Biosciences (BIOS)
Molecular and Microbiology
701 Biochemical Systematics (3:3:0) Prerequisites: general biochemistry. Introduces biochemical systems to investigate complex, multicomponent, dynamic functions of cellular systems. Readings include articles from current literature in molecular bio-sciences. Application of molecular techniques within biosciences is now universal, and underlying questions is, ÒWhat is the structure of a cell, and how does it function?Ó
702 Research Methods (3:0:0) Prerequisite: admission to PhD program in biosciences. Trains students in research methodologies, techniques, and data analysis in life sciences. Divided into three modules, which introduce separate but equally significant components of any research project: parameters required to outline and synthesize a problem, techniques of measurement and analysis used by life scientists, and approaches for data analysis and interpretations.
703 Laboratory Rotation (1:0:4) Prerequisite: admission to PhD program in biosciences. Intensive introduction to a research laboratory in biosciences. Students read background material pertinent to problem under study, learn and practice research methods of laboratory, and formulate a short final project, which may be a proposal or an actual project, demonstrating some mastery of techniques and approaches employed.
704 Topics in Biosciences (1:1:0) Prerequisite: admission to PhD program in biosciences. Required of all students during each semester prior to advancement to candidacy. Combines invited seminars from faculty (both internal and external) with graduate student seminars. Presentation at a seminar is a requirement for advancement to candidacy, generally given in last semester before candidacy. Includes a discussion section lead by course coordinator.
740 Laboratory Methods in Functional Genomics and Biotechnology (3:2:3) Prerequisite: admission to PhD program in biosciences, or permission of instructor. Current laboratory techniques in molecular biology and genomics, including nucleic acid isolation, gene cloning and sequencing, gel blot analysis, PCR, in vitro mutagenesis, theory and practice of DNA microarray analysis of gene expression. Topics may vary from year to year depending on advances in field.
741 Genomics (3:3:0) Prerequisites: at least one undergraduate course in genetics and molecular biology, or permission of instructor. Genetic structure and function at whole genome level. Includes some sequence analysis, comparative genomics, classical genetics, and developmental genetics, as well as analysis of synteny groups, isochores, gene families, genetic complexity, C value paradox, directed discovery of gene functions, and animal models of human disease. Readings taken from recent texts and primary research literature. Students expected to give one or two oral presentations of primary research papers, as well as completing midterm and final exams.
742 Biotechnology (3:3:0) Prerequisites: undergraduate course work in genetics and molecular biology. Theory and applications of biotechnology. Includes promoter design, gene fusions, protein targeting, techniques of protein purification, construction of transgenic organisms, cloning of animals and plants, ethical and legal issues. This is a relatively new area of study that is rapidly changing; course strives to keep students abreast of current -literature.
744 Molecular Genetics (3:3:0) Prerequisites: undergraduate course work including BIOL 311; CHEM 313, 314, 315, and 318; equivalents; or permission of instructor. Students expected to develop an understanding of principles of modern molecular genetics and methods of investigation of genomes of pro- and eukaryotes, including types of genetic manipulations that are carried out in research laboratories today.
760 Seminar in Molecular Systematics (1-3:1-3:0) Presentations and discussion by students and faculty of research papers and projects.
898 Directed Studies in Biosciences (1-12:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of research advisor. Studies of specialized topics in biosciences. Specific arrangements for designing scope and area of study to be determined in consultation with instructor. May involve literature searches and review, workshops, or tutorials.
899 Directed Research in Biosciences (1-12:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of research advisor. Research on a pertinent topic in biosciences. Scope and subject of research to be determined by instructor.
998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal (1-6:0:0) Prerequisite: permission of research advisor. Research and writing of a research proposal for doctoral dissertation. Graded S/NC.
999 Doctoral Dissertation Research (1-24:0:0) Prerequisite: approved dissertation proposal. Research in concentration pertinent to studentsÕ program of study. Maximum of 24 credits can be applied toward degree. Graded S/NC.