Quantitative Computational Bio
- COS 557/QCB 557: Artificial Intelligence for Precision HealthIntroduces students to the promise and challenges of AI and machine learning methods, including large language models, in precision health. Topics covered will include analysis of genomes, omics, and clinical data, as well as learning from multiple data sources. No prior knowledge of biology or medicine is required; an introduction to these topics and the nature of biological data will be provided. In depth knowledge of AI is not required, but students should have basic familiarity with coding and computer science.
- QCB 302: Research Topics and Analytical Approaches in Quantitative BiologyAn overview of research topics and methods in quantitative biology through reading and discussion of primary literature. Students read two papers weekly, each showcasing how modern experimental and analytical techniques are applied to address basic questions in biology (e.g. What shape is the endoplasmic reticulum? What controls gene expression?) with a strong focus on big data. Students examine the achievements and impact of each study, present context and background, dissect experimental and analytical approaches, and highlight remaining challenges. Topics range from gene regulation and organellar dynamics to virology and cancer genomics.
- QCB 311/MOL 311/COS 311: GenomicsAdvances in molecular biology and computation have propelled the study of genomics forwards. A hallmark of genomics is the production and analysis of large datasets. This course will pair an overview of genomics with practical instruction in the analytical techniques required to use it in research and medicine. Topics include single-cell genomics, RNA-seq, epigenetics, genome engineering including CRISPR, and clinical genomics. We start with a genetics primer and an intro to programming using Python. Our goal is to provide a foundation for understanding the design and analysis of data-heavy experiments common in biomedical research.
- QCB 470/MOL 470/GHP 470: Biochemistry of Physiology and DiseaseThis course explores the biochemical foundations of human physiology and how it is disturbed in disease. We discuss the roles of metabolic, the cardiovascular, and immune systems in various diseases, particularly cancer. Specific topics include: the functions of the major organ systems, and how we measure and model their activity; nutrition and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis; the anti-tumor immune response; the origins, consequences, and major treatment paradigms of cancer; and the process of translating basic science into novel therapies. The class will consist of lectures and student-led discussions of scientific papers.
- QCB 538: Current Research Topics in the Quantitative Life SciencesMandatory first-year graduate course centered around the weekly QCB seminar series, intended to help develop competency in critical reading and assessment of academic literature across subfields early in graduate training. Class meetings comprise student-driven presentations and discussions surveying research topics relevant to upcoming talks, with an emphasis on latest methodologies and debates. Assessment includes seminar and class attendance, in-class and in-seminar participation, and peer evaluation.
- QCB 570/MOL 570: Biochemistry of Physiology and DiseaseThis course explores the biochemical foundations of human physiology and how it is disturbed in disease. We discuss the roles of metabolic, the cardiovascular, and immune systems in various diseases, particularly cancer. Specific topics include: the functions of the major organ systems, and how we measure and model their activity; nutrition and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis; the anti-tumor immune response; the origins, consequences, and major treatment paradigms of cancer; and the process of translating basic science into novel therapies. The class consists of lectures and student-led discussions of scientific papers.