Biological principles and their physical and chemical aspects are explored at the cellular and molecular level. Major emphasis is placed on cell structure, the processes of energy conversion by plant and animal cells, genetics and evolution, and applications to biotechnology.

An introductory laboratory illustrating basic techniques and principles of modern biology by means of laboratory experiments and simulated experiments. This laboratory does not satisfy medical school admission requirements.

The structure and function of the cell and its subcellular organelles is studied. Biological macromolecules, enzymes, biomembranes, biological transport, bioenergetics, DNA replication, protein synthesis and secretion, motility, and cancer are covered. Cell biology experiments and interactive computer simulation exercises are conducted in the laboratory.

Physiochemical principles underlying the coordinated function in multicellular organisms are studied. Electrical properties of biological membranes, characteristics of tissues, nerve-muscle electrophysiology, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, and excretory systems are covered. Computer simulation experiments and data acquisition methods to evaluate and monitor human physiological systems are conducted in the laboratory.

Introduction to the study of molecular basis of inheritance. Starts with classical Mendelian genetics and proceeds to the study and function of DNA, gene expression and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genome dynamics and the role of genes in development, and cancer. All topics include discussions of current research advances. Accompanied by laboratory section that explores the lecture topics in standard wet laboratory experiments and in computer simulations.

Fundamentals of control processes governing physiological systems analyzed at the cellular and molecular level. Biological signal transduction and negative feedback control of metabolic processes. Examples from sensory, nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. Deviations that give rise to abnormal states; their detection, and the theory behind the imaging and diagnostic techniques such as MRI, PET, SPECT; and the design and development of therapeutic drugs. The principles, uses, and applications of biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques; and problems associated with biocompatibility. Students (or groups of students) are expected to write and present a term project.

This laboratory course introduces essential techniques in molecular biology and genetic engineering in a project format. The course includes aseptic technique and the handling of microbes; isolation and purification of nucleic acids; construction, selection and analysis of recombinant DNA molecules; restriction mapping; immobilization and hybridization of nucleic acids; and labeling methods of nucleic acid probes.

The cells and molecules of the immune system and their interaction and regulation; the cellular and genetic components of the immune response, the biochemistry of antigens and antibodies, the generation of antibody diversity, cytokines, hypersensitivities, and immunodeficiencies (i.e. AIDS); and transplants and tumors. Use of antibodies in currently emerging immunodiagnostic techniques such as ELISA, disposable kits, molecular targets, and development of vaccines utilizing molecular biological techniques, such as recombinant and subunit vaccines. Students (or groups of students) are expected to write and present a term project.

Topics of timely interest will be treated in an interdisciplinary fashion; recent developments will be surveyed in fields such as biosynthesis, radioactive and stable isotope techniques, genesis of life chemicals, nucleic acids and replication, genetic defects, and metabolic errors.

For the degree of Master of Science, five to ten credits with departmental approval.

Participation in a small group project, under the guidance of a faculty member, whose prior approval is required. Experimentation, application of chemical knowledge and developmental research leading to the implementation of a working chemical process. Individual or group written report required.

Topics of current interest in biochemical research are discussed, such as: enzyme chemistry, biochemical genetics and development, cellular control mechanism, biochemistry of cell membranes, bioenergetics, and microbiology.