Twin Cities campus
 
Twin Cities Campus

Stem Cell Biology M.S.

Stem Cell Institute
Medical School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Stem Cell Institute, 2001 6th Street S.E., Mail Code 2873, Minneapolis, MN 55455-3007
Email: scbgrad@umn.edu
Website: https://www.stemcell.umn.edu/graduate-programs/master-science-stem-cell-biology
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2019
  • Length of program in credits: 30
  • This program requires summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
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.
The stem cell biology master's program is a multidisciplinary program that prepares graduates for a career in research, teaching, or industry within the field of stem cell biology. It offers training in stem cell biology, a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field that rests on foundations provided by molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students will take lecture, lab, and seminar courses in these various disciplines, in addition to stem cell biology. They will interact with members of the Stem Cell Institute through participation in research seminars and journal clubs. Students who elect Plan A will spend a full calendar year, including summer, conducting research in the laboratory of a stem cell graduate program faculty member. This research will form the basis of the master's thesis. Students who elect Plan B will conduct research of primary literature resulting in a written paper and seminar on a topic in Stem Cell Biology agreed upon in advance by the student and faculty advisor. Part-time students choosing Plan B are expected to complete the degree within 3 years by taking take one to two courses per semester, excluding summers.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.20.
A bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in biological science or a related field.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must upload to the University's on-line application website: 1) a personal statement (500 words or less) outlining research interests and long- and short-term goals (NOTE: students applying to Plan A should include information about previous research experience); 2) a curriculum vitae or resume; 3) the names of three individuals whom the student has asked to write letters of recommendation; and 4) unofficial transcripts.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 94
    • Internet Based - Listening Score: 22
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 24
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 22
    • Internet Based - Speaking Score: 26
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 580
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 7.0
    • Listening Score: 6.2
    • Reading Score: 6.2
    • Writing Score: 6.2
    • Speaking Score: 6.2
  • MELAB
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, 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
Plan A: Plan A requires 20 major credits, up to credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 30 major credits and up to credits outside the major. The final exam is oral.
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 2.80 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Students must demonstrate familiarity with the tools of research and scholarship in their major field, the ability to work independently, and the ability to present the results of their investigation effectively.
Plan Options
Plan A Course and Thesis
Required Plan A Course (1 credit)
SCB 5051 - Stem Cell Biology Practical Training Module (1.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take 10 master's thesis credits. Students are recommended to take five thesis credits in spring of the first year, and the remaining five in fall of the second year.
SCB 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
-OR-
Plan B Course
Take the following course:
SCB 5900 - Master's Plan B Research Paper and Presentation (2.0 cr)
Required Coursework (14 to 15 credits)
Plan A and Plan B students take the following courses. All required courses must be taken A/F.
Core Courses (9 credits)
Take SCB 5054 three times for a total of 6 credits.
SCB 5054 - Stem Cell Institute Research Seminar and Journal Club (2.0 cr)
SCB 8181 - Stem Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
Option 1: Molecular Biology Course (3 to 4 credits)
Students complete either Option 1 or Option 2. Select at least one of the following courses.
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
or GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics (3.0 cr)
or Students complete either Option 1 or Option 2. Both of the following courses are required.
BIOC 8007 - Molecular Biology of the Genome (2.0 cr)
BIOC 8008 - Molecular Biology of the Transcriptome (2.0 cr)
Other Courses
Take at least one of the following courses, or other 5000-level or 8000-level course approved prior to registration by the SCB program, for a minimum of two credits.
GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development (2.0 cr)
or GCD 8008 - Mammalian Gene Transfer and Genome Engineering (2.0 cr)
or BTHX 8000 - Advanced Topics in Bioethics (1.0-4.0 cr)
or BTHX 5210 - Ethics of Human Subjects Research (3.0 cr)
or BTHX 5325 - Biomedical Ethics (3.0 cr)
or BTHX 5400 - Intro Ethics in Hlth Policy (3.0 cr)
or BTHX 5100 - Introduction to Clinical Ethics (3.0 cr)
or BTHX 5000 - Topics in Bioethics (1.0-4.0 cr)
Electives
Take elective credits from the following list, or other courses in consultation with the advisor, to complete the minimum credit requirement.
Take 5 or more credit(s) from the following:
· BIOC 5213 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· BIOC 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy, and Careers in Molecular and Cellular Biology (1.0 cr)
· BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
· BMEN 5041 - Tissue Engineering (3.0 cr)
· BMEN 5351 - Cell Engineering (3.0 cr)
· BTHX 5210 - Ethics of Human Subjects Research (3.0 cr)
· BTHX 5325 - Biomedical Ethics (3.0 cr)
· BTHX 5400 - Intro Ethics in Hlth Policy (3.0 cr)
· CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics (3.0 cr)
· CSCI 5465 - Introduction to Computing for Biologists (3.0 cr)
· GCD 4161 - Developmental Biology (3.0 cr)
· GCD 5005 - Computer Programming for Biology (3.0 cr)
· GCD 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology (3.0 cr)
· GCD 8008 - Mammalian Gene Transfer and Genome Engineering (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)
· MICA 8003 - Immunity and Immunopathology (4.0 cr)
· MICA 8004 - Cellular and Cancer Biology (4.0 cr)
· MICA 8014 - Small RNA Biology (2.0 cr)
· MILI 6235 - Pharmaceutical Industry: Business and Policy (2.0 cr)
· MILI 6726 - Medical Device Industry: Business and Public Policy (2.0 cr)
· MILI 6985 - The Health Care Marketplace (2.0 cr)
· MILI 6995 - Medical Industry Valuation Laboratory (2.0 cr)
· NSC 8211 - Developmental Neurobiology (2.0-4.0 cr)
· NSCI 4101 - Development of the Nervous System: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms (3.0 cr)
· NSCI 5101 - Neurobiology I: Molecules, Cells, and Systems (3.0 cr)
· PHCL 5110 - Introduction to Pharmacology (3.0 cr)
· PHCL 5112 - Foundations of Biomedical Research (1.0-2.0 cr)
· PHSL 5061 - Principles of Physiology for Biomedical Engineering (4.0 cr)
· PHSL 5510 - Advanced Cardiac Physiology and Anatomy (2.0-3.0 cr)
· PHSL 8242 - Professional Skills Development for Biomedical Scientists (2.0 cr)
· PSY 5063 - Introduction to Functional MRI (3.0 cr)
· PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I (4.0 cr)
· PUBH 6451 - Biostatistics II (4.0 cr)
 
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SCB 5054 - Stem Cell Institute Research Seminar and Journal Club
Credits: 2.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Students attend weekly Stem Cell Institute research seminars and journal clubs, write brief summaries, participate in journal club, and present original research paper. prereq: Acceptance into stem cell biology [master's prog or PhD minor prog] or instr consent
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
GCD 4034 - Molecular Genetics and Genomics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. Course emphasizes mechanisms of gene regulation and how these are studied. Current strategies used to study the activity and function of genes and genomes, including the role of chromatin, will be covered. Techniques will include gene knockouts/knockdown, genome engineering, genome-wide analysis of RNA and protein expression and function, as well as genome-wide protein binding and chromatin interaction mapping. Technologies covered will include next-generations and third-generation sequencing and CRISPR-based strategies for gene modification and precision gene regulation. Students will analyze and present recent primary papers in molecular genetic and genomics. Prerequisite: BIOL 4003
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
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 8008 - Molecular Biology of the Transcriptome
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.
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 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
BTHX 8000 - Advanced Topics in Bioethics
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Advanced study of bioethics topics of contemporary interest. prereq: Grad or professional student
BTHX 5210 - Ethics of Human Subjects Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Issues in ethics of human subjects research. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
BTHX 5325 - Biomedical Ethics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Bthx 5325/Phil 5325
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course, delivered entirely online, examines issues in bioethics spanning clinical ethics, public health ethics, and research ethics. The course also introduces conceptual frameworks and methods that can be used to analyze these issues. prereq: Jr or sr or grad student or instr consent
BTHX 5400 - Intro Ethics in Hlth Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Topics vary to reflect issues of current significance. Relates to law/politics as appropriate but focuses on moral analyses of policy issues. prereq: Grad student or professional student or instr consent
BTHX 5100 - Introduction to Clinical Ethics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Healthcare is full of gray areas, high stakes situations, and tensions between personal and professional values. This course explores the moral nature of the healthcare professions and common values-based conflicts in clinical practice. By examining everyday cases, exploring current issues in healthcare, and developing habits of reflective practice, learners will have the opportunity to recognize and respond to moral uncertainties that arise in the interprofessional clinical environment. The course presents practical knowledge and skills needed for ethics deliberation and decision making. This is a blended instruction course where students can expect a majority of sessions held in-person and occasional online sessions.
BTHX 5000 - Topics in Bioethics
Credits: 1.0 -4.0 [max 8.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Bioethics topics of contemporary interest. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
BIOC 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy, and Careers in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
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. prereq: Grad student in [BMBB or MCDBconcurrent registration is required (or allowed) in G]
BIOL 4004 - Cell Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Biol 4004/GCD 4005W
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Processes fundamental to cells. Emphasizes eukaryotic cells. Assembly/function of membranes/organelles. Cell division, cell form/movement, intercellular communication, transport, secretion pathways. Cancer cells, differentiated cells. prereq: Completion of Biol 4003 is preferred, Biol2003/2003H or Biol4003 or grad
BMEN 5041 - Tissue Engineering
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamentals of wound healing and tissue repair; characterization of cell-matrix interactions; case study of engineered tissues, including skin, bone marrow, liver, vessel, and cartilage; regulation of biomaterials and engineered tissues. prereq: CSE upper div or grad student or med student or instr consent
BMEN 5351 - Cell Engineering
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Engineering approaches to cell-related phenomena important to cell/tissue engineering. Receptor/ligand binding. Trafficking/signaling processes. Applications to cell proliferation, adhesion, and motility. Cell-matrix interactions. prereq: [2401, [2501 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in 5501], [MATH 2243 or MATH 2373]] or CSE upper div or grad student or instr consent
BTHX 5210 - Ethics of Human Subjects Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Issues in ethics of human subjects research. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
BTHX 5325 - Biomedical Ethics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Bthx 5325/Phil 5325
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course, delivered entirely online, examines issues in bioethics spanning clinical ethics, public health ethics, and research ethics. The course also introduces conceptual frameworks and methods that can be used to analyze these issues. prereq: Jr or sr or grad student or instr consent
BTHX 5400 - Intro Ethics in Hlth Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Topics vary to reflect issues of current significance. Relates to law/politics as appropriate but focuses on moral analyses of policy issues. prereq: Grad student or professional student or instr consent
CSCI 5461 - Functional Genomics, Systems Biology, and Bioinformatics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Computational methods for analyzing, integrating, and deriving predictions from genomic/proteomic data. Analyzing gene expression, proteomic data, and protein-protein interaction networks. Protein/gene function prediction, Integrating diverse data, visualizing genomic datasets. prereq: 3003 or 4041 or instr consent
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.
GCD 4161 - Developmental Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Developmental biology is the study of the process by which organisms grow and develop from embryo to adult. This field encompasses the biology of morphogenesis, differentiation, regeneration, metamorphosis, and the growth and differentiation of stem cells. Topics focus primarily on animal development to include fertilization, cell specification, body patterning, stem cells, neurogenesis, organogenesis, limb formation, regeneration, sex determination, and developmental timing, as well as environmental impacts on development. Students will learn about genetic models such as fruit flies, nematodes, fish, mice, and plants. Coverage will be extended to human development and disease as appropriate. prereq: BIOL 4003; also recommended prerequisite: BIOL 4004 or GCD 4005W
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 5036 - Molecular Cell Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analysis of dynamic cellular activities at the molecular level in cell biological fields that are experiencing new research advances not yet reflected in textbooks. Significant emphasis is placed on understanding the experimental basis of our current knowledge of cellular processes through analysis of scientific papers. Project and presentation-based assessments of learning outcomes. prereq: BIOL 4004 or GCD 4005W or grad
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 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
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 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
MILI 6235 - Pharmaceutical Industry: Business and Policy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Business/policy issues specific to pharmaceutical industry. Interdisciplinary perspectives, active involvement by industry leaders.
MILI 6726 - Medical Device Industry: Business and Public Policy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course, with the insight of industry leaders, addresses public-private sector interactions and the business, public policy, regulatory, and technology management issues that concern medical device and biotechnology companies.
MILI 6985 - The Health Care Marketplace
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: MILI 5990/6990/3585/5585
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Survey of trillion dollar medical industry. Physician/hospital services, insurance, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, information technology. Scale, interactions, inter-relationships, market opportunities, barriers. prereq: MBA student
MILI 6995 - Medical Industry Valuation Laboratory
Credits: 2.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Interdisciplinary student teams create rapid production market analysis of promising medical technologies/services to determine potential for success in market. Exposure to University innovations, venture firms, inventors. prereq: Grad student
NSC 8211 - Developmental Neurobiology
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
How neuronal types develop. Emphasizes general mechanisms. Experimental data demonstrating mechanisms. prereq: Neuroscience grad student or instr consent
NSCI 4101 - Development of the Nervous System: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Nsci 4100/Nsci 8211
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course will extend students? understanding of fundamental concepts of biology and neuroscience through study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie development of the nervous system. Neurodevelopment provides a context in which to study processes active in many biological functions and diseases. Students will learn about each of the major cellular processes involved in development of the nervous system such as cell division and cell migration, and will learn about the function of molecules and signaling pathways active in each process. Human developmental pathologies will be studied as a means to better understand normal developmental processes. Some lectures will focus on current research, and students will be expected to read some scientific literature.
NSCI 5101 - Neurobiology I: Molecules, Cells, and Systems
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course discusses the basic principles of cellular and molecular neurobiology and nervous systems. The main topics include: Organization of simple networks, neural systems and behavior; how the brain develops and the physiology and communication of neurons and glia; the molecular and genetic basis of cell organization; ion channel structure and function; the molecular basis of synaptic receptors; transduction mechanisms and second messengers; intracellular regulation of calcium; neurotransmitter systems, including excitation and inhibition, neuromodulation, system regulation and the cellular basis of learning, memory and cognition. The course is intended for students majoring in neuroscience, but is open to all students with the required prerequisites.
PHCL 5110 - Introduction to Pharmacology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is a course for first-year students in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology. The course introduces students to the basic principles of pharmacology and focuses on molecular mechanisms of drug action. Topics covered include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, signal transduction, toxicology pharmacogenomics, and drug discovery. Prerequisites: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology or approval from the Course Director(s) Keywords: Introduction, Pharmacology, Molecular, Drug, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Protein, Pharmacokinetics
PHCL 5112 - Foundations of Biomedical Research
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This is a course for first-year students in the Graduate Program of Pharmacology. This course will introduce graduate students to the basic operating principles and techniques of a scientific research laboratory, general concepts surrounding experimental design and experimental controls, and familiarity with common laboratory calculations. Discussion of scientific techniques will include recombinant DNA and molecular biology techniques, protein expression and purification, protein assays, biochemical data analysis and fitting methods, transcriptomics and proteomics studies, and cell culture & mouse models of disease. Methods are presented in the context of highlighting general principles in experimental design. Prerequisites: student in the Graduate Program in Pharmacology Keywords: Basic Science, Pharmacology, Personnel, Writing, Presentation, Protein, DNA, Molecule, Microscope, Bioinformatics, Drug
PHSL 5061 - Principles of Physiology for Biomedical Engineering
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Human physiology with emphasis on quantitative aspects. Organ systems (circulation, respiration, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, muscle, central and peripheral nervous systems), cellular transport processes, and scaling in biology. prereq: Biomedical engineering grad, one yr college chem and physics and math through integral calculus
PHSL 5510 - Advanced Cardiac Physiology and Anatomy
Credits: 2.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental concepts, advanced topics related to clinical/biomedical cardiac physiology. Lectures, laboratories, workshops, anatomical dissections. Intense, one week course. prereq: instr consent
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
PSY 5063 - Introduction to Functional MRI
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
How to understand and perform a brain imaging experiment. Theory and practice of functional MRI experimental design, execution, and data analysis. Students develop experimental materials/acquire and analyze their own functional MRI data. Lectures/lab exercises. prereq: Jr or sr or grad or instr consent
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 6451 - Biostatistics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover more advanced aspects of statistical analysis methods with a focus on statistical modeling, including: ? two-way ANOVA, ? multiple linear regression, ? logistic regression, ? Poisson regression, ? log binomial and ordinal regression, ? survival analysis methods, including Kaplan-Meier analysis and proportional hazards (Cox) regression, ? power and sample size, and ? survey sampling and analysis. 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: [PubH 6450 with grade of at least B, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
SCB 5051 - Stem Cell Biology Practical Training Module
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Intensive two-week course. Hands-on instruction in techniques of tissue culture. Conventional, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Flow cytometry for both analysis of cell populations and sorting of cells. prereq: Acceptance into stem cell biology master's program
SCB 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Thesis credits: master's
SCB 5900 - Master's Plan B Research Paper and Presentation
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students write research paper based on primary literature on stem cell biology topic of interest, mentored by faculty member. prereq: Admission to stem cell biology master's plan B program