Develops essential skills for performing genomic analyses, with focus on developing practical research tools. Introduces human genome and microbiome projects, Python/Sql scripting, accessing and understanding genomic data, sequence alignment and search, evolutionary models, expression data, biological networks, and macromolecular structure. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 or CSCI 3104 or CHEM 4711. Recommended coreq., CSCI 2270. Same as MCDB 5621. Credit not granted for this course and CHEM 4621 or CSCI 4317.
Explores the development of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, emphasizing cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms. Focuses on conceptual understanding and experimental approaches to topics such as embryology, developmental control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis and developmental genetics. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). Same as MCDB 5651.
Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). Same as MCDB 5680.
Encompasses the structure and replication of both lytic and transforming animal viruses. Emphasizes diversity of naturally occurring genomic structures and the resulting strategies of infection as well as the impact of viral epidemics on society. Includes critical analysis of primary research papers. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required.
Introduces the functional anatomy of the nervous system, and explores current knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic basis of the development and function of the nervous system. Studies recent insights into the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases, in the last portion of the course. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
Embryology is studied by considering experiments relevant to specific topics of early animal development. Emphasizes reading, interpretation, and discussion of research articles.Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
Studies the biology and physics of the biomembrane. Topics include structure and mechanism of membrane proteins; membrane biogenesis; membrane protein folding and stability; membrane homeostasis; mechanisms of membrane fusion and fission; lipid trafficking. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 4711 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required. Same as MCDB 5810.
Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedological methods associated with effective instruction and its valuation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150 and MCDB 3145. Same as MCDB 5811 and EDUC 4811.
May be repeated for credit, but only 8 hours of MCDB 2840 plus MCDB 4840 can be counted toward graduation. An independent study contract is required. Recommended prereq., MCDB 2150.
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prereq., MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience. Recommended restriction: minimum GPA of 3.20.
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience. Recommended restriction: minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
Examines the physiology and genetics of bacteria, Archaea and viruses. Particular emphasis will be on metabolism, regulation of gene expression and protein function, mechanisms of interactions with and manipulation of the environment, and evolution in response to environmental pressures. Same as MCDB 4310.
In this critical thinking course, students will apply their knowledge of basic biology to exploring several of the most exciting topics in biomedicine including protein folding and stress responses, nutrient sensing and balance, and signal transduction across membranes. Emphasis will be placed upon human physiology and associated human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-) or instructor consent required. MCDB 4425 and 5425 are the same course. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
Explores the neurobiology, cell biology, genetics and developmental biology of the visual system. Discusses neurodegenerative and vascular diseases that lead to blindness. Students read and analyze original research articles to train scientific reasoning. Involves student-organized presentations and classroom discussion. Same as MCDB 4427. Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (all minimum grade D-).
Surveys development in a range of vertebrate and invertebrate systems to reconstruct the common bilatorian ancestor, and elucidate the developmental genetic changes underlying animal diversification. Lab focuses on vertebrate embryos and explores key methods in evolutionary developmental biology including in situ hybridization, embryo microinjection, and transgenesis. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 and MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070 (minimum grade C-). EBIO 4440, EBIO 5440, MCDB 4441, and MCDB 5441 are all the same course. Requisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
