BI**194: Spring 2026 Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: Students may not receive credit for a second attempt of the same topic that was previously completed.
| Instructor |
Ernst, Andreas |
| Title |
Mechanistic Cell Biology |
| Description |
We will discuss recent publications from UCSD faculty who perform research in the field of "Mechanistic Cell Biology". The goal for this course is to learn how to critically read and interpret primary literature, to learn how to effectively present and communicate scientific data, and to gain an overview of state-of-the art methods employed in current research at UCSD. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Biering, Scott |
| Title |
Human Viruses and Disease |
| Description |
This course will focus on human viruses and the diseases caused by infection. We will focus on a specific virus family each week including influenza, measles, Ebola, dengue, chikungunya, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and herpes simplex viruses. The course will begin with lectures by the instructor to introduce virology and immunology. The remainder of the course will be group work and student-led discussions of specific topics for each virus. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Rivera Chavez, Fabian |
| Title |
Bacterial Virulence Factors and Pathogenesis in the Mammalian Host |
| Description |
This course provides an overview of the field of bacterial pathogenesis. The goal of the course is to learn about the molecular mechanisms of bacterial virulence factors and microbial interactions within mammalian hosts. Students will focus on reading, critically evaluating, and presenting primary research literature. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Zhang, Dong-Er |
| Title |
Molecular Basis of Blood Cell Formation and Related Human Diseases |
| Description |
This course introduces senior undergraduates to the molecular basis and therapeutic strategies of representative human diseases related to blood cells. The class format consists of approximately 50% faculty lectures and 50% student-led group paper presentations. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Lyumkis, Dmitry & Kosuri, Pallav |
| Title |
Chromatin Structure & Dynamics |
| Description |
The DNA inside a eukaryotic cell is organized into a substance known as chromatin. A rapidly growing body of research shows that chromatin is an intricately organized structure, shaped by molecular interactions, chemical processes, and physical forces. Through the lens of emerging technologies, we are also learning about the shape and the movements of our genetic material, and how this dynamic system can control the fate of every cell in our body. This course will cover the technologies that enable us to see chromatin, and some of the most groundbreaking studies that have shaped our current understanding of what happens in the cell nucleus.
This course will be focused on reading and interpreting primary research literature, i.e. peer-reviewed publications. There will be discussions with researchers who carried out some of the studies, and there will be exercises where students propose future experiments and new technology.
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| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Meaders, Claire |
| Title |
CRISPR IRL: Mechanisms and Applications in Science and Society |
| Description |
In this seminar course we will explore the molecular mechanisms, innovations, and societal implications of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. We will examine both primary research articles and popular press coverage on topics such as base and prime editing, therapeutic applications, agricultural innovations, and ethical considerations. Through weekly discussions we will deepen our understanding of CRISPR technologies and consider current and future impacts for science and society. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Augustine, Vineet |
| Title |
Interoception: The Brain's Perception of the Body and Its Needs |
| Description |
Animals continuously monitor internal signals from their bodies to maintain homeostasis and respond to physiological needs. This process, known as interoception, involves the brain's ability to sense, interpret, and respond to signals from internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and gut. Interoceptive systems play a crucial role in regulating hunger, thirst, pain, and emotional states, thereby influencing survival, well-being, and behavior. This course will explore the molecular, cellular, and neural mechanisms underlying interoception. Through weekly discussions of two to three key research articles, we will review foundational discoveries, assess emerging perspectives, and develop expertise in critically analyzing scientific literature. Topics will include how the brain integrates interoceptive signals, the role of neural circuits in regulating homeostasis, and how interoception influences behavior and mental states. By the end of the course, students will gain a deep understanding of the complex interplay between brain and body, and its implications for health and disease. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Glasgow, Stacey |
| Title |
Glia in Health and Disease |
| Description |
Glia in Health and Disease is an advanced seminar course that explores the diverse roles of glial cells—astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia—in nervous system development, function, and pathology. Students analyze current primary literature to understand how glial dysfunction contributes to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Hibbs, Ryan |
| Title |
Autoimmune Disorders of the Nervous System |
| Description |
This course will focus on how the immune system targets the nervous system in autoimmune diseases, and what these disorders reveal about normal neurobiology. Through student-led presentations of the primary literature, we will examine conditions such as multiple sclerosis, autoimmune encephalitis, and myasthenia gravis. Topics will include mechanisms of immune recognition and tolerance, antibody and T-cell-mediated pathology, and the structural and functional consequences for neurons, glia, and synapses. We will also explore how recent advances in molecular immunology and neurobiology are leading to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The goals of this course are to develop the ability to critically analyze primary research papers, synthesize concepts across immunology and neuroscience, and effectively communicate scientific findings. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Nguyen, Vu |
| Title |
Dynamic Organization in the Cell Nucleus |
| Description |
The cell nucleus houses its DNA and hosts numerous processes that regulate expression of this genetic material. Advanced imaging technologies have illuminated distinct subnuclear compartments and live traffic of biomolecules on DNA and through nuclear space. Through primary literature, this course will cover established models of regulated gene expression and discuss emerging models of the organized, dynamic nucleus. Key topics include genome packaging, phase separation, live-cell microscopy, and dysregulated nuclear biology in human diseases. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
