Course Offerings (GSAS Bulletin)
Courses numbered on the 1000 level are open to advanced undergraduate students and recommended as introductory courses for entering graduate students. Courses on the 2000 level are advanced courses open to students in the M.S. and the Ph.D. programs. Courses on the 3000 level are usually open only to students in the Ph.D. program.
Note: Most courses are given during the day. It is not possible to complete either the M.S. or the Ph.D. program by taking courses only in the evening.
Two-Part Courses: A hyphen indicates a full-year course with credit granted only for completing both terms. A comma indicates credit is granted for completing each term.
The following courses are lectures unless otherwise indicated.
Bio Core 1: Molecules and Cells
G23.1001 Undergraduate students may enroll with permission of the instructor. Lecture. Staff. 4 points.
This intensive team-taught core course, which is required for incoming M.S. and Ph.D. biology students, surveys the major topics of up-to-date molecular and cellular biology, starting with molecular structure and function of proteins and polynucleic acids and ending with cell division and apoptosis. These topics are taught by biology faculty with expertise in each area. This course is part of a suite of courses that includes a companion, discussion-based, 2000-level course following the same topics each week (Bio Core 3).
Bio Core 2: Genes, Systems, and Evolution
G23.1002 Prerequisite: G23.1001. 4 points.
This intensive team-taught core course surveys the major topics of modern biology, including genetics, systematics, genomics, systems biology, developmental genetics, plant biology, immunology, neurobiology, population genetics, evolution, and geobiology. The course is designed to build on and incorporate the molecular/cell focus of the preceding course. These topics are taught by biology faculty with expertise in each area. This course is part of a suite of courses that includes a companion, discussion-based, 2000-level course following the same topics each week (Bio Core 4).
Environmental Health
G23.1004 Identical to G48.1004. Not open to students who have taken G23.2305 or G48.2305. 4 points.
Toxicology
G23.1006 Identical to G48.1006. Not open to students who have taken G23.2310 or G48.2310. Recommended: biochemistry. 4 points.
Bioinformatics for Biologists
G23.1007 Lecture. Gunsalus. 4 points.
Provides introductory theory and hands-on training in bioinformatics. Students are introduced to the Linux operating system and basic computer programming skills (Perl and Bioconductor). Topics covered: biological databases, pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, BLAST and related algorithms, sequence motifs, Hidden Markov Models, gene expression analysis, and resources for functional associations (gene ontology, pathways and networks).
Advanced Immunology
G23.1011 Lecture. Reiss. 4 points.
Introduction to immunology and its literature. Focuses on the mechanisms that govern the immune response and also trains students in reading and evaluating primary research articles that are published in peer-reviewed journals.
Microbiology
G23.1027 Prerequisites: college courses in organic chemistry and some advanced biology. Recommended: biochemistry or physiology. 4 points.
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. Explores the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the microbiology of natural habitats.
Special Topics in Physiology
G23.1031 Prerequisite: college course in animal physiology. Scott. 4 points.
Designed for students with a background in mammalian physiology. Topics include reproduction biology, regulation of ion and water excretion, maintenance and control of cardiovascular function, and respiratory physiology.
Experimental Microbiology
G23.1037 Enrollment limited. Prerequisite: G23.1027 or equivalent (corequisite with permission of the instructor). Laboratory. 4 points.
Acquaints students with general principles and procedures of microbiology and advanced experimental techniques. Students are expected to undertake individual laboratory projects and to make use of original literature.
Biochemistry I, II
G23.1046, 1047 Identical to G25.1881, 1882. Prerequisites college courses in organic chemistry for G23.1046; G23.1046 for G23.1047. 4 points per term.
Cell Biology
G23.1051 Pre- or corequisites: G23.1046, 1047. 4 points.
Examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell proliferation and differentiation. Five topics are chosen for discussion: signal transduction, regulation of cell cycle, cytoskeleton, cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, and intracellular transport. The importance of these issues in the understanding of development, immunity, and cancer is emphasized.
Principles of Evolution
G23.1069 Prerequisite: genetics or permission of the instructor. Fitch. 4 points.
Patterns of evolution and adaptation as seen in the paleontological record; speciation, extinction, and the geographic distribution of populations; the basics of population genetics and molecular evolution. Elements of numerical taxonomy and recent developments in phylogenetic systematics.
Molecular Controls of Organismal Form and Function
G23.1072 Prerequisites: permission of the instructor. Coruzzi, Desplan. 4 points.
Covers metabolism, signaling, and development, highlighting use of molecular and genetic studies in model plant and animal systems.
Animal Virology
G23.1080 Lecture. Reiss. 4 points.
Details the molecular life cycles of viruses that infect mammalian cells. Topics covered include disease pathogenesis, immune evasion mechanisms, vaccination, and genetic immunization vectors.
Genes and Animal Behavior
G23.1082 Lecture. Blau. 4 points.
Survey of principles and patterns of animal behavior. Covers classical ethological research of Lorenz and others and modern research on the molecular basis of behavior, especially in model systems. Behaviors studied include reproductive behavior, rhythmic behavior, learning and memory, and feeding behavior.
Neuronal Plasticity
G23.1101 Lecture. Azmitia. 4 points.
Introductory survey of neuronal plasticity and the principles of neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and development of the brain and spinal cord. Presents various forms of plasticity from regeneration to neuronal transplantation. Topics include dynamic instability, addiction, depression, hibernation, spinal injury, and Alzheimer’s disease. Covers the role of neurotransmitters and growth factors in regulating brain plasticity. Stresses interactions between neurons, astroglial cells, and other nonneuronal cells. Summarizes animal and human studies of functional and structural recovery.
Laboratory in Molecular Biology I, II, III, IV
G23.1122, 1123, 1124, 1125 Corequisites: biochemistry and permission of the instructor. Must be taken in sequence. Laboratory. Kirov, Rushlow. 4 points.
Analyzes selective developmental systems using recombinant DNA techniques. Purification of nucleic acids from eukaryotes and prokaryotes; bacteria transformation; restriction enzyme analysis; immobilization of nucleic acids on nitrocellulose membrane; and DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA hybridization.
Advanced Genetics
G23.1126 Prerequisites: for students not enrolled in Ph.D. program in biology, permission of the instructor. 4 points.
In-depth study of experimental genetics from Mendel to the present, emphasizing methods and logic of the genetic approach to biological research. Covers classical experiments on inheritance, chromosomes and genetic linkage, genetic variability, mutagenesis, DNA, and the nature of the genetic code. Special topics from both classic and recent literature include (but are not limited to) genetic screens, epistasis analysis, suppressors/enhancers, and mosaic analysis.
Bioinformatics and Genomes
G23.1127 Prerequisites: calculus I and II, demonstrated interest in computation, and permission of the instructor. Bonneau. 4 points.
The recent explosion in the availability of genome-wide data such as whole genome sequences and microarray data led to a vast increase in bioinformatics research and tool development. Bioinformatics is becoming a cornerstone for modern biology, especially in fields such as genomics. It is thus crucial to understand the basic ideas and to learn fundamental bioinformatics techniques. The emphasis of this course is on developing not only an understanding of existing tools but also the programming and statistics skills that allow students to solve new problems in a creative way.
Systems Biology
G23.1128 Lecture. Piano. 4 points.
Introduction to genomic methods for acquiring and analyzing genomic DNA sequence. Topics: genomic approaches to determining gene function, including determining genome-wide expression patterns; the use of genomics for disease-gene discovery and epidemiology; the emerging fields of comparative genomics and proteomics; and applications of genomics to the pharmaceutical and agbiotech sectors. Throughout the course, the computational methods for analysis of genomic data is stressed.
Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics
G23.1129 Prerequisites: G23.1069, and permission of the instructor. Lecture. Borowsky. 4 points.
The genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying evolutionary change, including the genetics of adaptation and character regression; evolution of complex characters and traits such as organ systems, the senses, and patterns of behavior; methods for the study of quantitative trait locus (QTL) variation and multifactorial systems.
Applied Genomics: Introduction to Bioinformatics and Network Modeling
G23.1130 Prerequisite: permission of the instructors. Lecture. Birnbaum, Siegal. 4 points.
This course introduces fundamental methods of analyzing large data sets from genomics experiments. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on computational training, and in-depth discussions of current scientific papers, students learn the conceptual foundations of basic analytical methods, the computational skills to implement these methods, and the reasoning skills to read critically the primary literature in genomics. Analysis focuses on data from genome-wide studies of gene expression using microarrays and from genome-wide studies of molecular interactions. Methods covered include clustering, multiple-hypothesis testing, and network inference. A large part of the course is dedicated to students completing an individual project that is tailored to meet their background and training.
Mathematics in Medicine and Biology
G23.1501 Prerequisite: one semester of calculus or permission of the instructor. Peskin, Tranchina. 4 points.
Discussion of topics of medical importance using mathematics as a tool: control of the heart, optimal principles in the lung, cell membranes, electrophysiology, countercurrent exchange in the kidney, acid-base balance, muscle, cardiac catheterization; computer diagnosis. Material from the physical sciences and mathematics is introduced and developed.
Computers in Medicine and Biology
G23.1502 Prerequisite: G23.1501 or permission of the instructor. Recommended: familiarity with a programming language such as FORTRAN or BASIC. Peskin, Tranchina. 4 points.
Introduces students of biology or mathematics to the use of computers as tools for modeling physiological phenomena. Each student constructs two computer models selected from the following: circulation, gas exchange in the lung, control of cell volume, and the renal countercurrent mechanism.
Bio Core 3: Molecules and Cells
G23.2003 Open to Ph.D. students only. M.S. students may enroll only with authorization of the instructor. Prerequisite: G23.1001. Discussion-based course. 4 points.
This intensive team-taught course complements the lecture course Bio Core 1 by providing in-depth discussions of modern papers on topics related to those addressed in Bio Core 1, i.e., molecular and cellular biology from molecular structure and function of proteins/nucleic acids to cell division and apoptosis. These discussions are led by the same faculty who teach the corresponding lectures in Bio Core 1 and who have deep expertise in each area. This course is part of the suite of courses Bio Core 1-4.
Bio Core 4: Genes, Systems, and Evolution
G23.2004 Open to Ph.D. students only. M.S. students may enroll only with authorization of the instructor. Prerequisite: G23.1002. Discussion-based course. 4 points.
This intensive team-taught course complements the lecture course Bio Core 2 by providing in-depth discussions of modern papers on topics related to those addressed in Bio Core 2, i.e., genetics, systematics, genomics, systems biology, development, plants, immunology, neurobiology, evolution, and geobiology. These discussions are led by the same faculty who teach the corresponding lectures in Bio Core 2 and who have deep expertise in each area. This course is part of the suite of courses Bio Core 1-4.
Structure-Function Relationships in Cellular Macromolecules
G23.2017 Prerequisites: college-level molecular and cell biology or biochemistry, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Lecture. Broyde. 4 points.
Cellular macromolecules, particularly nucleic acids and proteins, are the key molecules that provide cells with functional diversity. The nucleic acids DNA and RNA act as the informational storage and transmission molecules of cells, while proteins execute and regulate most cellular activities and provide crucial structural elements. The tools of the biochemist and molecular biologist have provided scientists with unprecedented structural detail of these macromolecules, so much so that an understanding of the critical relationships between macromolecular structure and macromolecular function can now be made. This course emphasizes key structure-function relationships for DNA, RNA, and proteins. The detailed structures of these molecules are examined; important methods and tools used to elucidate their structural elements are described; and the relationship between microstructure and function are emphasized.
DNA Replication, Damage, and Repair
G23.2018 Identical to G48.2018. Prerequisite: biochemistry. 4 points.
Statistics in Biology
G23.2030 Prerequisites: college algebra and/or calculus. Lecture and laboratory. Tranchina. 4 points.
Advanced course on techniques of statistical analysis and experimental design that are useful in 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. Covers the use of common parametric and nonparametric distributions for the description of data and the testing of hypotheses.
Molecular and Genetic Toxicology
G23.2040 Identical to G48.2040. Prerequisite: biochemistry. 4 points.
Current Laboratory Techniques in Oral Biology
G23.2062 Prerequisites: basic biochemistry and cell biology. Sacks. 3 points.
Familiarizes students with basic techniques used in oral biology.
Fundamentals of Developmental Genetics I, II
G23.2130, 2131 Open only to Ph.D. students in biology or at Sackler. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Lecture and laboratory. Staff. 4 points per term.
Explores fundamental questions, concepts, and methodologies of modern inquiry into the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of development through lectures, readings in the primary literature, and laboratory work. Topics include embryonic axis determination, region-specific gene expression, cell specification through cell-cell interaction, gastrulation, and organogenesis.
Developmental Neurobiology
G23.2221 Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Lecture. Desplan. 4 points.
Recent advances in genetic model systems as well as the development of new tools in vertebrate embryology have allowed much insight into the development of the central nervous system (CNS). This course focuses on the development of well-studied central nervous systems through a comparison of invertebrate and vertebrate species. It provides an in-depth description of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that pattern the CNS. Topics include cell specification, synapse formation, and use-dependent plasticity.
Endocrine Physiology
G23.2247 Prerequisites: college courses in vertebrate anatomy, embryology, and physiology, or equivalents. Scott. 4 points.
Analyzes the regulatory mechanisms for the synthesis and secretion of the principal vertebrate hormones. Studies the hormonal control of major physiological systems, with emphasis on the physiological aspects of the endocrines.
Oral Microbiology
G23.2252 Caufield. 3 points.
This course discusses the fundamental aspects of the host-parasite relationship and its deviation from health to disease.
Plant Systematics
G23.2269 Prerequisite: G23.1072 or equivalent, or permission of the instructor. Lecture, laboratory, and fieldwork. Stevenson. 4 points.
Intensive course providing a background for the recognition of the principal angiosperm families. Although plant families are presented in this course within the context of a current phylogenetic scheme, the orientation is toward applied systematics, i.e., emphasis is on identification rather than on evolutionary relationships. Illustrated lectures, selected readings, laboratory demonstrations, floral dissections, keying sessions (both manual and computer assisted), and herbarium specimens introduce the salient features of each family. A basic knowledge of plant systematics is essential to students of plant resources.
Introduction to Biostatistics
G23.2303 Identical to G48.2303. 4 points.
Principles of Toxicology I
G23.2310 Identical to G48.2310. Prerequisites: biochemistry and cell biology, or permission of the instructor. 4 points.
Special Topics in Math Biology
G23.2851, 2852 Identical to G63.2851, 2852.
Special Topics in Mathematical Physiology
G23.2855, 2856 Identical to G63.2855, 2856. 3 points per term.
The Art of Scientific Investigation
G23.3001 Required course for all biology students entering the Ph.D. program. Blau. 2 points.
This course in the ethics and communication of scientific research is designed to complement the more information-based courses offered by the Department of Biology and equips Ph.D. students with the necessary skills to conduct research ethically and to be aware of the ethical and societal implications of their research. The course also trains students in effective scientific communication through paper writing and presenting research to specialist and nonspecialist audiences and in fellowship and grant writing.
Predoctoral Colloquium: Graduate Student Seminar
G23.3015 Open only to Ph.D. students. Seminar. 2 points.
Students gain experience in the preparation and presentation of formal scientific seminars.
Molecular Evolution Journal Club
G23.3018 May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Seminar. Fitch. 2 points.
Students critically discuss selected papers from current molecular evolution literature.
Current Topics in Genetics
G23.3020 May be repeated for credit with permission of the instructor. Seminar. Rushlow. 2 points.
Students critically discuss recent papers in genetics with emphasis on new discoveries that affect human health.
Predoctoral Colloquium: Laboratory Rotation
G23.3034, 3035 Open only to Ph.D. students. Two-semester course required of all first-year Ph.D. students. Lecture and laboratory. 2 and 4 points, respectively.
First term: Students attend orientation sessions with individual faculty to discuss current departmental research. Second term: Each student arranges to complete three projects (six to eight weeks in duration), each under the supervision of a different faculty member, in the department’s laboratories.
Research
G23.3303, 3304 Prerequisite: permission of the sponsor. 1-6 points per term.
Individual research projects carried out under the supervision of the faculty.
Reading Course in Biology
G23.3305, 3306 Prerequisite: permission of the sponsor. 1-6 points per term.
Reading and analysis of selected literature in a specific area of biology under the supervision of the faculty. Gives students intensive coverage of material that is appropriate for their individual research needs.
