies of public health epidemiology. Students read, analyze, and discuss epidemiological data. This course is intended for undergraduate students majoring in global and community health.

Credits

5

Instructor

Valerie Cortez

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): STAT 5, or STAT 7 and STAT 7L.

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 114 Cancer Cell Biology

Focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cancer. Topics covered include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell growth genes, checkpoint genes, telomeres, and apoptosis. Students will gain experience in reading the primary scientific literature.

Credits

5

Instructor

Shaheen Sikander

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110 or BIOL 115.

General Education Code

TA

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 115 Eukaryotic Molecular Biology

Covers eukaryotic gene and genome organization; DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; regulation of gene expression; chromosome structure and organization; and the application of recombinant DNA technology to the study of these topics.

Credits

5

Instructor

Hanns Boeger

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 101 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 105; and BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors, non-majors by permission of instructor.

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 115L Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory

A laboratory designed to provide students with direct training in basic molecular techniques. Each laboratory is a separate module which together builds to allow cloning, isolation, and identification of a nucleic acid sequence from scratch. Students are billed a materials fee of $125.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition Requirements; and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 101 or BIOL 115. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 115L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L or METX 119L.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 116 Advanced Topics in Cell Biology

Advanced course in cell biology featuring small-classroom discussion of topics related to the structure and function of cells and their organelles. Emphasis is given to experimental strategies used in cell biology research. Requires discussion of scientific literature and student-led presentations.

Credits

3

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110. Enrollment is restricted to senior human biology, molecular, cell, and developmental biology, and neuroscience majors. Other majors by permission of instructor.

BIOL 117 Global Health and Neglected Diseases

Neglected tropical diseases afflict more than 1 billion of the poorest individuals on the planet. Course covers the molecular basis and pathology of the most prevalent neglected diseases and emerging strategies to combat these diseases.

Credits

5

Instructor

William Sullivan

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110. Enrollment is restricted to senior human biology, molecular, cell, and developmental biology, and neuroscience majors. Other majors by permission of instructor.

BIOL 118 Principles of Human Genetics

Overview of human and medical genetics covering the molecular basis of genetic disease, quantitative methodologies utilized in calculation of genetic risk, and genetic testing and counseling. Includes discussion of ethical issues in genetics and genomic medicine.

Credits

5

Instructor

Olena Vaske

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): STAT 5, or STAT 7 and STAT 7L; BIOL 105 or BME 105; and BIOL 101 or BIOL 115. Enrollment is restricted to biology B.S.; human biology; neuroscience; and molecular, cell, and developmental biology majors. Other students may enroll with instructor permission.

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 120 Developmental Biology

A description and analysis of selected developmental events in the life cycle of animals. Experimental approaches to understanding mechanisms are emphasized.

Credits

5

Instructor

Zhu Wang

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110.

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 120L Development Laboratory

Experimental studies of animal development using a variety of locally obtainable organisms. Approximately eight hours weekly, but it will often be necessary to monitor continuing experiments throughout the week.

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 120 is required. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 120L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L, and METX 119L.

BIOL 121L Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory

Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students isolate a unique bacteriophage and characterize its structure and genome. An understanding of molecular biology and basic genetics is required. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 101L or BIOL 102L; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors.   Enrollment is by application and permission of instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 121L after receiving credit with a "C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 129L, BIOL 186L or METX 119L.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

BIOL 124 Optical Imaging for Biological Research

Covers the theory and application of light microscopy in a non-mathematical way. Course starts with basic optics, introduces the working principles of various microscopes, and discusses recent innovations in imaging techniques with an emphasis on neuroscience applications.

Credits

3

Instructor

Yi Zuo

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): PHYS 5B or PHYS 6B; and BIOL 110.

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 125 Introduction to Neuroscience

The structure and function of the nervous system. Topics include elementary electrical principles, biophysics and physiology of single nerve and muscle cells, signal transduction at synapses, development of the nervous system, and neural basis of behavior. Requires a good understanding of basic biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology.

Credits

5

Instructor

David Feldheim, Euiseok Kim

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, and BIOE 20B; and BIOL 100, or BIOC 100A and BIOC 100B.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter

BIOL 126 Neural Plasticity and Cognitive Neuroscience

Focuses on the dynamic aspect of the nervous system and how it subserves various cognitive functions. Starting with synaptic plasticity, students explore the neural circuit mechanisms underlying various cognitive functions and how they go astray in neurological disorders. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 226. (Formerly Advanced Molecular Neuroscience.)

Credits

5

Instructor

Yi Zuo

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 125. Enrollment is restricted to neuroscience majors and proposed majors.

General Education Code

TA

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 127 Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Disease

Focuses on cellular and molecular processes that underlie neurodegenerative diseases. Includes lectures, student oral presentations, discussions, a term paper, and exams.

Credits

5

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110.

General Education Code

TA

BIOL 128 Developmental Neurobiology

Covers the principles of nervous-system development from the molecular control of development, cell-cell interactions, to the role of experience in influencing brain structure and function. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 228.

Credits

5

Instructor

Bin Chen

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110 and BIOL 125. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors.

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 129A Advanced Topics in System Neuroscience

Covers the principles and applications of a wide spectrum of modern approaches in systems neuroscience. Students read and analyze the original literature describing these techniques and exemplary works that utilize the techniques to address important neurobiological questions.

Credits

5

Instructor

Yi Zuo

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 126, BIOL 129L; students cannot enroll in BIOL 129A after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 129B. Enrollment is restricted to seniors and graduate students.

General Education Code

TA

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 129B Advanced Topics in Developmental Neurobiology

Covers current research topics and methods in the field of developmental neurobiology. Students read, analyze, and discuss original research articles related to the development of the nervous system. Intended for upper-level undergraduate students majoring in neuroscience.

Credits

5

Instructor

Bin Chen

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 125 and BIOL 128; students cannot enroll in BIOL 129B after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 129A. Enrollment is restricted to seniors.

General Education Code

TA

BIOL 129C Advanced Topics in Nervous System Disorders

Provides a basic introduction to the fundamental aspects of common diseases affecting the central nervous system and current methods used to treat them. Students read, analyze, and discuss original research articles related to nervous system disorders. To facilitate in-class discussion and presentation, enrollment is limited to 30 students.

Credits

5

Instructor

David Feldheim

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 125; students cannot enroll in BIOL 129C after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 129A or BIOL 129B. Enrollment is restricted to seniors majoring in neuroscience.

General Education Code

TA

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 129L Neurobiology Lab

Laboratory course giving students experience with electrophysiological, molecular, microscopic, and behavioral techniques used to analyze the function of nervous systems. Students gain experience with collecting and analyzing neurobiological data and presenting their results in written, oral, and visual presentation formats. Students also learn to critically read and analyze primary literature in neurobiology and to use the knowledge they gain to develop their own research proposal.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jeremy Lee

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 and BIOL 101, or BIOC 100A and BIOC 100B; and BIOL 125; and STAT 5, or STAT 7 and STAT 7L. Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to declared Neuroscience B.S. majors. Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 129L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 186L and METX 119L.

Quarter offered

Winter, Spring

BIOL 130 Human Physiology

Function, organization, and regulation of the major organ systems of humans, with emphasis on integration among systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 131.

Credits

5

Instructor

Giulia Gurun

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110.

Quarter offered

Winter, Spring

BIOL 130L Human Physiology Laboratory

Examines fundamental principles of systemic physiology focusing on the human. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 131L.

Credits

2

Instructor

Giulia Gurun

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110; BIOL 20L or 102J; and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL130 is required.Satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission.

Quarter offered

Winter, Spring

BIOL 140 The RNA World

This active-learning course explores the origins, evolution, and functions of ribonucleic acid (RNA), including ribozymes, ribosomes, IRNAs, spliceosomes, riboswitches, messenger RNA, microRNAs, snRNAs, snoRNAs, and other guide RNAs, CRISPR, long noncoding RNAs, retrotransposons, and RNA viruses.

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 or BME 105, and BIOL 101.

BIOL 186F Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology

Supervised undergraduate research in laboratory of an MCD biology faculty member accompanied by weekly lectures on ethical and practical scientific issues. Topics include: laboratory safety; the scientific method; the collection, treatment, and presentation of data; critical evaluation of scientific literature; scientific misconduct; and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for admission to graduate and professional schools, are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 20L or BIOL 102J; and previous completion of the Disciplinary Communication requirement. Each enrolled student must have a committed MCD faculty sponsor by the first class meeting. Enrollment is restricted to biology and affiliated majors.

Credits

2

Instructor

Martha Zuniga, Doug Kellogg

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 186L Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology

Supervised undergraduate research in laboratory of an MCD biology faculty member accompanied by weekly lectures on ethical and practical scientific issues. Topics include: laboratory safety; the scientific method; the collection, treatment, and presentation of data; critical evaluation of scientific literature; scientific misconduct; and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for admission to graduate and professional schools, are also discussed. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 20L or BIOL 102J. Each enrolled student must have a committed MCD faculty sponsor by the first class meeting. Enrollment is restricted to declared Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biology B.S.; Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuroscience B.S. majors.  Other majors may enroll by permission of the instructor. Students cannot enroll in BIOL 186L after receiving credit with a 'C' or better in BIOL 100L, BIOL 103L, BIOL 105L, BIOL 106L, BIOL 108L, BIOL 109L, BIOL 115L, BIOL 120L, BIOL 121L, BIOL 129L, or METX 119L.

Credits

5

Instructor

Martha Zuniga, Doug Kellogg

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 186R Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology

Supervised undergraduate research in the laboratory of an MCD biology faculty member accompanied by weekly lectures on practical scientific issues. Topics include: laboratory safety; the scientific method; the collection, treatment, and presentation of data; critical evaluation of scientific literature; ethics and scientific misconduct; and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for admission to graduate and professional schools, are discussed. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 186L. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 20L or BIOL 102J; and previous completion of the Disciplinary Communication requirement. Each enrolled student must have a committed MCD faculty sponsor by the first class. Enrollment is restricted to MCD Biology-affiliated majors.

Credits

5

Instructor

Martha Zuniga, Doug Kellogg

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 188 A Life in Medicine

Students explore healthcare from the perspectives of both clinicians and patients. The class focuses on medicine's cognitive, emotional, and spiritual elements, with the goal of understanding the rewards and costs of healthcare practice.

Credits

3

Instructor

The Staff

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior human biology majors, and others by permission of instructor.

General Education Code

PR-E

Quarter offered

Fall, Spring

BIOL 189 Health Sciences Internship

Structured off-campus learning experience providing experience and pre-professional mentoring in a variety of health-related settings. Interns are trained and supervised by a professional at their placement and receive academic guidance from their faculty sponsor. Students spend 8 hours per week at their placement, participate in required class meetings on campus, and keep a reflective journal. Enrollment is by application. Students interview with health sciences internship coordinator; applications are due one quarter in advance to the Health Sciences Internship Office. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 189W is required. Enrollment is restricted to human biology majors.

Credits

3

Instructor

Martha Zuniga, John Tamkun

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

BIOL 189W Disciplinary Communication: Human Biology

Writing-intensive course offered in conjunction with the health sciences internship. Weekly class meetings include academic guidance and mentoring as well as discussion of the mechanisms and conventions of academic writing about heath and health care. Students complete multiple writing assignments, culminating in a term paper in the format of a scholarly article. Enrollment is by application. Students interview with the health-sciences internship coordinator; applications are due one quarter in advance to the Health Care Sciences Internship Office. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Previous or concurrent enrollment in course 189 is required. Enrollment is restricted to human biology majors.

Credits

3

Instructor

Manuel Ares

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

BIOL 195 Senior Thesis Research

An individually supervised course, with emphasis on independent research, to culminate in a senior thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 198 Independent Field Study

Provides for individual programs of study (a) by means other than the usual supervision in person, or (b) when the student is doing all or most of the coursework off campus. With permission of the department, may be repeated for credit, or two or three courses taken concurrently. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 198F Independent Field Study

Provides for two credits of independent field study (a) by means other than the usual supervision in person, or (b) when the student is doing all or most of the coursework off campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

2

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 199 Tutorial

Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected biological topics, using facilities normally available on campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 199F Tutorial

Two-credit Tutorial. Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected biological topics, using facilities normally available on campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

2

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 200A Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature

Development of critical thinking skills via discussion of research articles on a broad range of topics. Prepares students to critically evaluate research publications, and improves their ability to organize effective oral presentations and to evaluate the oral presentations of other scientists.

Credits

5

Instructor

Jordan Ward, Carol Greider

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in MCD biology, or by permission of instructor.

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 200B Advanced Molecular Biology

An in-depth coverage of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Discussion of the roles of macromolecules in the regulation of information in the cell.

Credits

5

Instructor

Alan Zahler, Melissa Jurica, Hanns Boeger

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 200C Advanced Cell Biology

An in-depth coverage of topics in cellular and subcellular organization, structure, and function in plants and animals. Emphasis on current research problems.

Credits

5

Instructor

Douglas Kellogg, William Saxton, Needhi Bhalla

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 200D Developmental Biology

Key topics in developmental biology, including developmental genetics, epigenetics, stem cell biology, and developmental neurobiology. Lectures are accompanied by critical analysis and discussion of recent publications.

Credits

5

Instructor

Susan Strome, Bin Chen, Zhu Wang

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in MCD biology, or by permission of instructor.

BIOL 200E Experimental Design

A multidisciplinary course that focuses on topics to consider when tackling biomedical research questions experimentally. Lectures highlight important issues to take into account, are coupled with group discussions and intensive analysis of primary literature, and involve case studies to practically demonstrate how how these considerations might be implemented.

Credits

3

Instructor

Needhi Bhalla

Requirements

Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 200A is required.

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 200F Logic and Approaches to Scientific Discovery

Multidisciplinary course with an emphasis on discussion of approaches and methods involved in the study of biological questions. Lectures focus on current gaps in our knowledge of topics and approaches to test models and hypotheses. Course focuses on current topics in RNA and DNA molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, stem cells, neurobiology, and genomics. Lectures coupled with small group discussions and written assignments.

Credits

5

Instructor

Yi Zuo

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200A or METX 200 or CHEM 200A or BME 205. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 201 RNA Processing

An advanced graduate-level course on biological aspects of RNA function and processing in eukaryotes. Lectures and discussions will be developed using the current literature.

Credits

5

Instructor

Manuel Ares, Melissa Jurica

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B or permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 203 Ribosomes and Translation

Covers the field of ribosome research in depth, including the structure and function of ribosomes and the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. Begins with historical review of the ribosome field and proceeds to the most recent findings. Focus is on central questions: (1) How is the accuracy of the aminoacyl-tRNA selection determined? (2) What is accommodation? (3) What is the mechanism of peptide bond formation (peptidyl transferase)? (4) What is the mechanism of translocation? (5) What are the mechanistic roles of the ribosome and translation factor EF-G in translocation? (6) To what extent is the mechanism of translation determined by RNA? (7) Why is RNA so well suited for the ribosome? (8) How did translation evolve from an RNA world?

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOC 100A, BIOL 200B or permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 204 Chromatin

Eukaryotic DNA is complexed with histones to form chromatin. This course focuses on the ways in which chromatin influences and is manipulated to regulate gene expression

Credits

5

Instructor

Grant Hartzog, John Tamkun

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and BIOL 115; undergrads by permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 205 Epigenetics

In-depth coverage of epigenetics focusing on how alterations in chromatin structure and DNA methylation establish and maintain heritable states of gene expression. Lectures are supplemented with critical discussion of recent publications.

Credits

5

Instructor

John Tamkun, Susan Strome

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and BIOL 115, or permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 206 Introduction to Stem Cell Biology

Fundamental concepts, experimental approaches, and current advances in stem cell biology, with consideration of key ethical issues. Topics include: self-renewal and differentiation; the microenvironment; epigenetics; cell-cycle regulation; and how basic research translates to medical therapeutics. Ethical, moral, and political issues surrounding stem cell research are discussed with lectures from philosophy and other relevant disciplines.

Credits

5

Instructor

William Sullivan

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 206L Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology

Provides students with hands-on experience in embryonic stem cell culture methods.

Credits

5

Instructor

David Feldheim, Yi Zuo

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor.

BIOL 208 Cellular Signaling Mechanisms

All eukaryotic cells utilize intricate signaling pathways to control such diverse events as cell-cell communication, cell division, and changes in cell morphology. This course covers the molecular basis of these cellular signaling pathways, focusing on the most current research.

Credits

5

Instructor

Douglas Kellogg

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 110, and BIOL 115. Enrollment is restricted to seniors and graduate students.

BIOL 214 Advances in Cancer Biology

Provides students with knowledge of the latest concepts in cancer biology and cancer therapeutics, and a general appreciation of the rapid advances being made in this area of biomedicine.

Credits

5

Instructor

Lindsay Hinck

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B or by permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 215 Applied Statistics for Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

For experimental biologists: focuses on resolving practical statistical issues typically encountered in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology lab research. No prior experience in statistics or programming is necessary.

Credits

5

Instructor

Dan Turner-Evans

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 217 Influence of Environment and Experience on Brain Development

How environmental factors (animals' experiences, environmental toxins, etc.) affect the formation of neuronal circuits and brain function. Lectures and discussions use current literature.

Credits

5

Instructor

Donald Smith, Yi Zuo

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200A, BIOL 200B, BIOL 200C, and BIOL 200D, or by permission of the instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 218 CRISPR/Cas Technologies

Provides an overview of the continually emerging roles for CRISPR in biomedical research. Topics will include an overview of the CRISPR genome defense systems in bacteria, the mechanisms of DNA cleavage and repair, the many uses of CRISPR as a genome editing tool in model organisms, and discussions on the ethical use of the technology in precision medicine.

Credits

5

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200A, BIOL 200B, and BIOL 200C. Enrollment restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 220 STEM Outreach

Trains students how to plan, design, and develop STEM outreach programs. Outreach proposals focused on engaging communities from under-represented backgrounds.

Credits

2

Instructor

Rohinton Kamakaka

BIOL 226 Advanced Molecular Neuroscience

Basis of neural behavior at the cellular, molecular and system levels. First half of course focuses on cellular, molecular, and developmental aspects of the nervous system and covers two sensory systems: olfaction and auditory. Last half of course concerns higher-level functions of the nervous system, such as processing and integrating information. Discusses human diseases and disorders. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 126.

Credits

5

Instructor

Yi Zuo

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Quarter offered

Spring

BIOL 228 Developmental Neurobiology

Covers the principles of nervous-system development from the molecular control of development, and cell-cell interactions, to the role of experience in influencing brain structure and function. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 128. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students and by permission of the instructor.

Credits

5

Instructor

Bin Chen

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 230 Grant Writing in the Biomedical Sciences

Introduction to the fundamentals of grant writing in biomedical research, including best practices for presentation of data and communication of research findings. Participants write and peer-edit most components of the NIH Ruth Kirschstein F31/F32 pre- or post-doctoral fellowship.

Credits

5

Instructor

Lindsay Hinck, Susan Carpenter

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Quarter offered

Winter

BIOL 247 Stem Cell Research: Scientific, Ethical, Social, and Legal Issues

Investigates the scientific, ethical, social, and legal dimensions of human embryonic stem-cell research, including the moral status of the embryo; the concept of respect for life; ethical constraints on oocyte procurement; creation of embryonic chimeras; federal policies; and political realities. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 247. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Course in stem cell biology (ex: BME 278 Stem Cell Research) or the equivalent knowledge. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Credits

2

Cross Listed Courses

BME 247

Instructor

Lindsay Hinck

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): Course in stem cell biology (ex: BME 278 Stem Cell Research) or the equivalent knowledge. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 280A Topics in Research on Molecular Genetics of Yeast

Intensive research seminar on the structure and function of the gene expression machinery in the simple eukaryote Saccharomyces cervisiae and its relationship to the human gene expression machinery.

Credits

2

Instructor

Manuel Ares

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with approval of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280B Chromatin Structure and Transcriptional Regulation

Weekly seminar on structure and gene regulatory function of chromatin. Discusses research of participants and relevant scientific literature.

Credits

2

Instructor

Hanns Boeger

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280C Mammalian Brain Development

Seminar covers research into the development of the mammalian brain.

Credits

2

Instructor

Bin Chen

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280D RNA Processing

A discussion of current research and literature concerning the regulation of precursor messenger RNA processing.

Credits

2

Instructor

Alan Zahler

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280E Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics

Intensive course on the molecular mechanisms underlying homolog pairing, synapses, and recombination; and how they are regulated, coordinated, and monitored to ensure accurate meiotic chromosome segregation.

Credits

2

Instructor

Needhi Bhalla

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280F Development of Vertebrate Neural Connections

Intensive research seminar on molecular mechanisms by which neural connections are established during mouse development. Special focus on topographic maps and role of Eph receptors and ephrins in this process.

Credits

2

Instructor

David Feldheim

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280G Physiology of the Developing Brain

Research seminar covering circuit structure and function in the developing brain.

Credits

2

Instructor

James Ackman

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll by permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280H Topics on Research into Chromatin and Transcription

Seminar covering research into the effects of chromatin on transcription in yeast.

Credits

2

Instructor

Grant Hartzog

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280I Epigenetic Gene Silencing and Insulators

Intensive course on molecular mechanisms by which insulator elements regulate epigenetic gene silencing.

Credits

2

Instructor

Rohinton Kamakaka

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280J Structures of Macromolecular Complexes

Focuses on structure and function of the spliceosome using electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography. Participants present results from their own research and relevant journal articles.

Credits

2

Instructor

Melissa Jurica

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280K Topics in Cell Cycle Research

An intensive seminar focusing on current research on the molecular mechanisms that control cell division. Participants are required to present results of their own research or to review journal articles of interest.

Credits

2

Instructor

Douglas Kellogg

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280L Development

Seminar covering research into breast development and cancer.

Credits

2

Instructor

Lindsay Hinck

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280M Post-Transcriptional Control of Mammalian Gene Expression

Intensive course on the molecular mechanisms by which RNA binding proteins regulate gene expression.

Credits

2

Instructor

Jeremy Sanford

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with the permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280N Long Noncoding RNA and the Immune System

Weekly seminar discussion of the current research and literature concerning the functions for long noncoding RNA in gene regulation within inflammatory signaling pathways.

Credits

2

Instructor

Susan Carpenter

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280O Cell type specific computations in neural circuits

Introduces students to classic and current research in the area of systems neuroscience with specific focus on how different neural cell types shape the computations that are performed in neural circuits. Each week, a different student or the instructor will give a presentation and/or lead a discussion on a topic of their choosing. These topics can be the student's research project, a classic or current neuroscience journal article, or a tutorial on a new method. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

Credits

2

Instructor

Dan Turner-Evans

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280P Quality Control in Gene Expression

Intensive, discussion-based course concerning ongoing research in quality control and gene expression via analysis of published and unpublished observations and theories.

Credits

2

Instructor

Joshua Arribere

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280Q Cell Biology of Oocytes, Embryos, and Neurons

Weekly seminar and round-table discussion about research problems and recent advances in molecular motor proteins, cytoskeletons, and the control of force-producing processes. Each participant reports recent advances in their field from current literature, their own primary research questions, current approaches to answering those questions, and their research progress.

Credits

2

Instructor

Carol Greider

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280R Gene regulation in C. elegans and human parasitic namtodes

Intense weekly seminar on the mechanisms of gene regulation, focusing on C. elegans and human parasitic nematodes.

Credits

2

Instructor

Jordan Ward

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with the permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280S Chromatin and RNA Regulation in <i>C. elegans</i>

Intensive research seminar about regulators of chromatin organization; the composition and function of germ granules; and the roles of both levels of regulation in germline development in C. elegans. Participants present their research results and report on related journal articles.

Credits

2

Instructor

Susan Strome

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280T Molecular Biology of <I>Drosophila</I> Development

An intensive seminar concerning the molecular genetics of Drosophila. Recent research is discussed weekly, with an emphasis on gene regulation and development. Students present their own research or critical reviews of recent articles at least once during the quarter.

Credits

2

Instructor

Shaheen Sikandar

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280U Discussions on the Development of the <I>Drosophila</I> Embryo

Involves a two-hour weekly meeting in which the students discuss topics concerning the cell cycle, early embryonic development, and the cytoskeleton. These discussions critically evaluate ongoing research in this area. Material is drawn from student research and recently published journal articles. Students are also expected to meet individually with the instructor two hours weekly. In addition to a three–five page research proposal, each student gives two one-hour oral presentations.

Credits

2

Instructor

William Sullivan

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280V Translational pediatric genomics

Weekly discussion of the current research and literature on translational pediatric genomics. Specific patient cases may be discussed.

Credits

2

Instructor

Olena Vaske

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280W Development, Connectivity, and Genetic Identity of Neural Circuits

This seminar course will cover the current topics and progress of neuroscience research on neural circuit development, connectivity, function and genetics. (Formerly Membrane Proteins.)

Credits

2

Instructor

Euiseok Kim

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 280X RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance

Intensive research seminar about epigenetic inheritance and the role of small non-coding RNAs in the intergenerational inheritance of paternal environmental effects. Participants present their research results and report on related journal articles.

Credits

2

Instructor

Upasna Sharma

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280Y Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity

Research seminar covering the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the mammalian nervous system, focusing on how the activity regulates the structural and functional dynamics of synapses.

Credits

2

Instructor

Yi Zuo

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 280Z Prostate Development and Cancer Biology

Weekly research seminar covering gene regulation, cellular interactions, and stem cell behaviors in mammalian prostate development and prostate cancer progression.

Credits

2

Instructor

Zhu Wang

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll by the permission of the instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 281A Host Responses to Respiratory Viral Infections

Weekly seminar and discussion of current research and literature concerning mechanisms by which the host immune response determines the severity of disease following a respiratory viral infection. Enrollment is limited to 10.

Credits

2

Instructor

David Boyd

Requirements

Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 281B Mucosal Immunology and Microbiology

Weekly seminar covering current research and literature concerning the gut barrier and microbes, with particular emphasis on enteric viruses. Enrollment is limited to 10.

Credits

2

Instructor

Valerie Cortez

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 288 Pedagogy in STEM

Prepares graduate students to help teach university science courses. Weekly class sessions include activities and interactive discussions of diverse modes of learning, diverse ways of teaching, peer instruction, assessment of learning, equity and inclusion, and professional ethics. Students also visit an active learning class and an active learning discussion section at UCSC, then write evaluations of the teaching strategies used in those classes. (Formerly Teaching Assistant Training.)

Credits

2

Instructor

Grant Hartzog

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Quarter offered

Fall

BIOL 289 Practice of Science

Examination of ethical and practical scientific issues, including the collection and treatment of data, attribution of credit, plagiarism, fraud, and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for grants and positions in industry or academia, will be discussed.

Credits

5

Instructor

Lindsay Hinck

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200A, BIOL 200B, and BIOL 200C or permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of the instructor.

BIOL 290 Career Planning

An important goal of graduate programs is to train students for diverse careers. Exposes molecular cell and developmental biology graduate students to diverse career options and helps them develop individual development plans to target their graduate training to their selected career goals.

Credits

2

Instructor

William Sullivan

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

BIOL 291 Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Seminar

Topics of current interest in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology are presented weekly by graduate students, faculty, and guest speakers.

Credits

2

Instructor

Susan Carpenter, Dan Turner-Evans

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 292 MCD Seminar

Various topics by weekly guest speakers.

Credits

0

Instructor

Susan Carpenter, Dan Turner-Evans

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 296 Laboratory Research in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Independent laboratory research in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 297A Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

BIOL 297B Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

10

Repeatable for credit

Yes

BIOL 297C Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

15

Repeatable for credit

Yes

BIOL 297F Independent Study

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

2

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

BIOL 299A Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

5

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 299B Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

10

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 299C Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

15

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring

BIOL 299F Thesis Research

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Credits

2

Requirements

Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Repeatable for credit

Yes

Quarter offered

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer