MCDB GRADUATE COURSES, 2003-04
• BIOCHEMISTRY, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
Biochemistry MCDB 500a. L. Nicholas Ornston, Robert Macnab
An introduction to the biochemistry of animals, plants and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations of chemical principles and structure to the evolution and regulation of living systems.
Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes MCDB 505a. Nigel Grindley, Catherine Joyce, Charles Radding
Molecular aspects of the storage, replication, evolution, and expression of genetic material in prokaryotes.
Biotechnology MCDB 570b. Michael Snyder, Ron Breaker, Kenneth Nelson, Joseph Wolenski
The cellular, molecular and chemical techniques in biology that advance biotechnology. Topics include tools and strategies used to increase understanding of biological processes and to adapt biological and chemical compounds for use as medical treatments, industrial agents, or for the further study of biological systems. Design and implementation of drug development and approval.
Advanced Biological Laboratory MCDB 600La. Mike Snyder, Ronald Breaker, Xing-Wang Deng, Kenneth Nelson, Joseph Wolenski, David Austin, Frank Ruddle.
This laboratory course is to familiarize graduate students with state-of-the-art technologies in molecular biology, genomics. Students will carry out research projects and incorporate their own projects into the lab. The class will meet for two afternoons each week and consist of 2-3 week modules covering the following topics: microarray analysis, plant genetic engineering, mouse genetic engineering, imaging/microscopy, ribozyme enzymol./engineering, phage display/chemical biology.
Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry and Genetics MCDB 670b. Sidney Altman, Ronald Breaker and Stephen Dellaporta
Topics to be announced. Discussion involvement and attendance is required.
Genomics and Bioinformatics MCDB 752a. Dieter Söll, Mark Gerstein, Michael Snyder
Genomics describes the determination of the nucleotide sequence and many further analyses to discover functional and structural information on all the genes of an organism. Topics include the methods and results of functional and structural gene analysis on a genome-wide scale as well as a discussion of the implications of this research. Bioinformatics describes the computational analysis of genomes and macromolecular structures on a large-scale. Topics include sequence alignment, biological database design, geometric analysis of protein structure, and macromolecular simulation.
• CELLULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Biology of the Immune System MCDB 530a. Kim Bottomly and staff.
The development of the immune system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition. Effector responses against pathogens; autoimmunity.
Advanced Immunology Seminar: Functions of the Major Histocompatibility Complex MCDB 539b. Peter Cresswell, Ira Mellman, Akiko Iwasaki
This seminar course will consist of a brief introductory session, followed by detailed critical reviews of recent key papers in the field. We will consider the genetics of the MHC, structures of MHC class I and II molecules and homologs, and the mechanisms governing their assembly with peptides. We will also cover the cell biology of antigen processing in various types of antigen presenting cells, including B-cells and dendritic cells.
Physiological Systems MCDB 550a. Steven S. Segal and staff.
Regulation and control in the human body, emphasizing principles of feedback and the maintenance of homeostasis. Biophysical properties of cells, tissues, and organs are presented in light of the structural basis of physiological control.
Molecular Basis of Development MCDB 555b. Xing-Wang Deng, Douglas Kankel and staff.
Study of current understanding of the molecular mechanism of cell signaling and development in multicellular organisms. Topics include the basics of cell signaling and experimental model organisms, cell proliferation and death, cell specification and determination, cell migration, hormonal regulation, and environmental regulation.
Roles of Microorganisms in the Living World MCDB 642a. L. Nicholas Ornston & Staff
A topical course exploring the biology of microorganisms. Emphasis on mechanisms underlying microbial adaptations and how they influence biological systems.
Structure, Function and Development of Vascular Plants MCDB 660a. Graeme Berlyn.
Morphogenesis and adaptation of vascular plants considered from seed formation and germination to maturity. Physiological and developmental processes associated with structural changes in response to environment are discussed from both phylogenetic and an adaptive point of view.
Mechanisms of Development MCDB 677a. Lynn Cooley and Staff
An advanced course on the mechanisms of animal development focusing on the genetic specification of cell organization and identity during embryogenesis and somatic differentiation. The use of evolutionarily conserved signalling pathways to carry out developmental decisions in a range of animals is highlighted. Course work includes student presentations and critical analysis of primary literature.
Advanced Seminar in Cell Biology: Mechanisms of Signal Transduction MCDB 692a. Craig Crews
Discussion/seminar course with special emphasis on the molecular signal transduction mechanisms of mitogenesis and cell division.
Global Problems of Population Growth MCDB 861b. Robert Wyman
The worldwide population explosion in its human, environmental, and economic dimensions. Sociobiological bases of reproductive behavior. Population history and the cause of demographic change. Interactions of population growth with economic development and environmental alteration. Political, religious, and ethical issues surrounding fertility; human rights and the status of women.
• GENETICS
Genetics and Molecular Biology of Plant Development MCDB 615b. Timothy Nelson and Staff
Genetic and molecular analyses of plant embryogenesis, organogenesis, and other topics in plant development.
Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis MCDB 625a. Tian Xu, Michael Koelle, Richard Lifton, Shirleen Roeder, Michael Stern.
The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students also read a small selection of primary papers illustrating the very best of genetic analysis and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections. While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses on the concepts and logic underlying modern genetic analysis.
Genetic Dissection of Cell Signaling Development MCDB 680b. Xing-Wang Deng and Staff
This is an advanced course on the cell signaling mechanism and its control of development. The specific topics will be selected from those best genetically characterized cases representing model organisms such as yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, Arabidopsis, and mouse. In each session, 2-3 primary papers in a selected topic will be discussed following an introduction of the subject. Emphasis will be on genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Assigned papers will be available in class one week before the session. The grade will be primarily based on the attendance and active participation of the discussion.
• NEUROBIOLOGY
Neurobiology MCDB 720a. Haig Keshishian, Paul Forscher
Examination of the excitability of the nerve cell membrane as a starting point for the study of molecular, cellular and intercellular mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behavior.
Laboratory for Neurobiology MCDB 721La. Haig Keshishian, and Staff
Optional laboratory. Introduction to the neurosciences. Projects include the study of neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology, and neuroanatomy.
Brain Development & Plasticity MCDB 735b. Weimin Zhong and David Wells
Interpretation of primary literature including recent reviews and basic research papers in the areas of neuron generation and regeneration, neuron phenotype determination, axon guidance systems, and the role of activity in organizing and increasing the efficiency of synaptic connections.
• RESEARCH COURSES
First Year Introduction to Research and Rotations MCDB 900a/901b. Ronald Breaker
Second Year Research MCDB 950a & 951b. By arrangement with faculty.
• GRADUATE AD HOC
Cell Biology Seminar MCDB 602a/603a, MCDB 645b, CB 725 Joel Rosenbaum