BI**194: Winter 2025 Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: Students may not receive credit for a second attempt of the same topic that was previously completed.
| Instructor |
Hui, Enfu |
| Title |
Signaling Biochemistry of Diseases and Therapeutics |
| Description |
The survival and function of each cell depend on receiving and processing information (signals) from the environment. Cell-cell communication is also critical for our immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells and virus infected cells. Cells detect signals using specialized cell surface proteins called receptors, which coordinate with proteins and lipid molecules inside of the cells to convert the signal to a cascade of biochemical events that ultimately lead to cell division, differentiation, motility and/or secretion of chemical substances. In this course, we will discuss primary research articles that uncover how an external signal triggers a cell surface receptor, how the signal is relayed inside the cell, how signaling molecules are self-organized, and how to rewire the signaling networks to engineer cells with novel, desired functionalities. Special emphasis will be placed on signal transduction and engineering of immune cells that is related to cancer immunotherapy, an exciting and fast-moving field. Throughout the course, you will acquire the skills to interpret, evaluate, and present primary literature. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Niwa Rosen, Maho |
| Title |
Protein Folding and Human Diseases |
| Description |
In this class, we will read and discuss research papers together that have brought breakthrough discoveries in our understanding of human diseases, with the goal of learning how to read research papers effectively. For each paper, we will discuss how most research papers are structured, how to identify common pit holes, how to read/analyze the data in a paper independent of the authors’ arguments, and how to identify new conclusions and contributions in light of our current understanding of the specific diseases caused by misfolding proteins. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Corbett, Kevin |
| Title |
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Biological Research |
| Description |
Artificial intelligence (AI) models have a significant and increasing role in our lives. This course will examine the impact of AI, including large language models and more specialized models like AlphaFold for protein structure prediction, on biological research. We will explore what AI gets right and what it gets wrong, and discuss what's next for this important technology and its role as a research tool. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Hueschen, Christina |
| Title |
Biological Intuition: Cells by the Numbers |
| Description |
Which is bigger, a protein or the mRNA that codes for it? How many membrane proteins could you fit on the surface of one mitochondrion, and how much energy would it cost to synthesize all those membrane proteins? In this seminar course, we will deepen our understanding of cell biology and build our intuition for the sizes, speeds, and energy scales of cellular processes. We will use order-of-magnitude estimates, arithmetic, primary literature, and the book and online resource Cell Biology by the Numbers (Milo & Phillips) to explore the cell's biology both in the language of words and the language of numbers. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Akbari, Omar |
| Title |
Advanced Molecular Genetics of Insects |
| Description |
This course covers biotechnology applications as applied to Insects. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Lykke-Andersen, Jens |
| Title |
Gene Regulatory Defects in Human Disease |
| Description |
We will discuss recent research on gene regulatory mechanisms that go awry in human disorders and the modern approaches used to understand underlying molecular defects, through presentation and discussion of cutting edge research papers. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Hasty, Jeff |
| Title |
Quantitative Biology |
| Description |
Quantitative Biology |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Ackerman, Susan |
| Title |
Molecular Basis of Neurodegeneration |
| Description |
Neurodegenerative disorders are common, particularly in the aging population. Genetic analysis demonstrates that these disorders likely have divergent causes. Furthermore, most of the prevalent disorders are sporadic with unknown causes. The goal of this course is to provide basic knowledge on neurodegenerative disorders and to discuss cutting-edge research on the molecular and cellular causes of neuron loss in these disorders. Students will read and present primary literature on this topic. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Leutgeb, Jill |
| Title |
Neural Networks for Spatial Navigation: the Brain's GPS Center |
| Description |
This course will investigate the neural networks in the brain that underlie spatial navigation and pathfinding. How does the brain create maps of space that guide navigation in complex environments? The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the discovery of the brains “inner GPS” system. Students will present and discuss the primary literature describing the current state of the field and recent implications for artificial intelligence and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Banghart, Matthew |
| Title |
Neuropharmacology |
| Description |
Pharmacological manipulations of protein function are essential to neurobiological research and underlie the actions of therapeutic drugs. This course will address fundamental principles of neuropharmacology and the current state of neuropharmacology research through a critical reading of primary research studies published within the past two years. The course will provide an in-depth exploration of drug action at molecular, cellular, and circuit levels within the mammalian brain. Current topics include: psychedelics, ketamine as an antidepressant, reward and addiction circuits, and non-addictive pain killers. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Meharena, Hiruy |
| Title |
Stem Cells in Neuroscience |
| Description |
In this course we will discuss research articles focused on utilizing stem cell technology in the field of molecular and cellular neuroscience. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Newsam, John |
| Title |
Building a Basis for a Biotech Startup |
| Description |
This course introduces senior undergraduates to biotechnology business and to the coupling of entrepreneurship with scientific innovation. With an interactive, workshop format, participants will apply semi-structured methods to business concept and business model development, and be introduced to the mechanics of planning-for, founding and building a new business endeavor. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |
| Instructor |
Cooper, Kimberly |
| Title |
“Just So Stories” and the Genetics of Macroevolution |
| Description |
How did snakes lose their legs? How did humans acquire spoken language? These questions have fascinated scientists and lay people for generations. Recently, researchers using comparative genomics have reported answers in scientific journals. Accompanying popular press articles suggest the mysteries are solved. But are they? This course will examine the primary research literature and concepts in evolutionary biology and genetics to critically assess the strengths of support for diverse interpretations. Students will also read accompanying popular press coverage to evaluate the communication of research outcomes to the public. |
| Prerequisites |
Please see the Biology Course Prerequisites page for most current prerequisite information. |