Biological Sciences: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology
2013-14 General Catalog
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department
225 Sinsheimer Laboratories
(831) 459- 2385
http://www.mcd.ucsc.edu/
Physical and Biological Sciences Undergraduate Affairs Office
142 Jack Basking Engineering Bldg.
(831) 459-4143
http://undergrad.pbsci.ucsc.edu
MCDB Graduate Program Description | MCDB Faculty
Lower-Division Courses
15. Undergraduate Research Reports (1 credit). F,W,S
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. May be repeated for credit. B. Bowman, M. Jurica, A. Zahler
20A. Cell and Molecular Biology. F,W,S
Introduction to molecular biology, cell physiology, and genetics. Prerequisite(s): Chemistry 1A and 1B. (General Education Code(s): IN.) M. Ares, J. Tamkun, B. Bowman
20L. Experimental Biology Laboratory (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOE 20B. Enrollment restricted to human biology and health sciences majors; other majors by permission. Enrollment limited to 20. L. Ogren
80A. Female Physiology and Gynecology. S
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. (General Education Code(s): SI, T-2 Natural Sciences.) M. Zavanelli
80E. Evolution. *
Introduction to Darwinian evolution including how the theory was devised and a discussion of other theories proposed at the time. Explores the facts and evidence of evolutionary processes and the insights they provide in biological diversity, consequences of extinction, and emergence of new diseases. Includes a discussion of evolution and spirituality. (General Education Code(s): SI, T-2 Natural Sciences.) M. Zavanelli
80J. Biology of AIDS. W
An overview of the biology of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the social and legal issues that surround it are explored in a series of lectures by biology faculty and experts in the field. (General Education Code(s): SI, T-2 Natural Sciences.) M. Zavanelli
Upper-Division Courses
100. Biochemistry. F,S
An 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 plan to do advanced work in biochemistry and molecular biology should take the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100 series directly. Students cannot receive credit for this course after they have completed any two courses from the BIOC 100A, 100B, and 100C sequence. (Also offered as Chemistry and Biochemistry 103. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; and CHEM 108A or 112A. Concurrent enrollment in course 100K is required. B. Bowman, M. Stone, J. Sanford
100K. Biochemistry Laboratory (2 credits). F,S
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. Students are billed a materials fee. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A is required. J. Lee
100L. Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory. F,S
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. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly Biochemistry Laboratory). Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 100K; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 20. (General Education Code(s): W.) M. Zavanelli
105. Genetics. F,W,S
Mendelian and molecular genetics; mechanisms of heredity, mutation, recombination, and gene action. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B. N. Bhalla, J. Lee, R. Kamakaka
105L. Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory. F,W,S
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. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; BIOL 100K; BIOL 105; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition Requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by instructor permission. (General Education Code(s): W.) W. Sullivan, The Staff
105M. Microbial Genetics Laboratory. *
Exploration of basic genetics processes such as replication, mutation, DNA repair, recombination, gene exchange, population genetics, and evolution using microbial model organisms; classic techniques in microbial genetics and contemporary molecular techniques presented. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K and BIOL 105. Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors. Enrollment limited to 16. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff
109L. Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory. *
The powerful genetic and molecular techniques available for yeast combined with the complete genomic DNA sequence offers opportunity for discovery of fundamental aspects of eukaryotic life. Lab providing practical experience in using yeast as an experimental system. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K and BIOL 105.; BIOL 115 strongly recommended; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 15. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff
110. Cell Biology. F,S
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 105. M. Rexach, D. Kellogg
110L. Cell Biology Laboratory. *
Fundamental aspects of cell biology explored through experimentation in a modern laboratory setting. Research topics include the structure and function of biological membranes; intracellular transport and organelle biogenesis; the cell cycle; and the cytoskeleton. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A and BIOL 100K; previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 110; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 16. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff
111A. Immunology I. W
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. Prerequisite(s): courses BIOE 20B, and BIOL 20A, 105, and 110. M. Zuniga
111B. Immunology II. S
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. Prerequisite(s): courses BIOE 20B, and 20A, 105, 110, and 111A. M. Zuniga
113. Mammalian Endocrinology. S
Introduction to the major endocrine organs, their hormones, and their receptors. Emphasis is on the following topics: structural analysis of the hormones and receptors at the protein and molecular level, regulation of expression of hormones and their receptors, and the biological functions of hormones. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B; and BIOL 100 o CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A. L. Ogren
114. Cancer Cell Biology. S
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110 or 115. (General Education Code(s): TA.) A. Zahler
115. Eukaryotic Molecular Biology. W,S
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 105. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors, non-majors by permission of instructor. M. Jurica, H. Boeger
115L. Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory. F,W
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 cannot receive credit for this course and course 187L or 287L. Students are billed a materials fee. Restricted to biological sciences/affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 100K, and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 115. Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 20. (General Education Code(s): W.) M. Zavanelli
118. Pathogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. *
Overview of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying human disease at the physiological and molecular levels, with their implications for epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Includes discussion of clinical cases and of emerging areas of research. Geared toward students interested in future research or clinical careers in the area of human or animal health. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 238. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 138. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Biology 130. Enrollment restricted to students majoring in biology; human biology; molecular, cell and developmental biology; biochemistry and molecular biology; or neuroscience. Offered in alternate academic years. M. Camps
120. Development. W
A description and analysis of selected developmental events in the life cycle of animals. Experimental approaches to understanding mechanisms are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 105 and BIOL 110. A. Ralston
120L. Development Laboratory. W
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. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 120 is required. J. Lee
121L. Environmental Phage Biology Laboratory. F
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 required. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors with sophomore standing or higher. Enrollment by application and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. G. Hartzog
125. Introduction to Neuroscience. F
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B; and BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A or CHEM 103. D. Feldheim
126. Advanced Molecular Neuroscience. W
Explores in detail cellular and molecular events that underlay the function of the nervous system. Topics include neural development, axon guidance and regeneration, advanced electrical principles (synaptic transmission through a variety of receptors), synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, as well as several neural disorders. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 125. (General Education Code(s): TA.) Y. Zuo
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and 110. (General Education Code(s): TA.) W. Saxton
130. Human Physiology. F,W
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 course 131. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B and BIOL 110; and BIOL 100 or CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A. L. Ogren
130L. Human Physiology Laboratory (2 credits). F,W
Examines fundamental principles of systemic physiology focusing on the human. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOE 131L. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOL 110 and BIOL100 or CHEM 103. Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL130 is required; restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. L. Ogren
135. Functional Anatomy. S
A rigorous systems-based course in anatomy. Lectures provide an overview of functional anatomy at all levels from the systems to the tissues. Provides a mechanistic understanding of the structures of the body as a foundation for human-health oriented studies. Prerequisite(s): courses 20A and Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary 20B.Concurrent enrollment in course 135L is required. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences majors and affiliated majors and biology minors. M. Camps
135L. Functional Anatomy Lab (2 credits). S
Complements lecture course 135. Emphasizes nomenclature and recognition; includes the embryology and histology of bones, muscles, and internal organs, and the interactions between the systems of the body. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): courses 20A and Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary 20B. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences majors and affiliated majors and biology minors. Enrollment limited to 24. M. Camps
140. Biophysics. S
Physical principles and techniques used in biology: X-ray diffraction; nuclear magnetic resonance; statistics, kinetics, and thermodynamics of macromolecules; viscosity and diffusion; DNA/RNA pairing; electrophoresis; physics of enzymes; biological energy conversion; optical tweezers. (Also offered as Physics 180. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to juniors and seniors. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.) J. Deutsch
178. Stem Cell Biology. W
Basic concepts, experimental approaches, and therapeutic potential are discussed. Students gain experience in reading the primary scientific literature. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 178. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110; BIOL 115 recommended. C. Forsberg
178L. Protocols in Stem Cell Biology. W
Provides hands-on experience in embryonic stem cell culture methods and techniques. Students grow and passage mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and perform established protocols that differentiate mES cells into cardiac muscle cells and neurons. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by permission. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; previous or concurrent enrollment in course 178. Enrollment limited to 16. Y. Zuo, D. Feldheim
179. Biotechnology and Drug Development. W
Recommended for students interested in careers in the biopharmaceutical industry. Focuses on recombinant DNA technology and the drug-development process, including discovery research; preclinical testing; clinical trials; and regulatory review, as well as manufacturing and production considerations. Students may not receive credit for this course and Biomolecular Engineering 255 and Chemistry 255. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 155. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOL 100 or CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A. Enrollment limited to 15. P. Berman
180. Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists. S
No programming experience required, but basic computer skills assumed. Students without prior programming experience taught basic proficiency in Perl, BioPerl, and other Perl libraries needed to analyze, transform, and publish biological data. Students required to solve a research problem as a final project. Lectures and labs are shared with Biomolecular Engineering 60. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Biomolecular Engineering 60. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 160. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A or BIOL 21A. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 180L is required. (General Education Code(s): MF.) The Staff
180L. Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists Laboratory (1 credit). S
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in course 160. One two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Biomolecular Engineering 60L. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 160L. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A or BIOL 21A. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 180 is required. The Staff
181. Computational Biology Tools. F,W
Hands-on lectures and laboratory geared to teach basic tools and skills used in computational biology (genome browsers, sequence database searching, motif analysis, multiple sequence alignment, gene finders, phylogenetics analysis, protein structure visualization, and others). Web-based tools/databases are used on student laptops. Open to all science students; no prior programming or Unix experience required. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 110. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 100, 105, Biochemistry 100A, or Chemistry 103 or declared Bioinformatics majors. Enrollment limited to 25. T. Lowe, The Staff
182. Genomes. F
Advanced elective for biology majors, examining biology on the genome scale. Topics include genome sequencing; large scale computational and functional analysis; features specific to prokaryotic, eukaryotic, or mammalian genomes; proteomics; SNP analysis; medical genomics; and genome evolution. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 130. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or CHEM 103 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 105; or approval of instructor. Enrollment limited to 30. R. Green
186F. Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology (2 credits). F,W,S
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, is also discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K. Each enrolled student must have a committed MCD faculty sponsor by the first class meeting. Enrollment restricted to biology and affiliated majors. May be repeated for credit. R. Ludwig, M. Rexach
186L. Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology. F,W,S
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 100K. Each enrolled student must have a committed MCD faculty sponsor by the first class meeting. Enrollment restricted to biology and affiliated majors. (General Education Code(s): W.) R. Ludwig, M. Rexach
186R. Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology. F,W,S
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 100K; previous completion of the Disciplinary Communication requirement. Each enrolled student must have a committed MCD faculty sponsor by the first class. Enrollment restricted to majors. May be repeated for credit. R. Ludwig, M. Rexach
187L. Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory. *
An intensive molecular biology laboratory that presents procedures used in molecular and biotechnology research. Topics and procedures include DNA/RNA isolation, cloning and library construction, southern and northern hybridization, DNA fingerprinting, PCR, manual and automated sequencing, and computer methods for analyzing molecular data. New procedures currently being developed in biotechnology industries are presented by industry representatives. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 115L or BIOL 287L. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; and BIOL 100K and BIOL 110; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment limited to 20. The Staff
189. Health Sciences Internship (3 credits). F,W,S
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 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; concurrent enrollment in course 189W is required. Enrollment restricted to human biology majors. M. Zuniga, L. Hinck, G. Hartzog
189W. Disciplinary Communication: Human Biology (2 credits). F,W,S
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 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 restricted to human biology majors. M. Zuniga, L. Hinck, G. Hartzog
190. Senior Seminar (2 credits). S
Satisfies the senior exit requirement for all biological sciences majors. (Also offered as Biology:Ecology & Evolutionary 190. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) J. Lee
191. ACE Program Service Learning (2 credits). F
Students participate in training and development to co-facilitate collaborative learning in ACE chemistry discussion sections and midterm/exam review sessions. Students are role models for students pursuing science- and math-intensive majors. Prerequisite(s): Prior participation in ACE; good academic standing; no non-passing grades in prior quarter. Enrollment restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. (Formerly course 182.) Enrollment limited to 10. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) The Staff
195. Senior Thesis Research. F,W,S
An individually supervised course, with emphasis on independent research, to culminate in a senior thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
198. Independent Field Study. F,W,S
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 course work 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. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
198F. Independent Field Study (2 credits). F,W,S
Provides for two units 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 course work off campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
199. Tutorial. F,W,S
Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected biological topics, using facilities normally available on campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
199F. Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
Two-unit Tutorial. Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected biological topics, using facilities normally available on campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Graduate Courses
200A. Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature. F
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students in MCD biology, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. J. Sanford, W. Saxton
200B. Advanced Molecular Biology. F
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. Prerequisite(s): Enrollment restricted to graduate students. R. Kamakaka
200C. Advanced Cell Biology. W
An in-depth coverage of topics in cellular and subcellular organization, structure, and function in plants and animals. Emphasis on current research problems. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. D. Kellogg
200D. Developmental Biology. S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students in MCD biology, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. S. Strome
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. M. Ares, J. Sanford, M. Jurica
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? Prerequisite(s): BIOC 100A,BIOL 200B or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and BIOL 115; undergrads by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. Offered in alternate academic years. J. Tamkun, G. Hartzog
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and BIOL 115, or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20. S. Strome, J. Tamkun
206. Introduction to Stem Cell Biology. F
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. W. Sullivan
206L. Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology. W
Provides students with hands-on experience in embryonic stem cell culture methods. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. Y. Zuo, D. Feldheim
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 110, and BIOL 115. Enrollment restricted to seniors and graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. Offered in alternate academic years. D. Kellogg
214. Cancer Cell Biology. *
Focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cancer. Topics include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell growth genes, checkpoint genes, telomeres, and apoptosis. Students gain experience in understanding the cutting edge of cancer drug design and formulate their own proposals for applying molecular and cellular biological techniques toward cancer diagnosis and treatment. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10. The Staff
226. Advanced Molecular Neuroscience. W
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Y. Zuo
280A. Topics in Research on Molecular Genetics of Yeast (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with approval of instructor. May be repeated for credit. M. Ares
280B. Chromatin Structure and Transcriptional Regulation (2 credits). F,W,S
Weekly seminar on structure and gene regulatory function of chromatin. Discusses research of participants and relevant scientific literature. Enrollment restrIcted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. H. Boeger
280C. Mammalian Brain Development (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar covers research into the development of the mammalian brain. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. B. Chen
280D. RNA Processing (2 credits). F,W,S
A discussion of current research and literature concerning the regulation of precursor messenger RNA processing. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. A. Zahler
280E. Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. N. Bhalla
280F. Development of Vertebrate Neural Connections (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. D. Feldheim
280H. Topics on Research into Chromatin and Transcription (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar covering research into the effects of chromatin on transcription in yeast. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. G. Hartzog
280I. Epigenetic Gene Silencing and Insulators (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive course on molecular mechanisms by which insulator elements regulate epigenetic gene silencing. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. R. Kamakaka
280J. Structures of Macromolecular Complexes (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. M. Jurica
280K. Topics in Cell Cycle Research (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. D. Kellogg
280L. Development (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar covering research into breast development and cancer. (Formerly Topics on Neural Development.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 12. May be repeated for credit. L. Hinck
280M. Post-Transcriptional Control of Mammalian Gene Expression (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive course on the molecular mechanisms by which RNA binding proteins regulate gene expression. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with the permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 8. May be repeated for credit. J. Sanford
280N. Structure and Function of Ribosomes (2 credits). F,W,S
An intensive and advanced course focusing on the structure and function of ribosomes. Participants present research findings in an organized, critical fashion, in the context of current research literature in the ribosome field. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduate students may enroll with permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. H. Noller
280O. Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive seminar focusing on mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis of the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Participants are required to present results from their own research and relevant journal articles. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 281O. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. K. Ottemann
280Q. Cell Biology of Oocytes, Embryos, and Neurons (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. W. Saxton
280R. Structure and Function of the Nuclear Pore Complex (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive and advanced course focusing on structure and function of the nuclear pore complex. Participants present research findings in an organized critical fashion in the context of current research literature in the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport field. Enrollment restrIcted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. M. Rexach
280S. Chromatin and RNA Regulation in C. elegans (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. S. Strome
280T. Molecular Biology of Drosophila Development (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. J. Tamkun
280U. Discussions on the Development of the Drosophila Embryo (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. W. Sullivan
280W. Membrane Proteins (2 credits). F
Seminar on recent research on membrane proteins, with an emphasis on ion-pumping ATPase. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. B. Bowman
280X. Mammalian Developmental and Stem Cell Biology (2 credits). F,W,S
Explores topics in developmental and stem cell biology, with emphasis on mammalian systems. Students present results of independent research projects in the context of relevant publications and other background information. Course meets once each week. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. A. Ralston
280Y. Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity (2 credits). F,W,S
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. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. Y. Zuo
289. Practice of Science. W
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. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200A, BIOL 200B, and BIOL 200C or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. M. Ares
291. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Seminar (2 credits). F,W,S
Topics of current interest in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology are presented weekly by graduate students, faculty, and guest speakers. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 60. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
292. MCD Seminar (no credit). F,W,S
Various topics by weekly guest speakers. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
296. Laboratory Research in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. F,W,S
Independent laboratory research in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
297. Independent Study. F,W,S
Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
299. Thesis Research. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
Revised: 09/01/13
