This interdisciplinary course provides a broad overview of computational and experimental approaches to decipher genomes and characterize molecular systems. We focus on methods for analyzing "omics" data, such as genome and protein sequences, gene expression, proteomics and molecular interaction networks. We cover algorithms used in computational biology, key statistical concepts (e.g., basic probability distributions, significance testing, multiple hypothesis correction, data evaluation), and machine learning methods which have been applied to biological problems (e.g., hidden Markov models, clustering, classification techniques).

How do immune systems work, and why do they work as they do? Why is there so much immunological polymorphism? To address these questions, students will examine immunology across multiple biological scales. At the molecular and cellular scales, students will learn mechanisms by which animals recognize and kill parasites. At the population scale, students will investigate causes of immunological heterogeneity. Both the clinical relevance (including to COVID-19) and the evolutionary basis of heterogeneity will be emphasized.

The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC.

The four-course sequence ISC 231-234 integrates introductory topics in calculus-based physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and scientific computing with Python, with an emphasis on laboratory experimentation, quantitative reasoning, and data-oriented thinking. It best suits students interested in complex problems in living organisms and prepares them for interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The fall courses ISC 231 and 232 must be taken together. See ISC website for details on course equivalencies and recommended academic paths from ISC.

Important concepts and elements of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology are examined in an experimental context. This course fulfills the requirement for students majoring in the biological sciences and satisfies the biology requirement for entrance into medical school.

The Molecular Biology Research Experience is a two-semester sequence that provides sophomore students with an in lab research experience mentored by faculty in the department. MOL 280, offered in the fall semester, is a non-credit bearing P/D/F course and the required prerequisite for MOL 281, which is offered in the spring semester and carries one unit of credit. Students must earn a "P" in MOL 280 to enroll in MOL 281. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 6 hours per week engaged in research and attend weekly meeting as determined by the mentoring faculty.

Fundamental concepts of biomolecular structure and function will be discussed, with an emphasis on principles of thermodynamics, binding and catalysis. A major portion of the course will focus on metabolism and its logic and regulation.

MOL350 is a course designed to prepare students to be contributing members of research labs and to foster creative, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. The class utilizes a reading and discussion-based curriculum, mixed with original research projects, to arrive at a higher-order understanding of scientific literature and the scientific method. While completing original research, students employ techniques used by cell and molecular biologists and developmental geneticists. Currently, MOL350 projects focus on branching morphogenesis and lumen formation in the Drosophila tracheal system.

Dive into the hidden realms of microbiology, where minuscule powerhouses shape our world, our health, and our future! Discover how these tiny warriors have engineered life's most groundbreaking processes, from the magic of photosynthesis to the precision of CRISPR. Understand how these minute life forms can both enhance and endanger our well-being, and arm yourself with knowledge on how our immune system battles microscopic invaders. This course offers a thrilling journey into microbial genetics, evolution, and their dynamic interactions with the world, including symbiotic relationships that challenge our very definitions of self.

At a 10 nanometer scale, protein machines 'walk' on microtubule tracks. At a scale 10,000 times larger, networks of interacting genes pattern a developing embryo into different body regions. This course will examine these and other complex biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and multicellular scales. In parallel, we will cover emerging methods for quantitatively probing and analyzing biological systems. Specific topics will include structural biology from crystallography to cryo-electron microscopy, enzyme kinetics, gene regulatory networks, next-generation sequencing, data mining, simulating biological models and image analysis.

How do organisms ensure that genes are expressed at the right time and place as they develop from a single egg cell into a multicellular animal? In this seminar style course, we will explore some of the diverse mechanisms that control gene expression, including those involved in transcriptional regulation, epigenetic silencing, translational regulation and cell-cell signaling. By reading and critically evaluating the primary literature, we will explore many of the crucial molecular biology, cell biology and genetics techniques that have helped illuminate the gene regulatory mechanisms that are essential for animal development.

Viruses are unique parasites of living cells and may be the most abundant, highest evolved life forms on the planet. The general strategies encoded by all known viral genomes are discussed using selected viruses as examples. A part of the course is dedicated to the molbio (tactics) inherent to these strategies. Another part introduces the biology of engagement of viruses with host defenses, what happens when virus infection leads to disease, vaccines and antiviral drugs, and the evolution of infectious agents and emergence of new viruses. These topics are intertwined with discussions of modern technologies that benefit the field of virology.

Within a broad context of historical, social, and ethical concerns, a survey of normal childhood development and selected disorders from the perspectives of the physician, the biologist, and the bioethicist. There is an emphasis on the complex relationship between genetic and acquired causes of disease, the environment, medical practice, social conditions, and cultural values. The course features visits from children with some of the conditions discussed, site visits, and readings from the original medical, scientific, and bioethical literature.

This course focuses on the molecules and molecular assemblies that underlie cellular structure and function. Topics include protein structure and folding; ligand binding and enzyme catalysis; membranes, ion channels, and translocation; intracellular trafficking; signal transduction and cell-cell communication; and cytoskeleton assembly, regulation, and function. A major goal of the course is to increase proficiency in parsing and critically discussing papers from the primary literature.

This course focuses on the molecules and molecular assemblies that underlie cellular structure and function. Topics include macromolecules and their analysis, enzyme kinetics, molecular self-assembly, molecular motion, biomolecular phase transitions, trafficking and interfaces among others. A second focus is on methods and approaches, including imaging methods, force measurements, mass spectrometry, as well as structural biology. A major goal of the course is to increase proficiency in parsing and critically discussing papers from the primary literature.

Light microscopy is used in nearly all forms of biological research. For the past half century, these tools have gone from simple devices for magnifying the cellular world to very complex machines capable of seemingly defying the laws of physics. This course introduces light microscopy with an emphasis on practical applications for life scientists. The physics of light and image formation are covered in addition to a discussion of modern imaging modalities used in today's research. These include fluorescence, multiphoton, super resolution, single molecule, and force microscopy.

Advanced-level discussions of topics in prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology and genetics. Emphasis is placed on original research papers and extensive reading together with critical thinking is required. Part I (weeks 1-8) topics include the genetic code, mutagenesis, chromosomes, DNA replication, recombination, repair, and transposition, and gene structure, function, and regulation in bacteriophage and bacteria. Part 2 (weeks 9-12) focuses on classical and modern genetic tools and the logical framework used to study gene function in cell, developmental, disease biology of multicellular model organisms.

Mandatory first-year graduate course consisting of participation in weekly MOL Butler seminar series and meetings with seminar speaker. Meetings may include a range of activities such as student-driven presentations and discussions relevant to the seminar talk, speaker's research publications, and career development.

Students will perform research in the laboratories of two faculty advisers.

Course focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a graduate program in biological science. This course helps students develop technical, leadership, and professional and executive skills. Topics include time management, effective communication, data management, managing reading load, oral research presentation, and critical reading of scientific literature.

Viruses are unique parasites of living cells and may be the most abundant, highest evolved life forms on the planet. The general strategies encoded by all known viral genomes are discussed using selected viruses as examples. A part of the course is dedicated to the molbio (tactics) inherent to these strategies. Another part introduces the biology of engagement of viruses with host defenses, what happens when virus infection leads to disease, vaccines and antiviral drugs, and the evolution of infectious agents and emergence of new viruses. These topics are intertwined with discussions of modern technologies that benefit the field of virology.

This seminar course will explore the interaction of viral infections and the human nervous system. Topics will include both direct effects of neurotropic viruses affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems and indirect effects of infection on these systems (e.g., rabies encephalitis, Covid-19 brain fog, EBV and multiple sclerosis). The course will be discussion based, focused on primary literature from a multidisciplinary perspective - considering the function of neural circuits and systems, mechanisms of neuroinvasion, and viral pathogenesis.

A survey of modern neuroscience in lecture format, focusing on brain function from cells and the molecules they express to the function of circuits. The course emphasizes theoretical and computational/quantitative approaches. Topics include cellular neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neural circuits and dynamics, cell fate decisions, neural development and plasticity, sensory systems, and molecular neuroscience. Students read and discuss primary literature throughout the course. This is one-half of a double-credit core course required of all Neuroscience Ph.D. students.

This laboratory course complements NEU 501A and introduces students to the variety of techniques and concepts used in modern neuroscience, from the point of view of experimental and computational/quantitative approaches. Topics include synaptic transmission and plasticity, two-photon imaging, central neuron activity patterns, optogenetic methods to control neural activity and student-designed special projects. In-lab lectures give students the background necessary to understand the scientific content of the labs but the emphasis is on the laboratory work. Second half of a double-credit core course required of all NEU Ph.D. students.

This interdisciplinary course provides a broad overview of computational and experimental approaches to decipher genomes and characterize molecular systems. We focus on methods for analyzing "omics" data, such as genome and protein sequences, gene expression, proteomics and molecular interaction networks. We cover algorithms used in computational biology, key statistical concepts (e.g., basic probability distributions, significance testing, multiple hypothesis correction, data evaluation), and machine learning methods which have been applied to biological problems (e.g., hidden Markov models, clustering, classification techniques).

Close reading of published papers illustrating the principles, achievements, and difficulties that lie at the interface of theory and experiment in biology. Two important papers, read in advance by all students, will be considered each week; the emphasis will be on discussion with students as opposed to formal lectures. Topics include: cooperativity, robust adaptation, kinetic proofreading, sequence analysis, clustering, phylogenetics, analysis of fluctuations, and maximum likelihood methods. A general tutorial on Matlab and specific tutorials for the four homework assignments will be available.