In consultation with their thesis supervisory committees, Biology graduate
students develop their own individualized curricula. Listed below are most
of the graduate courses currently available. Not all are offered every year.
Courses offered in the Department of Biology
5011 Mathematical Biology I (3 credits)
Mathematical modeling in the biological and medical sciences. Topics will
include
continuous and discrete dynamical systems describing interacting and structured
populations, resource management, biological control, reaction kinetics,
biological
oscillators and switches, and the dynamics of infectious diseases.
5012 Mathematical Biology II (3 credits)
Mathematical models of spatial processes in biology including pattern
formation in the
embryo and during tissue differentiation, applications of traveling waves to
population
dynamics, epidemiology, and chemical reactions, and models for neural
patterns.
5110 Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (3 credits)
Recombinant-DNA principles and techniques; background biology. Basic
enzymology of
DNA (restriction and modification, sealing, reverse transcription, nick
translation, end
labeling, etc.), cloning plasmids and their replication, bacteriophage, and
basic
methodologies.
5130 Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
Molecular biology, biochemistry, and metabolism with emphasis on features
specifically
characteristic of plants.
5210 Cell Structure and Function (3 credits)
Relations between structure and function in animal cells. Membranes and
permeability,
structural componentsand motility, cell division, and hormone receptors and
functions.Reading from current research literature.
5215 Cell Biology Advanced Projects Laboratory (2 credits)
Fulfills Upper Division Communication/Writing. Learning tools of cell biology
to study
malignant transformation in culture, cell culture, organelles, chromosomes,
genes, and
gene expression.
5220 Molecular Neuroscience (3 credits)
Analysis of mechanisms that generate and propagatenerve impulses (basic
electrophysiology).Experimental foundations of present concepts. Historical
development
of ideas and original research literature.
5221 Human Evolutionary Genetics (3 credits)
An introduction to population genetics with applications to human genetic
data.
5230 Mechanisms of Development (3 credits)
Cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches to the analysis of development in
complex
eukaryotes. Important experimental systems and representative problems at the
forefront
of current research are explored in depth.
5240 Plant Developmental Biology (3 credits)
Cellular and molecular bases of plant development.
5255 Prokaryotic Genetics (2 credits)
Project-oriented lecture/laboratory on use of experimental and analytical
tools of modern
genetics using bacteria and their viruses. Students work in small groups on
independent
projects and spend an average of five hours weekly in laboratory.
5265 Eukaryotic Genetics (2 credits)
Advanced course on specialized topics. One lecture and an open laboratory
weekly (using
Drosophila or C. elegans as laboratory organisms). Cis-acting regulatory
elements
governing gene expression, mutations affecting early development, and clonal
inheritance
of gene expression states. Hands-on exercises in genetic fundamentals. Each
student
carries out an extensive genetic experiment.
5280 Biological Microscopy (2 credits)
Practical aspects of microscopy as applied to research problems in biology.
5285 Biological Microscopy Laboratory (1 to 3 credits)
Individual student project that applies microscopy techniques covered in BIOL
5280 to a
problem in biology.
5290 Fundamentals of Biological Microscopy (1 credit)
Lecture course providing a foundation in the essentials of microscopy and
imaging,
including digital imaging, for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.
Meets 2
hrs. per week for one half-semester.
5330 Neural Mechanisms of Behavior (3 credits)
In this course we will explore the ways in which the brain controls natural
behavior. We
will study subjects such as how bats and owls are able to hunt at night, the
unusual
sensory abilities of electric fishes, learning and memory, and how we
recognize different
faces.
5340 Analysis of Vertebrate Structure and Function (3 credits)
Structure, function and evolution of vertebrates, with emphasis on locomotor
systems.
Experimental and theoretical approaches to current questions.
5350 Ecological Physiology (3 credits)
Analysis of physiological diversity. Adaptation, plasticity, systems
integration,
behavioral compromise, phylogenetic influences, relationship of physiological
attributes
to fitness. Consequences of physiological diversity of ecology and evolution.
5365 Form, Function, and Adaptation of Plants (4 credits)
This lecture and lab course explores the form and function of plants in
relation to their
environment. We cover the anatomy and development of plants in the context of
photosynthetic physiology, mechanical support, and resource uptake and
transport
mechanisms. Adaptations to environmental conditions including drought, light,
salinity,
temperature, and flooded soils are emphasized.
5370 Mammalogy (3 credits)
Biology of wild mammals with emphasis on local species.
5375 Mammalogy Lab (1 credit)
Laboratory exercises in Mammalogy.
5385 Ornithology (4 credits)
Birds (Aves) constitute the best known class of organisms on earth. This
course presents
an overview of the enormous body of information on birds, including topics
such as the
evolutionary origin and early radiation of birds, molecular systematics, form
and
function, reproduction and development, population and community ecology,
behavior
and communication and conservation biology.
5395 Advanced Field Ornithology (2 credits)
Ten day intensive field course during spring break. Students will study
morphological,
physiological, ecological and behavioral diversity and adaptations of birds
across a
variety of habitats in the Western U.S. Individual reports due at end of
spring semester.
5401 Vertebrate Paleontology and Evolution (3 credits)
Survey of the diversity of fossil vertebrates, with emphasis on skeletal
morphology and
systematics. Additional topics include taphonomy, functional morphology,
origins of
major groups (clades), tempo and mode of evolutionary change, and mass
extinctions, as
well as stratigraphic and biogeographic distributions viewed in the context of
plate
tectonics. One field trip.
5410 Molecular Evolution and Population Genetics (3 credits)
The genetics of populations from an evolutionary perspective; processes that
govern
DNA sequence evolution; mutation; recombination drift and selection; genetic
diversity
in natural populations; genetic mechanisms of quantitative variation;
techniques for
estimating relatedness within and between populations and for reconstructing
phylogenies.
5420 Advanced Ecology (3 credits)
Advanced treatment in central topics in modern ecology; population growth and
regulation, competition, predation, herbivory, mutualisms, stability, and
diversity of
communities.
5425 Advanced Ecology Lab (2 credits)
Field and classroom laboratory demonstrating ecological principles such as
populations
growth and regulation, competition, predation, herbivory, mutualisms,
stability, and
diversity of communities.
5435 Plant Systematics (4 credits)
Overiew of evolution and diversity of vascular plants, with emphasis on
identification,
phylogeny, and contemporary approaches to problems in classification.
5445 General Entomology (4 credits)
A course on the general biology of insects, including evolution, phylogenetic
relationships of major groups (orders), evolution and physiology of flight,
accoustical and
chemical communication, mating systems, ecology of parasitoids, evolution of
social
insects.
5450 Abundance and Distribution of Organisms (1 credit)
Determinants of distribution and abundance of animals and plants, island
biogeography,
diversity, long-term evolutionary trends.
5455 Desert Ecology Field Course (5 credits)
A project-oriented field class in the southwestern U.S. deserts. Frequent
written and oral
reports, and independent projects. Covers hypothesis-testing, experimental
design and
statistics. Three weeks intensive field class.
5460 Plant Ecology (3 credits)
Adaptive physiology and structure/function relationships between plants and
their
environments. Microclimate, energy balance, life-history, competition, and
carbon, water,
and nutrient relations of plants in different ecosystems. Focus also on the
diversity of
global plant communities.
5465 Plant Ecology Laboratory (2 credits)
A laboratory course with an emphasis on methodologies involved in plant
ecology,
including vegetation cover, micro-climate, photosynthesis, water relations,
and stable
isotopes. Course involves individual and group laboratory and computer
projects each
week. Course includes weekend field trips (desert and forest ecosystems).
5470 Stable Isotope Ecology (3 credits)
A lecture course describing the principles of stable isotope chemistry as
applied to
biological environments and of the contributions of stable isotope approaches
to
addressing ecological phenomena from cellular through global levels. Credit
only.
Offered each summer. Limited to 18 students. Two weeks intensive.
5471 Fundamental Methods of Evolutionary Ecology (3 credits)
ANTHR 5471. Prerequisite: Graduate standing required; Both BIOL 3410 or
equivalent,
and MATH 1050 or equivalent. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS. Meets with
ANTHR
4471; additional work required of graduate students. See ANTHR 4471 for course
description.
5480 Plant-Animal Interactions (2 credits)
The ecology and evolution of the interactions between plants and animals
(i.e., herbivory,
pollination dispersal, mutualisms).
5910 Mathematical Models in Biology (2 credits)
Various techniques of mathematical modelling of a range of biological systems,
including
ecology, physiology, cell biology, and genetics.
5955 Scientific Immersion (3 credits)
The goal of this course is to provide research experience to undergraduates
through
hypothesis formulation, collecting and analyzing data in both the field and
laboratory,
preparing results for publication, presenting data to the scientific
community, and
applying for research funding.
6020 Introduction to Computing Facilities (2 credits)
Required course for entering biology graduate students; others invited, space
permitting.
Offered CR/NC only. Lectures and laboratory assignments familiarize students
with
University computing resources, particularly the Biology Department's
Macintosh
laboratory and network VAX computers.
6040 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (4 credits)
The bulk of this course will focus on the cellular mechanisms of signaling.
The topics to
be covered include basic neuronal/glial morphology and cell biology;
neurostructural
mapping and identification; basic neural development; cytoskeleton-structure
and
biochemistry; basic membrane biophysics; cable properties; ion channel
biophysics and
molecular biology; synaptic transmission; neurotransmitter gated ionotropic
systems; and
neurotransmitter gated metabotropic systems.
6245 Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology Laboratory (2 credits)
Electrophysiology and video microscopy study of nerve, muscle, and synapse.
6290 Fundamentals of Biological Microscopy (1 credit)
Lecture course providing a foundation in the essentials of microscopy and
imaging,
including digital imaging, for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.
Meets 2
hrs. per week for one half-semester.
6921 Isotopics (2 credits)
Readings and discussions of advanced topics in environmental physiology,
physiological
ecology, and ecosystem processes, with some emphasis on stable isotope
methods.
6950 Independent Study (1 to 12 credits)
Independent study on topics chosen by student by arrangement with individual
faculty.
6961 Special Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1 to 5
credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
6962 Special Topics in Cell and Developmental Biology (1 to 5 credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
6963 Special Topics in Physiology and Organismal Biology (1 to 5
credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
6964 Special Topics in Ecology and Evolution Biology (1 to 5 credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
6965 Current Topics in Developmental Biology (1 credit)
Discussions of current research literature in the development of plants and
animals.
7106 Core Seminar: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1 credit)
Techniques of seminar presentation and data analysis, and communication of
scientific
information per se in area of biochemistry and molecular biology.
7206 Core Seminar: Cells, Development and Genetics (1 credit)
Techniques of seminar presentation and data analysis and communication of
scientific
information per se in area of cellular, developmental, and genetic biology.
7306 Core Seminar: Organismal Biology and Physiology (1 credit)
Techniques of seminar presentation and data analysis, and communication of
scientific
information per se in area of organismal and physiology biology.
7406 Core Seminar: Ecology and Evolution (1 credit)
Techniques of seminar presentation and data analysis, and communication of
scientific
information per se in area of ecology and evolution.
7473 Stable Isotope Ecology (3 credits)
A lecture course describing the principles of stable isotope chemistry as
applied to
biological environments and of the contributions of stable isotope approaches
to
addressing ecological phenomena from cellular through global levels.
7475 Stable Isotope Ecology Laboratory (3 credits)
A laboratory course in stable isotope ecology involving experimental design,
experimental methodologies, and instrument use. This course involves learning
how to
operate state-of-the-art isotope ratio mass spectrometers and associated
peripherals.
Course for credit only. Two weeks intensive.
7500 Faculty Research Forum (1 credit)
Faculty presentations including information on research interests and/or a
'scientific
autobiography' that describes the steps in their career development.
Accessible to
students with a basic biology background. Does not count toward graduate
credit
requirement for cell & molecular students in the Biology Department.
7810 Research in Progress (1 credit)
Students present progress reports on their reseach and receive critical
constructive
feedback from two faculty members.
7950 Independent Study (1 to 12 credits)
Independent study on topics chosen by student by arrangement with individual
faculty.
7961 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1 to 5
credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
7962 Advanced Topics in Cell and Developmental Biology (1 to 5
credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
7963 Advanced Topics in Physiology and Organismal Biology (1 to 5
credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
7964 Advanced Topics in Ecology and Evolution (1 to 5 credits)
Topics of special interest taught when justified by student and faculty
interest. Content
varies from year to year.
Biological Chemistry Program Courses
6050 Faculty Research Interest Seminars (1 credit)
Seminars on research interests of faculty in the biological chemistry graduate
program.
6100 Seminar in Biological Chemistry (1 credit)
Journal club for first-year graduate students in biological chemistry program.
Offered both first and second halves of spring semester.
6400 Genetic Engineering (2 credits)
Three lectures per week for 7.5 weeks. Basic methods of DNA manipulation,
library construction, cloning.
6410 Protein and Nucleic Acids Biochemistry (3 credits)
Basics of nucleic acid and protein biochemistry.
6430 Structural Methods (3 credits)
An integrated approach to the applications of NMR, X-ray crystallography, and
mass spectrometry in structural biology.
6450 Biophysical Chemistry (2 credits)
Three lectures, one discussion per week for 7.5 weeks.
6460 Protein Chemistry (2 credits)
Three lectures, one discussion per week for 7.5 weeks.
6470 Nucleic Acid Chemistry (2 credits)
Three lectures, one discussion per week for 7.5 weeks.
6500 Topics in Biological Chemistry (1.5 credits)
Topics vary from year to year. Advanced lecture/discussion course.
6600 Topics in Biological Chemistry (1.5 credits)
Lecture elective for program in biological chemistry.
7960 Research (1 to 10 credits)
Laboratory rotations for students in the graduate programs in
molecular biology and biological chemistry.
Molecular Biology Program Courses
6050 Faculty Research Interest Seminars (1 credits)
Seminars on research interests of faculty in the molecular biology graduate
program.
6100 Seminar in Molecular Biology (1 credits)
Journal club for first-year graduate students in molecular biology graduate
program. Offered both first and second halves of spring semester.
6420 Genetics and Genome Organization (3 credits)
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic genetics: meiosis, mutation, transposition, gene
mapping and recombination; genome organization; replication.
6440 Gene Expression (1.5 credits)
Advanced topics in prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression including
transcription, RNA processing and export and translation.
6480 Cell Biology (3 credits)
Advanced topics in cell biology including topics in cell structure and
methods, membrane, protein trafficking, cell growth and differentiation,
and signal transduction.
6500 Topics in Molecular Biology (1.5 credits)
Lecture elective for molecular biology program. Offerings from Human Genetics,
Biology, Oncological Sciences, Biochemistry and Pathology Departments.
Topics and number of sections vary each year.
Links to other Graduate Program pages:
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