Science and Society
This course uses a seminar discussion format to examine the relationship between science and society from numerous perspectives, with examples from many fields of science, mostly biology and medicine, including the Covid-19 pandemic. We welcome undergraduates from all classes who are concentrating in any field: the natural and social sciences, humanities, or the arts. There are no prerequisites, other than an interest in how the scientific enterprise works and interacts with other components of our society.
The course addresses a wide array of topics, such as: why do people choose a scientific career? why do governments and other funders support scientific work? how does science fail? why is there widespread skepticism about science? how is it represented in the arts? how are results disseminated, evaluated, and legally protected? Assignments-- mainly short articles (from newspapers and journals) and book chapters, but also a few films and novels --will be provided for each class, and every student will undertake a term project of their own choosing, with oral and written presentations, after consultations with the instructor.
- W 4:10 p.m.-6:40 p.m.
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Instructor:
Harold Varmus
Wikipedia Info - 3 points
First Year Seminar in Biology
FIRST YEAR SEM IN BIOLOGY
If you are interested in biology, come hear Columbia University professors discuss their biology-related research. Find out how the body works, the latest therapies for disease and maybe even find a lab to do research in.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/UN1908/index.
htm
- R 3 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Alice Heicklen
CULPA: 15 Info - 1 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Prerequisites: one year of college chemistry is required. Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/c2005/index.html. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
- TR 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
- 4 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.
http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michelle Attner
Info - 0 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.
http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
- T 8:10 a.m.-10 a.m.
- T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michelle Attner
Info - 0 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.
http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
- T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
- W 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michelle Attner
Info - 0 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.
http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- W 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
- W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michelle Attner
Info - 0 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.
http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
- W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michelle Attner
Info - 0 points
INTRO BIO I: BIOCHEM,GEN,MOLEC
Lecture and recitation. Recommended as the introductory biology course for biology and related majors, and for premedical students. Fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. SPS, Barnard, and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.
http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
- W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
- R 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Michelle Attner
Info - 0 points
Interpreting Scientific Evidence
Evaluating Scientific Evi
This class focuses on how we gather reliable scientific evidence about human biology and public health. The aim is to help students better interpret and evaluate the scientific evidence that they will encounter throughout their lifetime, in primary papers but also as presented in news, advertisement, and politics. To these ends, students will be introduced to basic definitions and concepts in statistics and epidemiology, including point estimates and measures of uncertainty, p-values, error rates, association and causation, different study designs, and selection bias. Readings will draw from a textbook as well as the primary literature. The second half of the course will turn to dissecting the representation and misrepresentation of scientific evidence presented in different venues. It will draw primarily from the textbook “Calling Bullshit” and include discussions of timely examples from the news.
- W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
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Instructor:
Molly Przeworski
Wikipedia h-index: 58 Info - 3 points
CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY I
Prerequisites: one year of college chemistry or the written permission of either the instructor or the premedical adviser is required. Recommended as the introductory biology course for science majors who have completed a year of college chemistry and premedical students. The fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/c2005/index.html. SPS and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
- TR 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
- 3 points
CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGY LAB
Prerequisite or corequisite: BIOL UN2005 or BIOL UN2401. Contemporary Biology Lab is designed to provide students with hands-on exploration of fundamental and contemporary biological tools and concepts. Activities include in depth study of mammalian anatomy and physiology through dissection and histology, as well as a series of experiments in genetics and molecular biology, with emphasis on data analysis and experimental technique.
- M 1:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
- T 1:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
- W 1:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
- R 5:40 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
- F 1:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
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Instructor:
Ava E Brent
Info -
Instructor:
Joshua P Abrams
Info -
Instructor:
Ava E Brent
Info -
Instructor:
Joshua P Abrams
Info -
Instructor:
Ava E Brent
Info - 3 points
NEUROBIO I:CELLULAR & MOLECULR
Prerequisites: one year of biology; a course in physics is highly recommended. Lecture and recitation. This is an advanced course intended for majors providing an in depth survey of the cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cell function. Topics include: the cell biology and biochemistry of neurons, ionic and molecular basis of electrical signals, synaptic transmission and its modulation, function of sensory receptors. Although not required, it is intended to be followed by Neurobiology II (see below). The recitation meets once per week in smaller groups and emphasizes readings from the primary literature.
- TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
- MW 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jian Yang
CULPA: 3 h-index: 37 Info -
Instructor:
Ishmail J Abdus-Saboor
Info - 4 points
Neurobiology I Recitation
Discussion/recitation section for BIOL UN3004 Neurobiology I
- T 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m.
- W 5:45 p.m.-7 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jian Yang
CULPA: 3 h-index: 37 Info - 0 points
Neurobiology I Recitation
Discussion/recitation section for BIOL UN3004 Neurobiology I section 002
- M 6:10 p.m.-7 p.m.
- T 7:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
- R 7:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Ishmail J Abdus-Saboor
Info - 0 points
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Prerequisites: BIOL UN2005 and BIOL UN2006 or equivalent. Come discover how the union of egg and sperm triggers the complex cellular interactions that specify the diverse variety of cells present in multicellular organisms. Cellular and molecular aspects of sex determination, gametogenesis, genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, telomerase as the biological clock, stem cells, cloning, the pill and cell interactions will be explored, with an emphasis on humans. Original research articles will be discussed to further examine current research in developmental biology. SPS and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- TR 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Alice Heicklen
CULPA: 15 Info - 3 points
NEUROGENETICS
Prerequisites: (BIOL UN2005 and BIOL UN2006) This course provides an introduction to Neurogenetics, which studies the role of genetics in the development and function of the nervous system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurogenetics). The course will be focused on teaching classic and contemporary concepts in genetics and neuroscience, rather than cataloguing mere facts. The course will emphasize the discovery processes, historical figures involved in these processes and methodologies of discovery. Primary research papers will be discussed in detail. A central organizational theme of the course is the presence of a common thread and narrative throughout the course. The common thread is an invertebrate model system, the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, which serves as a paradigm to show how simple genetic model systems have informed our view on the genetics of nervous system development and function. The ultimate goal of this course is to gain an understanding of the underlying principles of how the nervous system of one specific animal species forms, from beginning to end. The course is intended for neuroscience-inclined students (e.g. neuroscience majors) who want to learn about how genetic approaches have informed our understanding of brain development and function and, vice versa, for students with an interest in molecular biology and genetics, who want to learn about key problems in neuroscience and how genetic approaches can address them.
- MW 8:40 a.m.-9:55 a.m.
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Instructor:
Oliver Hobert
h-index: 77 Info - 3 points
LAB IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
This laboratory course will explore fundamental techniques that are frequently utilized in modern molecular biology laboratories. A combination of experiments will provide broad exposure to several important techniques in molecular biology. Experiments include current approaches to site-directed mutagenesis, cloning by PCR, and mutation analysis. Students will pursue multiple experimental projects and will gain experience with scientific thinking and scientific communication. SPS and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form).
Prerequisites: UN2005/UN2401 and UN2006/UN2402, or the equivalent at a different institution, and Contemporary Biology Laboratory (UN2501).
- W 1:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
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Instructor:
Joshua P Abrams
Info - 3 points
CELL BIOLOGY
Prerequisites: one year of biology, normally BIOL UN2005-BIOL UN2006, or the equivalent. Cell Biology 3041/4041 is an upper-division course that covers in depth all organelles of cells, how they make up tissues, secrete substances important for the organism, generate and adapt to their working environment in the body, move throughout development, and signal to each other. Because these topics were introduced in the Intro Course (taught by Mowshowitz and Chasin), this course or its equivalent is a pre-requisite for W3041/4041. Students for whom this course is useful include biology, biochem or biomedical engineering majors, those preparing to apply for medical school or graduate school, and those doing or planning to start doing research in a biology or biomedical lab. SCE and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
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Instructor:
Erin L Barnhart
Info - 3 points
CELLULAR/MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
Prerequisites: two semesters of a rigorous, molecularly-oriented introductory biology course (such as UN2005 and UN2006), or the instructors permission. This course will cover the basic concepts underlying the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as key experimental methods currently used in the field. To keep it real, the course will include clinical correlates in such areas as infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer immunotherapy and transplantation. Taking this course wont turn you into an immunologist, but it may make you want to become one, as was the case for several students last year. After taking the course, you should be able to read the literature intelligently in this rapidly advancing field. SCE and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- MW 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Christian W Schindler
CULPA: 3 Info - 3 points
Biochemistry
Prerequisites: 1 year of Introductory Biology, 1 year General Chemistry, and 1st semester Organic Chemistry. Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes within organisms that give rise to the immense complexity of life. This complexity emerges from a highly regulated and coordinated flow of chemical energy from one biomolecule to another. This course serves to familiarize students with the spectrum of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids, etc.) as well as the fundamental chemical processes (glycolysis, citric acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism, etc.) that allow life to happen. The course will end with a discussion of diseases that have biochemical etiologies. In particular, this course will employ active learning techniques and critical thinking problem-solving to engage students in answering the question: how is the complexity of life possible? NOTE: While only the 1st semester of Organic Chemistry is listed as a pre-requisite, it is highly recommended that you take all of Organic Chemistry beforehand.
- T 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
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Instructor:
Danny N Ho
CULPA: 7 Info - 3 points
Regulation of Behaviors for Survival
Reg of Survival Behaviors
To maximize their survival animals must regulate their behavior in response to external environmental cues and their own internal state. A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how neural circuits in the brain function to influence behavior. The aim of this course is to highlight the neural basis of neuropeptide regulation of innate behaviors that are critical for survival and discuss modern approaches to study the neuronal control of classically studied aspects of behavior. We will explore motor control (escape responses), sensory systems (vision, taste, and olfaction), and survival behaviors (feeding, drinking, mating, and aggression). Focus will be on recent and current research, the diversity of approaches for studying it, and how this knowledge can be applied to solve scientific questions. Students will read primary scientific literature and a significant portion of the course will be presentation and discussion-based.
- W 10:10 a.m.-noon
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Instructor:
Laura Duvall
Info - 4 points
The Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resis
Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections were estimated to account for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019. The goal of the seminar is to provide an in-depth analysis of this ongoing threat. Discussions will include the molecular mechanisms, epidemiology of transmission and the consequences of antimicrobial resistant infections. It will also cover current efforts to reduce the spread and emergence of these difficult to treat pathogens, both in the community and the healthcare setting.
- T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
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Instructor:
Franklin Lowy
Info - 3 points
INDEP BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH - REC
- F 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Instructor:
Rafael Yuste
CULPA: 5 Wikipedia h-index: 106 Info - 0 points
NEUROBIO I:CELLULAR & MOLECULR
Prerequisites: one year of biology; a course in physics is highly recommended. Lecture and recitation. This is an advanced course intended for majors providing an in depth survey of the cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cell function. Topics include the cell biology and biochemistry of neurons, ionic and molecular basis of electrical signals, synaptic transmission and its modulation, function of sensory receptors. Although not required, it is intended to be followed by Neurobiology II (see below). The recitation meets once per week in smaller groups and emphasizes readings from the primary literature.
- TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
- MW 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jian Yang
CULPA: 3 h-index: 37 Info -
Instructor:
Ishmail J Abdus-Saboor
Info - 4 points
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Prerequisites: genetics or molecular biology. The course covers techniques currently used to explore and manipulate gene function and their applications in medicine and the environment. Part I covers key laboratory manipulations, including DNA cloning, gene characterization, association of genes with disease, and methods for studying gene regulation and activities of gene products. Part II also covers commercial applications, and includes animal cell culture, production of recombinant proteins, novel diagnostics, high throughput screening, and environmental biosensors.
- MW 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
- 3 points
Transformative Concepts in Systems Biolo
Systems biology approaches are rapidly transforming the technological and conceptual foundations of research across diverse areas of biomedicine. In this course we will discuss the fundamental developments in systems biology with a focus on two important dimensions: (1) the unique conceptual frameworks that have emerged to study systems-level phenomena and (2) how these approaches are revealing fundamentally new principles that govern the organization and behavior of cellular systems. Although there will be much discussion of technologies and computational approaches, the course will emphasize the conceptual contributions of the field and the big questions that lie ahead. Lectures and discussions of primary literature will enable students to scrutinize research in the field and to internalize systems biology thinking in their own research. To make this a concrete endeavor, the students will develop mini-NIH-style grant proposals that aims to study a fundamental problem/question using systems biology approaches. The students will then convene an in-class NIH-style review panel that will assess the strengths and weaknesses of these proposals. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to defend their proposals in a live presentation to the class. The course is open to graduate students in Biological Sciences. Advanced undergraduates in biological sciences, and other graduate students with background in biology from other disciplines, including physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering may also attend after consulting with the instructor.
- W 2:40 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
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Instructor:
Saeed Tavazoie
Info - 3 points
Seminar in Neurobiochemistry and Neurolo
Neurobiochem & Neuro Dise
Students will read and discuss classical as well as contemporary research papers on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of membrane excitability, synaptic transmission and sensory transduction, and the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutics of certain neurological diseases related to these processes. Focus will be on intellectual creativity, conceptual breakthroughs, and technical advances. A key goal of the course is to help students become a critical reader and thinker. Graduate students in all disciplines are welcome. Advanced undergraduate students can enroll with instructor’s permission.
For PhD students in the Biological Sciences Program, this is a tier 3 course.
- T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Instructor:
Jian Yang
CULPA: 3 h-index: 37 Info - 3 points
BIOTECHNOLOGY LAW
Prerequisites: at least 4 college-level biology or biotechnology courses. This course will introduce students to the interrelated fields of patent law, regulatory law, and contract law that are vital to the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors. The course will present core concepts in a way that permits students to use them throughout their corporate, academic, and government careers. SCE and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf
- T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Alan J Morrison
Info - 3 points
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BIOTECH
Prerequisites: the instructors permission. The course examines the entrepreneurial process in biotechnology from idea generation through economic viability. Biotechnology companies are unique in that they need a years-to-decades long period of incubation prior to becoming self-sustaining. Students will be introduced to the steps needed to start and nurture a company, and gain an ability to assess the health of potential collaborators, partners or employers. Topics include an overview of the global biotechnology industry, idea generation, business plan formulation, intellectual property protection, funding, personnel management including board composition, regulatory body interaction, and company exits. Course website: http://biot4180.weebly.com/
- F 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
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Instructor:
David B Sable
CULPA: 2 Info - 3 points
BIOPHARMACEUTICAL DEV & REG
The program aims to provide current life sciences students with an understanding of what drives the regulatory strategies that surround the development decision making process, and how the regulatory professional may best contribute to the goals of product development and approval. To effect this, we will examine operational, strategic, and commercial aspects of the regulatory approval process for new drug, biologic, and biotechnology products both in the United States and worldwide. The topics are designed to provide a chronological review of the requirements needed to obtain marketing approval. Regulatory strategic, operational, and marketing considerations will be addressed throughout the course. We will examine and analyze the regulatory process as a product candidates are advanced from Research and Development, through pre-clinical and clinical testing, to marketing approval, product launch and the post-marketing phase. The goal of this course is to introduce and familiarize students with the terminology, timelines, and actual steps followed by Regulatory Affairs professionals employed in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Worked examples will be explored to illustrate complex topics and illustrate interpretation of regulations.
PROTEOMICS LABORATORY
This course deals with the proteome: the expressed protein complement of a cell, organelle, matrix, tissue, organ or organism. The study of the proteome (proteomics) is broadly applicable to life sciences research, and is increasingly important in academic, government and industrial research through extension of the impact of advances in genomics. These techniques are being applied to basic research, exploratory studies of cancer and other diseases, drug discovery and many other topics. Emphasis will be on mastery of practical techniques of sample preparation, liquid chromatography/ mass spectrometry (LC/MS) with electrospray ionization, and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionization (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Database searching and interpretation for identification of proteins will be intensively studied, and practiced supported by background tutorials and exercises covering other techniques used in proteomics. Open to students in M.A. in Biotechnology Program (points can be counted against laboratory requirement for that program), Ph.D. and advanced undergraduate students with background in genetics or molecular biology. Students should be comfortable with basic biotechnology laboratory techniques as well as being interested in doing computational work in a Windows environment.
- R 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
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Instructor:
Lewis Brown
Info - 3 points
DRUGS AND DISEASE
Prerequisites: four semesters of biology with a firm foundation in molecular and cellular biology. Introduces students to the current understanding of human diseases, novel therapeutic approaches and drug development process. Selected topics will be covered in order to give students a feeling of the field of biotechnology in health science. This course also aims to strengthen students’ skills in literature comprehension and critical thinking.
- MW 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Lili Yamasaki
CULPA: 5 Info - 3 points
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I
This course provides a rigorous introduction to the theory underlying widely used biophysical methods, which will be illustrated by practical applications to contemporary biomedical research problems. The course has two equally important goals. The first goal is to explain the fundamental approaches used by physical chemists to understand the behavior of molecules and to develop related analytical tools. The second goal is to prepare students to apply these methods themselves to their own molecular biology research projects. The course will be divided into seven modules: (i) solution thermodynamics with an emphasis on application to analysis of protein structure, folding, and binding interactions; (ii) hydrodynamic methods; (iii) statistical analysis of experimental data; (iv) molecular dynamics calculations; (v) optical spectroscopy with an emphasis on fluorescence; (vi) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; and (vii) light-scattering and diffraction methods including an overview of cryogenic electron microscopy reconstruction methods. In each module, the underlying physical theories and models will be presented and used to derive the mathematical equations applied to the analysis of experimental data. Weekly recitations will emphasize the analysis of real experimental data and understanding the applications of biophysical experimentation in published research papers. The problem sets emphasize use of PyMOL for analysis of macromolecular structures and use of standard curve-fitting software for analysis of protein binding data; detailed tutorials on the related methods are provided in the recitation sections. The first three modules will be covered in Biophysical Chemistry I during the fall term, while the final three will be covered in Biophysical Chemistry II during the spring term, and treatment of molecular dynamics calculations will be divided between the two terms.
- TR 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
- 4 points
Biological Image Computing
We will aim for practical understanding of the fundamentals of Python programming, image visualization & rendering tools and common image processing tasks, including image segmentation, measurements of features and registration.
- TR 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Raju Tomer
h-index: 23 Info - 3 points
Biochemistry I: Leveraging Structure and
In this course, we will explore the basic biochemistry of living systems and how this knowledge can be harnessed to create new medicines. We will learn how living systems convert environmental resources into energy through metabolism, and how they use this energy and these materials to build the molecules required for the diverse functions of life. We will discuss the applications of this biochemical knowledge to mechanisms of disease and to drug discovery. We will look at examples of drug discovery related to neurodegeneration, cancer, and the SARS-CoV-2 COVID19 pandemic. This course satisfies the requirement of most medical schools for introductory biochemistry, and is suitable for advanced undergraduates, and beginning graduate students. This course is equivalent to and replaces the prior course named UN3501, and is equivalent to the course offered in the summer.
- TR 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Mary Ann Price
CULPA: 5 Info - 3 points
Biochemistry I in XR: Mixed Reality
In this course, we will use mixed reality to explore the basic 3D aspects of biochemistry of living systems and how this knowledge can be harnessed to create new medicines. Students may register for this course alongside of GU4501 or independent of GU4501. Professor Stockwell will meet each week with a group of 4 students to discuss protein structures using Oculus Quest Pro Mixed Reality headsets in the XR app Nanome. Students will rotate through in person meetings but can join all weekly sessions using a virtual live stream. We will examine 3D spatial concepts relevant to biochemistry, where you will be able to examine molecular structures in an immersive format in real time with other students and with the instructor.
- R 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
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Instructor:
Brent R Stockwell
CULPA: 14 Wikipedia h-index: 79 Info - 1 points
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
- TR 1:10 p.m.-2:25 p.m.
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Instructor:
Alice Heicklen
CULPA: 15 Info - 3 points
CELLULAR/MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
Prerequisites: two semesters of a rigorous, molecularly-oriented introductory biology course (such as UNC2005 and UN2006), or the instructor's permission. This course will cover the basic concepts underlying the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as key experimental methods currently used in the field. To keep it real, the course will include clinical correlates in such areas as infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and transplantation. Taking this course won't turn you into an immunologist, but it may make you want to become one, as was the case for several students last year. After taking the course, you should be able to read the literature intelligently in this rapidly advancing field.
- MW 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
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Instructor:
Christian W Schindler
CULPA: 3 Info - 3 points
The Central Dogma: Mechanisms and Regula
THE CENTRAL DOGMA
- MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
- 3 points
PRERESEARCH SEMINAR
Required for all first-year PhD graduate students in the Biological Sciences program. The research of members of the faculty is presented.
- TR 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Iva S Greenwald
Wikipedia Info - 3 points