Structural Biology, Biochemistry & Biophysics |
Developmental and Stem Cell Biology |
Immunology and Microbiology |
Cancer and Cell Biology |
Genetics, Epigenetics and Genomics |
| Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 1 | Year 1 |
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Fall Winter one of: Spring one of: |
3 courses from |
3 courses from |
2 courses from 1 course from
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2 courses from 1 course from
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| Year 2 + | Year 2 + | Year 2 + | Year 2 + | Year 2 + |
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Electives, above plus: |
Electives, above plus: |
Electives, above plus: |
Electives, above plus: |
Electives above |
Go to Schedule Page to find when courses are offered.
Course Descriptions
Structural Biology and Biophysics
Fall one of:
MOL BIO 204. Protein Structure and Function. 4 Units.
The structure and properties of proteins, enzymes, and their kinetic properties.
MOL BIO 214. Literature in Protein Structure and Function. 2 Units.
Exploration and critical analysis of recent primary scientific literature in structure and properties of proteins, enzymes, and their kinetic properties. Corequisite: MOL BIO 204.
Winter one of:
MOL BIO 203. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function. 4 Units.
Structure and chemistry of nucleic acids. Relationship between these properties and the mechanisms of fundamental processes such as replication and repair, RNA-mediated catalysis, formation and regulation of higher order chromatin structure and recombination. Syllabus
MOL BIO 213. Literature in Nucleic Acid Structure and Function. 2 Units.
Exploration and critical analysis of recent primary scientific literature in structure, properties, and biological mechanisms involving nucleic acids. Corequisite: MOL BIO 203.
PHYSIO 252. Introduction to Proteomics. 4 Units.
Introduces students to concepts and methods of proteomics including protein identification, expression proteomics, and protein-protein interactions.
Spring one of:
MOL BIO 211. High-Resolution Structures: NMR and X-ray. 4 Units.
Basic principles of magnetic resonance and x-ray crystallography toward the determination of high-resolution biomolecular structures.
PHYSIO 232. The Physiology of Ion Channels. 4 Units.
Discusses how ion channels work (molecular/structural biophysics level) and what ion channels do in diverse cell types (cell physiology level).
CHEM 218. Metallobiochemistry. 4 Units.
A review of the biochemistry of metallic elements emphasizing: methods for studying metals in biological systems; the chemical basis for nature’s exploitation of specific elements; structures of active sites; mechanisms; solid-state structures and devices; metals in medicine.
Electives, above plus:
CHEM 216. Organometallic Chemistry. 4 Units.
Synthesis and reactivity of organometallic complexes with an emphasis on mechanisms. Topics include bonding and fluxional properties; metal-carbon single and multiple bonds; metal complexes. Applications to homogenous catalysis and organic synthesis are incorporated throughout the course.
MOL BIO 223. Introduction to Computational Biology. 4 Units.
The use of theories and methods based on computer science, mathematics, and physics in molecular biology and biochemistry. Basics in biomolecular modeling. Analysis of sequence and structural data of biomolecules. Analysis of biomolecular functions.
M&MG 206. Regulation of Gene Expression. 4 Units.
Aspects of gene expression including organization of the eukaryotic nucleus in terms of protein-nucleic acid interaction; comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, enzymology and regulation of RNA transcription in E. Coli and other prokaryotes; enzymology of transcription in eukaryotes. Syllabus
Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
3 courses from
DEV BIO 231B. Cell Biology. 4 Units.
A broadly based course including topics in extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, organelle biogenesis, receptor-mediated endocytosis, signal transduction, cell cycle, and developmental biology. Syllabus
M&MG 206. Regulation of Gene Expression. 4 Units.
Aspects of gene expression including organization of the eukaryotic nucleus in terms of protein-nucleic acid interaction; comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, enzymology and regulation of RNA transcription in E. Coli and other prokaryotes; enzymology of transcription in eukaryotes. Syllabus
DEV BIO 245. Stem Cell Biology. 4 Units.
The basic characteristics and development roles of embryonic, adult, and cancer stem cells in the human body and in model systems and the use of experimental and genetic methods to analyze and manipulate their properties.
DEV BIO 210. Developmental Genetics and Genomics. 4 Units.
This course focuses on mechanisms employed by organisms during embryonic development, and differentiation of the complex tissues and organs required during adult life. It covers tools for studying these mechanisms, including modern techniques for genome-wide analysis of gene expression, epigenetic regulation, and high-resolution imaging.
Electives, above plus:
DEV BIO 207. Mouse Developmental Genetics. 4 Units.
Introduction to using the mouse in contemporary biomedical research. The biology and development of the laboratory mouse, methods for manipulation of the mouse genome and embryos, and examples of application of these methods to understand mammalian development and homeostasis.
BIOCHEM 207. Current Topics in Cancer Genomics. 4 Units.
Over this course, we will focus on noval techniques in modern cancer research, such as CRISPR/Cas9 engineering, immune-based cancer treatments, drug and genetic screens, and mouse genetics.
BIOCHEM 225/NEUROBIO 230. Epigenetics in Health and Disease. 4 Units.
Current topics in epigenetics, focusing on the impact of epigenetic regulation of the genomic functions (gene regulation, DNA replication and repair) on development, metabolism, learning and memory, and human disorders.
Immunology and Microbiology
3 courses from
DEV BIO 231B. Cell Biology. 4 Units.
A broadly based course including topics in extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, organelle biogenesis, receptor-mediated endocytosis, signal transduction, cell cycle, and developmental biology. Syllabus
M&MG 206. Regulation of Gene Expression. 4 Units.
Aspects of gene expression including organization of the eukaryotic nucleus in terms of protein-nucleic acid interaction; comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, enzymology and regulation of RNA transcription in E. Coli and other prokaryotes; enzymology of transcription in eukaryotes. Syllabus
MOL BIO 215. Integrative Immunology. 4 Units.
Lectures and student presentations of primary literature. The main goal is to achieve a basic understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of innate and adaptive immunity, and how immune function is coordinated at a systems level. Prereq for PATH 221/MMG 221 Syllabus
M&MG 222. Molecular Pathogenesis of Microbial Infections. 4 Units.
Features lectures by faculty on the molecular aspects of viral pathogensis, highlighting both viral and cellular functions. Students give oral presentations and write a research proposal on a selected topic.
Electives, above plus:
MOL BIO 221. Advanced Topics in Immunology. 4 Units.
Literature-based, interactive discussions focused on review of seminal historic and recent immunology literature. Student responsibilities include reading, critical evaluation, and discussion of manuscripts. Syllabus
PATH 221. Immunopathogenic Mechanisms of Disease. 3 Units.
This course examines of the mechanisms underlying disease states mediated by immune dysregulation. Topics include mechanisms of immune evasion by cancer, diseases mediated by cytokine dysregulation, the role of the microbiome of the GI track and of other sites in disease, and adoptive T-cell therapy. Faculty instructors provide didactic presentations and moderate student presentations based on assigned recent publications. *This course is next spring of 2021 and in the following spring terms of odd years.* Syllabus
MOL BIO 205. Molecular Virology. 4 Units.
Primary research data on the major DNA and RNA viruses emphasizing strategies of regulation of gene expression. Utilization of viruses as molecular biological tools. Graduate-level knowledge of the biochemistry and molecular biology of macromolecules is required.
Cancer and Cell Biology
2 courses from
DEV BIO 231B. Cell Biology. 4 Units.
A broadly based course including topics in extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, organelle biogenesis, receptor-mediated endocytosis, signal transduction, cell cycle, and developmental biology. Syllabus
M&MG 206. Regulation of Gene Expression. 4 Units.
Aspects of gene expression including organization of the eukaryotic nucleus in terms of protein-nucleic acid interaction; comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, enzymology and regulation of RNA transcription in E. Coli and other prokaryotes; enzymology of transcription in eukaryotes. Syllabus
MOL BIO 217A. Principles of Cancer Biology I. 4 Units.
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are studied from molecular viewpoints. Also studies their role in cancer; viral carcinogenesis. Designed for graduate students interested in cancer research. Format includes lectures and student-led discussions.
1 course from
BIOCHEM 225/NEUROBIO 230. Epigenetics in health and disease. 4 Units.
Current topics in epigenetics, focusing on the impact of epigenetic regulation of the genomic functions (gene regulation, DNA replication and repair) on development, metabolism, learning and memory, and human disorders.
PHYSIO 252. Introduction to Proteomics. 4 Units.
Introduces students to concepts and methods of proteomics including protein identification, expression proteomics, and protein-protein interactions.
PHYSIO 232. The Physiology of Ion Channels. 4 Units.
Discusses how ion channels work (molecular/structural biophysics level) and what ion channels do in diverse cell types (cell physiology level).
PHYSIO 272. Eye: Health and Disease. 3 Units.
Introduces the anatomic and physiological basis of vertebrate vision and disease states in which the structure and function of the eye is disrupted with emphasis on current and developing research areas.
DEV BIO 245. Stem Cell Biology. 4 Units.
The basic characteristics and development roles of embryonic, adult, and cancer stem cells in the human body and in model systems and the use of experimental and genetic methods to analyze and manipulate their properties.
MOL BIO 205. Molecular Virology. 4 Units.
Primary research data on the major DNA and RNA viruses emphasizing strategies of regulation of gene expression. Utilization of viruses as molecular biological tools. Graduate-level knowledge of the biochemistry and molecular biology of macromolecules is required.
Electives, above plus:
MOL BIO 217B. Principles of Cancer Biology II. 4 Units.
Topics include cancer cell growth and metastasis, chemical carcinogenesis, and cancer genetics and epidemiology. Designed for graduate students interested in cancer research. Format includes lectures and student-led discussions. Syllabus
BIOCHEM 240. New Breakthroughs in Basic and Translational Cancer Research. 4 Units.
Highlights breakthroughs in molecular and cellular aspects of cancer biology and emerging therapeutic approaches. Emphasis on new discoveries of critical pathways/processes in cancer etiology, progression, and metastasis. Introduces strategies used in the discovery, design of biological and small molecules-based therapies.
Genetics, Epigenetics and Genomics
2 courses from
M&MG 206. Regulation of Gene Expression. 4 Units.
Aspects of gene expression including organization of the eukaryotic nucleus in terms of protein-nucleic acid interaction; comparisons between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, enzymology and regulation of RNA transcription in E. Coli and other prokaryotes; enzymology of transcription in eukaryotes. Syllabus
DEV BIO 214. Principles of Genomics. 4 Units.
A survey course of the principal subfields of genomics and their applications to biological and health sciences that will cover genome assembly and annotation, genome structure, comparative genomics, population genomics, functional genomics, and medical genomics.
1 course from
BIOCHEM 225/NEUROBIO 230. Epigenetics in health and disease. 4 Units.
Current topics in epigenetics, focusing on the impact of epigenetic regulation of the genomic functions (gene regulation, DNA replication and repair) on development, metabolism, learning and memory, and human disorders.
BIOCHEM 207. Current Topics in Cancer Genomics. 4 Units.
Over this course, we will focus on noval techniques in modern cancer research, such as CRISPR/Cas9 engineering, immune-based cancer treatments, drug and genetic screens, and mouse genetics.
MOL BIO 203. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function. 4 Units.
Structure and chemistry of nucleic acids. Relationship between these properties and the mechanisms of fundamental processes such as replication and repair, RNA-mediated catalysis, formation and regulation of higher order chromatin structure and recombination. Syllabus
COMPSCI 284A. Representations and Algorithms for Molecular Biology. 4 Units.
Introduction to computational methods in molecular biology, aimed at those interested in learning about this interdisciplinary area. Covers computational approaches to understanding and predicting the structure, function, interactions, and evolution of DNA, RNA, proteins, and related molecules and processes. Syllabus
DEV BIO 210. Developmental Genetics and Genomics 4 Units.
Focuses on discussion of critical concepts in developmental biology and regeneration, with emphasis on model organisms such as Drosophila, Zebrafish, and murine systems. Molecular mechanisms underlying key developmental decisions also discussed.
Electives, above