This course is designed to introduce students to recent advances in field molecular toxicology. A basic foundation in genetics and tools of biotechnology will first be developed. Recent examples of innovative approaches used to study toxic agents at molecular level will then be described. Progress in the research of DNA/Protein adducts, xenobiotic metabolism and characterization of oncogenes will also be discussed.

Reviews the basic concepts of epidemiology including community diagnosis, analytical techniques, and evaluation of preventive methods. Examples of both acute and chronic diseases will be covered. Course includes lectures and readings. E-mail is utilized.

The role of chromosome structure and function is presented. Topics covered include cytogenetics methodology, aneuploidy, chromosome rearrangements, chromosomes and cacer, chromosome breakage syndroms, and gragile sites on human chromosomes.

Papers to be selected from current periodicals in the biological sciences for presentation. Emphasis will be placed on a critical evaluation of experimental procedures, data, and the interpretation of data.

An advanced course for those who have a major interest in quantitative aspects of genetics, namely, in the genetic epidemiology of human diseases.

Elective course summarizes the concepts and biological principles underlying bases molecular biomarkers; provide students with understanding methodological principles of use; biomarkers epidemiological research relevant to study of chronic human disease and public health applications; summarize present use of specific biomarkers in epidemiologic and clinical research with examples in human cancer, cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological diseases.

An advanced course which discusses the principles and practice of linkage analysis in human genetics. The course will cover both parametric and non-parametric approaches to linkage analysis, and includes hands-on experience with the current computer programs used for linkage analysis

The topics covered in this course include the electrophysiological analysis of resting and action potentials, a description of both the pre- and postsynaptic ionic mechanisms involved in synaptic transmission, and an overview of specific examples of how the cellular mechanisms described earlier in the course can be integrated ito models of the functioning of small neural networks.

This course is a component of the introductory graduate sequence designed to provide an overview of neuroscience. The course provides an introduction to the structure of the mammalian nervous system and to the functional organization of sensory systems, motor systems, regulatory systems, and systems involved in higher brain functions. It is taught in a lecture format with a lab/conference corequisite (systems NB conference).

Mechanisms and consequence of somatic and hereditary genetic damage, including methods to detect, characterize and quantitate genetics lesions. Provides molecular and theoretical basis for evaluation of genotoxicological date on exposure to mutagenetic/carcinogenic agents and on genetic predisposition or susceptibility to disease.

Vaccines are widely regarded as one of the major contributors to increased life expectancy. The purpose of this course is to (1) explore the history of vaccines; (2) underscore the successful role of current vaccines in the management of infectious disease; (3) present strategies for a new generation of safe and effective molecular vaccines; and (4) discuss the ethical and economic realities of vaccine use and development.

Students will attend lectures on selected topics of current research in the biological sciences. The lecturers will primarily be invited scientists from outside the University, with a few lectures by faculty from within the department or other deparmtnets in the University.

The organic, inorganic and mechanistic biochemical details of interactions of toxins and biological systems will presented. Emphasis on chemical understanding of potential toxicological sequelae of such interactions. Students present one lecture on bioorganic toxicological topic synthesized from recent scientific literature.

Students present their research, or a recent research article from a broad range of topics selected by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor. The course meets weekly during which the student presents his/her research in progress or an article of his/her choice. Emphasis is placed on a caregul analysis and critical evaluation of the manuscript as well as the development of teaching and speaking skills needed for scientific presentation. The student is exprected to lucidate issues relevant to the topic and to answer questions from other graduate students and faculty.

This two semester course will introduce the basic skills required to conduct idependent research in the health sciences. During the first semester emphasis will be placed on: critical review of literature, notebook keeping, exploratory data analysis, and use of the univeristy library and database resources.

Presentations and discussions of topics of current interest in the field of industriial environmental health sciences are covered, with participation by faculty, students, and invited guest speakers.

Deals with general principles of population genetics, especially those applicable to human populations.

This course covers current topics in Cell Biology, and focuses on a different specific area within the general area of Cell Biology with each course offering.

This advance entry level graduate course focuses on topical areas of interest in development with specific areas of focus differing with each course offering.

This is an advanced graduate course in biochemistry that focuses on a particular area of interest in the general area of biochemistry. Topics vary with each course offering but include (as examples) the biochemistry of protein-DNA interactions, enzyme mechanics, molecular motors, and macromolecular assembly.

This course discusses current topics of interest in the area of genetics. The topics vary with each course offering, but include ( as examples), bacterial genetics, the genetics of drosophila, yeast genetics, mouse genetics and worm genetics.

This course will provide an up-to-date overview of the most common and biologically informative human inherited disorders and will integrate clinical descriptions with recent genetic, molecular genetic and biochemical insights. Disorders covered include lysosomal storage disorders, neuromuscular diseases, organic acidopathies, amino acidopathies, neurofibromatosis, cystic fibrosis, neurodegenerative and opthalmic disorders. Current techniques of gene mapping, cloning, transfer, and expression will be integrated into the overviews.

This course presents biochemical and clinical aspects of cancer biology and therapy, and is designed for graduate students training in the basic sciences or medicine. The lectures cover: The biology of normal and neoplastic cells, machanisms of neoplastic transformation, chemical and environmental carcinogenesis, viral oncogensis, breast a prostate cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, gene therapy, tumor immunology, and nutrition and cancer.

Some representative of major disease categories (autoimmune, inflammatory, toxic, degenerative, infectious, genetic, and neoplastic: will be examined in terms of patient demographics (who), gross and microscopic morphology (what), and etiology/molecular mechanisms (why).

Human Genetics seminars present current genetics methodology, theory, and data.

An introduction course in human biochemical and molecular genetics with special reference to the biochemical and molecular basis of genetic diseases and the distribution of genetically determined disease susceptibility in human populations.

This advanced level course will focus on important new papers in four rotating topic areas (one per semester, two-year cycle). Tentative topic ideas include signal transduction, apoptosis, DNA replication, and cell cycle control.

This course is designed to acquaint trainees with clinical disorders of relevance to the neuroscience. Each weekly session consists of an overview lecture, a patient demonstration, and a discussion. Students are asked to participate in this course at least once prior to the comprehensive examination, usually during their second or third year.

Advanced course designed for students interested in neurophysiology, neural computation, and imaging. It covers selected topics ranging from ion channels function to synaptic transmission and computational analysis of neural circuits. Classes include diactic presentations with textbook references & discussion of original papers. Some presentations will describe biophysical methods & using computer programs for data analysis & simulation. Students will be expected to participate in classroom discussions, complete problem sets & write a term-paper that reviews a research problem.

Rather than the usual survey of organ systems which is typical of most physiology courses, this course will focus on the experimental approaches used to analyze complex homeostatic mechanisms in the intact mammalian organism. An attempt will be made to show how molecular and cellular methodologies can be integrated with classical physiological approaches to answer important questions about the survival and function of the whole animal. The subject matter will taught through lectures, problem-solving sessions, and examination of original papers.

This seminar course explores the origins and evolution of modern neuroscientific concepts from the 17th and mid-20th centuries. Discussions of primary and secondary source material will focus on understanding the role of contemporary philosophical, scientific, social and technological factors in the development of neuroscientific thought. Another goal is to develop an appreciation of their contributions to current neuroscientific dogma.

This course provide an in-depth introduction to the field of developmental neurobiology. Topics include basic embryology, the origin of neurons and glia, cell migration, axonal growth and synapse formation, neuronal death and mechanisms underlying the formation of specific neuronal circuits.

This is an advanced level course in which students will read, present and evaluate the primary literature in immunology. Each semester will feature an integrated set of papers addressing a current issue of interest to modern immunologists. The course may be taken more than once by each student, since the topic addresses will change each semester.

This course surveys basic immunological principles as they impact our understanding of the causes or treatments of human disease. The course consists of a series of lecture blocks. Background reading is required and the course relies heavily on the reading of original articles. Classes are regularly devoted to paper discussions, and each student will responsible for introducing one paper.

This course will expose the students to classical and contemporary literature in modern immunology. Emphasis will be on paper analysis and critical evaluation of primary data. This course will parallel the topics presented in comprehensive immunology lecture course which must be taken before or simultaneously with experimental basis of immunology.

This course will explore different types of signaling pathways activated by receptor-ligand interactions. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: G-protein linked receptors, adenylate cyclases, small GTPases, kinases and phosphatases, nitric oxide, phospholipases, steroid hormone signaling, and pharmacological applications of signaling pathways.

This course examines molecular mechanisms of drug interactions with an emphasis on drugs that modulate cell signaling and cellular responses to drugs. The course will include student participation through presentatioons and discussion of relevant contemporary scientific literature. Topics include: cell cycle checkpoints and anti-cancer drugs, therapeutic control of ion channels, and blood glucose, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and arachidonic acid signaling, and molecular mechanisms of drug tolerance. Two sessions will be devoted to each topic.

This course stresses basic concepts of animal virology. Subjects include different viruses, the expression and regulation of viral genes, the mechanisms of viral-induced cytopathology, latency, and cell transformation, and the nature of viroids and prions. Supplementary reading assignments are required.

This course is designed for graduate students training in molecular virology research and is designed to provide a more in-depth study of molecular virology through a critical analysis by the student of seminal research publications in various systems. Paper discussion format.

This is a course in which students will read, present, and evaluate the primary literature in molecular virology and microbiology. Each student will feature an integrated set of papers addressing a current issue of interest. The course any be taken more than once by each student, since the topics addressed will continue to change each semester.

This course is an introduction to the molecular basis of bacterial and parasitic pathogenesis. Topics include 1) intro to microbial pathogens 2) molecular and classical koch�s postulates, 3) pathogen adhesion strategies 4) molecular mechanisms of invasion 5) microbial strategies for immune evasion 6) genetics and action of bacterial toxins 7) coordinate regulation of virulence factors 8) antibiotics and antibiotic resistance 9) host responses to infection 10) vaccines.

Discusses techniques for the application of statistical theory to actual data. Topics include probability theory, estimation of parameters, and tests of hypothesis for both the discrete and continuous case

This is a lecture course that will introduce the students to the fundamental concepts of modern immunology. The course will cover cells, tissues and organs of the immune system. Furthermore in depth analysis of the development, activation, effector functions and regulation of immune response will be presented in this course.

This course critically evaluates the latest scientific literature concerning diseases of the central nervous system. Emphasis will be placed on methodologies as they are applied to the study of human neurologic diseases. Participants will present scientific papers and lead the classroom discussions. This course is open to students of all levels and will include both basic scientists and clinicians (residents, faculty).

The prospect of using genetically engineered viruses to infect human cells has led to the development of the science of viral vectors. This course will discuss the basic strategies for the development of viral vectors as well as their molecular biology and biochemistry.

This course will provide students with the skills needed to prepare written and oral scientific presentations. Topics to be covered include web browsers, library database searches, use of bibliographic management software, proper citation usage, electronic journal access, use and manipulation of PDF files, Powerpoint presentations, molecular biology databases available on the web, construction and use of relational databases, BLAST searches, nucleic acid sequence analysis programs and molecular structure analysis programs.

The course covers the anatomy, embryology, histolgy, function, and growth regulation (growth factors, receptors, and signalling pathways) of various differentiated tissues (central nervous system, lung, liver, pancreas, urinary and reproductive systems, breast, endocrine system, skin, bone, skeletal muscle, bone marrow). Multidisciplinary lectures are given by the members of the departments of pathology, cell biology and physiology, medicine, and surgery who have on going research in these areas.

Topics covered in this course include the experimental determination of macromolecular structure, protein; DNA interactions, protein; protein interactions, protein modification, and empirical prediction of macromolecular structure.

This course covers topics on DNA replication in eukaryotes, the structure and function of human chromosomes, inheritance patterns and the phenoypic consequences of mutations in humans, the mapping and isolation of human genes, animal models of human diseases, regulation of the mammalian cell cycle, and current aspects of gene therapy.

This course consists of lectures, problem-solving sessions, and examination of original papers. A main focus will be on the application of modern biophysical and molecular-genetic approaches in the analysis of cellular function. Topics include: 1. Membrane transport: pumps, channels, and bioelectrical potentials; 2. Excitable Membranes; 3. Regulation of Ian Channels; 4. Absorptive and secretory functions of epithelia; 5. Signal transduction; 6. Molecular motors, cell motility, and muscle contraction.

Course analyzes membrane/protein traffic along both the biosynthetic & endocytic pathways. Emphasis placed on how this traffic is regulated. Topics include the role of G-proteins (both heterotrimetric & small), coat proteins (coatamer 1 & 2 & adaptors), signal transduction cascades (PKC, PKA, IP3, etc.), & SNARE complexes in protein trafficking. Also, we will discuss the role of the cytoskeleton in transporting cargo & signal transduction. Membrane traffic in several specialized cell types will be covered including polarized epithelial cells, cells of the immune system, & neurons.

A lecture/lab course which immerses students in the theory and practical aspects of modern microscopic imaging. The fields will cover the theory and implementation of all types of light and electron microscopy and computer aided imaging. Students will expected to reach a functional capability in a selected technology.

The objective of this lecture/lab course is student comprehension of the relationship between cell structure and organ function, and the application of the knowledge to the identification of light and electron microscopic images of cells and organs.

The goal of this course is to integrate the lectures given on a particular virus in the comprehensive virology course with two additional lectures which expand the basic biology of the virus in the virus life cycle to the level of virus-host interactions. The first lecture will address the pathogenic properties of the virus from the perspective of disease manifestations, immunology, and the natural history of infection. This will be followed by a second lecture which will address the molecular basis of viral pathogenesis and current advances in antiviral research.

Retroviruses such as HIV-1, the virus that causes aids, are currently of extreme medical significance. In this course, the complex molecular biology and biochemistry of retroviruses will be examined. The student completing this course will have an in depth understanding of the current retrovirus literature. Virology and molecular biology background required.

The prospect of using genetically engineered viruses to infect human cells has led to the development of the science of viral vectors. This course will discuss the basic strategies for the development of viral vectors as well as their molecular biology and biochemistry.

General mechanics of immunity to microbial pathogens and common strategies of immune evasion will be discussed with emphasis on detailed examples from viral, bacterial and parasitic systems. An in depth examination of survival strategies of pathogens in intracellular and extracellular host environments will be addressed, as well as the consequences of inadequate and inappropriate immune responses.

This course is a component of the introductory graduate sequence designed to provide an overview of cellular and molecular aspects of neuroscience. This course covers the electrical properties of neurons, nerve cell biology, protein chemistry, regulation of gene expression, synaptic transmission, receptor function, and second messenger signaling in a lecture format with a conference corequisite (cellular and molecular neurobiology conference). A background in basic biology is required.

This course is a co-requisite to cellular and molecular neurobiology and is organized in a conference format designed to develop critical reading skills. Students will be expected to read and discuss original scientific literature. A background in basic biology is required.

This course will examine selected topics in developmental biology at an advanced level. Topics may include pattern formation in insects, cell lineage analysis, cell-cell interactions and the specification of cell fates, cell adhesion molecules, genetic approaches to mammalian embryogenesis and the extracellular matrix in development. Emphasis will be place on the critical reading of papers and classroom discussion.

Students present their research, or a recent article from a broad range of topics selected by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor. The course meets weekly during which the student presents his/her research in progress or an article of his/her choice. Emphasis is placed on a careful analysis and critical evaluation of the manuscript as well as the development of teaching and speaking skills needed for scientific presentation. The student is expected to elucidate issues relevant to the topic and to answer questions from other graduate students and faculty.

Nationally and internationally recognized researchers in the field of neuroscience present scientific findings. Students meet informally with each speaker to discuss seminal topics.

A series of special topics courses are offered by individual members of the department or by small groups of the faculty. The general format involves the detailed analysis of a specific research area, exploring its development and current status by the presentations and discussion of research papers.

This course teaches fundamental grantmanship skills using actual NIH training grant submissions. Students construct a competitive research training grant and are instructed on methods to identify funding sources. This course consists of introductory lectures followed by a series of workshops staffed by the Immunology Training Faculty. Workshops cover peer scientific review and study section operation, avoidance of common pitfalls in grant writing, grant writing ethics and scientific community service.

The topic of this course closely interfaces with the areas of gene therapy, stem cell biology, immunology, and tissue engineering. The focus specifically on cellular therapy, which is contrasted to tissue engineering and biohybrid organ engineering wherein a tissue construct of hybrid organ is created ex vivo. At the conclusion of this course students are expected to know the mechanics of rejection of cellular transplants from both allotypic and xenotypic sources; be familiar with strategies to avoid transplant rejection, know the technologies and strategies applied to the isolation, expansion, and preservation of cells for transplantation; and be familiar with the application of cellular therapy techniques to a variety of disease states.

The semester-long Approaches in Molecular Biology course is divided into three separate modules and will meet three times a week. Each week there will be two 1.5-hour lectures and a 2-hour discussion section at which one or more papers from the primary literature are analyzed. Although each module is distinguished by its focus on the molecular basis of a human disease, we will use the disease paradigm as means to explore questions of fundamental significance in the field of modern molecular biology. The titles of the three modules are: “Cancer: Regulation and Mis-Regulation of Cell Growth and Control”, “Heart Disease: Molecular and Cellular Foundations”, and “Viral Diseases: Life Cycle and Evolution of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Viruses”. The course will be taught by members of the Program with expertise in each area and will emphasize the design and interpretation of experimental methods in modern biomedical research.

Students are required to have proficiency in statistical analysis and methods. Students with significant prior course work can satisfy this requirement by taking a Placement Exam. Other students are required to complete BIOST 2041, Introduction to Statistical Methods, or an equivalent course.

Students enrolled in the Program will be expected to attend scientific seminars during all years of training. They also shall attend the quarterly Student Research Seminar series.

The course is an introduction to the basic ethical issues which arise in the course of conducting scientific research. It is intended for graduate students and fellows in the biomedical sciences who have completed at least one year of graduate work. The course will composed of informal lecture presentations followed by discussion of issues in small groups.

PIMB students are required to participate in relevant journal clubs each Fall and Spring Term until graduation.

This course consists of a series of lectures and tutorial sessions which focus on the general principles of pharmacology. Major topics are principles of pharmacokinetics (including drug absorption, distribution, and metabolism) and pharmacodynamics (quantitation of drug-receptor interactions).

THE SEMESTER-LONG COURSE IN CELL BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF NORMAL AND DISEASE STATES WILL EXPLORE THREE EXCITING TOPICS IN CURRENT DAY CELL BIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY. THE COURSE, WHICH MEETS TWICE A WEEK (1.5 H EACH SESSION), WILL BE TAUGHT THROUGH BOTH LECTURES AND IN CLASS DISCUSSIONS OF PRIMARY LITERATURE AND WILL COVER BASIC BIOLOGY, THE CELLULAR BASIS OF DISEASE PROCESSES, AND RECENT ADVANCES IN TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH THAT MAY LEAD TO CURES FOR COMMON DISEASE PROCESSES. THE SECTION ON STEM CELL BIOLOGY, DIABETES, AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH WILL FOCUS ON UNDERSTANDING HOW CELLS DIVIDE AND HOW ALL OF THE BODY’S DIFFERENT TISSUES STEM FROM A MASTER CELL WITH THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE ALL OF THE DIFFERENT CELL TYPES PRESENT IN THE BODY. IN ADDITION TO UNDERSTANDING NORMAL STEM CELL BIOLOGY, THE POTENTIAL FOR USE OF STEM CELLS TO REGENERATE ORGANS AND TO CURE AILMENTS SUCH AS DIABETES WILL BE EXPLORED. THE SECTION ON CELLULAR POLARITY WILL EXPLORE EARLY EVENTS IN POLARITY ESTABLISHMENT INCLUDING ENDOCYTIC SIGNALING AND ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIALIZED MEMBRANE DOMAINS IN EPITHELIA AND NEURONS. FURTHER DISCUSSION WILL FOCUS ON DISEASE PROCESSES SUCH AS AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT KIDNEY DISEASE, AN AILMENT CHARACTERIZED BY ALTERED AND DYSFUNCTIONAL POLARITY. THE THIRD SECTION WILL EXAMINE ION CHANNELS AND DISEASE: CFTR AND CYSTIC FIBROSIS. THIS SECTION WILL EXPLORE THE ROLE OF ERAD IN PROTEIN QUALITY CONTROL, THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT OF CFTR, THE FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF CFTR AND THE EPITHELIAL SODIUM CHANNEL IN THE LUNG, AND PROMISING NEW THERAPIES TO ALLEVIATE THE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH CFTR MUTATIONS.