Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Ph.D.

Medical School - Adm
Medical School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology PhD Program 689 23rd Avenue SE, Room 1-109 MRF Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-624-5947
Email: micab@umn.edu
Website: http://micab.umn.edu
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2021
  • Length of program in credits: 48
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
Students prepare for careers in biomedical research and teaching by completing broad training in molecular biology or biological sciences, and focused specialization in one of three concentrations (microbiology, immunology, or cancer biology). The program offers exceptional research opportunities for graduate training in autoimmunity, biotechnology, cancer biology and therapy, environmental microbiology, genetic engineering of microorganisms, lymphocyte activation and development, microbial pathogenesis, molecular genetics of disease, tumor immunology, vaccine development, and vascular biology and inflammation.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (BS preferred).
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Required courses include calculus, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. A minimum of two upper-level biology courses, which may include biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, or immunology, etc., are also required. Research experience is required. Relevant undergraduate experience includes honors thesis work, paid or volunteer work in a research laboratory and summer internships. It does not include laboratory courses that accompany science courses such as biology. Postbaccalaureate research experience is preferred but not required.
Special Application Requirements:
The program evaluates applications based on four equally weighted criteria: academics, letters (3) of recommendation, a personal statement, and research experience. We do not accept or require GRE scores. Letters of recommendation from research advisers or mentors are preferred as these individuals can comment knowledgeably on the student's potential in biomedical research. Applicants' personal statements should describe their research in general and their specific contribution to it, their rationale for seeking a doctoral degree, and any information they wish to share regarding their backgrounds and interest in the MICaB Program. Finally, applicants should provide specific details of their research experiences (project titles, mentors, dates, locations, etc.), along with a list of relevant abstracts, publications, etc.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 96
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 600
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 7.0
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 85
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
24 credits are required in the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
During the first year of study, students will identify an advisor through completing laboratory rotations, select a focus area, and initiate thesis research. Students also must complete an ethics seminar and responsible conduct of research course their first year in the program. All coursework must be taken for an A/F grade and completed with a minimum grade of C, unless the course is only offered for an S/N grade. No more than one 4xxx-level elective course can be applied to this degree.
Core Coursework (4 credits)
Take one of the following 4-credit core courses in consultation with the advisor. Although only one of the 3 courses is required, taking all 3 is strongly encouraged. If students take more than one of these courses, the additional course(s) will count towards the elective coursework requirement.
MICA 8002 - Structure, Function, and Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses (4.0 cr)
MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology (4.0 cr)
MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology (4.0 cr)
Required Coursework (4 credits)
Take both of the following courses. Take MICA 8094 twice (fall and spring semester of the first year) for 2 credits.
MICA 8012 - Writing and Reviewing a Research Proposal (2.0 cr)
MICA 8094 - Research in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology (1.0 cr)
Practicum and Seminar Coursework
Take all of the following courses. Take MICA 5000 twice; MICA 8910 4 times; and MICA 8920 4 times.
MICA 5000 - Practicum: Teaching (0.0 cr)
MICA 8910 - Seminar: Faculty Research Topics (0.0 cr)
MICA 8920 - Seminar: Student Research Topics (0.0 cr)
Elective Coursework
Select electives, in consultation with the advisor, to complete the 24 course credits required. Use of 4xxx- and 5xxx-level courses is restricted to either two 5-level courses or one 4- and one 5-level course.
BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems (4.0 cr)
BIOC 5351 - Protein Engineering (3.0 cr)
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists (3.0 cr)
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
BIOC 5960 - Biophysical Spectroscopy (2.0 cr)
BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism (3.0 cr)
BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes (3.0 cr)
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome (2.0 cr)
BIOC 8216 - Signal Transduction and Gene Expression (3.0 cr)
BTHX 5610 - Research & Publication Seminar (1.0 cr)
CHEM 8412 - Chemical Biology of Enzymes (4.0 cr)
CHEN 8754 - Systems Analysis of Biological Processes (3.0 cr)
CHEN 8995 - Special Topics (1.0-4.0 cr)
CSCI 5465 - Introduction to Computing for Biologists (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5481 - Computational Techniques for Genomics (3.0 cr)
CSCI 5980 - Special Topics in Computer Science (1.0-3.0 cr)
ESCI 4801 - Geomicrobiology (3.0 cr)
ESCI 8801 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
GCD 5005 - Computer Programming for Biology (3.0 cr)
GCD 6103 - Human Histology (3.0-8.0 cr)
GCD 8008 - Mammalian Gene Transfer and Genome Engineering (2.0 cr)
GCD 8073 - Genetics & Genomics in Human Health (2.0 cr)
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology (2.0-4.0 cr)
GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development (2.0 cr)
GCD 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy & Careers in Molecular Cell Biology (1.0 cr)
GCD 8920 - Special Topics (1.0-4.0 cr)
GEOG 8260 - Seminar: Physical Geography (2.0 cr)
GRAD 5102 - Preparation for University Teaching for Nonnative English Speakers (2.0 cr)
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
GRAD 8200 - Teaching and Learning Topics in Higher Education (1.0 cr)
HINF 5502 - Python Programming Essentials for the Health Sciences (1.0 cr)
LAAS 5311 - Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy (3.0 cr)
MICA 8009 - Biochemical Aspects of Normal and Abnormal Cell Growth and Cell Death (2.0 cr)
MICA 8010 - Microbial Pathogenesis (3.0 cr)
MICA 8011 - Current Topics in Immunology (3.0 cr)
MICA 8013 - Translational Cancer Research (2.0 cr)
MICA 8014 - Small RNA Biology (2.0 cr)
MICE 5035 - Personal Microbiome Analysis (3.0 cr)
OBIO 5010 - Molecular Virology (1.0 cr)
OBIO 5020 - Virus Pathogenesis and Host Interactions (1.0 cr)
PHCL 5111 - Pharmacogenomics (3.0 cr)
PHSL 8242 - Professional Skills Development for Biomedical Scientists (2.0 cr)
PMB 5111 - Microbial Physiology and Diversity (3.0 cr)
PUBH 6182 - Emerging Infectious Disease: Current Issues, Policies, and Controversies (3.0 cr)
PUBH 6341 - Epidemiologic Methods I (3.0 cr)
PUBH 6414 - Biostatistical Literacy (3.0 cr)
PUBH 6420 - Introduction to SAS Programming (1.0 cr)
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I (4.0 cr)
PUBH 7445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology (3.0 cr)
SCB 8181 - Stem Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
VMED 5180 - Ecology of Infectious Disease (3.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take at least 24 doctoral thesis credits.
MICA 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
MD/PhD-Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Students may take a total of 15 credits in common among the academic programs.
 
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MICA 8002 - Structure, Function, and Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Structure, function, and metabolism of microorganisms. Microbial genetics. Molecular virology. prereq: [One undergrad or grad course each in [microbiology, genetics, biochemistry]] or instr consent
MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Lymphocyte activation, signal transduction in lymphocytes, antigen receptor genetics, antigen presentation, lymphoid anatomy, adaptive immune responses to microbes, immunodeficiency, immunopathology, cytokines, transplantation, autoimmunity. prereq: Upper level undergrad immunology course or instr consent
MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental concepts in cellular, molecular, and genetic basis of disease. Molecular basis of inflammation and cancer metastasis. Genetic basis for inherited disorders and gene therapy. Molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. prereq: [One undergrad or grad course each in [biochemistry, cell biology]] or instr consent
MICA 8012 - Writing and Reviewing a Research Proposal
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Assist first/second year graduate students to prepare research proposals for funding. prereq: First or second year MICaB grad student
MICA 8094 - Research in Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology
Credits: 1.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
One-on-one research training from faculty adviser during laboratory rotation. prereq: 1st yr MICa grad student
MICA 5000 - Practicum: Teaching
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Supervised experience in lab instruction. Use of instructional materials, tests/measurement.
MICA 8910 - Seminar: Faculty Research Topics
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
State-of-the-art information presented by scientific experts within/outside the University. prereq: MICaB grad student
MICA 8920 - Seminar: Student Research Topics
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Current thesis topics and other aspects of microbiology, immunology, and cancer biology. prereq: MICaB grad student or instr consent
BIOC 4331 - Biochemistry I: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism in Biological Systems
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 3021/BioC 3022/BioC 4331/
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced survey of structure/catalysis, metabolism/bioenergetics. prereq: (BIOL 1009 or 2003 or equiv) AND (Chem 2302 or CHEM 2081/2085 or equiv)
BIOC 5351 - Protein Engineering
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Key properties of enzymes/molecular basis, computer modeling strategies, mutagenesis strategies to create protein variants, expression/screening of protein variants. Evaluate research papers, identify unsolved practical/theoretical problems, plan protein engineering experiment.
BIOC 5352 - Biotechnology and Bioengineering for Biochemists
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: BioC 5352/MicB 5352
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Protein biotechnology. Microorganisms used as hosts for protein expression, protein expression, and engineering methods. Production of enzymes of industrial interest. Applications of protein biotechnology in bioelectronics. Formulation of therapeutic biopharmaceuticals. Recommended prerequisites: Biochemistry (BiOC 3021 or 3022 or 4331) and Microbiology MICB 3301
BIOC 5361 - Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to genomics. Emphasizes microbial genomics. Sequencing methods, sequence analysis, genomics databases, genome mapping, prokaryotic horizontal gene transfer, genomics in biotechnology, intellectual property issues. Hands-on introduction to UNIX shell scripting, genomic data analysis using R and Excel in a computer lab setting. prereq: College-level courses in [organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology]
BIOC 5960 - Biophysical Spectroscopy
Credits: 2.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
In-depth study of topics in biochemistry. prereq: [[3021 or equiv], CHEM 2301]] or instr consent or grad
BIOC 8001 - Biochemistry: Structure, Catalysis, and Metabolism
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Protein structure, methods to determine structure, protein folding, forces stabilizing macromolecular structure, protein engineering, design. Dynamic properties of proteins/enzymes, enzyme substrate complexes, mechanism of enzyme catalysis. Enzymology of metabolic regulation and cell signaling. prereq: BMBB or MCDBconcurrent registration is required (or allowed) in G grad student or instr consent
BIOC 8002 - Molecular Biology and Regulation of Biological Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Classical to current topics in molecular biology. Aspects of DNA, RNA, and protein biology. DNA replication, repair, and recombination. RNA transcription, editing, and regulation. Protein translation/modification. Technologies such as deep-sequencing micro-RNA and prions. prereq: [BMBB or MCDBG] grad student or instr consent
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course explores the molecular biology of the eukaryotic genome and transcriptome, focusing on fundamental genetic processes, molecular mechanisms, and their relationships to biology and disease. Students gain a firm understanding of the key concepts and techniques through lectures, reading, and discussions. Students learn to critically analyze scientific papers through student-led presentations and discussions. They gain experience in articulating scientific questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and designing experiments. This course promotes development of science writing skills.
BIOC 8216 - Signal Transduction and Gene Expression
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Cell signaling, metabolic regulation in development. Procaryotic/eucaryotic systems used as models for discussion. Literature-based course. prereq: 8002 or instr consent
BTHX 5610 - Research & Publication Seminar
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Publication strategy/venues. Authorship issues/ethics in publication. Manuscript formatting/letters of submission. Peer review. prereq: [Junior or senior or grad student], bioethics grad majors must register A-F
CHEM 8412 - Chemical Biology of Enzymes
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Chem 8412/MedC 8412
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Enzyme classification with representative examples from current literature. Strategies used to decipher enzyme mechanisms. Chemical approaches for control of enzyme catalysis. prereq: 2302 or equiv
CHEN 8754 - Systems Analysis of Biological Processes
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Relating biological processes at molecular level to physiological level of cells/organisms/populations. Methodology for analyzing data. Quantification of molecular interplays. prereq: Grad student in [life sciences or chemical/physical sciences or engineering]; ChEn students must take A/F
CHEN 8995 - Special Topics
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
New or experimental courses offered by department or visiting faculty.
CSCI 5465 - Introduction to Computing for Biologists
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CSci 3003/CSci 5465
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
This course is designed for graduate students in biology or other related sciences that wish to learn fundamental computing skills that will enable them to develop their own computational approaches for meaningful interpretation of scientific data. Students will complete programming assignments in Python and R. No previous programming knowledge assumed. Prereq: Introductory biology course; non-CSE students only.
CSCI 5481 - Computational Techniques for Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Techniques to analyze biological data generated by genome sequencing, proteomics, cell-wide measurements of gene expression changes. Algorithms for single/multiple sequence alignments/assembly. Search algorithms for sequence databases, phylogenetic tree construction algorithms. Algorithms for gene/promoter and protein structure prediction. Data mining for micro array expression analysis. Reverse engineering of regulatory networks. prereq: 4041 or instr consent
CSCI 5980 - Special Topics in Computer Science
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 27.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Lectures and informal discussions on current topics in computer science. prereq: instr consent; may be repeated for cr
ESCI 4801 - Geomicrobiology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Geosphere/biosphere interactions over temporal/spatial scales. Global biogeochemical cycling, microbe-metal interactions, microbial paleobiology, environmental geomicrobiology, life detection, habitability of planets.
GCD 5005 - Computer Programming for Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Computer programming skills with applications in biology. Design/build new computer programs for applications in cell/developmental biology, including modeling of biological processes, advanced data analysis, automated image analysis. prereq: BIOL 4003 or BIOL 4004 or GCD 3033 or CBS grad or BMBB or MCDB&G grad student, general statistics course
GCD 6103 - Human Histology
Credits: 3.0 -8.0 [max 8.0]
Course Equivalencies: GCD 6103/8103
Grading Basis:
Typically offered: Every Fall
Human histology is a lecture and laboratory class covering light and electron microscopic anatomy of tissues and their organization into human organs. The emphasis is on integrating structure and its relationship to function at levels from molecules to organs. prereq: Enrolled as medical or dental student or instr consent
GCD 8008 - Mammalian Gene Transfer and Genome Engineering
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Current gene transfer and genome engineering technology. Applications of genetic modifications in animals, particularly transgenic animals and human gene therapy. prereq: instr consent
GCD 8073 - Genetics & Genomics in Human Health
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Application of molecular, biochemical, chromosomal, and population genetics to human variation and disease. Abnormal chromosome number and structure; abnormal enzyme, structural protein, receptor, and transport; analysis of inheritance patterns; behavioral genetics; genetic basis of common disease. Current research articles in human genetics. prereq: 8131 or BIOL 4003 or instr consent
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Literature-based course in modern molecular genetic and genomic analysis. Students will gain a deep understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms controlling inheritance in biological systems. Students will gain a facility in thinking critically and creatively about how genes work at cellular, organismal, and transgenerational levels. Course instruction emphasizes active-learning approaches, student presentations, and group projects. prereq: [3022 or BIOL 4003], [BIOC 3021 or BIOC 4331] or instr consent
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course introduces graduate students to fundamental concepts of Biochemical Unity (Part 1) and Cell Theory (Part 2). For Part 1, we will discuss matter of life, equilibrium, entropy & law of mass action, two state systems, random walks & diffusion, rate equations of chemical reactions, and explore how they relate to regulation of biological networks (gene regulation and signal transduction). For Part 2 we will focus on properties of biological membranes, membrane trafficking, protein import & degradation, nuclear structures and their function, as well as molecular motors, cytoskeletal dynamics, and mitosis. The course assumes students have had previous undergraduate courses in cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. prereq: [[[4034 or 8121 or BioC 8002], Biol 4004] or BMBB or MCDBG grad student] or instr consent
GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
The advanced cell and developmental biology of embryos, taught through in-depth, comparative analysis of historical and current primary research articles that illustrate developmental mechanisms and experimental approaches in key invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. prereq:[BMBB or MCDBG grad student] or [GCD 4161, [GCD 8131 or Biol 4003], Biol 4004, and GCD 4034] or instr consent
GCD 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy & Careers in Molecular Cell Biology
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Course Equivalencies: Bioc 8401/GCD 8401
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Ethics of scientific investigation from viewpoint of western scientific enterprise. Relationship between science, culture, and public policies. Careers in molecular/cellular biology. Nontraditional career tracks. Invited speakers, case studies, small-group discussions, lectures.
GCD 8920 - Special Topics
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Special topic shell
GEOG 8260 - Seminar: Physical Geography
Credits: 2.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Topics of contemporary research. Topics vary with interests of faculty offering course.
GRAD 5102 - Preparation for University Teaching for Nonnative English Speakers
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Theory/practice of teaching in higher education in the United States. Emphasizes clear oral classroom communication and development of presentation skills. Students practice in a simulated instructional setting. prereq: English Language Proficiency Rating of 4; Contact cei@umn.edu for permission number.
GRAD 8101 - Teaching in Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Teaching methods/techniques. Active learning, critical thinking, practice teaching, and preparing a portfolio to document/reflect upon teaching. Readings, discussion, peer teaching, e-mail dialog, reflective writing, co-facilitation of course. prereq: Non-Degree Students: contact pffcollege consentumn.edu with questions about registration. If adding a section after first class meeting, contact your instructor as soon as you enroll.
GRAD 8200 - Teaching and Learning Topics in Higher Education
Credits: 1.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Create course materials for context/discipline. Assess student learning. Write action plan. Topics may include active learning in sciences, teaching with technology, multicultural education, teaching in clinical settings, learning-community course design.
HINF 5502 - Python Programming Essentials for the Health Sciences
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Computer programming essentials for health sciences/health care applications using Python 3. Intended for students with limited programming background, or students wishing to obtain proficiency in Python programming language. prereq: Junior or senior or grad student or professional student or instr consent
LAAS 5311 - Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Structural chemistry, origin/identification of crystalline soil clay minerals. Structure of soil organic matter. Chemical processes in soil: solubility, adsorption/desorption, ion exchange, oxidation/reduction, acidity, alkalinity. Solution of problems related to environmental degradation, plant nutrition, and soil genesis. prereq: [[Chem 1022 or equiv], Phys 1102, grad] or instr consent
MICA 8009 - Biochemical Aspects of Normal and Abnormal Cell Growth and Cell Death
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Aspects of mechanisms involved in growth control at level of nuclear function. Neoplasia in hormonal cancers (such as prostate cancer) and role of protein phosphorylation in normal and abnormal growth. Mechanisms of cell death via apoptosis and its implications in normal and abnormal proliferation. prereq: 8004 or [BioC 3021, Biol 4004] or instr consent
MICA 8010 - Microbial Pathogenesis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Molecular mechanisms of bacterial/viral pathogenesis. Strategies of disease causation/interaction with host, regulation of virulence factors, mechanism of virulence factor transmission to other microbes. prereq: MICa grad student or instr
MICA 8011 - Current Topics in Immunology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Colloquium format. In-depth reading, discussion prereq: MICA 8003 or instr consent
MICA 8013 - Translational Cancer Research
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Clinical issues in cancer research. Discuss translational research projects as they pertain to a variety of cancers. prereq: 8004 or instr consent
MICA 8014 - Small RNA Biology
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Small RNAs as major regulators of gene/protein expression. MicroRNAs and their potential use in diagnosis/prognosis of various disease conditions, including cancers. Biology of small RNAs and their role in health and disease. prereq: BIOC 8002 or MICA 8004 or equiv or instr consent
MICE 5035 - Personal Microbiome Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Personal Microbiome Analysis, an introduction to the computational exploration and analysis of your inner microbial community, also known as your microbiome. In this course, you will have the opportunity to explore your own microbiome using visualization and analysis tools. Sequencing your own microbiome is encouraged but not required for the course. Introductory biology or genetics is recommended: BIOL 1009, GCD 3022 or BIOL 4003.
OBIO 5010 - Molecular Virology
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course provides graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students with a knowledge base for understanding the molecular aspects of replication strategies utilized in virus replication. Topics for the course will focus on the molecular aspects of virus replication for the major virus families (e.g., arenaviruses, bacteriophages, flaviviruses, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, picornaviruses, and retroviruses) as well as virus evolution, structure, and taxonomy.
OBIO 5020 - Virus Pathogenesis and Host Interactions
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course provides graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students with a knowledge base for understanding virus pathogenesis and host interactions. Topics for the course will focus on the molecular, cellular, and organismal aspects of virus pathogenesis and host interactions. The concepts of cellular pathogenesis, tissue tropism, portals of entry, local replication and virus spread, virus dissemination, and congenital infections will be covered. A particular emphasis will be placed on virus pathogenesis of the major virus families (e.g., arenaviruses, bacteriophages, flaviviruses, herpesviruses, orthomyxoviruses, picornaviruses, and retroviruses) and virus-host cell interactions that can restrict virus replication and are responsible for immunity will be discussed.
PHCL 5111 - Pharmacogenomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Human genetic variation, its implications. Functional genomics, pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics, proteomics. Interactive, discussion-based course. prereq: Grad student or instr consent Keywords: Pharmacology, Pharmacogenomics, Toxicogenomics, Proteomics, Genetics, Drug
PHSL 8242 - Professional Skills Development for Biomedical Scientists
Credits: 2.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Professional skills development, including critical evaluation of the scientific literature, short oral presentations, development of research project specific aims and grant writing. Students will become familiar with strategies/mechanics of writing a grant proposal, NIH study section grant reviews, scientific presentations, dissecting scientific literature, and PubMed/NIHreporter tools. prereq: instr consent
PMB 5111 - Microbial Physiology and Diversity
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PMB 4111/PMB 5111
Typically offered: Every Fall
Structural/functional organization of bacteria/archaea. Energy metabolism utilizing light, inorganic/organic chemicals. Cell morphologies, roles/assembly of surface structures. Growth/survival mechanisms in various extreme environments. Adaptation to changing conditions by development of specialized cells/structures, altering metabolic patterns.
PUBH 6182 - Emerging Infectious Disease: Current Issues, Policies, and Controversies
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Issues/controversies surrounding emerging infectious diseases. Framework for considering realistic/innovative policies. Bioterrorism, public health preparedness. Pandemic influenza preparedness, smallpox vaccination, antibiotic resistance. prereq: AHC student, instr consent
PUBH 6341 - Epidemiologic Methods I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PubH 6320PubH /6341
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to epidemiologic concepts and methods: (1) Study design (randomized trials and observational studies); (2) Measures of exposure-disease association; (3) Casual inference and bias; (4) Confounding and effect modification.
PUBH 6414 - Biostatistical Literacy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Develop ability to read/interpret statistical results in primary literature. Minimal calculation. No formal training in any statistical programming software. Biostatistical Literacy will cover the fundamental concepts of study design, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, odds ratios, relative risks, adjusted models in multiple linear, logistic and Poisson regression, and survival analysis. The focus will be when to use a given method and how to interpret the results, not the actual computation or computer programming to obtain results from raw data. prereq: MPH or certificate student or environmental health or instr consent
PUBH 6420 - Introduction to SAS Programming
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Summer
Use of SAS for analysis of biomedical data. Data manipulation/description. Basic statistical analyses (t-tests, chi-square, simple regression).
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover the fundamental concepts of exploratory data analysis and statistical inference for univariate and bivariate data, including: ? study design and sampling methods, ? descriptive and graphical summaries, ? random variables and their distributions, ? interval estimation, ? hypothesis testing, ? relevant nonparametric methods, ? simple regression/correlation, and ? introduction to multiple regression. There will be a focus on analyzing data using statistical programming software and on communicating the results in short reports. Health science examples from the research literature will be used throughout the course. prereq: [College-level algebra, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
PUBH 7445 - Statistics for Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to statistical problems arising in molecular biology. Problems in physical mapping (radiation hybrid mapping, DDP), genetic mapping (pedigree analysis, lod scores, TDT), biopolymer sequence analysis (alignment, motif recognition), and micro array analysis. prereq: [6450, [6451 or equiv]] or instr consent; background in molecular biology recommended
SCB 8181 - Stem Cell Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: GCD 8181/SCB 8181
Typically offered: Every Fall
Stem cell research and its applications. Critical analysis, written summaries/critiques, oral presentations. prereq: [[GCD 4034], [GCD 4161]] or equiv or instr consent
VMED 5180 - Ecology of Infectious Disease
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CMB 5180/PubH 6180/PubH 6380
Typically offered: Every Fall
How host, agent, environmental interactions influence transmission of infectious agents. Environmental dissemination, eradication/control, evolution of virulence. Use of analytical/molecular tools.
MICA 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Thesis credit: doctoral. prereq: MICaB PhD student, adviser consent