Graduate Program in Life Sciences Courses
Course Code and Number, Course Title, Credit(s) GPLS 601 Mechanisms in Biomedical Science I: From Genes to Disease (2)
This three-module course provides biomedical graduate students with a comprehensive experiment-oriented introduction to modern molecular and cellular biology. The three modules constitute the introductory core curriculum for GPILS graduate students. The daily lectures present cutting edge approaches to investigating current biological questions, together with a review of fundamental molecular and cellular biology. The course highlights vertically integrated topics that tie together individual genes, proteins, and cellular physiology disorders. Weekly discussion of primary papers deepen the understanding of important topics and provide students with skills in reading primary literature. Students select among regular Special Topics Lectures, which provide the opportunity to gain additional exposure to related topics that are specifically in the students' area of interest, such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and drug development and gene therapy. The course also includes optional supplemental review sessions to strengthen background knowledge. GPLS 602 Mechanisms in Biomedical Science II: From Genes to Disease (2)
This three-module course provides biomedical graduate students with a comprehensive experiment-oriented introduction to modern molecular and cellular biology. The three modules constitute the introductory core curriculum for GPILS graduate students. The daily lectures present cutting edge approaches to investigating current biological questions, together with a review of fundamental molecular and cellular biology. The course highlights vertically integrated topics that tie together individual genes, proteins, and cellular physiology disorders. Weekly discussion of primary papers deepen the understanding of important topics and provide students with skills in reading primary literature. Students select among regular Special Topics Lectures, which provide the opportunity to gain additional exposure to related topics that are specifically in the students' area of interest, such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and drug development and gene therapy. The course also includes optional supplemental review sessions to strengthen background knowledge.
Prerequisite: GPLS 601 GPLS 603 Mechanisms in Biomedical Science III: From Genes to Disease (2)
This three-module course provides biomedical graduate students with a comprehensive experiment-oriented introduction to modern molecular and cellular biology. The three modules constitute the introductory core curriculum for GPILS graduate students. The daily lectures present cutting edge approaches to investigating current biological questions, together with a review of fundamental molecular and cellular biology. The course highlights vertically integrated topics that tie together individual genes, proteins, and cellular physiology disorders. Weekly discussion of primary papers deepen the understanding of important topics and provide students with skills in reading primary literature. Students select among regular Special Topics Lectures, which provide the opportunity to gain additional exposure to related topics that are specifically in the students' area of interest, such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and drug development and gene therapy. The course also includes optional supplemental review sessions to strengthen background knowledge.
Prerequisite: GPLS 601 and 602 GPLS 604 Neuropharmacology: Basic to Clinical Approaches (3)
This course focuses on the mechanisms by which drugs act at the molecular level. Topics include drug and neurotransmitter receptors, how they are studied, how they are coupled to responses, and other sites of drug action. GPLS 605 Pathology for Graduate Students (4)
A study of the basic mechanisms of disease processes. GPLS 606 Cardiac Cellular Physiology (2)
Covers cardiac cellular physiology, electrophysiology, and molecular biology through lectures, readings, and discussions. Topics change yearly; recent topics have included: channels in the sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum; ion exchangers and pumps; signal transduction mechanisms; excitation-contraction coupling in heart muscle; novel aspects of cardiac muscle mechanics; and review of new molecular, optical, and electrical methods. Students present and discuss assigned papers and write a mock grant application. GPLS 607 Principles of Pharmacology (2)
A half-semester course (through Spring Break) in three sections: 1) Pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics and pharmacokinetics, 2) Chemotherapeutics of infectious diseases and immunomodulation, 3) Peripheral nervous system. GPLS 608 Seminar (1-2)
(Section 1, Biochemistry; section 2, Molecular Medicine; section 3, Microbiology; section 4, Neuroscience)|
A weekly critical review and discussion of original works and recent advances on a variety of research subjects by graduate students, faculty, staff members, and guests. Students take this course for credit at least twice, once when they present their Dissertation Proposal seminar, and once after presenting their Dissertation Defense public seminar. Molecular Medicine students take it for one additional seminar. GPLS 609 Lab Rotations (1-3)
(Section 1, Biochemistry; section 2, Molecular Medicine; section 3, Microbiology; section 4, Neuroscience)
Students gain experience in a variety of techniques, and become familiar with faculty members and their research. Doctoral students generally complete two or three rotations in different laboratories in the program. Rotations usually last six to eight weeks and are graded pass/fail. GPLS 610 Principles of Kidney and Body Fluids (2)
This course covers contemporary research in renal function and epithelial transport. Students read and present an assigned topic, evaluate methodology, interpret results, and discuss models and their experimental verification. GPLS 612 Physiology of Reproduction (2)
This lecture, discussion, and literature course covers mammalian reproductive physiology at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Topics include reproductive cycles, ovarian function, testicular function, pregnancy, follicular development, oocyte maturation, ovulation, steroidogenesis, steroid and protein hormone action, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, spermatogenesis, fertilization, implantation, placental function, parturition, and growth factors. Students attend lectures, read, and discuss selected papers. GPLS 613 Neuroendocrinology (3)
This course takes an integrative approach to the topic of Neuroendocrinology. Didactic lectures review in detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms of steroid and peptide hormones. These processes are placed in the context of the control of female and male reproductive physiology and extended to the hormonal control of behavior. Other topics include the hormonal basis of and responses to stress, circadian rhythms and seasonality and feeding behavior. In addition to lectures, each student will make an in-depth presentation on a topic of her/his choice that is relevant to the field of neuroendocrinology. Grades are based on the presentation, a midterm exam, a final exam and class participation. GPLS 614 Pharmacological Biotechnology (3)
This course addresses the theory and application of state-of-the-art technologies used for pharmacologic research and testing in industry, academia, and government. The course introduces cutting-edge technological advances in methodologies used in discovery of new drugs and therapies. GPLS 615 Biological Signal Analysis (3)
This course covers the origin and analysis of various biological signals, especially those arising from the nervous system. Emphasis is on the measurement and interpretation of these signals by techniques such as spectrum analysis, average evoked responses, single-unit histograms, and pattern recognition. Students establish theoretical background of random processes. Prerequisites: differential and integral calculus. GPLS 616 Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction (3)
This twice-weekly literature, discussion, and lecture course covers mechanisms of hormone action upon target cells, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms by which hormones mediate their cellular effects.
Prerequisite: completion of GPILS core curriculum, GPLS 601, 602 and 603. GPLS 617 Integrative Pharmacology (3)
A comprehensive introduction to the major classes of drug action. This course relates cellular and molecular mechanisms to drug action at the level of organ systems and the intact organism, emphasizing research methods. GPLS 618 Readings/Special Topics (1-3) GPLS 620 Cellular Basis of Synaptic Physiology and Pharmacology (3)
Emphasis is on electrophysiological analysis of synaptic transmission. Topics include ionic basis of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, equivalent circuits of transmitter action, mechanisms and regulation of transmitter release, fast and slow synaptic responses, and functional structural plasticity at synapses. GPLS 621 Biostatistics I (3)
This course covers most of the basic types of analysis procedures used for continuous and discrete variables. Topics include statistical inference (p-values, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests), t-tests, chi-square tests, power calculations, nonparametric methods, simple and multiple linear regression, ANOVA, logistic regression, and survival analysis. GPLS 622 Introduction to Biostatistics (3)
This course is designed to develop an understanding of statistical principles and methods as applied to human health and disease. Topics include: research design; descriptive statistics; probability; distribution models; binomial, Poisson, and normal distribution; sampling theory and statistical inference. GPLS 623 Molecular Toxicology (3)
Mechanistic Toxicology Training Grant faculty will present areas of toxicology where significant advances are being made on molecular mechanisms. Emergent technologies in toxicogenomics, proteomics and metabonomics will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing skills in interpreting and critiquing the primary research literature. GPLS 624 Oncopharmacology (3)
Molecular therapy approaches will be discussed within the context of modern understanding of cancer biology and target identification. State of the art approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment will be reviewed. These include signaling pathways associated with tumor development, the role of endocrine and other receptors as drug targets, the contribution of transcriptional regulation, genome instability and DNA repair, and the harnessing of apoptotic cascades for cancer therapy. Drugs involved in cancer treatment and their mechanism of action, angiogenesis regulation, gene therapy approaches to cancer treatment, the use of stem cells and dendritic cells in therapy and immunotherapy, drug resistance, and toxicity will also be highlighted. The format is lectures followed by student discussion of assigned papers. GPLS 625 Fundamentals of Membrane Transport: Ion Channels (3)
This course covers the role of voltage- and receptor-gated ion channels in cell function. Although the emphasis is on structure and function of channels in excitable tissues such as nerve and muscle, students gain insight into the rapidly developing field of ion channel function in non-excitable cells such as lymphocytes, transformed cells, and glial cells, and the roles of ion channels in development. GPLS 626 Fundamentals of Membrane Transport: Carrier Mechanisms (3)
This course provides a foundation for future course work, an understanding of current and past literature, and a background for future laboratory research. The initial phase covers the general methodology, thermodynamics, and kinetics of transcellular and transepithelial ion transport. The final phase deals with the biochemical mechanisms and molecular biology of common membrane transport systems such as active ion pumps, co- and counter-transport, and facilitated diffusion. GPLS 627 Developmental Neurobiology (3)
This course introduces students to fundamental processes of neuronal development, including cell proliferation, differentiation of neurons and glia/cell lineage, neuronal migration, development cell death, regional differentiation, the formation of neuronal connections, plastic reorganization of the nervous system during development and developmental diseases and malformations. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these processes are also explored. Each topic is covered by a lecture and a discussion of selected current papers in the literature. GPLS 628 Advances in Molecular Medicine (1)
This course serves as an introduction to new instrumentation and methods, including quantitative analyses, that are becoming increasingly important in modern biology. Classes will consist primarily of alternating lectures and journal club discussions of new technology, its application to studies at the molecular, cellular and systems level, and how it can advance our understanding of basic biological mechanisms in health and disease. GPLS 629 Journal Club (1)
This course exposes students to advances in their specific disciplines through presentations of recent papers by faculty, research fellows, and students. GPLS 630 Cardiopulmonary Mechanics (2)
This course covers cardiopulmonary mechanics. Students read, discuss, and criticize classical and recent papers. GPLS 633 Pathways in Neuroscience (1)
This introductory reading course familiarizes students with classical and contemporary experiments and controversies that helped shape the field of neuroscience. Key discoveries in anatomy, embryology, physiology, pharmacology, and psychology are examined in the context of their impact on the understanding of nerve cells, brain, and behavior. Topics include the neuron doctrine, cellular connectionism, animal electricity, electrical vs. chemical synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters and their receptors, neural tropism, synaptic plasticity, biochemistry of memory, and molecular basis of learning. Course includes weekly one-hour lecture with occasional laboratory demonstration. GPLS 635 Bacterial Genetics (4)
This course covers induction, expression, and selection of mutants; molecular basis of mutations; transfer of genetic information by transformation, transduction, and conjugation; complementation and recombination in phage and bacteria; plasmids; and recombinant DNA. Course includes two lectures and two laboratory periods per week that deal with the genetics of bacteria and bacterial viruses. GPLS 639 Readings in Endocrinology (1)
This course exposes students to endocrinology. Following consultation between student and faculty member, a reading topic is chosen. Topics may include, but are not limited to the synthesis, structure, and function of hormones; molecular and cellular techniques as applied to hormone systems; hormone-receptor interactions; signal transduction pathways; and application of transgenic and knockout technologies to the study of endocrine systems. Offered by prearrangement with faculty members. GPLS 641 Introduction to Neuroscience (3)
While the course provides an overview of the neuroscience field, its emphasis is on the mastery of core ideas, assessed through quizzes, problem sets, and examinations. The course is taught by a small group of faculty members from several departments.
Prerequisites: GPLS 601, 602, 603. GPLS 642 Nociception, Pain and Analgesia (2)
This course is designed for graduate students in all health disciplines. Its focus is on the basic science and research aspects of nociception, pain and analgesia. Topics include the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and the psychophysics of nociception and pain. GPILS 643 Neurobiology of Nociception and Pain (3)
This course is designed for neuroscience graduate students interested in the neurobiology of nociception and pain. While GPILS 642 provides a general background in this field, GPILS 643 provides a solid foundation of knowledge through a combination of lectures, directed reading and discussion of the primary literature. The focus is on the most contemporary views of nociceptive processing. GPLS 645 Physiologic Basis of Molecular Medicine (3)
This course exposes students to a modern, “Big Picture” view of physiological systems. Core concepts of systems function are covered while introducing students to contemporary research issues. Students develop a foundation of knowledge through interactive lectures. These sessions are followed by discussions that apply the functional concepts to clinical situations or current research problems in molecular medicine. In this way, students learn interesting, relevant, state-of-the-art material while acquiring a foundation of knowledge in physiological systems. Required for all Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology students; open to students in other programs.
Prerequisites: GPLS 601, 602, 603. GPLS 647 Molecular Medicine Survival Skills (2)
The ability to communicate effectively scientific findings and new ideas not only aids the researcher in promoting his program, but often helps in the conceptualization of new areas of inquiry and generates new insights into recent discoveries. This course is designed to provide second year Molecular Medicine Graduate students witn instruction in five critical areas of scientific communication that underpin a successful graduate career: 1) Grant Writing Skills; 2) Manuscript Preparation Skills; 3) Presentation Skills (preparation and delivery of an oral presentation); 4) Bio-informatics and 5) People Skills (skills necessary to find a position and conduct oneself in a professional manner). The format will include formal lectures on each topic, followed by an accompanying workshop and/or forum in which to engage in an interactive learning session.
Prerequisities: GPLS 601, 602, 603 GPLS 648 Rounds in Membrane Biology (1)
Two faculty members in the interdepartment program in membrane biology present two topics in the field of biomembranes each week. Time is reserved for questions and discussion. GPLS 658 Seminar in Reproductive Endocrinology (1)
This seminar exposes students to advances in endocrinology at molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels through critical examination of the current literature and research progress reports by faculty members, fellows, and students. Students must attend regularly, review relevant papers, participate in discussions, and give one presentation. Participating faculty members advise students on topics and presentations. GPLS 660 Functional Systems: Cell Function (1)
Provides students with a fundamental knowledge of the biophysical properties of cells and cell membranes in lectures and small-group discussions. Topics include diffusion, permeability, osmotic pressure, electrical consequences of ionic gradients, resting membrane potentials, action potential generation and propagation, ionic channel diversity, active transport, epithelial transport, excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle, and the mechanical properties of muscle. Emphasis is on the experimental basis of the biophysical properties of cells (component of the medical physiology course). GPLS 661 Functional Systems: Endocrine Function (1)
Students learn about the endocrine system through lectures and small group conferences. Lectures focus on the biosynthesis of the major hormones, regulation of hormone release, effects of hormones on target tissues, and intracellular mechanisms of hormone action. Students discuss the clinical relevance of endocrine findings and critically evaluate the experimental design, observations, and interpretation of data presented in current papers in small-group conferences (component of the medical physiology course). GPLS 662 Functional Systems: Cardiovascular Function (2)
Students learn about the integrated functioning of the cardiovascular system. Topics include electrophysiology of the heart, at both the cellular and multicellular levels; excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle; cardiac cycle and ventricular mechanics; hemodynamics; short- and long-term mechanisms for regulation of blood pressure; and function of the lymphatic system. Final topics include those that exemplify the integrated functioning of the cardiovascular system: exercise, response to postural changes, heart failure, and others (component of the medical physiology course). GPLS 663 Functional Systems: Renal Function (1)
Students learn about renal mechanisms responsible for water and electrolyte homeostasis in lecture and small-group format. Topics include body fluids, sodium and water balance, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration, tubular mechanisms of NaCl transport and regulation, solute transport, diuresis, concentrating mechanisms, potassium homeostasis, and acid-base homeostasis (component of the medical physiology course). GPLS 664 Functional Systems: Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Function (1)
Students learn about respiratory and gastrointestinal systems through lectures and small-group work. Respiratory physiology topics include lung volumes, ventilation, mechanics of breathing, pulmonary blood flow, ventilation-perfusion matching, gas transport, control of breathing, and fetal respiration. Gastrointestinal physiology topics include secretions of the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, enzymatic digestion and absorption; motility; gastrointestinal hormones and the enteric nervous system; and colonic function (component of the medical physiology course). GPLS 665 Special Topics in Cancer Biology (3)
This will introduce students to special topics in Cancer Biology that are important to the fundemental mechanisms of cancer and are currently in the forefront of cancer research. This course will begin with the role that the environment plays in cancer. We will focus on the role of viruses that are endemic in certain parts of the world and the incidence of cancer. The next topic will explore the role that genetic inheritance plays in cancer. Since genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are important in cancer, the next area this course will cover will focus on the number of genetic changes required for cancer to emerge, followed by an equivalent lecture in the epigenetic arena. The following series of lectures will focus on mechanisms of cell survival in cancer, followed by the involvement of genomic instability pathways, such as DNA repair. The next two lectures will cover important pathyways for survival of cancer cells. Finally, the course will conclude with a series of lectures that involve treatment of cancer, covering immunological approaches, gene re-expression approaches, and the potential use of stem cells as therapy.
Prerequisites: GPLS 601, 602, 603 and GPLS 790. GPLS 690 Current Topics in Vascular and Stem Cell Biology (1)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to contemporary topics of scientific and clinical importance in vascular and stem cell biology. Lectures and discussions will include topics such as the nature and origin of stem cells and their application to medicine, inflammation, proteolytic mechanisms of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, and vascular disease. GPLS 691 Molecular Neuroscience & Biophysics (1)
This one credit course is taught in parallel with the GPLS Core Course (601, 602 & 603). Lecture topics are designed to complement those being covered in the Core Course in the various sections. Topics include neural development, neuronal and glial responses to trauma and stroke, neuroendocrinology, neuropharmacology, and quantal analysis. In addition, this course is designed to provide students with sufficient understanding of a range of electrophysiological concepts, including current flow and intracellular, patch clamp and extracellular recording, that are required for electrophysiological laboratory rotations. This course, in combination with the Core Course, will provide neuroscience-oriented students with a strong background in both molecular and cellular neuroscience and electrophysiological concepts that is necessary for advanced courses in neuroscience.
Courses offered annually during the fall Semester. GPLS 701 Advanced Molecular Biology (3)
Advanced course for graduate students majoring in molecular biology and genetics. Course covers current developments in DNA replication, repair, recombination, gene expression, and RNA processing in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes (with emphasis on eukaryotic systems). GPLS 702 Basic Immunology (3)
This core course introduces basic ideas of immunity and the immune system, including evolutionary and comparative studies, specific and nonspecific immunity, the biology of T and B lymphocytes, the genetics of the antigen-receptor and MHC loci, immunochemistry, and the role and action of cytokines. The course includes lectures, student presentations, and term papers. GPLS 703 Basic Parasitology (3)
This core course combines lectures, student presentations of research and review papers, and group discussions. Topics include parasite life histories, the evolutionary biology of parasitism, parasite genetics, immunoparasitology, and control strategies. Lectures increase students' understanding of state-of-the-art molecular parasitology, vaccine design, and immunomodulation to regulate parasite numbers. Students select and review research articles during lecture and discussion sessions. GPLS 704 Basic Virology (3)
This core course introduces students to animal virology with a concentration on the pathogenesis, molecular biology, and immunology of selected medically-important viruses. Lecture material is drawn from both classical and current literature. Students must actively participate in and lead discussions based on assigned readings and submit an in-depth term paper on a key research area in virology. GPLS 705 Basic Human Genetics (3)
Students learn basic genetic principles as they relate to the study of human health and disease. Topics include an overview of human genetics in Mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, population genetics, molecular cytogenetics, oncocytogenetics, clinical applications of principles, and the importance and implications of genetic disease at the levels of the population and individual families. GPLS 706 Human Genetics Seminar (1)
Students, faculty members, and guests participate in the presentation and review of current topics in human genetics. GPLS 708 Clinical Genetics I (1)
Topics include collection and interpretation of pedigree information, determination of modes of inheritance, calculation of recurrence risks, techniques of genetic counseling, and an introduction to genetic nosology. Students gain experience in genetic counseling clinics and on hospital ward consultative rounds, with training in abstracting patient medical histories, writing evaluation reports co-signed by faculty members, and interpreting laboratory results. Includes 3 - 4 embryology lectures. GPLS 709 Advanced Biochemistry (3)
Topics not normally covered in other biochemical courses may include an advanced treatment of enzyme kinetics, with emphasis upon two substrate systems; allosteric control mechanisms; replication and transcription; and the biochemistry of specialized tissues. GPLS 710 Bacterial Pathogenesis (3)
This course provides groundwork in basic principles of bacterial pathogenesis. Students should already be familiar with fundamentals of bacterial structure and metabolism. The first part of the course covers basic ideas, while the second part examines selected specific organisms in further detail. Classes consist of lectures and discussion of research papers. There are two exams and student presentations. GPLS 711 Genetic Epidemiology (2)
This course uses qualitative and quantitative traits to discuss genetic and epidemiologic factors affecting normal and abnormal variation within and between populations. Topics include traditional and modern methods of family data analysis, including segregation and linkage analysis; the underlying assumptions of each method (including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium); steps in each analysis; and computer programs. GPLS 712 Human Cytogenetics (2)
Covers the normal human karyotype, chromosome identification methods, numerical and structural abnormalities and their clinical correlates, X chromosome gene action, chromosomes and cancer, human population cytogenetics, gene mapping, and karyotype evolution. Students give a seminar on a pertinent topic. GPLS 713 Special Seminar in Biochemistry (2)
Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students critically review a recent scientific paper and deliver a formal presentation to their peers and instructor(s). The topics vary each semester it is offered. GPLS 714 Muscle: Contractility & Excitation - Contraction Coupling (3)
The purpose of this course is to develop an advanced, comprehensive state-of-the-art understanding of muscle as biological tissue. The course integrates current information on molecular structure of muscle. its function, its physiology and its biochemistry. For example, contractile proteins will be considered with respect to their genetic expression, molecular structure, cellular organization, biochemical regulation and biophysical role in contraction. Cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle will be considered. The course consists of lectures by faculty, presentation by students of assigned papers with student participation and discussion and two (2) 1-1/2 hour written examination for student taking the course for a grade and not auditing. GPLS 715 Muscle Cell Biology & Development (3)
This course considers the developmental biology of muscle, including its innervation and plasticity. The course begins with a discussion of the factors controlling the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. Next are a consideration of fiber type determination, its relationship to use, and the effects of hypertrophy and atrophy on muscle. The structure, function, and formation of the neuromuscular junction and its relationship to the organization of structures in the extrajunctional region forms the next set of topics. Emphasis is placed on the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. The last part of the course deals with the relationship of activity and hormonal influences to the biochemical properties of muscle. The course meets twice weekly and consists of one lecture and one session for student oral presentations and discussion of assigned research pertinent to the lecture topic. GPLS 716 Applied Bioinformatics (2)
The explosive growth of information derived from genome projects has revolutionized biology. As a result, a solid foundation in computational biology and bioinformatics is now essential for practitioners of biological and biomedical research. This course emphasizes both theory and usage of fundamental computer-based approaches to data mining, interpretation and integration of information concerning genes and their function. Using a problem-based learning approach, students will acquire facility in using computer-based tools to analyze the structure and function of nucleic acid and protein sequences. This two-credit course is intended for advanced students in the biological sciences. Due to the nature of the subject, completion of all assigned problems is critical to achieving the learning objectives. The course will utilize a fully networked classroom in the HS/HSL with each student at his or her own workstation; access to a networked computer outside of class is also highly desirable. Familiarity with fundamentals of genetic, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology will be assumed. A background in statistics or mathematical analysis is also helpful. Topics to be covered include: history of genomics and bioinformatics, basic computer commands, GCG/EMBOSS packages, genome sequencing and assembly, gene and promoter prediction with HMM, BLAST and relate search tools, annotation and recursive analysis using Perl scripts, phylogenetic analysis, local databases, large databases including NCBI & TIGR, microarray development and usage, proteomics, protein structure, and other related topics.
Prerequisites: Advanced undergraduate or graduate-level courses in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Experience with computational analysis of DNA sequences is helpful but not essential. GPLS 719 Advanced Parasitology (1-4)
This course presents a comprehensive review of the parasites of humans and the diseases they cause. Topics include the biology of selected parasites causing human diseases, including host-parasite interactions at the molecular level and vaccine use; immunological aspects of human parasite-interactions, including ways in which the immune response can mediate pathology and protection; and the epidemiology of human parasitic diseases, including parasite population dynamics, ecology, and transmission. GPLS 720 Fluorescence Spectroscopy (2)
An intensive introduction to the techniques of time- and frequency-domain fluorescence spectroscopy, with emphasis on applications in biochemistry and biophysics. The course lasts four and a half days in January. Topics may include time- and frequency-domain measurement techniques, time-resolved anisotropy, data analysis including global analysis, instrumental design, fluorescence energy transfer, transient effects in quenching, excited state reactions, fluorescence-based sensing including fiber optics, fluorescence lifetime imaging, fluorometry with two-photon excitation, and nearinfrared fluorometry. GPLS 721 Imaging Methods in Membrane Biology (2)
Examines structure-function relationships as evaluated by a range of morphological methods. One two hour session per week features readings, presentations by students, and group discussions with selected laboratory demonstration sessions. Topics include freeze fracture and negative stain analysis of membrane structure, localization of antibodies and other probes by fluorescence and electron microscopy, quantitative stereology of membranes, autoradiography, and electron probe analysis. GPLS 722 Genetics and Metabolism (2)
Students study mechanisms of gene action as illustrated by inherited human biochemical defects. Topics include fundamental aspects of the function and malfunction of enzymes, vitamins, and structural and regulatory proteins at the biochemical and molecular levels, clinical features of metabolic diseases, differential diagnosis, and laboratory follow-up. GPLS 730 Protein-Lipid Interactions (3)
This course covers advances in the interactions of proteins and lipids in biological membranes and the importance of these interactions in normal cellular functions. Emphasis is on proteins involved in signaling. Topics include reconstitution of integral membrane proteins (channels and transporters, adenyl cyclase), peripheral membrane proteins (G proteins, protein kinase C), annulus lipids, channel-forming toxins, fatty acylated proteins (ras, p60src), GPI-linked proteins, macro- and microdomains of membrane lipids, and lipid regulators (diacylglycerol, arachidonate). GPLS 731 Clinical Genetics II (2-4)
This lecture series, which complements HGEN 728, covers clinical aspects of genetic disease. Topics include genetic disorders and birth defects, organ systems, both metabolic and dysmorphic syndromes, normal prenatal and pediatric development, medical terminology, components of medical charts and physical examinations, and organization and administration of medical centers. The course also introduces other specialties and subspecialties, as most genetic disorders involve coordination of complex medical care. GPLS 732 Population Aspects of Human Genetics (1)
This course covers basic concepts in genetic epidemiology, including assessment of familial aggregation, and is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of approaches used in gene mapping, such as linkage and association analysis. GPLS 740 Molecular Basis of Human Disease (2)
Provides students with a detailed analysis of molecular approaches used to characterize the genetic defects of inherited human disorders. Topics include diversity of technical approaches, with emphasis on recent developments; general utility and limitations of various approaches; importance of the analysis of mutational spectra; and potentials for gene therapy. GPLS 750 Topics in Molecular Medicine (2)
This course is aimed at developing skills necessary for understanding and discovering how changes in gene function cause human disease. The course revolves around a series of topics that use inherited disease processes to illustrate the physiological consequences of molecular, cellular, genetic phenomena. Recent breakthroughs in the identification of disease-related genes are presented and extended to a discussion about their impact on cell and organ function. Critical reading and discussion of landmark and/or timely papers are stressed. In this way, students learn interesting state-of-the-art material while developing skills and expertise in integrative biology and molecular medicine. Topics change yearly, but have included: paralysis, malignant hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, glomerulitis-Alport's, cystic fibrosis, Liddle's syndrome, hyperinsulinemia of infancy, type II diabetes mellitus, influenza, migraine headache and neurogenic inflammation, and Duchenne dystrophy. Two or three one-hour classes per topic consist of interactive discussions following assigned readings and brief lectures. Required for all molecular cell biology and physiology students, open to others. GPLS 760 Advances in Functional Genomics (2)
This course covers current technology in functional genomic research. Twelve topics are changed yearly to reflect the most current advancements in the field. Classes consist of lectures, presentations, and discussions. GPLS 769 Advances in Immunology (2)
This course is and advanced immunology course in which four or five contemporary topics will be coverd in great detail, using the primary literature as the principle teaching tool. The topics will be chosen after discussion by faculty and students, and the course will meet for one session each week for two hours. The course will be offered in the fall semester every other year, and will be open to all interested students who have taken GPLS 702 ( the graduate course in basic immunology).
Prequisite: GPLS 702 GPLS 777 Modern Neuroanatomical Methods (2)
A comprehensive tutorial of the major, state-of-the-art anatomical approaches used in neuroscience, including modern microscopical techniques, methods for protein and RNA localization, neuroanatomical tract- tracing, molecular and electrophysiological approaches to neuroanatomy, and methods for data acquisition and analysis. The course focuses on an understanding of the principles underlying these approaches, and the advantages and potential pitfalls of each approach. Taught by a team of faculty members from the neuroscience program, the course consists of lectures and demonstrations. GPLS 778 Recording Neural Activity: Modern Methods (2)
A comprehensive tutorial of the major, state-of-the-art electrophysiological and imaging approaches used in neuroscience. The course focuses on an understanding of the principles underlying these approaches, and the advantages and potential pitfalls of each. The course consists of lectures and demonstrations. GPLS 780 Neurobiology of CNS Diseases (3)
This course covers the clinical and basic science aspects of major central nervous system diseases. Topics include apoptosis and excitotoxicity, genetic analysis of human disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Prion diseases, pain transplantation and stem cells, AIDS and infections of the CNS, and migraines and headaches. The course includes student presentations and at least one “neurology rounds” style presentation by neurologists. GPLS 781 Biological Psychiatry (3)
Provides students with a strong background in both the clinical and neurobiological aspects of mental illness, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and drug abuse. Psychiatrists from the School of Medicine introduce the clinical symptoms and treatments for each disease. The clinical and neuroscience faculty at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center present current research on the neurobiology behind each illness. GPLS 790 Advanced Cancer Biology (3)
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of cancer from diagnosis to treatment as well as the latest research discoveries. The course begins with the biology of cancer cells, the stages of cancer and types of tumors, and the important genetic and epigenetic events that contribute to cancer progression including DNA damage and changes in the microenvironment. Topics related to cancer diagnosis, therapeutics and animal models for studying cancer will also be covered. Lectures will include tumor suppressors, oncogenes, signal transduction, disruption of growth control networks, oncopharmacology, drug design and screening (robotics), and common forms of cancer. Required for all Molecular and Cellular Cancer Biology students.
Prerequisites: GPLS 601, GPLS 602, GPLS 603 GPLS 791 Current Topics in Cancer Biology (3)
This course is designed to act as an advanced follow up of the course “Introduction to Cancer”. Most of the lectures and paper discussions in this course are based on current literature and recent advances in cancer cell and molecular biology. The lecture series covers specific topics such as the growth factors, tumor suppressor networks, apoptosis, mechanisms of metastasis, role of angiogenesis in developing tumors, and cancer, senescence and aging. Required for all molecular and cellular cancer biology students. GPLS 799 Master’s Thesis Research (1-12)
(Section 1, Biochemistry; section 2, Molecular Medicine; section 3, Microbiology; section 4, Neuroscience) top |
