194: Winter 2020 Course Descriptions
| Instructor |
Murre, Cornelis |
| Title |
Epigenetics 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 |
Molecular Biology (BIMM 100); upper division standing |
| Instructor |
Yanofsky, Martin |
| Title |
Plant Development and Biotechnology |
| Description |
From the beginning of agriculture to modern plant biotechnology. Molecular and genetic studies of plant development and allowed for major advances in crop yields. |
| Prerequisites |
Molecular Biology (BIMM 100); upper division standing |
| Instructor |
Allen, Eric |
| Title |
Metagenomics |
| Description |
The field of metagenomics is a rapidly evolving discipline driven by advances in computational biology (bioinformatics), DNA sequencing technologies, and the techniques of modern systems biology. The application of genomic approaches to environmental samples are being exploited to understand the microbial biology of diverse habitats ranging from the human body to the oceans and extreme environments. The goal of this line of research is to discover the taxonomic and metabolic diversity of entire microbial communities to understand the form and function of microbial processes in their natural habitats. |
| Prerequisites |
Molecular Biology (BIMM 100); upper division standing |
| Instructor |
Hasty, Jeff |
| Title |
Quantitative Biology |
| Description |
This survey course will feature pedagogical research presentations from qBIO faculty across campus. |
| Prerequisites |
Molecular Biology (BIMM 100); upper division standing |
| Instructor |
Akbari, Omar |
| Title |
Advanced Topics in Modern Biology: Molecular Biology of Insects |
| Description |
This course covers biotechnology applications as applied to Insects. |
| Prerequisites |
Molecular Biology (BIMM 100); upper division standing |
| 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 |
Human Physiology I (BIPN 100) OR Cellular Neurobiology (BIPN 140); upper division standing |
| Instructor |
Ackerman, Susan |
| Title |
Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration |
| Description |
Neurodegenerative disorders are common in the elderly population and are incurable. In this course, students will explore our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration by presenting and discussing primary scientific literature. Completion of Molecular Biology (BIMM 100) is highly recommended. |
| Prerequisites |
Human Physiology I (BIPN 100) OR Cellular Neurobiology (BIPN 140); upper division standing |
| 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 in this dynamic area. |
| Prerequisites |
Genetics (BICD 100); upper division standing. |
| Instructor |
Newsam, John |
| Title |
Biotechnology 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 |
Genetics (BICD 100); upper division standing. |
| Instructor |
Muotri, Alysson |
| Title |
Molecular genetic basis of neural function and neurological disease |
| Description |
One of the greatest challenges remaining in biomedical research is to understand how the brain works. The development of the human central nervous system is an intricately orchestrated series of events that occurs over several months and ultimately gives rise to the circuits underlying cognition and behavior. Given the complexity of the central nervous system, one useful approach to understand the human brain is by de-constructing from scratch. Human pluripotent stem cells have the remarkable ability to differentiate in any tissue of the body, including brain organoids. These brain organoids can be derived from any person, and used to model brain circuits in vitro. This course will focus on the principles of human brain organogenesis and disease modeling using recently developed organoid technologies. The goal of this course is that you will not only learn about these exciting discoveries and their implications for neural development and disease, but also you will learn to read, critically evaluate, and present primary data from published recent articles in the scientific literature. |
| Prerequisites |
Genetics (BICD 100); upper division standing. |
| Recommended |
Structural Biochemistry (BIBC 100); Molecular Biology (BIMM 100); Neuroscience introductory level course |
| Instructor |
Niwa Rosen, Maho |
| Title |
Cell and Molecular Biology of Human Diseases |
| Description |
Students will read and discuss a research paper investigating the molecular and cellular causes leading to certain human diseases and potential strategies for treatments occur at the molecular and cellular levels. Students enrolled in this course will also be assigned to present the content of a specific paper and lead the discussion in the class. |
| Prerequisites |
Genetics (BICD 100); upper division standing. |