Current Laboratory Techniques in Oral Biology G23.2062 Prerequisites: basic biochemistry and cell biology. McCutcheon. 3 points. The course is intended to familiarize students with basic techniques used in oral biology. Aspects related to tissue culture, protein and nucleic acid purification and analysis will be emphasized.
Oral Microbiology
G23.2252 Prerequisite: basic biochemistry. Boylan. 3 points.
This course will cover aspects of basic microbiology,
mycology, and virology with emphasis on bacterial/viral interactions with
oral tissues.
Calcified Tissue and Mineralization G23.2255 Prerequisites: basic biochemistry and cell biology or permission of the coordinator. Staff. 4 points. The course will cover bone metabolism and bone cell biology. Emphasis will be placed on mechanisms of bone formation and resorption.
Biology of Chemosensory Systems G23.2601
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Spielman. 4 points.
The course focuses on the basic mechanisms of
taste and smell.
Seminars in Oral Biology G23.3161 Craig. 3 points. A set of papers reflecting current trends in oral biology will be assigned for critical evaluation and discussed with faculty selected from areas of bone biology (Davidson, Evans), immunology (McCutcheon), mechanisms of carcinogenesis (Guttenplan), saliva and salivation (Spielman), oral microbiology (Boylan), and tooth formation (Craig). This seminar series will also include research seminars given by graduate students. The course is intended to develop a critical sense toward evaluation of scientific literature and increase the student's awareness about the necessity of following it.
Salivary Glands and Saliva G23.3162
Prerequisite: basic biochemistry. Spielman. 4 points.
The course will deal with the physiology and
pathology of the salivary glands, the structure and function of salivary
constituents, and their role in health and disease.
RESEARCH
Research in Anatomy G23.3003-3004 Singh, staff. 1-12 points per term.
Research in Histology and Cell Biology G23.3005-3006 Roy, staff. 1-12 points per term.
Research in Biochemistry G23.3103-3104 Spielman. 1-12 points per term.
Research in Microbiology G23.3203-3204
G23.3203-3204 Boylan. 1-12 points per term.
SEMINARS
Seminar in Histology and Cell Biology G23.3009-3010 1.5 points per term.
Seminar in Biochemistry G23.3151-3152 1.5 points per term.
Seminar in Microbiology G23.3213-3214 1.5 points per term.
Seminar in Physiology G23.3511-3512
1.5 points per term.
Required for all students are a minimum of 8 credits out of the following list of basic courses offered through the Department of Biology:
Advanced Immunology G23.1011 McCutcheon. 3 points. This is a graduate level introduction to immunology and its literature intended for Biology MS and Ph.D. students who did not enroll in an undergraduate immunology course. The course will focus on the mechanisms which govern the immune response. The intention of this course is also to train the students in reading and evaluating primary research articles which are published in peer-reviewed journals. This course will prepare students for the upper level courses offered by the Biology department, G23.1020, Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Immunology and G23.2020, Microbial Pathogenesis.
Microbiology G23.1027 Prerequisites: college courses in organic chemistry and some advanced biology. Recommended: biochemistry or physiology. Stotzky. 4 points. An introduction to the evolution, morphology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of the protists. Emphasis is on bacteria, fungi, and viruses, although algae and protozoa are considered. The similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are stressed, as is the microbiology of natural habitats.
Biochemistry I-II G23.1046-1047 Prerequisites: V25.0243 and V25.0244 or equivalent course in organic chemistry. Kallenbach. 4 points per term. A two-semester course taught jointly by faculty from the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. Topics include organic and physical chemistry of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; membrane structure and function; bioenergetics, intermediary metabolism; molecular genetics and regulation of cellular processes.
Cell Biology G23.1051 Prerequisites or corequisites: G23.1046-1047. Chang. 4 points. General topics in modern cell biology are covered. Includes an examination of the current state of knowledge in areas such as the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts, protein synthesis and secretion, the cell surface, and the mechanisms underlying the control of cellular function. Topics are discussed with reference to the methodology employed to conduct studies that have led to our current understanding of the cell.
Applications of Molecular Biology G23.1121 Corequisites: biochemistry or permission of the instructor. Staff. 4 points. Introduces the student to the application of recombinant DNA technology to study gene structure and function. Promotor structure and function, mechanisms of RNA splicing, capping and polyadenylation are examined in detail. Covers specific topics of importance for gene regulation, such as rearrangement of the immunoglobulin genes during B-cell development, steroid hormone control of gene expression, the implications of transposable genetic elements, methylation, and chromatin structure.
Statistics in Biology G23.2030 Prerequisites: college algebra and/or calculus. Lecture and laboratory. Tranchina. 4 points. An advanced course designed to teach graduate-level biology students techniques of statistical analysis and experimental design that will be of use in their research and in the interpretation of biology literature. Principles of statistical inference, the design of experiments, and analysis of data are taught using examples drawn from the literature. The use of common parametric and nonparametric distributions for the description of data and the testing of hypotheses is covered.
Neuropeptides G23.2103 Prerequisite:
G23.2220 or permission of the instructor. Strand. 4 points.
The regulatory function of peptides released
by or affecting the nervous system. Peptides are discussed as hormones,
endogenous opiates, neurotransmitters, and neuromodulators. Central, peripheral,
developmental, and behavioral effects are considered.