Biological Sciences: Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology

Undergraduate Program and Advising Office
387 Thimann Laboratories
(831) 459-4143
http://biosci.ucsc.edu/

15. Undergraduate Research Reports (1 credit). F,W,S
Undergraduate students who work in faculty research laboratories present the results of their projects. Organized by the Minority Undergraduate Research Program and the Minority Access to Research Careers Program. Designed for students with membership in the above-mentioned programs. Prerequisite(s): qualifications as determined by instructor at first class meeting. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

20A. Cell and Molecular Biology. F,W,S
Introduction to molecular biology, cell physiology, and genetics. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 21A. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1B (General Education Code(s): IN.) The Staff

20L. Experimental Biology Laboratory (2 credits). F,W,S
Provides biology majors with the theory and practice of experimental biology. A wide range of concepts and techniques used in the modern laboratory are included in the exercises. Designed to satisfy the introductory biology lab requirement of many medical and professional schools. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOE 20B. Enrollment restricted to health sciences majors; other majors by permission. Enrollment limited to 20. The Staff

21L. Environmental Phage Genomics Laboratory (2 credits). F,W,S
Introduction to hypothesis-driven laboratory research. Students isolate and characterize both the structure and genome of a unique bacteriophage. Students gain experience in basic sterile technique, solution, manipulation of DNA, and bioinformatic analysis of a new genome. Enrollment restricted to first-year students and sophomores. Enrollment by online application and permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 14. May be repeated for credit. G. Hartzog, M. Ares

80A. Female Physiology and Gynecology. F,S
Biochemical, medical, social, and clinical aspects of the female body. Emphasis will be on biological-chemical interactions in the female organs. Topics include female anatomy, cell physiology, endocrine functions, sexuality and intimacy, sexually transmitted diseases, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, birth control, abortion, immunity, cancer. (General Education Code(s): T2-Natural Sciences.) M. Zavanelli

80J. Biology of AIDS. W
An overview of the biology of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the social and legal issues that surround it are explored in a series of lectures by biology faculty and experts in the field. (General Education Code(s): T2-Natural Sciences.) M. Zavanelli

89. Clinical Health Care: Organization and Financing. *
Introduces students to the principles of health care organizations, including how they are paid for, and examines social constructions of health care in the U.S. Key concepts include access, quality of care, and cultural competence; also features hands-on research. Recommended for health science majors and community studies majors focusing on health. Cannot receive credit for this course and course 89W. (General Education Code(s): IS.) A. Steiner

Upper-Division Courses

100. Biochemistry. F,S
An introduction to biochemistry including biochemical molecules, protein structure and function, membranes, bioenergetics, and regulation of biosynthesis. Provides students with basic essentials of modern biochemistry and the background needed for upper-division biology courses. Students who plan to do advanced work in biochemistry and molecular biology should take the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100 series directly. Students cannot receive credit for this course after they have completed any two courses from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 100A, 100B, and 100C sequence with grades of Pass, C, or better. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; and CHEM 108A or 112A. The Staff

100L. Biochemistry Laboratory. F
Basic techniques and principles of laboratory biochemistry including isolation and characterization of a natural product, manipulation of proteins and nucleic acids to demonstrate basic physical and chemical properties; and characterization of enzyme substrate interactions. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 100; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 20. (General Education Code(s): W.) M. Dalbey

105. Genetics. F,W,S
Mendelian and molecular genetics; mechanisms of heredity, mutation, recombination, and gene action. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A. (F) N. Bhalla, (W) R. Kamakaka, (S) W. Sullivan

105L. Eukaryotic Genetics Laboratory. F,S
Classical and newly developed molecular-genetic techniques used to explore genetic variation in wild populations of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Topics include Mendelian fundamentals, mapping, design of genetic screens, bio-informatic and database analysis, genetic enhancers, and population genetics. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105; BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A recommended; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition Requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; non-majors by instructor permission. (General Education Code(s): W.) J. Lee

105M. Microbial Genetics Laboratory. W
Exploration of basic genetics processes such as replication, mutation, DNA repair, recombination, gene exchange, population genetics, and evolution using microbial model organisms; classic techniques in microbial genetics and contemporary molecular techniques presented. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite: BIOL 105; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 16. (General Education Code(s): W.) M. Dalbey

109L. Yeast Molecular Genetics Laboratory. *
The powerful genetic and molecular techniques available for yeast combined with the complete genomic DNA sequence offers opportunity for discovery of fundamental aspects of eukaryotic life. Lab providing practical experience in using yeast as an experimental system. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105; BIOL 115 strongly recommended; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 15. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff

110. Cell Biology. F,S
Covers the structure, organization, and function of eukaryotic cells. Topics include biological membranes, organelles, protein and vesicular trafficking, cellular interactions, the cytoskeleton, and signal transduction. Requires a good understanding of basic biochemistry and molecular biology. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A. (F) L. Hinck, (S) M. Rexach

110L. Cell Biology Laboratory. W
Fundamental aspects of cell biology explored through experimentation in a modern laboratory setting. Research topics include the structure and function of biological membranes; intracellular transport and organelle biogenesis; the cell cycle; and the cytoskeleton. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; previous/concurrent enrollment in course 110; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Restricted to biological sciences/affilitated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. Enrollment limited to 16. (General Education Code(s): W.) M. Rexach

111. Immunology. W
Immune systems—their manifestations and mechanisms of action. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOL 105, and BIOL 110. M. Zuniga

111L. Immunology Laboratory. S
Techniques of current immunology applicable to both cellular and humoral mechanisms. (Formerly course 123L.) Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 111. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. M. Zuniga

113. Mammalian Endocrinology. S
Introduction to the major endocrine organs, their hormones, and their receptors. Emphasis is on the following topics: structural analysis of the hormones and receptors at the protein and molecular level, regulation of expression of hormones and their receptors, and the biological functions of hormones. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A. L. Ogren

114. Cancer Cell Biology. S
Focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cancer. Topics covered include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell growth genes, checkpoint genes, telomeres, and apoptosis. Students will gain experience in reading the primary scientific literature. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110 or 115. A. Zahler

115. Eukaryotic Molecular Biology. W,S
Covers eukaryotic gene and genome organization; DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; regulation of gene expression; chromosome structure and organization; and the application of recombinant DNA technology to the study of these topics. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 105. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors, non-majors by permission of instructor. (W) M. Jurica, (S) H. Boeger

115L. Eukaryotic Molecular Biology Laboratory. W,S
A laboratory designed to provide students with direct training in basic molecular techniques. Each laboratory is a separate module which together builds to allow cloning, isolation, and identification of a nucleic acid sequence from scratch. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 187L or 287L. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A; previous/concurrent enrollment in course 115; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Restricted to biological sciences/affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. Enrollment limited to 20. (General Education Code(s): W.) M. Zavanelli

118. Biology of Disease. W
Primary objective is to provide an understanding of disease processes in humans. Integrates normal physiology and pathophysiology with the molecular and physiologic bases of diseases. Major emphasis on the physiological, molecular, and biochemical basis of diseases, with particular emphasis on the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, immune, and central nervous systems. Also addresses environmental risk factors in the etiology of diseases. Overviews provided, but covers selective topics considered most important in depth. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 138. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B or equivalent and BIOL 110. BIOL 130 is recommended. Offered in alternate academic years. M. Camps

119. Microbiology. F,W
Cell and molecular biology of bacteria and their viruses, including applications in medicine, public health, agriculture, and biotechnology. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 119. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A. The Staff

119L. Microbiology Laboratory. F,W,S
An introduction to the principles and practices of laboratory microbiology, with a substantial presentation of optical microscopy. Students are billed a materials fee. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 119L. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 119 is required; satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by permission. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff

120. Development. W
A description and analysis of selected developmental events in the life cycle of animals. Experimental approaches to understanding mechanisms are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A, and BIOL 105. J. Lee

120L. Development Laboratory. W
Experimental studies of animal development using a variety of locally obtainable organisms. Approximately eight hours weekly, but it will often be necessary to monitor continuing experiments throughout the week. Previous or concurrent enrollment in course 120 required. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A and BIOL 110. Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 120 required. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. J. Lee

122. Cellular and Organismal Toxicology. W
Emphases of biochemical, cellular, and organ system basis of intoxication, including dose-response relationships, biotransformation of toxicants, biochemical mechanisms underlying toxicity, factors influencing toxic action, and biomarkers of exposure. Emphasizes effects of various classes of toxins, including heavy metals and persistent synthetic organics, with a focus on susceptible biochemical/cellular processes of the central nervous, immune, hepatic, and renal target organ systems. Designed for advanced undergraduates. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 202. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 102. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B or equivalent; BIOL 100 and 110 are recommended. Enrollment restricted to juniors and seniors. The Staff

125. Introduction to Neuroscience. F
The structure and function of the nervous system. Topics include elementary electrical principles, biophysics and physiology of single nerve and muscle cells, signal transduction at synapses, development of the nervous system, and neural basis of behavior. Requires a good understanding of basic biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 100. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 105 or 110 is encouraged. B. Chen

126. Advanced Molecular Neuroscience. W
Explores in detail cellular and molecular events that underlay the function of the nervous system. Topics include neural development, axon guidance and regeneration, advanced electrical principles (synaptic transmission through a variety of receptors), synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, as well as several neural disorders. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 125. Y. Zuo

127. Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Disease. S
Focuses on cellular and molecular processes that underlie neurodegenerative diseases. Includes lectures, student oral presentations, discussions, a term paper, and exams. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and 110. W. Saxton

130. Human Physiology. F,W
Function, organization, and regulation of the major organ systems of humans, with emphasis on integration among systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 131. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOL 100, and BIOL 110. L. Ogren

130L. Human Physiology Laboratory (2 credits). F,W
Examines fundamental principles of systemic physiology focusing on the human. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 131L. Students are billed a materials fee. (General Education Code(s): W satisfied by taking this course and course 189.) Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOL100, and BIOL 110. Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIOL130 is required. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. L. Ogren

135. Human Functional Anatomy. S
Study of structure and function of the human body through lectures with an evolutionary perspective including regional anatomy and body systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Anthropology 207. (Also offered as Anthropology 107. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; or ANTH 1. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 135L is required. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors, non-majors by permission of instructor. N. Dominy

135L. Human Functional Anatomy Laboratory. S
Study of structure and function of the human body using dissection, comparative vertebrate anatomy, anatomical models, and computer-assisted instruction. Students are billed a $60.00 materials fee. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Anthropology 207L. (Also offered as Anthropology 107L. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 135 is required. Enrollment restricted to biological sciences and affiliated majors; biology minors; other majors by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 20. N. Dominy

178. Stem Cell Biology. W
Basic concepts, experimental approaches, and therapeutic potential are discussed. Students gain experience in reading the primary scientific literature. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 178. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 110; BIOL 115 recommended. C. Forsberg

179. Biotechnology and Drug Development. W
Recommended for students interested in careers in the biopharmaceutical industry. Focuses on recombinant DNA technology and the drug-development process, including discovery research; preclinical testing; clinical trials; and regulatory review, as well as manufacturing and production considerations. Students may not receive credit for this course and Biomolecular Engineering 255 and Chemistry 255. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 155. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOL 100 or BIOC 100A. Enrollment limited to 15. P. Berman

180. Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists. W
No programming experience required, but basic computer skills assumed. Students without prior programming experience taught basic proficiency in Perl, BioPerl, and other Perl libraries needed to analyze, transform, and publish biological data. Students required to solve a research problem as a final project. Lectures and labs are shared with Biomolecular Engineering 60. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Biomolecular Engineering 60. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 160. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A or BIOL 21A. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 180L is required. J. Stuart

180L. Research Programming for Biologists and Biochemists Laboratory (1 credit). W
Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in course 160. One two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Biomolecular Engineering 60L. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 160L. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A or BIOL 21A. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 180 is required. J. Stuart

181. Computational Biology Tools. F,S
Hands-on laboratory geared to teach basic tools used in computational biology (motif searching, primer selection, sequence comparison, multiple sequence alignment, genefinders, phylogenetics analysis, X-ray crystallography software). Web- and Unix-based tools/databases are used. Open to all science students; no prior Unix experience required. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 110. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 100, 105, or Biochemistry 100A or declared bioinformatics majors. Enrollment limited to 25. D. Gerloff

186F. Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology (2 credits). F,W,S
Supervised undergraduate research in laboratory of an MCD biology faculty member accompanied by weekly lectures on ethical and practical scientific issues. Topics include laboratory safety; the scientific method; the collection, treatment, and presentation of data; critical evaluation of scientific literature; scientific misconduct; and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for admission to graduate and professional schools, also discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; at least one of BIOL 100, BIOL 105, or BIOC 100A; and permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

186L. Undergraduate Research in MCD Biology. F,W,S
Supervised undergraduate research in laboratory of an MCD biology faculty member accompanied by weekly lectures on ethical and practical scientific issues. Topics include laboratory safety; the scientific method; the collection, treatment, and presentation of data; critical evaluation of scientific literature; scientific misconduct; and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for admission to graduate and professional schools, also discussed. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry-Level Writing and Composition requirements; courses BIOL 20A and BIOE 20B; at least one of BIOL 100, BIOL 105, or BIOC 100A; and permission of instructor. (General Education Code(s): W.) The Staff

187L. Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory. F
An intensive molecular biology laboratory that presents procedures used in molecular and biotechnology research. Topics and procedures include DNA/RNA isolation, cloning and library construction, southern and northern hybridization, DNA fingerprinting, PCR, manual and automated sequencing, and computer methods for analyzing molecular data. New procedures currently being developed in biotechnology industries are presented by industry representatives. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 116L or BIOL 287L. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, BIOE 20C, BIOL 100, and BIOL 110. Enrollment limited to 20. M. Zavanelli

189. Health Sciences Internship. F,W,S
Structured off-campus learning experience providing hands-on experience and pre-professional mentoring in a variety of health-related settings. Interns are trained and supervised by a professional at their placement and receive academic guidance from their faculty sponsor. Students spend 10–12 hours per week at their placement, participate in weekly discussion meetings on campus, keep a reflective journal, and submit a final paper. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20L; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; students interview with health sciences internship coordinator; applications are due one quarter in advance to the Health Sciences Internship Office. Enrollment restricted to health sciences majors. (General Education Code(s): W satisfied by taking this course and BIOL 130L.) The Staff

189F. Health Sciences Internship (2 credits). F,W,S
Structured off-campus learning experience providing hands-on experience and pre-professional mentoring in a variety of health-related settings. Interns are trained and supervised by a professional at their placement, and receive academic guidance from their faculty sponsor. Students spend six hours per week at their placement, keep a reflective journal, and submit a final paper. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 20L; students interview with health sciences internship coordinator. Applications due one quarter in advance to the Health Sciences Internship Office. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

190. Senior Seminar (2 credits). S
Satisfies the senior exit requirement for all biological sciences majors. (Also offered as Biology:Ecology & Evolutionary 190. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) The Staff

191. Teaching College Biology. F,W,S
Course designed to provide undergraduates at the upper-division level with an opportunity to participate in planning and teaching college-level biology. May not be repeated for credit. The Staff

195. Senior Thesis Research. F,W,S
An individually supervised course, with emphasis on independent research, to culminate in a senior thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

198. Independent Field Study. F,W,S
Provides for individual programs of study (a) by means other than the usual supervision in person, or (b) when the student is doing all or most of the course work off campus. With permission of the department, may be repeated for credit, or two or three courses taken concurrently. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

198F. Independent Field Study (2 credits). F,W,S
Provides for two units of independent field study (a) by means other than the usual supervision in person, or (b) when the student is doing all or most of the course work off campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

199. Tutorial. F,W,S
Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected biological topics, using facilities normally available on campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

199F. Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
Two-unit Tutorial. Reading, discussion, written reports, and laboratory research on selected biological topics, using facilities normally available on campus. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

Graduate Courses

200A. Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature. F
Development of critical thinking skills via discussion of research articles on a broad range of topics. Prepares students to critically evaluate research publications, and improves their ability to organize effective oral presentations and to evaluate the oral presentations of other scientists. Enrollment restricted to graduate students in MCD biology, or by permission of instructor. (Formerly Critical Analysis of Genetics and Molecular Biology.) Enrollment limited to 20. W. Saxton

200B. Advanced Molecular Biology. F
An in-depth coverage of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Discussion of the roles of macromolecules in the regulation of information in the cell. Prerequisite(s): Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff

200C. Advanced Cell Biology. W
An in-depth coverage of topics in cellular and subcellular organization, structure, and function in plants and animals. Emphasis on current research problems. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. D. Kellogg

200D. Developmental Biology. S
Key topics in developmental biology, including developmental genetics, epigenetics, stem cell biology, and developmental neurobiology. Lectures are accompanied by critical analysis and discussion of recent publications. Enrollment restricted to graduate students in MCD biology, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. S. Strome, J. Tamkun

201. RNA Processing. *
An advanced graduate-level course on biological aspects of RNA function and processing in eukaryotes. Lectures and discussions will be developed using the current literature. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200B or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. M. Ares

202. Cellular and Organismal Toxicology. W
Emphasizes biochemical, cellular, and organ system basis of intoxication, including dose-response relationships, biotransformation of toxicants, biochemical mechanisms underlying toxicity, factors influencing toxic action, and biomarkers of exposure. Emphasizes effects of various classes of toxins, including heavy metals and persistent synthetic organics, with a focus on susceptible biochemical/cellular processes of the central nervous, immune, hepatic, and renal target organ systems. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology 102 or BIOL 122. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 202. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students. D. Smith

203. Ribosomes and Translation. *
Covers the field of ribosome research in depth, including the structure and function of ribosomes and the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. Begins with historical review of the ribosome field and proceeds to the most recent findings. Focus is on central questions: (1) How is the accuracy of the aminoacyl-tRNA selection determined? (2) What is "accommodation"? (3) What is the mechanism of peptide bond formation (peptidyl transferase)? (4) What is the mechanism of translocation? (5) What are the mechanistic roles of the ribosome and translation factor EF-G in translocation? (6) To what extent is the mechanism of translation determined by RNA? (7) Why is RNA so well suited for the ribosome? (8) How did translation evolve from an RNA world? Prerequisite(s): BIOC 100A,BIOL 200B or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. H. Noller

204. Chromatin. *
Eukaryotic DNA is complexed with histones to form chromatin. This course focuses on the ways in which chromatin influences and is manipulated to regulate gene expression. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and BIOL 115; undergrads by permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. Offered in alternate academic years. J. Tamkun, G. Hartzog

205. Epigenetics. *
In-depth coverage of epigenetics focusing on how alterations in chromatin structure and DNA methylation establish and maintain heritable states of gene expression. Lectures are supplemented with critical discussion of recent publications. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105 and BIOL 115, or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20. S. Strome, J. Tamkun

206. Introduction to Stem Cell Biology. F
Fundamental issues and experimental approaches of stem cell biology research. Course divides into three sections: basic principles, experimental approaches, and emerging areas of research. Topics covered include stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, the microenvironment, epigenetics, cell cycle regulation, as well as how basic research translates to medical therapeutics. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. W. Sullivan

206L. Current Protocols in Stem Cell Biology. S
Provides students with hands-on experience in embryonic stem cell culture methods. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. D. Feldheim

208. Cellular Signaling Mechanisms. W
All eukaryotic cells utilize intricate signaling pathways to control such diverse events as cell-cell communication, cell division, and changes in cell morphology. This course covers the molecular basis of these cellular signaling pathways, focusing on the most current research. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 105, BIOL 110, and BIOL 115. Enrollment restricted to seniors and graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. Offered in alternate academic years. D. Kellogg

210. Experimental Systems Biology. *
Topics include, but are not limited to, microarray production techniques, experimental strategies using microarrays, extraction and analysis of microarray data, DNA and protein arrays, SNP analysis, gene expression analysis, materials analysis, and advanced analysis of data using bioinformatic techniques. (Formerly Application and Analysis of Microarrays.) (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 210. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment limited to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. The Staff

214. Cancer Cell Biology. *
Focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms behind cancer. Topics include oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell growth genes, checkpoint genes, telomeres, and apoptosis. Students gain experience in understanding the cutting edge of cancer drug design and formulate their own proposals for applying molecular and cellular biological techniques toward cancer diagnosis and treatment. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10. A. Zahler

226. Advanced Molecular Neuroscience. W
Basis of neural behavior at the cellular, molecular and system levels. First half of course focuses on cellular, molecular, and developmental aspects of the nervous system and covers two sensory systems: olfaction and auditory. Last half of course concerns higher-level functions of the nervous system, such as processing and integrating information. Discusses human diseases and disorders. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Y. Zuo

280A. Topics in Research on Molecular Genetics of Yeast (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive research seminar on the structure and function of the gene expression machinery in the simple eukaryote Saccharomyces cervisiae and its relationship to the human gene expression machinery. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with approval of instructor. May be repeated for credit. M. Ares

280B. Chromatin Structure and Transcriptional Regulation (2 credits). F,W,S
Weekly seminar on structure and gene regulatory function of chromatin. Discusses research of participants and relevant scientific literature. Enrollment restrIcted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. H. Boeger

280C. Mammalian Brain Development (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar covers research into the development of the mammalian brain. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. B. Chen

280D. RNA Processing (2 credits). F,W,S
A discussion of current research and literature concerning the regulation of precursor messenger RNA processing. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. A. Zahler

280E. Meiotic Chromosome Dynamics (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive course on the molecular mechanisms underlying homolog pairing, synapses, and recombination; and how they are regulated, coordinated, and monitored to ensure accurate meiotic chromosome segregation. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. N. Bhalla

280F. Development of Vertebrate Neural Connections (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive research seminar on molecular mechanisms by which neural connections are established during mouse development. Special focus on topographic maps and role of Eph receptors and ephrins in this process. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. D. Feldheim

280H. Topics on Research into Chromatin and Transcription (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar covering research into the effects of chromatin on transcription in yeast. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. G. Hartzog

280I. Epigenetic Gene Silencing and Insulators (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive course on molecular mechanisms by which insulator elements regulate epigenetic gene silencing. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. R. Kamakaka

280J. Structures of Macromolecular Complexes (2 credits). F,W,S
Focuses on structure and function of the spliceosome using electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography. Participants present results from their own research and relevant journal articles. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. M. Jurica

280K. Topics in Cell Cycle Research (2 credits). F,W,S
An intensive seminar focusing on current research on the molecular mechanisms that control cell division. Participants are required to present results of their own research or to review journal articles of interest. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. D. Kellogg

280L. Topics on Neural Development (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar covering research into the development of the embryonic nervous system. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 12. May be repeated for credit. L. Hinck

280N. Structure and Function of Ribosomes (2 credits). F,W,S
An intensive and advanced course focusing on the structure and function of ribosomes. Participants present research findings in an organized, critical fashion, in the context of current research literature in the ribosome field. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduate students may enroll with permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. H. Noller

280O. Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive seminar focusing on mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis of the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Participants are required to present results from their own research and relevant journal articles. (Also offered as Microbiol & Environ Toxicology 281O. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. K. Ottemann

280Q. Cell Biology of Oocytes, Embryos, and Neurons (2 credits). F,W,S
Weekly seminar and round-table discussion about research problems and recent advances in molecular motor proteins, cytoskeletons, and the control of force-producing processes. Each participant reports recent advances in their field from current literature, their own primary research questions, current approaches to answering those questions, and their research progress. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. W. Saxton

280R. Structure and Function of the Nuclear Pore Complex (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive and advanced course focusing on structure and function of the nuclear pore complex. Participants present research findings in an organized critical fashion in the context of current research literature in the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport field. Enrollment restrIcted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. M. Rexach

280S. Chromatin and RNA Regulation in C. elegans (2 credits). F,W,S
Intensive research seminar about regulators of chromatin organization; the composition and function of germ granules; and the roles of both levels of regulation in germline development in C. elegans. Participants present their research results and report on related journal articles. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. S. Strome

280T. Molecular Biology of Drosophila Development (2 credits). F,W,S
An intensive seminar concerning the molecular genetics of Drosophila. Recent research is discussed weekly, with an emphasis on gene regulation and development. Students present their own research or critical reviews of recent articles at least once during the quarter. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. J. Tamkun

280U. Discussions on the Development of the Drosophila Embryo (2 credits). F,W,S
Involves a two-hour weekly meeting in which the students discuss topics concerning the cell cycle, early embryonic development, and the cytoskeleton. These discussions critically evaluate ongoing research in this area. Material is drawn from student research and recently published journal articles. Students are also expected to meet individually with the instructor two hours weekly. In addition to a three–five page research proposal, each student gives two one-hour oral presentations. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit. W. Sullivan

280W. Membrane Proteins (2 credits). F,W,S
Seminar on recent research on membrane proteins, with an emphasis on ion-pumping ATPase. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. B. Bowman

280Y. Activity-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity (2 credits). F,W,S
Research seminar covering the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the mammalian nervous system, focusing on how the activity regulates the structural and functional dynamics of synapses. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. Y. Zuo

288. Stem Cell Research: Scientific, Ethical, Social, and Legal Issues. W
Scientific, ethical, social, and legal dimensions of human embryonic stem-cell research, including the moral status of the embryo; the concept of respect for life; ethical constraints on oocyte procurement; creation of embryonic chimeras; federal policies; and political realities. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 247. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment restricted to graduate students. E. Suckiel

289. Practice of Science. W
Examination of ethical and practical scientific issues, including the collection and treatment of data, attribution of credit, plagiarism, fraud, and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for grants and positions in industry or academia, will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 200A, BIOL 200B, and BIOL 200C or permission of instructor. Enrollment restricted to graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. The Staff

291. Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Seminar (2 credits). F,W,S
Topics of current interest in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology are presented weekly by graduate students, faculty, and guest speakers. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 60. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

292. MCD Seminar (no credit). F,W,S
Various topics by weekly guest speakers. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff

296. Laboratory Research in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. F,W,S
Independent laboratory research in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff

297. Independent Study. F,W,S
Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff

299. Thesis Research. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff

* Not offered in 2009-10