GENERAL KNOWLEDGE COURSES

 

CBMG 688D Cell Biology I: Structure and Function 

(2 credits)     This course focuses on the basic concepts and recent advances in cell biology and experimental methodologies and current approaches in cell biology research.  Lectures are combined with research literature discussion to teach students how to read research papers, how to define a scientific question, how to find experimental approaches to answer a question, how to interpret experimental data, and how to write a research proposal.

 

CBMG688F Genetics I: Transcription/translation

(2 credits)   This course discusses molecular mechanisms of gene expression.  The class covers the broad topic of gene expression with emphasis on core concepts and current topics.  The first three classes cover core concepts in molecular biology and biochemistry, and how these provide the foundations for the tools used by today’s investigators.  The next section covers prokaryotic transcription, with special emphasis on regulatory networks and DNA/protein interactions.  This sets the stage for more advanced discussion of regulation of eukaryotic transcription.  Regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level is discussed next, including mRNA splicing, capping and polyadenylation, rRNA and tRNA processing, mRNA editing, and RNAi.  This is followed by an in depth discussion of protein translation including strong emphasis on structural biology, quality control and translational recoding. 

 

CBMG 688I Genetics II: Genomics/Molecular Genetics

(2 credits)     Course in advanced genetics emphasizing genetic analyses of model organisms.  Primary species are yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, worm Caenorhabditis elegans, plant Arabidopsis thaliana, fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, mouse (Mus musculus), and humans (Homo sapiens). For each model organism both forward genetics (methods for the identification and analysis of informative mutations revealing new genes or new gene functions) and reverse genetics (methods for testing the expression of modified genes) will be considered.  Applicable genomics resources and bioinformatics tools are also covered, as is the application of information from model organisms to important species that lack the tools available in model organisms.

 

BCHM661 Nucleic acids I

(2 credits)  Topics covered include chemistry and structure of DNA and RNA, from nucleotide to chromatin, chromosomes, and genomes, and some methods for studying, synthesizing, sequencing and manipulating nucleic acids. Also covered are selected aspects of the biochemistry and regulation of DNA replication, repair, and recombination, and how these processes interact with each other.

 

BCHM 662 Nucleic Acids II

(2 credits) Interactions between nucleic acids and ligands.  Topics covered include interactions between nucleic acids and ligands such as cations, drugs, and especially proteins. Sources of binding affinity and specificity. Selection-amplification methods. Description of several classes of protein-nucleic acids complexes. DNA/RNA catalysis, the origin of life, mobile genetic elements.

 

CBMG 688N Bioinformatics

(2 credits)  The course provides a graduate-level introduction to the concepts and principles that form the basis for bioinformatic techniques, particularly similarity search and  pairwise alignment algorithms (e.g., BLAST, FASTA, Needleman-Wunch,  Smith-Waterman), and techniques for homology assessment and  functional inference.  No prior experience with programming is required, but students should be comfortable working with computers.

 

 CBMG 699B Bioethics 

(2 credits)     This is offered by the Virology Program Director, Dr. Anne Simon.  The course uses the text Scientific Integrity 4rd Edition by Francis Macrina, as well as numerous on-line sites from the NIH and other institutions. This course fulfills the NIH requirement for Responsible Conduct of Research.

 

 

PROGRAM SPECIFIC COURSES

 

CBMG 688K  Molecular Virology

(2 credits)   This course uses the text “Principles of Virology” by S.J. Flint et al. and concentrates on animal RNA/DNA viruses and host responses to viral infections. In addition to topics on replication and gene expression, students become familiar with the latest research on retroviruses, pathogenesis, virus evolution and establishment of the antiviral state.  Modern methods of purifying viruses and viral components, determining virus structure and assessing virus titers are also covered. Near the end of the semester, small groups of students present a seminar and recent journal paper on topics that focus on the replication and gene expression of RNA viruses and retroviruses. At the completion of the course, students have an advanced understanding of molecular mechanisms of virus replication for several important families of animal viruses.

 

VMSC610 Recombinant Viral Vectors

(3 credits) A comprehensive presentation of information on the molecular biology of the most relevant viral vectors developed to date and give insight on vector construction, purification and utilization. Also intended for students in virology and related fields as well as to those interested in the application of viral vectors to basic research.

 

VMSC689 Use of Genomics and Proteomics in Infectious Disease

(3 credits) Focus is placed on current biotechnological development and recent research breakthroughs in the field of genomics and proteomics as it relates to infectious disease and drug/vaccine development.

 

VMSC720 Viral Pathogenesis

(3 credits) This course will teach graduate students about mechanisms of infections by animal and human viral pathogens, including virus-cell interactions, host responses, and consequences of virus infection. Particular attention will be focused on the molecular mechanisms of the interactions between virus and host.

 

CBMG688J  Immunology 

(2 credits)   This class uses the text "Cellular and Molecular Immunology" by Lichtman and Abbas.  The class meets twice per week for 2 hours each.  A comprehensive series of lectures on innate and adaptive immunology, including cellular and humoral immunity, is complemented by original research articles and a review of technical approaches to immunological problems.  There are two examinations and each student presents a research article to the class on a selected topic.  At the completion of the class students are expected to have a thorough understanding of immunological concepts, a broad-based understanding of immunological techniques, and an introduction to signal transduction events during immune cell activation.

 

VMSC760 Immunology of Infectious Diseases

(3 credits)  An advanced graduate level course that focuses on the cutting-edge knowledge of immunity and recent research breakthroughs in the interactions between host immune system and infectious pathogen, and vaccine development.

 

CBMG688J Immunology and Host Defense

(2 credits)     This class uses the text "Cellular and Molecular Immunology" by Lichtman and Abbas.  A comprehensive series of lectures on innate and adaptive immunology, including cellular and humoral immunity, is complemented by original research articles and a review of technical approaches to immunological problems.  There are two examinations and each student presents a research article to the class on a selected topic.  At the completion of the class students are expected to have a thorough understanding of immunological concepts, a broad-based understanding of immunological techniques, and an introduction to signal transduction events during immune cell activation.

 

CBMG688L Microbial Pathogenesis 

(2 credits)  This course aims to introduce graduate students to important molecular and cellular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions.  The subject areas covered include: I) General structure-function aspects of microbial cell and the molecular secretory pathways; II) Adherence and entry of pathogens into non-phagocytic or phagocytic cells; III) Interaction of pathogens with host innate immunity; IV) Interaction of pathogens with host acquired immunity.  In this course, the basic concepts of host-pathogen interactions will be structured based upon the studies of intracellular bacterial pathogens (e.g. Mycobacterium), but certain protozoan (e.g. Leishmania) and viral (Adenovirus) pathogens will be touched upon to expand the concepts of common themes/diverse mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular and cellular level.  Each of the four subject areas is composed of two classes of lectures (four hours) followed by one class (two hours) of papers (of the subject area) presentation/discussion by the students.  Each student will have an opportunity to present one journal paper.

 

PLSC689W Plant-Microbe Interactions

(3 credits)  Comprehensive studies of the ecology, physiology and genetics of plant -microbe interactions along with their impact on society and surrounding ecosystems. Students will also investigate the diverse array of pathogenic and symbiotic plant microbe interactions that occur in both agricultural and natural settings.