Graduate Program in Life Sciences

This course provides opportunites to learn about several aspects of biological aging. They include what it is; how it happens; what effects it has on the structure and operations of the human body; how it affects social, psychological and other aspects of life; how it is related to disease; and what can or cannot be done about it.

The second of a two-semester sequence intergrating theory and methods in gerontology. The course provides students with the information and skills to think like a gerontologists, utilizing both theory and methods unique to the field and understanding the language and techniques utilized by a wide range of gerontological ressearches. Key to these understanding is reading, evaluating and understanding the connections between research questions, theory and appropriate methods of research. Applications of critical thinking skills, not being able to bridge both linguistic and methodological variation in an interdisciplinary field are emphasized. Students completing this sequence will be able to employ the work of contributing disciplines in their own research, produce a "real world" proposal for research and work as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

The students selects a topic of professional interest and studies with a graduate faculty member who is competent in that field.

A study of the basic mechanisms of disease processes. Offered Fall semester.

Covers cardiac cellular physiology, electrophysiology, and molecular biology through lectures, readings, and discussions. Topics change yearly to follow recent work but have included: channels in the sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum; ion exchangers and pumps; signal transduction mechanisms; excitation-contraction coupling in heart muscle; novel aspects of cardiac muscle mechanics; and review of new molecular, optical, and electrical methods. Students present and discuss assigned papers and (with guidance) write a mock grant application. Offered in the Fall semester, every other year.

This introductory course deals with basic principles of drug action. Topics include quantitation of drug-receptor interactions, drug distribution and elimination and molecular chemotherapeutic mechanisms. A background in biochemistry or physiology is helpful. Offered Spring semester.

Section 01 Biochemistry, 02 Molecular Medicine, 03 Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, 04 Neuroscience. Each Program holds Seminars relevant to said Program. Programs may host outstanding speakers from outside the University or have their Faculty or Students present their work. The Attendance policy and the number of required semesters varies with each Program .

Section 01 Biochemistry, 02 Molecular Medicine, 03 Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, 04 Neuroscience

Students gain experience in a variety of techniques and become familiar with the faculty members and their research. Doctoral students generally complete two or three rotations in different laboratories in the program. Rotations usually last six to eight weeks.

Offered throughout the year.

Covers contemporary research in renal function and epithelial transport. Students read and present an assigned topic, evaluate methodology, interpret results, and discuss models and their experimental verification. Offered in the Fall semester. Students should contact Dr. James Wade to arrange day, time, and place.

This lecture, discussion, and literature course covers mammalian reproductive physiology at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Topics include reproductive cycles, ovarian function, testicular function, pregnancy, follicular development, oocyte maturation, ovulation, steroidogenesis, steroid and protein hormone action, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, spermatogenesis, fertilization, implantation, placental function, parturition, and growth factors. Students attend lectures, read, and discuss selected papers. Offered in the Fall semester.

This course takes an integrative approach to the topic of Neuroendocrinology. Didactic lectures review in detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms of steroid and peptide hormones. These processes are placed in the context of the control of female and male reproductive physiology and extended to the hormonal control of behavior. Other topics include the hormonal basis of and responses to stress, circadian rhythms and seasonality and feeding behavior. In addition to these lectures, each student will make one in-depth presentation on a topic of their choice that is relevant to the field of neuroendocrinology. Grades are based on this presentation, a midterm exam, a final exam and class participation. Offered in the Spring of every other year.

This course addresses the theory and application of state-of-the-art technologies used for pharmacologic research and testing in industry, academia, and government. The course introduces cutting-edge technological advances in methodologies used in discovery of new drugs and therapies. Offered Spring semester.

Covers the origin and analysis of various biological signals, especially those arising from the nervous system. Emphasis is on the measurement and interpretation of these signals by techniques such as spectrum analysis, average evoked responses, single-unit histograms, and pattern recognition. Students establish theoretical background of random processes. Prerequisites: differential and integral calculus. Offered in the Spring semester, every other year.

This is a lecture and discussion course that meets twice weekly and focuses on the molecular mechanisms of action of hormones, growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and other signaling molecules on target cells.
Offered in the Fall of every year.
Prerequisite: completion of GPILS core curriculum. GPLS 601, 602 and 603.

Emphasis is on electrophysiological analysis of synaptic transmission. Topics include ionic basis of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, equivalent circuits of transmitter action, mechanisms and regulation of transmitter release, fast and slow synaptic responses, and functional structural plasticity at synapses.
Offered every Spring semester.

This course is designed to develop an understanding of statistical principles and methods as applied to human health and disease. Topics include: research design; descriptive statistics; probability; distribution models; binomial, Poisson, and normal distribution; sampling theory and statistical inference. Offered in the Fall semester.

This course will focus on areas of toxicology in which significant advances are being made in molecular mechanisms. Emergent technologies in toxicogenomics, proteomics and metabonomics will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing skills in interpreting and critiquing the primary research literature. The course is intended for students in their third semester of graduate studies who have completed introductory coursework in toxicology and/or pharmacology. Grading is based on student presentations and a term paper. Offered each Fall.

This course covers the principles underlying the mechanisms of oncogenesis and issues involved in drug intervention. Topics include mechanisms of neoplastic transformation, signal transduction pathways, DNA and RNA tumor viruses, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, multidrug resistance, antiviral and antineoplastic drugs, antimetabolite drugs, nucleotide analogues, and gene therapy. Offered in the Spring semester.

Covers the role of voltage- and receptor-gated ion channels in cell function. Although the emphasis is on structure and function of channels in excitable tissues such as nerve and muscle, students gain insight into the rapidly developing field of ion channel function in non-excitable cells such as lymphocytes, transformed cells, and glial cells, and the roles of ion channels in development.
Offered in the Spring of every other year.

Provides a foundation for future course work, an understanding of current and past literature, and a background for future laboratory research. The initial phase covers the general methodology, thermodynamics, and kinetics of transcellular and transepithelial ion transport. The final phase deals with the biochemical mechanisms and molecular biology of common membrane transport systems such as active ion pumps, co- and counter-transport, and facilitated diffusion.
Offered in the Fall semester.

Introduces students to developmental neurobiology, approached at the cellular and molecular levels. Topics include neurulation; glial and neuronal cell lineage; trophic factors and their mechanisms of action; cell death, neuronal differentiation, and the role of tropic and trophic interactions; axonal transport, synaptogenesis, and synaptic differentiation; neuron-glia interactions; and regeneration and plasticity.

Each class consists of a lecture and a discussion of readings.
Offered in the Spring of every other year.

This 1-credit course will serve as an introduction to new instrumentation and methods, including quantitative analyses, that are becoming increasingly important in modern biology. Classes will consist primarily of alternating lectures and journal club discussions of new technology, its application to studies at the molecular, cellular and systems level, and how it can advance our understanding of basic biological mechanisms in health and disease.

Exposes students to advances in their specific discipline through presentations of recent papers by faculty members, research fellows, and students. Offered throughout the year.

This course covers most of the basic types of analysis procedures used for continuous and discrete variables. These topics include statistical inference (p-values, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests), t-tests, chi-square tests, power calculations, nonparametric methods, simple and multiple linear regression, ANOVA, logistic regression, and survival analysis. Offered in the Fall semester.

This introductory reading course familiarizes students with classical and contemporary experiments and controversies that helped shape the field of neuroscience as a discipline. Key discoveries in anatomy, embryology, physiology, pharmacology, and psychology are examined in the context of their impact on the understanding of nerve cells, brain, and behavior. Topics include the neuron doctrine, cellular connectionism, animal electricity, electrical vs. chemical synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters and their receptors, neural trophism, synaptic plasticity, biochemistry of memory, and molecular basis of learning. Weekly one-hour lecture, with occasional laboratory demonstrations. Offered year round by special arrangement with identified neuroscience faculty.

Covers induction, expression, and selection of mutants; molecular basis of mutations; transfer of genetic information by transformation, transduction, and conjugation; complementation and recombination in phage and bacteria; plasmids; and recombinant DNA. Offered first semester, alternate years. Two lectures and two laboratory periods per week deal with the genetics of bacteria and bacterial viruses. Offered in the Fall semester.

This Proseminar is designed to provide an opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows working in all areas related to neuroscience to strengthen their abilities to formulate hypotheses and to critically design experiments that rigorously test these hypotheses. We will also emphasize critically evaluating the studies and conclusions of other investigators. The approaches learned through exercises should be helpful in designing thesis research and in writing papers and grant proposals.

Exposes students to endocrinology. A topic is chosen following consultation between students and faculty members. Topics may include, but are not limited to the synthesis, structure, and function of hormones; molecular and cellular techniques as applied to hormone systems; hormone-receptor interactions; signal transduction pathways; and application of transgenic and knockout technologies to the study of endocrine systems. Offered by prearrangement with faculty members.

While the course provides an overview of the field, its emphasis is on mastery of core ideas, assessed through quizzes, problem sets, and examinations. The course is taught by a small group of faculty members from several departments. Offered in the Fall of every year. Prerequisite: GPLS 601, 602, 603 and permission of the Program in Neuroscience Director.

This course is designed for graduate students in all health disciplines. The focus is on the basic science and research aspects of nociception,pain and analgesia. Topics include the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and the psychophysics of nociception and pain.
This course will be offered every year in the Fall semester.

This course is designed for neuroscience graduate students interested in the neurobiology of nociception and pain. While GPILS 642 provides a general background in this field, GPILS 643 provides a solid foundation of knowledge through a combination of lectures, directed reading and discussion of the primary literature. The focus is on the most contemporary views of nociceptive processing. This course will be offered every year in the Spring semester.

This course exposes students to a modern, "Big Picture" view of physiological systems. Core concepts of systems function are covered while introducing students to contemporary research issues. Students develop a foundation of knowledge through interactive lectures. These sessions are followed by discussions that apply the functional concepts to clinical situations or current research problems in molecular medicine. In this way, students learn interesting, relevant, state-of-the-art material while acquiring a foundation of knowledge in physiological systems biology. Offered in the Fall semester. Prerequisite: Completion of GPILS Core Curriculum. GPLS 601. 602, 603.
Required for all Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology students, open to students in other programs

The ability to communicate effectively scientific findings and new ideas not only aids the researcher in promoting his/her program, but often helps in the conceptualization of new areas of inquiry and generates new insights into recent discoveries. This course is designed to provide second year Molecular Medicine Graduate students with instruction in five critical areas of scientific communication that underpin a successful graduate career: 1) Grant Writing Skills; 2) Manuscript Preparation Skills; 3) Presentation Skills (preparation and delivery of an oral presentation); 4) Bio-informatics and 5) People Skills (professional skills for future employment opportunities). The format will include formal lectures on each topic, followed by an accompanying workshop and/or forum in which to engage in interactive learning sessions.

Two faculty members in the interdepartment program in membrane biology present two topics in the field of biomembranes each week. Time is reserved for questions and discussion. Offered in the Fall semester.

Exposes students to advances in endocrinology at molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels through critical examination of the current literature and research progress reports by faculty members, fellows, and students. Students must attend regularly, review relevant papers, participate in discussions, and give one presentation. Participating faculty members advise students on topics and presentations. Offered year round.

Provides students with a fundamental knowledge of the biophysical properties of cells and cell membranes in lectures and small-group discussions. Topics include diffusion, permeability, osmotic pressure, electrical consequences of ionic gradients, resting membrane potentials, action potential generation and propagation, ionic channel diversity, active transport, epithelial transport, excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle, and the mechanical properties of muscle. Emphasis is on the experimental basis of the biophysical properties of cells. Offered in the Spring semester. (Component of the Medical Physiology course)

Students learn about the endocrine system through lectures and small group conferences. Lectures focus on the biosynthesis of the major hormones, regulation of hormone release, effects of hormone on target tissues, and intracellular mechanisms of hormone action. Students discuss the clinical relevance of endocrine findings and critically evaluate the experimental design, observations, and interpretation of data presented in current papers in small-group conferences. Offered in the Spring semester. (Component of the Medical Physiology course)

Students learn about the integrated functioning of the cardiovascular system. Topics include electrophysiology of the heart, at both the cellular and multicellular levels; excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle; cardiac cycle and ventricular mechanics; hemodynamics; short- and long-term mechanisms for regulation of blood pressure; and function of the lymphatic system. Final topics include those that exemplify the integrated functioning of the cardiovascular system: exercise, response to postural changes, heart failure, and others. Offered in the Spring semester. (Component of the Medical Physiology course)

Students learn about renal mechanisms responsible for water and electrolyte homeostasis in lecture and small-group format. Topics include body fluids, sodium and water balance, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration, tubular mechanisms of NaCl transport and regulation, solute transport, diuresis, concentrating mechanisms, potassium homeostasis, and acid-base homeostasis. Offered in the Spring semester. (Component of the Medical Physiology course)

Students learn about respiratory and gastrointestinal systems through lectures and small-group work. Respiratory physiology topics include lung volumes, ventilation, mechanics of breathing, pulmonary blood flow, ventilation-perfusion matching, gas transport, control of breathing, and fetal respiration. Gastrointestinal physiology topics include secretions of the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, enzymatic digestion and absorption; motility; gastrointestinal hormones and the enteric nervous system; and colonic function. Offered in the Spring semester. (Component of the Medical Physiology course)

This course will introduce students to Special topics in Cancer Biology that are important to the fundamental mechanisms of Cancer and are currently in the forefront of cancer research. It compliments, and is different to, the Advanced Cancer Biology course (GPLS790) and concentrates on exciting cancer biology topics in present focus. This course will begin with the role that the environment plays in cancer. We will focus on the role of viruses that are endemic in certain parts of the world and the incidence of cancer. The next topic will explore the role that genetic inheritance plays in cancer. Since genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are important in cancer, the next area this course will focus on the number of genetic changes required for cancer to emerge, followed by an equivalent lecture in the epigenetic arena. The following series of lectures will focus on mechanisms of cell survival in cancer, followed by the involvement of genomic instability pathways, such as DNA repair. Finally, the course will conclude with a series of lectures that involve treatment of cancer, covering immunological approaches, gene re-expression approaches, and the potential use of stem cells as therapy.

This is a three credit lecture & discussion course that meets twice weekly & focuses on special topics in cancer biology that are important to the fundamental mechanisms of cancer and are currently in the forefront of cancer research.

Course description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to contemporary topics of scientific and clinical importance in vascular and stem cell biology. This lecture and discussion course will cover a series of subjects including the nature and origin of stem cells and their application to medicine, inflammation, proteolytic mechanisms of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis, and vascular disease. Offered in the Fall semester. This course will complement the GPILS Core Course.

This 1 credit course is taught in parallel with the GPILS Core Course (601, 602 & 603). Lecture topics are designed to complement those being covered in the Core Course in the various sections. Topics include neural development, neuronal and glial responses to trauma and stroke, neuroendocrinology, neuropharmacology, and quantal analysis. In addition, this course is designed to provide students with sufficient understanding of a range of electrophysiological concepts, including current flow and intracellular, patch clamp and extracellular recording, that are required for electrophysiological laboratory rotations. This course, in combination with the Core Course, will provide neuroscience-oriented students with a strong background in both molecular and cellular neuroscience and electrophysiological concepts that is necessary for advanced courses in neuroscience.
Course will be offered annually, during the Fall Semester.

This core course for the Biochemistry Program covers advanced topics in molecular Biology and genetics, taught principally from current primary literature. A combination of lectures and student-directed seminars address recent developments in DNA/RNA metabolism and regulation of gene expression, while additional sessions explore genetics and molecular contributions to control of cellular function and disease

This core course introduces basic ideas of immunity and the immune system, including evolutionary and comparative studies, specific and nonspecific immunity, the biology of T and B lymphocytes, the genetics of the antigen-receptor and MHC loci, immunochemistry, and the role and action of cytokines. The course includes lectures, student presentations, and term papers.

This core course combines lectures, student presentations of research and review papers, and group discussions. Topics include parasite life histories, the evolutionary biology of parasitism, parasite genetics, immunoparasitology, and control strategies. Lectures increase students' understanding of state-of-the-art molecular parasitology, vaccine design, and immunomodulation to regulate parasite numbers. Students select and review research articles during lecture and discussion sessions

This core course introduces students to animal virology with a concentration on the pathogenesis, molecular biology, and immunology of selected medically-important viruses. Lecture material is drawn from both classical and current literature. Students must actively participate in and lead discussions based on assigned readings and submit an in-depth term paper on a key research area in virology.

Students learn basic genetic principles as they relate to the study of human health and disease. Topics include an overview of human genetics in Mendelian genetics, clinical applications of principles, cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, population genetics, complex disorders and the importance and implications of genetic disease at the levels of the population and individual families.

Students, faculty members, and guests participate in the presentation and review of current topics in human genetics. Offered year round.

Topics in this course include normal and abnormal prenatal and postnatal growth and development with emphasis on genetic factors and prenatal testing and screening. Genetic nosology, medical terminology, and embryology are discussed. Offered in the Fall semester.

This advanced core course for the Biochemistry Program emphasizes protein structure and function including the following topics: protein folding and stability, thermodynamics, allosteric interations, protein structure/dynamics, the chemistry of enzyme mechanisms, steady state and pre-steady state kinetics, and methods used for characterizing proteins and enzymes including circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, protein fluorescence and stopped-flow techniques. The course includes problem sets and two exams.

Provides a groundwork in basic principles of bacterial pathogenesis. Students should be already familiar with fundamentals of bacterial structure and metabolism. The first part of the course covers basic ideas, while the second part examines selected specific organisms in further detail. Classes consist of lectures and discussion of research papers. There are two exams and student presentations. Offered in the Spring semester.

This course uses qualitative and quantitative traits to discuss genetic and epidemiologic factors affecting normal and abnormal variation within and between populations. Topics include traditional and modern methods of family data analysis, including segregation and linkage analysis; the underlying assumptions of each method (including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium); steps in each analysis; and computer programs. Offered in the Spring semester.

Covers the normal human karyotype, chromosome identification methods, numerical and structural abnormalities and their clinical correlates, X chromosome gene action, chromosomes and cancer, human population cytogenetics, gene mapping, and karyotype evolution. Students give a seminar on a pertinent topic. Offered every other Spring semester.

Student tkaing this required course will examine and then present research seminars on current topics in biochemistry and molecular biology. Special topics will vary each semester and are chosen in advance by the instructor. In addition,to the quality of the scientific presentation, the course will also stress the critical evaluation of the scientific work by the presenter and the members of the class; thus, participation in weekly discussions by all students is an essential aspect of the course.

This course offeres a comprehensive description of the basic physiology, biochemistry and biophysics of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle. Topics include: ultrastructure of sekeltal muscle; mechanical and biochemical features of the crossbridge cycle in contraction; excitation-contraction coupling; calcium-induced calcium release in cardiac muscle; physiology and pharmacology of smooth muscle. This course is offered in the Spring of every other year.

Considers the developmental biology of muscle, including its innervation and plasticity. The course begins with a discussion of the factors controlling the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. Next is a consideration of fiber type determination, its relationship to use, and the effects of hypertrophy and atrophy on muscle. The structure, function, and formation of the neuromuscular junction and its relationship to the organization of structures in the extrajunctional region forms the next set of topics. Emphasis is placed on the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. The last part of the course deals with the relationship of activity and hormonal influences to the biochemical properties of muscle. The course meets twice weekly and consists of one lecture and one session for student oral presentations and discussion of assigned research pertinent to the lecture topic. Offered every other Spring semester.

This course presents a comprehensive review of the parasites of humans and the diseases they cause. Topics include the biology of selected parasites causing human diseases, including host-parasite interactions at the molecular level and vaccine use; immunological aspects of human parasite-interactions, including ways in which the immune response can mediate pathology and protection; and the epidemiology of human parasitic diseases, including parasite population dynamics, ecology, and transmission. Offered in the Spring Semester. Course requires permission of Course Master or student must have taken GPLS 703 Basic Parasitology.

An intensive introduction to the techniques of time- and frequency-domain fluorescence spectroscopy, with emphasis on applications in biochemistry and biophysics. The course lasts four and a half days in January. Topics may include time- and frequency-domain measurement techniques, time-resolved anisotropy, data analysis including global analysis, instrumental design, fluorescence energy transfer, transient effects in quenching, excited state reactions, fluorescence-based sensing including fiber optics, fluorescence lifetime imaging, fluorometry with two-photon excitation, and nearinfrared fluorometry. Offered every other Fall semester.

Examines structure-function relationships as evaluated by a range of morphological methods. One two hour session per week features readings, presentations by students, and group discussions with selected laboratory demonstration sessions. Topics include freeze fracture and negative stain analysis of membrane structure, localization of antibodies and other probes by fluorescence and electron microscopy, quantitative stereology of membranes, autoradiography, and electron probe analysis. Offered in the Spring semester of every other year.

Students study mechanisms of gene action as illustrated by inherited human biochemical defects. Topics include fundamental aspects of the function and malfunction of enzymes, vitamins, and structural and regulatory proteins at the biochemical and molecular levels, clinical features of metabolic diseases, differential diagnosis, and laboratory follow-up. Offered in the Fall semester of every other year.

Covers advances in the interactions of proteins and lipids in biological membranes and the importance of these interactions in normal cellular functions. Emphasis is on proteins involved in signaling. Topics include reconstitution of integral membrane proteins (channels and transporters, adenyl cyclase), peripheral membrane proteins (G proteins, protein kinase C) annulus lipids, channel-forming toxins, fatty acylated proteins (ras, p60src), GPI-linked proteins, macro- and microdomains of membrane lipids, and lipid regulators (diacylglycerol, arachidonate).

This lecture series, which complements HGEN 728, covers clinical aspects of genetic disease. Topics include genetic disorders and birth defects, organ systems, both metabolic and dysmorphic syndromes, normal prenatal and pediatric development, medical terminology, components of medical charts and physical examinations, and organization and administration of medical centers. The course also introduces other specialties and subspecialties, as most genetic disorders involve coordination of complex medical care. Offered in the Spring semester.

This course will cover some basic concepts in genetic epidemiology, including assessment of familial aggregation, and is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of approaches used in gene mapping, such as linkage and association analysis. Offered yearly.

Provides students with a detailed analysis of molecular approaches used to characterize the genetic defects of inherited human disorders. Topics include diversity of technical approaches, with emphasis on recent developments; general utility and limitations of various approaches; importance of the analysis of mutational spectra; and potentials for gene therapy.

This course is aimed at developing skills necessary for understanding and discovering how changes in gene function cause human disease. The course revolves around a series of topics that use inherited disease processes to illustrate the physiological consequences of molecular, cellular, genetic phenomena. Recent breakthroughs in the identification of disease-related genes are presented and extended to a discussion about their impact on cell and organ function. Critical reading and discussion of landmark and/or timely papers are stressed. In this way, students learn interesting state-of-the-art material while developing skills and expertise in integrative biology and molecular medicine. Topics change yearly, but have included: paralysis, malignant hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, glomerulitis-Alport's, cystic fibrosis, Liddle's syndrome, hyperinsulinemia of infancy, type II diabetes mellitus, influenza, migraine headache and neurogenic inflammation, and Duchenne dystrophy. Two or three one-hour classes per topic consist of interactive discussions following assigned readings and brief lectures.
Offered in the Fall semester. Required for all Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology students, open to others

Covers current technology in functional genomic research. Twelve topics are changed yearly to reflect the most current advancements in the field. Classes consist of lectures, presentations, and discussions. Offered in the Spring semester.

This course will comprise immunologic topics chosen by faculty & students. The material will come mainly from the primary literature and will be a discussion heavy course. Students will be expect to write short summaries of the papers before class begins. In additional question sets will be prepared by the instructors after the discussions which the students will complete before the next class.

A comprehensive tutorial of the major, state-of-the-art anatomical approaches used in neuroscience, including modern microscopical techniques, methods for protein and RNA localization, neuroanatomical tract- tracing, molecular and electrophysiological approaches to neuroanatomy, and methods for data acquisition and analysis. The course focuses on an understanding of the principles underlying these approaches, and the advantages and potential pitfalls of each approach. Taught by a team of faculty members from the neuroscience program, the course consists of lectures and demonstrations. Offered in the Fall of every other year.

A comprehensive tutorial of the major, state-of-the-art electrophysiological and imaging approaches used in neuroscience. The course focuses on an understanding of the principles underlying these approaches, and the advantages and potential pitfalls of each. The course consists of lectures and demonstrations.
Offered in the Fall of every other year.

Covers the clinical and basic science aspects of major central nervous system diseases. Topics include apoptosis and excitotoxicity, genetic analysis of human disease, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Huntingtons, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Prion diseases, pain transplantation and stem cells, AIDS and infections of the CNS, and migraines and headaches. The course includes student presentations and at least one neurology rounds style presentation by neurologists. Offered in the Spring semester.

Provides students with a strong background in both the clinical and neurobiological aspects of mental illness, including schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and drug abuse. Psychiatrists from the School of Medicine introduce the clinical symptoms and treatments for each disease. The clinical and neuroscience faculty at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center present current research on the neurobiology behind each illness.
Offered in the Spring semester.

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of cancer from diagnosis to treatment as well as the latest research discoveries. The course begins with the biology of cancer cells, the stages of cancer and types of tumors and ends with topics related to animal models for studying cancer. Lectures will include tumor supressors, oncogenes, signal transduction, disruption of growth control networks, DNA damage, oncopharmacology, drug design, robotics, and common forms of cancer.

Required for all Molecular & Cellular Cancer Biology students. Offered in the Spring Semester.

Masters Research (1-12)

section 01 Biochemistry, 02 Molecular Medicine, 03 Microbiology, 04 Neuroscience Offered year round.

This seminar will examine the roles of the cerebral cortex in perceptual and motor functions. Topics include: Perception and the Cerebral Cortex, Evolution and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, Cells and Local Networks of the Neocortex, Thalamocortical and Corticocortical Interactions, Cytoarchitecture and Columnar Organization and Cortical Areas and the Computations they Perform.
Participants will read primary source articles as well reviews and book chapters. Student evaluation will be based on participation and presentations. Class size is limited, and permission of the instructor is required. Students, postdocs and faculty are welcome. Offered in the Spring semester.

Doctoral Research (1-12) section 01 Biochemistry, 02 Molecular Medicine, 03Microbiology, 04 Neuroscience Offered year round.

Lectures and discussions cover principles of toxicology. Topics include major classes of toxic agents, principal target organs of toxicity, and mechanisms of toxicity. A two-semester course. Prerequisites: biochemistry and physiology at the 300 or higher level, or consent of instructor.

Lectures include discussion of principles underlying forensic and clinical toxicology, mechanism of action of drugs and other poisons, methods of detection and quantitation of drugs and poisons in tissues and body fluids, and interpretation of analytical procedures for the detection and estimation of drugs and chemicals in biological samples. Prerequisites: organic chemistry, physical chemistry, quantitative analysis, and calculus.

Permission and credit arranged individually. Students become familiar with laboratory methods used by staff members to study the effect of toxin and environmental pollutants on living systems. Students may take for credit more that once.

Students, guests, and faculty members review and discuss original works and recent advances in toxicology. Students may take for credit more than once.

This course is designed to teach students the basic principles that apply to risk assessment of the environmental and human health effects of hazardous chemicals. The course features both lectures and case studies to introduce students to environmental regulations that impact the use, environmental release and clean up of chemical contaminants. Students will learn how to evaluate relationships between exposure to chemicals and health outcomes and how regulations are developed to protect human health. Crosslisted: ELS Risk Assessment and Management in a Regulatory Context (School of Law)

A permission slip from the program director or instructor is necessary to enroll in this course.