BI**194 / BGGN 280-285: Winter 2024 Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: Students may not receive credit for a second attempt of the same topic that was previously completed.
| Instructor |
Hui, Enfu |
| Title |
Biochemistry of Cell Signaling |
| Description |
Multiple cell types in our body unite to form tissues, each with specific functions that contribute to overall physiological processes. The survival and proper functioning of these cells hinge on their ability to receive and process crucial information, or signals, from their environment. Notably, cell-cell communication plays a vital role in our immune system's ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells and virus-infected cells. To detect signals, cells employ specialized cell surface proteins known as receptors. These receptors collaborate with internal proteins and lipid molecules to convert the received signal into a cascade of biochemical events. Ultimately, this signaling cascade can trigger essential cellular processes such as cell division, differentiation, motility, and secretion of chemical substances. In the course, we will delve into primary research articles that reveal the mechanisms by which external signals activate cell surface receptors. We will also explore how these signals are relayed inside the cell and how signaling molecules self-organize to facilitate cellular responses. An additional focus will be on rewiring signaling networks to engineer cells with novel and desired functionalities. One significant aspect of the course will be a special emphasis on signal transduction and the engineering of immune cells, particularly in the context of cancer immunotherapy—an exciting and rapidly advancing field. Throughout the duration of the course, you will develop the skills needed to interpret, evaluate, and effectively present primary literature, enhancing your understanding of the subject matter. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Niwa Rosen, Maho |
| Title |
Protein Folding and Human Diseases |
| Description |
We will read and discuss research papers together that have brought breakthrough discoveries in our understanding of human diseases caused by disruptions of protein folding, including cystic fibrosis, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Flagg, Matthew |
| Title |
Structure, Medicine, Disease |
| Description |
We'll use protein structure to understand human disease and small-molecule therapeutics. Our central focus will be to visualize and characterize protein-drug interactions. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Chao, Lin |
| Title |
CodeNames Boardgame-The Biology Edition |
| Description |
To use the boardgame CodeNames to develop conceptual, integrative, holistic, and organizational thinking in biology. The objective will be achieved by dividing the class into self-chosen and four-member topical teams (e.g. ecology, evolution, neurobiology, physiology, genetics, development, etc.), which will then create from a defined knowledge base a set of word cards (in the style of CodeNames) to play the boardgame within and between teams. All words in the cards must be present in the defined knowledge base, which is the corresponding topical Unit/Chapter(s) from Campbell Biology, 9th Edition (see below). The within team games are to be used by a topical team to hone and optimize the cards for their specialty topic. Each team can modify their cards following the within team games. The between team games (two teams at a time) are played in a Class Tournament that is held towards the end of the ten week quarter. The Class Tournament will be played at two levels: A Specialized (all word cards created by one topical team) and B Generalized (word cards 50% from each team). Class is designed for students who have strong interest and enthusiasm for looking at biology from a higher and more integrative perspective. For example, rather than just knowing what DNA, RNA and proteins do, wonder why all three are linear? And then, realize that the class uses a boardgame to organize thought rather than the usual learning approaches that characterize standard university classes. Having played (and an affection for) CodeNames will also be extremely helpful. If you have never played CodeNames and want to assess if this class fits your interests, consider reading up on CodeNames. Do you like boardgames to be played in a class? Make sure you understand the grading process and that how well you and your team perform in playing the board affects part of your grade. Text book and laptops during in person class meetings are required. Class grade based on attendance, participation, performance in playing the biology version of CodeNames, and a final paper (Blog). |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Akbari, Omar |
| Title |
Advanced Molecular Genetics of Insects |
| Description |
This course covers biotechnology applications as applied to Insects. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Murre, Cornelis |
| Title |
Epigenetics in Gene Regulation, Development and Cancer |
| Description |
The course is focused on epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression. The goal is to read, evaluate and present primary data from research articles. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Lykke-Andersen, Jens |
| Title |
Gene Regulatory Defects in Human Disease |
| Description |
We will discuss recent research on gene regulatory mechanisms going awry leading to human disorders and the modern approaches used to understand underlying molecular defects, through presentation and discussion of cutting edge research papers. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Hasty, Jeff |
| Title |
TBD |
| Description |
TBD |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Hao, Nan |
| Title |
Building Life: The Power and Potential of Synthetic Biology |
| Description |
The class will provide an introduction to the fascinating field of synthetic biology. Through lectures, literature reading, group discussion and presentation, students will explore the fundamental principles, tools, and recent advancements and applications of synthetic biology. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Jin, Yishi |
| Title |
Advanced Topics in Modern Biology: Physiology and Neuroscience |
| Description |
Synapses are where the actions in the nervous system take place! Many neurological diseases are associated with synapse dysfunction. Recent genetic studies of Autism or Autism spectral disorders (ASD) have implicated many mutations affecting genes that function in synapses. The goals of the course are to provide basic knowledge on how synapses are formed and regulated, and to discuss cutting-edge research on understanding the causative associations of genes in Autism. Specifically, we will first focus on the key studies that reveal the tripartite components of the synapse. We will then discuss representative research on understanding autism-associated genetic mutations on synapses and behaviors using animal models. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Ackerman, Susan |
| Title |
Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration |
| Description |
Neurodegenerative disorders are common, particularly in the aging population. Genetic analysis demonstrates that these disorders likely have divergent causes. Furthermore, most of the prevalent disorders are sporadic with unknown causes. The goal of this course is to provide basic knowledge on neurodegenerative disorders and to discuss cutting-edge research on the molecular and cellular causes of neuron loss in these disorders. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Meharena, Hiruy |
| Title |
Stem Cells in Neuroscience |
| Description |
In this course we will discuss the benefits and limitations of stem cell technology in neurobiology. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Banghart, Matthew |
| Title |
Neuropharmacology |
| Description |
Pharmacology is fundamental to neurobiology research and its principles underlie the actions of therapeutic drugs. This course will address advanced concepts in neuropharmacology and explore the current state of neuropharmacology research at the molecular, cellular, and neural systems levels through a critical reading of primary research publications. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Su, Chih-Ying |
| Title |
Neurobiology of the Chemical Senses |
| Description |
This course will examine the mechanisms of the chemical senses (taste and smell) from receptors to neural circuits. We will consider issues of detection, discrimination and perception. The class will meet once per week to discuss one or more key research articles. Our intent is to review the most important discoveries, evaluate current thinking in the field, and gain expertise in the critical analysis of scientific papers. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Newsam, John |
| Title |
Biotechnology Business Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
| Description |
This course introduces senior undergraduates to biotechnology business and to the coupling of entrepreneurship with scientific innovation. With an interactive, workshop format, participants will apply semi-structured methods to business concept and business model development, and be introduced to the mechanics of founding and building a new business endeavor. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Rifkin, Scott |
| Title |
Genes as Followers: how development shapes evolution |
| Description |
This discussion seminar will explore the roles of plasticity, gene-environment interactions, and development in shaping the direction of evolution. Readings will include key papers and book chapters from 125 years ago to today. Specific topics may include developmental bias, developmental plasticity, canalization, genetic accommodation, reaction norms, alternative phenotypes, modularity, niche construction, heterochrony, and/or homology. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |