*Microbiology 230. Analysis of the Biological Literature (Half course, Fall). REQUIRED OF ALL FIRST YEAR BBS STUDENTS

Critical analysis of original research articles in an intensive small group discussion. Analyze range of papers in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and cell and developmental biology, in terms of context, hypothesis, methods, and objective interpretation of results. Note: Limited to and required of all first year BBS students.

Genetics 201. Principles of Genetics (Half course-Fall)

An in-depth survey of genetics, beginning with basic principles and extending to modern approaches and special topics. We will draw on examples from various systems, including yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, mouse, human and bacteria.

BCMP 200. Molecular Biology (Half course, Fall)

An advanced treatment of the Central Dogma of molecular biology. Considers the molecular basis of genetic information transfer from DNA to RNA to protein, using current examples from eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Prerequisite: Intended primarily for graduate students familiar with basic molecular biology or with strong biology/chemistry background.

Cell Biology 330: Experimental Approaches to Developmental Biology (Half course. This course is held during the winter break in January but is a fall course)

This introductory level course will provide a rapid survey of major topics and themes in developmental biology in parallel with hands-on exposure to a variety of experimental approaches, technologies and model systems (Drosophila, Xenopus, chick and mouse).

Cell Biology 201. Molecular Biology of the Cell (Half course, Spring)

Topics include the molecular basis of cellular compartmentalization, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, mitosis, cell locomotion, cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, cell-cell interaction, and the cellular/biochemical basis of diseases. Methods covered include protein purification, mass spectrometry, and microscopy. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge in biochemistry and genetics.

BCMP 201. Proteins: Structure, Function and Catalysis (Half course, Spring)

Protein biochemistry with emphasis on the interrelated roles of protein structure, catalytic activity, and macromolecular interactions in biological processes. Course provides the core background and the perspective required to consider and dissect biological problems at a mechanistic, molecular level. Prerequisite: Knowledge of introductory general biochemistry, elementary physical chemistry, and molecular genetics required.

Cell Biology 214: Developmental Biology and Genetics (Half course, Fall)

This graduate-level course will explore the application of genetic tools in model systems for the analysis of developmental events. The construction of a metazoan organism involves a continuum of events, from gross patterning of the embryo and the generation of the right number of cells, to the determination of an appropriate array of cell fates, to the differentiation and coordinated morphogenesis of each tissue. We will focus on the developmental genetics of Drosophila, C. elegans, zebrafish and mouse as model systems to provide a background in methods of in vivo genetic analysis. While the scope of the course will not allow a thorough survey of the molecular mechanisms and pathways required for all stages of development, examples will illustrate many fundamental principles.

Cell Biology 207: Molecular Mechanisms of Vertebrate Development (Half course, Spring)

This course analyzes the developmental programs of frog, chick, and mouse embryos with emphasis on experimental strategies for understanding the responsible molecular mechanisms. Principal focus of the course is the establishment of the body plan and the formation of selected organs. Specific topics include developmental anatomy of early embryos, primary axis formation and regional specification, formation of the nervous system, establishment of cell fate, homeotic genes and the control of pattern, cell migration and cell-cell signaling, stem cell potency and development of muscle, cartilage, heart, reproductive system and limbs. The course includes lectures and conference sessions in which original literature will be discussed in depth. Short research proposals will be required in lieu of exams.

OEB261R: Developmental Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change (Half course, Spring)

Neurobiology 200. Introduction to Neurobiology. (Half course, Fall)

Modern neuroscience from molecular neurobiology to perception and cognition. Includes cell biology of neurons and glia; ion channels and electrical signaling; synaptic transmission and integration; chemical systems; brain anatomy and development; sensory systems; motor systems; higher cognitive function.

Neurobiology 207. Developmental Neurobiology (Half course, Spring)

Lectures cover nervous system development, including neural induction, neural patterning, nerve cell type specification, nerve cell migration, neurotrophin and neuronal cell survival, axon guidance and targeting, synaptogenesis and plasticity, adult neurogenesis and brain repair.

Neurobiology 209. The Neurobiology of Disease (Half course, Spring, offered only in even years)

Designed for graduate students interested in diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Sessions involve patient presentations and "core" lectures describing progression, pathology and basic science underlying a major disease or disorder.

Genetics 216. Advanced Topics in Gene Expression (Half course, Spring)

Covers both biochemical and genetic studies in regulatory mechanisms. Small number of topics discussed in depth, using the primary literature. Topics range from prokaryotic transcription to eukaryotic development.

Genetics 218. Genotype to Phenotype: Epigenetics and Weird Stuff (Half course, Spring, offered only in even years)

Explores lesser-known forms of inheritance and gene regulation, focusing on the oddities of biology. Past years have covered topics such as paramutation, RIP, hypermutation, adaptive mutation, immortal DNA, nonrandom segregation of chromosomes, meiotic silencing of unpaired DNA, monoallelism, meiotic drive, ultraconserved elements, genomic stress, etc.

Cell Biology 226: Concepts in Development, Self-Renewal and Repair (Half course, Fall)

Join us to explore developmental mechanisms that persist through the entire life cycle. Classes will provide in depth analyses of cells and tissues that undergo cell fate restriction, commitment, differentiation and yet retain the ability to renew themselves following normal wear or wounding. The Course is divided into 3 Units. Unit 1 (3 Fridays) will examine general developmental mechanisms that are essential for both tissue formation and self-renewal. Special emphasis will be given to totipotency and cell-cell interactions. Unit 2 (5 Fridays) will analyze in depth the maintenance, renewal and repair of specific adult tissues. Special emphasis will be given to methods used to study stem cells in vivo. Unit 3 (3 Fridays) will explore new frontiers of regenerative tissue biology. We will cover regenerative medicine and regeneration in simple and emerging model organisms.

HST 535: Principles and Practice of Tissue Engineering (Half course, Fall)

The principles underlying strategies for employing selected cells, biomaterial scaffolds, soluble regulators or heir genes, and mechanical loading and culture conditions, for the regeneration of tissues and organs in vitro and in vivo are addressed. Natural and synthetic scaffolds, and undifferentiated (viz., stem cells) and differentiated cell types, are compared and contrasted for various applications. Methodology for the preparation of cells and scaffolds in practice is described. The rationale for employing selected growth factors is covered and the techniques for incorporating their genes into the scaffolds are examined. Discussion also addresses the influence of environmental factors including mechanical loading and culture conditions (e.g., static versus dynamic). Methods for fabricating tissue-engineered products and devices for implantation are taught. Examples of tissue engineering-based procedures currently employed clinically are analyzed as case studies.