Mechanisms in Biomedical Sciences - The Core Course

During the first semester of study the majority of our students take what we consider to be our "Core Course," Mechanisms in Biomedical Sciences: From Genes to Disease (8 credits total) is a comprehensive overview of current knowledge in cellular, molecular, and structural biology. This course provides all of the background necessary for subsequent specialized studies in biomedical research in a concentrated program during the Fall Semester, comprising the five sections listed below:

1. Molecular Biology, -Omics, Bioinformatics
2. Genetics, Metagenomics, Microbiome
3. Molecular Structure, Function, Metabolism
4. Cellular Organization, Transport, Trafficking
5. Cellular Physiology, Signaling, Defense

The innovative format of the course is highly interactive and includes lectures presenting creative, cutting-edge approaches to investigating fundamental, current biomedical questions, together with a review of fundamental principles of molecular and cellular biology. Vertically-integrated topics that tie together the study of individual genes, proteins, cellular function, and associated clinical disorders place an emphasis on the development and critical evaluation of scientific hypotheses and state-of-the-art techniques.

Student conference groups meet once a week with the guidance of faculty mentors to analyze in substantial depth an exemplary primary paper that is related to the course material. There are frequent research-oriented special topics seminars that complement the daily lectures. Optional, supplemental review sessions strengthen background knowledge. Students complete the Core Curriculum by the end of November.

For Additional Information

Victoria Kutnik
Academic Services Specialist
VKutnik@som.umaryland.edu

Joseph J. Gillespie, PhD
Assistant Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
JGillespie@som.umaryland.edu