For major requirements, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog.
200. Human Genetics
First semester. Three credits. Two lectures and one problem session. Prerequisite: BIOL 107. Open to sophomores. Strausbaugh
Principles of genetics as applied to humans. Focus on modern methods of molecular genetics.
201. Gene Expression
Second semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: MCB 200 or 210 or 229. Open to sophomores. Hightower
Basic mechanisms of genetic information transfer in eukaryotic cells from DNA to folded and assembled proteins. Regulation of transcription, translation, DNA replication, and the cell cycle.
203. Introduction to Biochemistry
Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 141 or 244. (CHEM 244 may be taken concurrently.) Open to sophomores. Not open for credit to students who have passed Biology: MCB 204. May substitute for MCB 204 only if taken with MCB 226 and with permission of the Department Head to satisfy the biochemistry requirement of the molecular and cell biology major. Doeg
The structure, chemistry, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Enzyme function and kinetics, energy metabolism, and structure and function of nucleic acids. A survey course for students of agriculture, general biology, medical technology, nursing, and pharmacy. Molecular and Cell Biology majors, biophysics majors, and other students desiring a more intensive introduction or considering advanced course work in biochemistry or molecular biology should take MCB 204.
204. Biochemistry
First semester. Five credits. Four class periods and one 3-hour laboratory. Recommended preparation: CHEM 244, which may be taken concurrently. Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB 203. Teschke/Staff
The structure and function of biological macromolecules. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids and its regulation. Energy metabolism. An in-depth introduction, designed for students planning to take advanced course work in biochemistry, biophysics, or other areas of molecular biology.
207Q. Introduction to Biophysical Chemistry
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CHEM 243; MATH 114 or 116; PHYS 122, 132 or 142; or consent of instructor. Yphantis
Energetics and kinetics of metabolic reactions. Interactions of electromagnetic radiation and biological macromolecules. Formation and energetics of supramolecular structures. The basis of selected techniques of molecular biology, such as DNA hybridization, radioimmune assays. DNA melting and thermal transitions in polymers, thermodynamics, analysis of reactions, binding theory, cooperative interactions.
208Q. Techniques of Biophysical Chemistry
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MCB 207, or CHEM 263, or consent of instructor. Braswell
The characterization of biological macromolecules (i.e. proteins and nucleic acids) in solution is important to the biotechnology and pharmoceutical industries. This course deals with hydrodynamic techniques (i.e. diffusion, electrophoresis, sedimentation, light scattering, and viscosity) for molecular size and shape, and spectroscopic methods (such as circular dichroism) for more detailed structure.
209. Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MCB 204, which may be taken concurrently; or consent of instructor. Knox
Correlation of 3D molecular structure with function and activity in proteins, nucleic acids, and a variety of macromolecular assemblies. Principles of x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and other biophysical techniques.
210. Cell Biology
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 107. This course is intended to be taken before MCB 203 or 204(Biochemistry). Open to sophomores. Knecht
Structural organization of cells and the molecular basis of dynamic cellular processes, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include protein targeting, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton, cell-cell interactions in tissues, and the molecular basis of related human diseases.
211. Basic Immunology
First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 107. Recommended preparation: MCB 210. Lynes
An introduction to the genetic, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms of the immune system. This course will address basic aspects of immune function, and disease processes that occur when the immune system is dysfunctional.
212. Genetic Engineering
First semester. Four credits. Four class periods. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 and 108 (or 110), CHEM 128. Recommended preparation: MCB 200 or 213 or 229 and MCB 204 or 203.
A thorough introduction to the DNA molecule. Gene manipulation in procaryotes, eukaryotes and in vitro. Applications, implications, and significance of these procedures.
213. Concepts of Genetic Analysis
Second semester. Four credits. Two 75-minute lectures and one 2-hour discussion period per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or 110, or MCB 200 or equivalent, and CHEM 128. Open to sophomores. Zhang
Survey of genetic theory and applications of genetic analysis. Model genetic systems in animals, plants, and microbes.
214. Experiments in DNA Identification
Second semester. Two credits. One fifty minute lecture period and one three hour laboratory session. Required preparation: MCB 200 and consent of instructor. Strausbaugh
An introductory laboratory course in principles and techniques of DNA manipulation and identification. Course simulates independent research, using modern molecular genetics techniques.
215. Experiments in Molecular Genetics
First semester. Three credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 3-hour laboratory
periods. Open only with con
sent of instructor. Required preparation: MCB 204, which may be taken
concurrently. Recommended preparation: MCB 212 or 217. Not open for credit
to students who have passed MCB 230. Reiter
Modern methods in molecular genetics arranged to meet a research goal. Use of polymerase chain reaction, bacteriophage library screening, molecular cloning, nucleic acid hybridizations, and DNA sequence determinations to isolate and characterize a eukaryotic gene.
217. Molecular Biology and Genetics of Prokaryotes
First semester. Four credits. Three lecture periods and one 2-hour discussion. Prerequisite: MCB 229. Noll
Molecular genetics of bacteria, archaebacteria, and their viruses. Transcription and replication of DNA, transformation, transduction, conjugation, genetic mapping, mutagenesis, regulation of gene expression, genome organization.
218. Heredity and Society
First semester. Three credits. Open to sophomores. May not be counted toward the biology major. Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB: 222.
The principles of heredity and their implications for society.
218W. Heredity and Society
(Formerly offered as Biology: MCB 222.) First semester. Four credits. Three class periods and library research. Open to sophomores. May not be counted toward the biology major.
219. Developmental Biology
Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 107. Recommended preparation: MCB 210 and 213 or 200, which may be taken concurrently. Krider
Principles of embryogenesis, pattern formation, and cell differentiation. The focus will be on molecular and cellular aspects of development in several experimental systems, including the mouse, nematode, fruit fly, and frog.
220. Laboratory in Developmental Biology
Second semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods and a discussion/recitation period. Prerequisite: MCB 219, which may be taken concurrently, or six credits of college biology and consent of instructor. Not open for credit to students who have passed Biology: MCB 221 or 223.
Analysis of principles of morphogenesis and differentiation.
220W. Laboratory in Developmental Biology
(Formerly offered as Biology: MCB 223.) Second semester. Four credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods and two discussion/recitation periods. Prerequisite: MCB 219, which may be taken concurrently, or two semesters of college biology and consent of instructor. Not open for credit to students who have passed Biology: MCB 221.
224. Experiments in Bacterial Genetics
Second semester. Three credits. Two 3 1/2 hour laboratory/lecture periods. Prerequisite: MCB 213, and either MCB 217 or 229, which may be taken concurrently. Open only with consent of instructor.
Experiments in bacterial genetics, emphasizing genetic manipulations using modern techniques for mutant isolation, DNA characterization and cloning. These include the use of transposons, DNA isolation, restriction analysis, gel electrophoresis, PCR and DNA sequencing.
226W. Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
Second semester. Four credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 4-hour laboratories.
Prerequisite: Either MCB 204,
or MCB 203 with consent of instructor. Teschke
Theory and application of modern techniques for separation and characterization of biological macromolecules, including several types of liquid chromatography, liquid scintillation spectro-photometry, and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Instruction in writing a scientific paper.
229. Fundamentals of Microbiology
Either semester. Four credits. Three lecture periods and one 2-1/2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 141 or 243 (either may be taken concurrently). Recommended preparation: BIOL 107 or equivalent. Open to sophomores. Gage, Terry, Vinopal
Biology of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Cellular structure, physiology, genetics, and interactions with higher forms of life. Laboratory familiarizes students with methodology of microbiology and aseptic techniques.
230. Laboratory in Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics
Summer session. Two credits. One 4-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: MCB 200 or 213, and 229, which may be taken concurrently. Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB 215.
Theory and application of techniques used in biotechnology and molecular genetics, including recombinant DNA procedures, gel electrophoresis and blot analysis.
232C. Microcomputer Applications in Molecular and Cell Biology
First semester. Three credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 3-hour laboratories. Recommended preparation: MCB 200 or 204 or 210 or 213 or 229. Braswell
Introduction to the use of microcomputers in molecular biology, emphasizing commercially available applications software, both general (spreadsheet, word processing, database, graphics) and specialized (DNA and protein sequence database manipulation, molecular modeling, data acquisition, others).
233. Pathogenic Microbiology
Second semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: MCB 229. Recommended preparation: MCB 204 (or 203).
A detailed study of microbial genera, emphasizing species which are important in diseases of man and animals and which have special public health significance. Diagnostic methods include some standard serological procedures.
235. Applied Microbiology
First semester. Four credits. Two class periods and two 2-hour laboratory periods. Prerequisite: MCB 229. Recommended preparation: MCB 204 (or 203). Benson
A study of the biology, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms useful in industry, agriculture, and selected environmental processes.
236. Marine Microbiology
(Also offered as Marine Sciences 236.) Second semester. Three credits. Two lecture-discussion class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period for which field trips may be substituted. Offered at the Avery Point Campus. Prerequisite: MCB 229, or consent of instructor.
A general survey of the taxonomy, physiology, and ecology of marine microorganisms.
240W. Bacterial Diversity and Ecology
First semester. Four credits. Two lecture periods and two 3-hour laboratory/discussion periods. Prerequisite: MCB 229 or consent of instructor. Recommended preparation: MCB 204 (or 203). Leadbetter
A study of the ecophysiology of diverse bacterial types with particular emphasis on the activities of bacteria in situ. Investigative laboratory includes individual projects.
241W. Research Literature in Molecular and Cell Biology
First semester. Three credits. Open only with consent of instructor. Recommended preparation: one 200's course in MCB. Kendall
Curent selections include topics in biomedical applications of genetic information. Emphasis will be placed on understanding human disease and the development of therapeutic agents.
246. Virology
Second semester. Three credits. Three lecture periods. Prerequisite: MCB 229. Recommended preparation: MCB 204 or 210. Marcus
Biological, biochemical, physical, and genetic characteristics of viruses, with an emphasis on molecular and quantitative aspects of virus-cell interactions.
258. Biotechnical Plant Culture
Summer session. Two credits. Prerequisite: MCB 259.
Recent advances in in vitro, hydroponic and controlled environment culture of plants.
259. Plant Physiology
First session. Three credits. Three 1-hour class periods. Recommended preparation: BIOL 108 (or 110) and CHEM 128. Staff
Functioning of plants in relation to external and internal factors. The course integrates pertinent findings from cell biology, genetics and molecular biology. Topics include photosynthesis, long distance and trans-membrane transport, selected biochemical pathways, phytohormones, photomorphogenisis and movements in plants.
261. Laboratory Techniques of Plant Physiology
Summer. Two credits. Consent of instructor. Recommended preparation: MCB 259.
289. Variable Topics
Either semester. Three credits. With a change of topic, may be repeated for credit. Prequisites, required preparation, and recommended preparation vary.
292W. Senior Research Thesis in Molecular and Cell Biology
Either semester. Three credits. Hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Three credits of MCB 299, which may be taken concurrently. Open only with consent of instructor and department honors commitee. Not limited to honors students.
Designed for the advanced undergraduate who is pursuing a special problem as an introduction to independent investigation. Research and writing of a thesis.
297. Undergraduate Seminar
Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic.
298. Special Topics
Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. With a change in content, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites, required preparation, and recommended preparation vary.
299. Independent Study
Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor and the department honors committee. May be repeated for credit with change in topic.
Designed for the advanced undergraduate student
who desires to pursue a special problem as an introduction to independent
investigation.