BI**194 / BGGN 280-285: Winter 2023 Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: Students may not receive credit for a second attempt of the same topic that was previously completed.
| Instructor |
Ernst, Andreas |
| Title |
Mechanistic Cell Biology |
| Description |
Analysis of recent publications in the field of mechanistic cell biology/cellular biochemistry. Discussion of methods & biology, followed by student presentations. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Forbes, Douglass |
| Title |
Scientific Breakthroughs of Diverse Origin |
| Description |
People do science. This course will focus on past and present scientific breakthroughs and the diversity of scientists that pushed them forward. At times, guest scientists of diverse background will share their stories, hurdles, and successful career strategies. Coursework will include full class participation in discussing breakthroughs, scientists, and career strategies, followed by a written research presentation on a diverse scientist. Scientists of interest for the latter could include: (1) a key diverse contributor to the identification of the AIDs virus, (2) the prime discoverer of autophagy (or how cells rid themselves of aging components), (3) a major diverse expert on the phage therapy pioneered to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections, and (4) the diverse visionaries of RNA vaccine technology used to fight COVID-19. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Akbari, Omar |
| Title |
Molecular Biology and 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 |
Epigenetic in Gene Regulation, Development and Cancer |
| Description |
The course is focused on epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression. There will be a heavy emphasis on understanding the basis of design, execution and interpretation of relevant scientific experiments. The goal of the course is to read, critically evaluate and present primary data from research articles. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Hasty, Jeff M |
| Title |
TBD |
| Description |
TBD |
| 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 |
Leutgeb, Jill |
| Title |
Brain systems for spatial navigation |
| Description |
This course will investigate the neural networks in the brain that underlie spatial navigation and pathfinding. How does the brain create maps of space that guide navigation in complex environments? The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the discovery of the brain’s “inner GPS” system. Students will present and discuss the primary literature describing the current state of the field and recent implications for therapeutic intervention in human disease. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Ackerman, Susan |
| Title |
Molecular and Cellular Basis of Neurodegeneration |
| Description |
Neurodegenerative disorders are common, particularly in the aging population. Genetic analysis demonstrates that these disorders likely have divergent causes. Furthermore, the majority 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. Course meetings will be student-led discussions of primary research literature. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Yelon, Deborah |
| Title |
Genome Editing: Past, Present, and Future |
| Description |
In this course, we will learn about genome editing technologies and their applications. We will discuss how genome editing techniques were developed, the ways in which genome editing is currently being used, and the possible ramifications of future advances. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Newsam, John |
| Title |
Biotech 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 |
Niwa Rosen, Maho |
| Title |
Human Diseases caused by protein folding failure |
| Description |
Failures of protein folding have been widely recognized for causes of many different types of human diseases including neurodegenerative, genetic, or metabolic diseases. You will learn how to (1) read primary research papers with critical eyes, (2) prepare and make strong presentations, and (3) form good questions and constructive criticisms. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Smith, Laurie |
| Title |
Biological Determinants of Sex and Gender |
| Description |
How do X and Y chromosomes determine biological sex in mammals? How is this process modified to produce intersex outcomes? Are the brains of XX and XY mammals different anatomically or functionally? Can we connect these differences to gender? We will read and discuss primary research literature addressing these topics. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Rifkin, Scott |
| Title |
Genes as followers vs. genes as leaders in 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. |