Undergraduate
Biology 4090: Synthetic Biology: CURE lab (2): Synthetic biology involves designing and creating new biological products and systems, or the redesign of existing products for improved or modified function. Synthetic biologists play an important role in advancing products and technologies used in research and medicine. The lab is designed as a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) for biology majors to learn and engage with synthetic biology concepts and practices. This lab uses the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) registry of standardized “parts” (DNA sequences that encode a biological function) that can be assembled together to make more complex parts or “devices” to produce a novel biological function in living cells
Biology 4091: Readings in Modern Biology: We live in exciting times – biological advances are reported every day that enhance our understanding of how the immune system works, identify new ways for treating cancer, describe novel ways of dealing with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and define the importance our microbiome in health and disease. This course will discuss topics concerning major advances in our understanding of biology and the issues that occur as a result of those advances. Students will read reviews and original research articles as well as write short summaries of the papers.
Biology 4480/6480: Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology (3): For juniors, seniors and graduate students wishing to acquire information about mechanisms of drug action. We address pharmacodynamics (mechanisms of action) of therapeutic agents which regulate physiological function of cells comprising organ systems such as heart and central nervous system; pharmacodynamics are addressed at the molecular, cellular and organ level and discussions include introductions to the normal physiology of the system, how disease alters normal function and how therapeutic intervention alters disease responses.
Graduate
7000/8000: Orientation to Graduate Studies (2): This class is designed to introduce first semester graduate students to expectations of graduate school and to deliver responsible conduct in research training that covers IRBs, IACUCs, conflicts of interest, scientific misconduct, and scientific fraud. Students also learn about available UofM resources and give an oral and poster presentation at the end of the semester.
7140/8140: Receptors and Signaling. (3): For graduate students wishing an in-depth discussion of how extracellular molecules regulate function of cells expressing their receptors. Develops state-of-the-art understanding of issues in cell receptors and signaling, covering receptor-ligand interactions including methods of identification and quantification; emphasizes specific characteristics of G protein-coupled receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, and ligand-activated transcription factors including mechanisms of action and signaling pathways activated by each receptor. Attention is also given to the types of assay techniques and signaling tools used to address questions in signal transduction. This course utilizes original research articles and current reviews as reading material.