Cell Biology Curriculum

Credits: 4

These courses are designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.

Credits: 4

In vitro and in vivo aspects of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis are covered in depth by instructors actively doing research in each of these areas. Special emphasis is placed on methods and techniques used to address key questions in the macromolecular processes of DNA replication and repair, RNA transcription and processing, protein synthesis, and post-translational modifications. Students are introduced to principles and applications of molecular techniques and new discoveries in the molecular biology of eukaryotes. Students are provided with a comprehensive reading list.

Credits: 4

This 2-semester course provides the student with an introduction to how organ systems, composed of cells and tissues, function in the body. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of basic mammalian and human physiology. This course will cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including organ systems, organs, cellular and subcellular levels. Organ systems covered in this 2-semester course include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal. Overall, students will gain a better understanding of body function. In addition, students will comprehend how certain basic and common pathological conditions alter human health and affect physiological function. This is a two-semester course, with part 1 running in the fall semester from August through December, and part 2 running from January through May.

Credits: 3

This course focuses primarily on eukaryotic cells. Lectures are devoted to structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the cell. Lectures will introduce topics such as endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, and cell-to-cell interaction. Lectures also deal with signal transduction processes and cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death. By its completion, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and function of living cells. In addition, emphasis is placed on experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles, including “paper sessions” with active participation by students.

Credits: 3

Histology is the study at the microscopic level of the organization of cells in tissues and organs. This organization sets up the foundational principles underlying normal physiology and, from a clinical perspective, why alterations may lead to known pathologies. One goal is for students to appreciate why the spatial arrangement of tissues with organs elaborates physiologic function. During the course, the focus will be on the arrangement of tissues within various physiological systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastroenterology, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and sensory. Throughout students will be introduced to a variety of microscopic techniques, including light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Credits: 2

Laboratory sessions involve microscopic analysis of slides consisting of human and animal tissues and organs. Students will study tissue sections using microscopes and slides and will lead overview discussions prior to each laboratory session. Laboratory practical exams test knowledge of structural features of tissues and organs, and integrate functional and ultrastructural characteristics that are introduced in CBAM 1320.

Credits: 2

Being able to interpret primary literature and being effective communicators are necessary skills for individuals who participate in all aspects of scientific and health professions. The 7100 series courses will allow students to gain skills in reading scientific articles and to practice the art of communication (both oral and written) with their peers. Each 7100 series course will involve students to make a group presentation as well as write several short synopses of assigned research papers. Two 7100 series courses are required for students enrolled in the evening Master’s programs. Open to other MS and PhD students. The specific focus of this course will be on mechanisms that could account for the translation of very short open reading frames (ORFs) and on exploring how these short proteins may be involved in normal and pathological cellular functions. Understanding these mechanisms will open the door to novel therapeutic strategies.

Credits: 4

Part I explores the biology of microorganisms with a detailed discussion of microbial structure, physiology and growth with special emphasis on bacterial metabolism. The fundamental biological properties of microorganisms will be related to their role in nature and the means by which they are manipulated in the laboratory with a detailed discussion of viruses, their structure and function and mechanism of infection. Part II continues with molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and the role of virulence factors in diseases caused by infectious agents will also be discussed.

Credits: 2

An introductory text-based course designed to enable students to comprehend the basic concepts of immune function and regulation.

Credits: 3

An objective-oriented, problem-solving introduction to general disease processes including: cellular alterations and inflammation, genetic, immunological, nutritional and circulatory disorders; effects of infection, chemical and physical agents, blood and vascular diseases, neoplasia and aging. Topics to be covered also include analytic tools and techniques, diagnostic methodology and criteria, and recognition and control of environmental diseases.

Credits: 4

This basic course in pharmacology introduces the student to concepts of the interactions of chemical agents with living tissues. The teaching of pharmacological principles and mechanisms is emphasized, but toxicology and therapeutics are also part of the program.

Credits: 2

Immunopharmacology is a rapidly developing area of investigation that continues to evolve as our understanding of human disease reveals roles for the immune system in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases as well as in, hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and neurodegenerative disorders. This course will provide state-of-the-art information regarding mechanisms that underlie the cellular and molecular basis of immune system responses to a variety of conditions including chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer, COVID-19, autoimmunity and other selected diseases. Lectures will provide a description of the cell types, molecules, and effector mechanisms involved in innate and adaptive immune responses and will emphasize how uncovering immune system responses to disease can be leveraged to develop novel therapies. A goal of the course is for students to appreciate current trends in the field of Immunopharmacology including the development of novel antibody therapeutics, gene-based strategies, mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, as well as traditional pharmacological approaches for treating a variety of diseases.

Credits: 0

This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the M.S. Literature Review is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School.

Credits: 4-6

Elective courses vary depending on your program. Students should consult with their graduate program director for available elective options.

Credits: 3

Histology is the study at the microscopic level of the organization of cells in tissues and organs. This organization sets up the foundational principles underlying normal physiology and, from a clinical perspective, why alterations may lead to known pathologies. One goal is for students to appreciate why the spatial arrangement of tissues with organs elaborates physiologic function. During the course, the focus will be on the arrangement of tissues within various physiological systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastroenterology, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and sensory. Throughout students will be introduced to a variety of microscopic techniques, including light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Credits: 2

Laboratory sessions involve microscopic analysis of slides consisting of human and animal tissues and organs. Students will study tissue sections using microscopes and slides and will lead overview discussions prior to each laboratory session. Laboratory practical exams test knowledge of structural features of tissues and organs, and integrate functional and ultrastructural characteristics that are introduced in CBAM 1320.

Credits: 3

This course focuses primarily on eukaryotic cells. Lectures are devoted to structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the cell. Lectures will introduce topics such as endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, and cell-to-cell interaction. Lectures also deal with signal transduction processes and cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death. By its completion, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and function of living cells. In addition, emphasis is placed on experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles, including “paper sessions” with active participation by students.

Credits: 4

These courses are designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.

Credits: 4

This 2-semester course provides the student with an introduction to how organ systems, composed of cells and tissues, function in the body. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of basic mammalian and human physiology. This course will cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including organ systems, organs, cellular and subcellular levels. Organ systems covered in this 2-semester course include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal. Overall, students will gain a better understanding of body function. In addition, students will comprehend how certain basic and common pathological conditions alter human health and affect physiological function. This is a two-semester course, with part 1 running in the fall semester from August through December, and part 2 running from January through May.

Credits: 2

This course examines basic principles that govern the responsible conduct of biomedical research. The course explores topics related to scientific integrity, collegiality, research subjects, institutional integrity and social responsibility. Students participate actively in the course through written critiques and analyses of assigned readings, in-class presentations, and group discussions and debates.

Credits: 2

Life in Biomedical Research I & II jointly constitute a professional development course designed to introduce new students to aspects of science and a career in science not covered explicitly in other courses – e.g., learning about the different careers available to the scientist, oral presentation skills, data analysis and figure preparation, philosophy of science, basic grant writing (NIH F30/F31-style fellowships), and networking/communication skills. Broadly speaking, the overall goal of this course is to introduce students to what “they don’t know that they don’t know” about pursuing a career in research or other areas of science.

Credits: 1

This course allows for discussions about foundational design of experiments and the rationale for using various techniques. It allows one to critical evaluate experimental approaches employed and means to quantify data. In the wake of rapid technical advancements, it is very easy to ignore widely accepted older tools and techniques, which are used routinely in the lab, with respect to their precision, variability, reproducibility, and usefulness compared to older and newer methods. A major focus of this course will be on experimental designs, based on various methodologies: strengths and weaknesses. The discussion with respect to shortcomings of methods with respect to mechanics and quantitation of data analysis will be addressed.

Credits: 1-5

Candidates for the M.S. degree in Cell Biology may elect to conduct a research project under the supervision of a faculty member (Track B). Submission of an acceptable final report summarizing the results is required (CBAM 9850). Thesis Research. May be taken multiple times, for one to five credits per term, but only five credits can be applied towards program requirements.

Credits: 0

This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the M.S. Thesis is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School. Required for the Master’s Degree, Plan B.

Credits: 6-10

Elective courses vary depending on your program. Students should consult with their graduate program director for available elective options.