Course Descriptions

All registered BMB students must participate in the Journal Club/Seminar. Stud ents are required to critically review published paper(s) of their choice and d escribe in detail the findings described therein. Senior students will present their own research/

This course is divided into three parts. In Part 1, you will examine the biochemical composition and structure of the four basic types of biological macromolecules: (i) carbohydrates, (ii) nucleic acids, (iii) proteins, and (iv) lipids. In addition, you will learn the composition and function of dietary nutrients and vitamins. Most important, you will be introduced to nature’s catalytic substances termed enzymes, paying special attention to their mechanisms of action and regulation. In Parts 2 and 3, you will learn how metabolic pathways are used to convert food molecules into energy and chemical intermediates used for biosynthesis of our own cellular materials. In Part 4, you will study how genetic information flows from its storage as DNA sequence to its expression as functional RNA and protein molecules. Here, you will give particular emphasis towards understanding control of gene expression by various epigenetic and signaling mechanisms. You are expected to finish this course with rigorous understanding of the biochemical composition, structure, and cellular metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. This will enable you to read and understand advancing topics and applications in a vast array of biomedical specialties.

This course deals with mechanisms and fundamental concepts of genetic inheritance. The first part of the course is devoted to the genetics of bacteria and bacteriophages. Topics include genetic implementation, recombination, suppression, transposition, conjugation, transformation, transaction, and regulation of prokaryotic gene expression. The second part of the course covers selected topics in eukaryotic genetics (including molecular genetics of yeast, mitochondria, Drosophila, mice and humans). Problem solving is emphasized in homework and exams. The objective of the course is to provide students with an appreciation of the value of molecular genetics as a tool they can use to solve a wide variety of problems in bio-medical research.

This course focuses on the relationships between structure and function in biological macromolecules, and how this knowledge has led to the discoveries of new drugs.

Students learn how macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and lipids) and (ii) micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are obtained in the diet, digested, absorbed, and assimilated. Then, students learn to formulate mechanisms of enzyme catalysis and inhibition. Such analytical skills are then used to more rigorously examine enzymes that control specific points of metabolic flux. Students finish this course with thorough mechanistic understanding of (i) macronutrient composition, intake, and energy production and (ii) requirements of micronutrients and hormones in controlling metabolic balance.

The influence of nutrition on gene expression through modification of DNA and proteins in chromatin is described (i.e., epigenetics). Also, genetic variations, as well as the influence of bacterial flora of the digestive tract, are considered with respect to abilities to metabolize various dietary components. Students learn how to gather information about course topics and present their findings.

Special work, lecture, or laboratory or a combination of these, as determined by advisor in accord with student's individual interest.

Required for all Ph.D. candidates.  The student will enroll for credits as determined by the Office of Graduate Studies but not more than a total of 12 each for Spring and Fall, and no more than three for Summer. If a student has A) passed the qualifying exam and (B) is engaged in an assistantship, he/she may still take the maximum allowable credits.

Required for all PhD candidates. The student will enroll for credits as determined by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Used to establish research in residence for the Ph.D., after the student has been enrolled for the permissible cumulative total in appropriate doctoral research. Credit not granted. May be regarded as full-time residence as determined by the Dean of the Graduate School.