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BIOL W4001x. Advanced Genetic Analysis. 3 pts. Prerequisites: For undergrads:Introductory Genetics (W3031)and permission of the instructor.

This seminar course provides a detailed presentation of areas in classical and molecular genetics for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. Topics include transmission genetics, gain and loss of function mutations, genetic redundancy, suppressors, enhancers, epistasis, expression patterns, using transposons, and genome analysis. The course is a mixture of lectures, student presentations, seminar discussions, and readings from the original literature. Undergraduates wishing to take the course need to have taken Genetics W3031 or its equivalent and received the instructor's permission. Enrollment is limited to 25 students.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4001
BIOL
4001
94695
001
Tu 1:10p - 3:55p
800 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
M. Chalfie 1 / 25 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4004. Neurobiology I: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. 4 pts. Prerequisites: one year of biology; a course in physics is highly recommended.

Lecture and recitation. This is an advanced course intended for majors providing an in depth survey of the cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cell function. Topics include the cell biology and biochemistry of neurons, ionic and molecular basis of electrical signals, synaptic transmission and its modulation, function of sensory receptors. Although not required, it is intended to be followed by Neurobiology II (see below). The recitation meets once per week in smaller groups and emphasizes readings from the primary literature.

Discussion Section Required.
Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4004
BIOL
4004
67151
001
TuTh 4:10p - 5:25p
TBA
J. Yang 8 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4005. Neurobiology II: Development and Systems. 3 pts. Prerequisites: Biology W3004, one year of biology or instructor's permission.

This course is the "capstone" course for the Neurobiology and Behavior undergraduate major at Columbia University and will be taught by the faculty of the Kavli Institute of Brain Science (http://www.kavli.columbia.edu/). It is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Knowledge of Cellular Neuroscience (how an action potential is generated and how a synapse works) will be assumed. It is strongly recommended that students take w3004 Neurobiology 1: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, or a similar course, before enrolling in w3005. Students unsure about their backgrounds should check a representative syllabus of w3004 in http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/w3004/index.html

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL W4005
BIOL
4005
27657
001
TuTh 4:10p - 5:25p
501 NORTHWEST CORNER
D. Kelley 13 / 20 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4008. The Cellular Physiology of Disease. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014. Prerequisites: One 3000 level course in Cell Biology or Biochemistry or the instructor's permission.

This course will present a quantitative description of the cellular physiology of excitable cells (mostly nerve and muscle). While the course will focus on examining basic mechanisms in cell physiology, there will be a thread of discussion of disease mechanisms throughout. The end of each lecture will include a discussion of the molecular mechanisms of selected diseases that relate to the topics covered in the lecture. The course will consist of two lectures per week. This course will be of interest to advanced (3000-4000 level) undergraduates that aim to pursue careers in medicine as well as those that will pursue careers in biomedical research. This course will also be of interest to graduate students desiring an introduction to the cellular physiology of nerve and muscle.

BIOL W4011. Circuits in the Brain. 3 pts.

This course is an advanced seminar that will review current knowledge about the computations carried out by circuits present in the CNS. The class will run as a seminar discussion, where it is assumed that every student will have studied the reading material ahead of time and will be knowledgeable enough to explain it. W3004 and W3005 are ideal background for the course. To maintain a small class size and ensure the participation of all students in all the discussions, only 25 students will be admitted. Graduate students are welcome but undergraduate students in their final year majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior will have preference. Auditors will not be accepted. Instructor permission is necessary for registration. For grading, a short (maximum 5 page) essay on any of the topics discussed in the course is due on the last day of class and will be used for the final grade, together with evaluation of class participation.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4011
BIOL
4011
98154
001
F 9:00a - 11:00a
909 NORTHWEST CORNER
R. Yuste 9 / 20 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4013x. Advanced Seminar in Neurobiology: Developmental Wiring of Neural Systems. 3 pts. Prerequisites: one year of introductory biology and W3004/W4004 "Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology" (or equivalent).

Students will read and discuss classical as well as contemporary research papers on membrane excitability, ion channels and transporters, synaptic transmission and plasticity, and sensory receptors. Focus will be on intellectual creativity, conceptual breakthroughs and technical advances. A key goal of this course is to help students become a critical reader and thinker. Graduate students in all disciplines are welcome. Advanced undergraduate students can enroll with the instructor's permission.

BIOL W4022. Developmental Biology. 3 pts. Prerequisites:BIOL C2005-C2006 or equivalent

Come discover how the union of egg and sperm triggers the complex cellular interactions that specify the diverse variety of cells present in multicellular organisms. Cellular and molecular aspects of sex determination, gametogenesis, genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, telomerase as the biological clock, stem cells, cloning, the pill and cell interactions will be explored, with an emphasis on humans. Original research articles will be discussed to further examine current research in developmental biology.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4022
BIOL
4022
61380
001
TuTh 1:10p - 2:25p
TBA
A. Heicklen 0 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4031. Genetics. 3 pts. OPEN TO BIOTECH M.A. STUDENTS & OTHER GRADUATE STUDENTS Prerequisites:BIOL C2005-C2006 or the equivalent Corequisites: Recommended co-requisite: one term of organic chemistry

Students may receive credit for W3031 or C3032, but not both due to overlap in course content. General course in genetics dealing with principles of gene structure, function, and transmission. Historical development and experimental basis of current knowledge are stressed.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL W4031
BIOL
4031
66081
001
TuTh 10:10a - 11:25a
209 HAVEMEYER HALL
A. Brent 11 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4032. Genetics. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014. Prerequisites:EEEB W2001 or BIOL C2005, and C2006 or the equivalent. Corequisites: one term of organic chemistry.

General course in genetics dealing with principles of gene structure, function, and transmission. Both classical (transmission) and molecular genetics are discussed. Historical development and experimental basis of current knowledge are stressed to familiarize the student with the methods and logical bases of genetic research. Students may receive credit for W3031 or W3032, but not both due to overlap in course content.

BIOL W4034. Biotechnology. 3 pts. Prerequisites: genetics or molecular biology.

The course covers techniques currently used to explore and manipulate gene function and their applications in medicine and the environment. Part I covers key laboratory manipulations, including DNA cloning, gene characterization, association of genes with disease, and methods for studying gene regulation and activities of gene products. Part II also covers commercial applications, and includes animal cell culture, production of recombinant proteins, novel diagnostics, high throughput screening, and environmental biosensors.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4034
BIOL
4034
24366
001
MW 4:10p - 5:25p
TBA
D. Kalderon
L. Chasin
0 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4035y. Seminar in Epigenetics. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014. Prerequisites: Genetics (3032/4032) or Molecular Biology (3512/4512), and the permission of the instructor.

This is a combined lecture/seminar course designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The focus is on understanding the mechanisms underlying epigenetic phenomena: the heritable inheritance of genetic states without change in DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles during normal animal development and oncogenesis. It is an area under intensive scientific investigation and the course will focus on recent advances in understanding these phenomena. In each class, students will present and discuss in detail recent papers and background material concerning each individual topic, followed by an introductory lecture on the following week's topic. This course will emphasize critical analysis of the scientific literature and help students understand how to identify important biological problems and how to address them experimentally.

BIOL W4037. BIOINFORMATCS OF GENE EXPRESSION. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014.

Treats a number of topics in the emerging fields of genomics and bioinformatics, such as sequence alignment, genome annotation, and DNA microarray analysis, with an emphasis on the proper use of statistics. Provides a practical introduction to the Perl programming language and utilizes a computer lab.

BIOL G4044. Advanced Topics in Cell Biology. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Biological Sciences Ph.D. Program, one of the other biomedical Ph.D. programs, or permission of the instructor. Generally students with a solid background in biology (four or more courses) are accepted.

Advanced Topics in Cell Biology is a graduate course, primarily enrolling Ph.D. students, but also enrolling advanced M.A. students and undergraduates with consent of one of the instructors. This year's offering will concentrate on the basic cell biology of signal transduction and its readouts within the cytoskeleton and its activities inside the cell. Students will read the literature and give presentations. Topics include the pathways by which cells respond to extracellular signals such as growth factors and cell-cell contact, and the mechanisms by which extracellular signals are translated into alterations in the cell cycle, morphology, differentiation state, and motility of the responding cells.

BIOL W4070. The Biology and Physics of Single Molecules. 3 pts. Prerequisites: calculus, chemistry, physics, 1 year biology, or instructors' permission

This course will examine the fundamental mechanisms underlying the behavior of biological molecules, at the single molecule level. The course will cover the methods used to track single molecules: optical tweezers, single molecule AFM, Magnetic tweezers, Optical techniques and Fluorescence energy transfer (FRET) probes. The course will cover the mechanism of action of mechanical motors such as myosin dyneyin, kinesin. It will cover the action of DNA binding enzymes such as topoisomerases, helicases, etc. We will also discuss the function of large motors such as the ATP Synthase and the bacterial AAA ATPases. We will discuss the mechanical properties of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The course will consist mainly of reviewing classical experiments in each category, and developing the background physical theories to promote a deep understanding of biological mechanisms at the mesoscopic level.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL W4070
BIOL
4070
76878
001
W 4:10p - 7:00p
900 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
J. Fernandez 18 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4073. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. 3 pts. Prerequisites: Two semesters of a rigorous, molecularly-oriented introductory biology course (such as C2005 and C2006), or the instructor's permission.

This course will cover the basic concepts underlying the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as key experimental methods currently used in the field. To keep it real, the course will include clinical correlates in such areas as infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer and transplantation. Taking this course won't turn you into an immunologist, but it may make you want to become one, as was the case for several students last year. After taking the course, you should be able to read the literature intelligently in this rapidly advancing field.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4073
BIOL
4073
20868
001
MW 11:40a - 12:55p
TBA
S. Mowshowitz 0 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4075. Biology at Physical Extremes. 3 pts. Prerequisites: One year each of biology and physics, or permission from the instructor.

This is a combined lecture/seminar course designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. The course will cover a series of cases where biological systems take advantage of physical phenomena in counter intuitive and surprising ways to accomplish their functions. In each of these cases, we will discuss different physical mechanisms at work. We will limit our discussions to simple, qualitative arguments. We will also discuss experimental methods enabling the study of these biological systems. Overall, the course will expose students to a wide range of physical concepts involved in biological processes.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL G4075
BIOL
4075
60851
001
Th 4:10p - 6:00p
214 PUPIN LABORATORIES
O. Sahin 15 / 28 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4077. Survey in Molecular and Cellular Biology: Cellular Stress Responses. 3 pts. Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology and at least one semester of additional biology courses, recommended: BIOL W3041 Cell Biology, BIOL C3512 Molecular Biology

This is an advanced molecular and cellular biology course geared to upper level undergraduates and graduate students. The topic of this year will be cellular stress responses. We will read and analyze a series of reviews on this topic ranging from the stress of DNA damage on cells to metabolic stress to the stress of aging. We will also read key research articles on these topics. The signaling pathways, mechanisms, targets and biological relevance will be reviewed. An emphasis will be made on understanding how important discoveries were made. Students will develop their own review articles on related subjects and present multiple research proposals.

BIOL G4095. Chemical Genomics. 2 pts. Prerequisites: One year of college-level biology and one year of organic chemistry, or the instructor's permission. Advanced undergraduate students are encouraged to enroll, and they will be given extra assistance in preparing the research proposal (no prior experience in writing proposals is needed).

For 2011-2011 See equivalent: CHEM W4312 Chemical Biology. In this course, we will cover subject matter in chemical biology and genomics. We will discuss approaches for discovering and optimizing chemical tools for measuring and perturbing biological systems. Topics covered will include high-throughput assay development, chemical and genomic screening, chemical library creation, high-throughput chemistry, affinity purification of target proteins and target validation, protein microarrays and the druggable genome. The course is intended to provide a foundation needed for advanced chemical biology and genomic research, i.e. the creation and use of chemical and genomic probes of biological processes. The course will be of interest to students at the interface between chemistry and biology, and students interested in medicine, academic chemical biology and drug discovery efforts.

BIOL W4150. The Cell As a Machine: Cell Biophysics and Biosystems Engineering. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014.

Prerequisite: calculus, cell biology or biochemistry, and physics. Cells are complex micron-sized machines that rely upon basic physical aspects of the cell components (diffusion, mechanics, electrostatics, and hydrophobicity) and energy transduction (by motors, transporters, chaperones, and synthesis complexes) to perform basic cell functions. The biophysical principles involved are described.

BIOT W4180. Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology. 3 pts.

The course examines the entrepreneurial process in biotechnology from idea generation through economic viability. Biotechnology companies are unique in that they need a years-to-decades long period of incubation prior to becoming self-sustaining. Students will be introduced to the steps needed to start and nurture a company, and gain an ability to assess the health of potential collaborators, partners or employers. Topics include an overview of the global biotechnology industry, idea generation, business plan formulation, intellectual property protection, funding, personnel management including board composition, regulatory body interaction and company exits. Course website: http://biot4180.weebly.com/

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOT W4180
BIOT
4180
16238
001
Tu 4:10p - 6:00p
417 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BLDG
D. Sable 135 [ More Info ]
Autumn 2013 :: BIOT W4180
BIOT
4180
71052
001
Tu 4:10p - 6:00p
TBA
D. Sable 38 [ More Info ]

BIOT W4200. Biopharmaceutical Development & Regulation. 3 pts.

The program aims to provide current life sciences students with an understanding of what drives the regulatory strategies that surround the development decision making process, and how the regulatory professional may best contribute to the goals of product development and approval. To effect this we will examine operational, strategic and commercial aspects of the regulatory approval process for new drug, biologic and biotechnology products both in the United States and worldwide. The topics are designed to provide a chronological review of the requirements needed to obtain marketing approval. Regulatory strategic, operational, and marketing considerations will be addressed throughout the course. We will examine and analyze the regulatory process as a product candidates are advanced from Research and Development, through pre-clinical and clinical testing, to marketing approval, product launch and the post-marketing phase. The goal of this course is to introduce and familiarize students with the terminology, timelines and actual steps followed by Regulatory Affairs professionals employed in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Worked examples will be explored to illustrate complex topics and illustrate interpretation of regulations.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOT W4200
BIOT
4200
25817
001
Th 4:10p - 6:00p
700 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
R. Guido 14 [ More Info ]

BIOT W4201. Seminar in Biotechnology Development and Regulation. 3 pts. Prerequisites:BIOT W4200

This course will provide a practical definition of the current role of the Regulatory Professional in pharmaceutical development, approval and post-approval actions. This will be illustrated by exploration, and interactive discussion of regulatory history, its evolution, current standards and associated processes. The course will seek to clarify the role of Regulatory in development and lifecycle opportunities, demonstrating the value Regulatory adds by participation on research, development and commercial teams. The course will utilize weekly case studies and guest lecturers to provide color to current topical events related to the areas.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOT W4201
BIOT
4201
76806
001
Th 4:10p - 6:00p
1000 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
R. Guido 27 / 25 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4260. Proteomics Laboratory. 3 pts. Prerequisites: Instructor's permission

Starting with fall 2009, this course will now be offered only in the fall semester.

Open to students in M.A. in Biotechnology Program (points can be counted against laboratory requirement for that program), Ph.D. and advanced undergraduate students with background in genetics or molecular biology. Students should be comfortable with basic biotechnology laboratory techniques as well as being interested in doing computational work in a Windows environment. This course deals with the proteome: the expressed protein complement of a cell, matrix, tissue, organ or organism. The study of the proteome (proteomics) is broadly applicable to life sciences research, and is increasing important in academic, government and industrial research through extension of the impact of advances in genomics. These techniques are being applied to basic research, exploratory studies of cancer and other diseases, drug discovery and many other topics. Techniques of protein extraction, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry will be covered. Emphasis will be on mastery of practical techniques of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and database searching for identification of proteins separated by gel electrophoresis as well as background tutorials and exercises covering other techniques used in descriptive and comparative proteomics. Lab Fee: $150.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL G4260
BIOL
4260
60559
001
Tu 9:10a - 12:15p
1000 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
L. Brown 0 / 8 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4300. Drugs and Disease. 3 pts. Prerequisites: Four semesters of biology with a firm foundation in molecular and cellular biology.

Introduces students to the current understanding of human diseases, novel therapeutic approaches and drug development process. Selected topics will be covered in order to give students a feeling of the field of biotechnology in health science. This course also aims to strengthen students' skills in literature comprehension and critical thinking. Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/w4300/

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4300
BIOL
4300
26016
001
MW 2:40p - 3:55p
TBA
C. Lin 10 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4305. Seminar in Biotechnology. 3 pts. Prerequisites:W4300 or instructor's permission.

A weekly seminar and discussion course focusing on the most recent development in biotechnology. Professionals of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries will be invited to present and lead discussions.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL G4305
BIOL
4305
10462
001
W 4:10p - 6:00p
700 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
C. Lin 42 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4310. Intensive Lab in Biotechnology. 6 pts.

Intense laboratory exercise where students meet 4 days a week for eight weeks in the summer term participating in experimental design, bench work, and data analysis. Grades depend on participation in the laboratory, reports, and practical exams. Class starts immediately following Spring final exams. Open to MA and Postbac Biotechnology students. This course is offered in the summer. Students from other schools or programs may enroll if space is available.

This a Chemistry course offered jointly by Chemistry and Biological Sciences, listed as CHEM W4312.

BIOL W4312y. Chemical Biology. 4 pts. Prerequisites: Elementary organic chemistry CHEM C3443, CHEM C3444. Recommended preparation elementary physical chemistry and biochemistry CHEM C3079 CHEM C3080.

Development and application of chemical methods for understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes. Review of the biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, and structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Application of chemical methods--including structural biology, enzymology, chemical genetics, and the synthesis of modified biological molecules--to the study of cellular processes--including transcription, translation, and signal transduction.

BIOL W4400. Computational Genomics. 4 pts. Prerequisites: Permission needed from instructor

This course will meet as a seminar once weekly and will give a "hands on" introduction to genomics research. I will introduce the computational tools and statistical concepts needed to analyze and interpret next generation sequencing data (primarily RNA-seq). The course will cover machine-learning approaches to model and mine biological data. The course will survey current topics in systems biology including gene expression, transcriptional regulation, epigenomics, ribosome profiling, enhancer localization, and genome conformation. The course will include a reading of primary literature and a genomics research project.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL W4400
BIOL
4400
73460
001
M 3:00p - 5:30p
TBA
D. Pe'er 7 [ More Info ]

For students currently enrolled in MA Biotechnology only.

BIOL G4500. Supervised Research in Biotechnology. 2-6 pts. Point total is based on work-load in lab which is determined by discussion with course instructor prior to registration.

Students conduct research related to biotechnology under the sponsorship of a mentor within the University. The student and the mentor determine the nature and extent of this independent study. In some laboratories, the student may be assigned to work with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student or a senior member of the laboratory, who is in turn supervised by the mentor. The mentor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student's progress and performance. Credits received from this course may be used to fulfill the laboratory requirement for the degree. Instructor permission required. Web site: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/g4500-g4503/index.html

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL G4500
BIOL
4500
25922
001
TBA C. Lin 4 [ More Info ]
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL G4500
BIOL
4500
25565
001
TBA C. Lin 0 [ More Info ]

BIOC W4501. Biochemistry: Structure and Metabolism. 4 pts. Undergraduates should register for Bioc C3501 Prerequisites:BIOL W2001 or C2005 and one year of organic chemistry.

Lecture and recitation. Students wishing to cover the full range of modern biochemistry should take both BIOC C3501 and C3512. C3501 covers subject matters in modern biochemistry, including chemical biology and structural biology, discussing the structure and function of both proteins and small molecules in biological systems. Proteins are the primary class of biological macromolecules and serve to carry out most cellular functions. Small organic molecules function in energy production and creating building blocks for the components of cells and can also be used to perturb the functions of proteins directly. The first half of the course covers protein structure, enzyme kinetics and enzyme mechanism. The second half of the course explores how small molecules are used endogenously by living systems in metabolic and catabolic pathways; this part of the course focuses on mechanistic organic chemistry involved in metabolic pathways.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOC W4501
BIOC
4501
26391
001
TuTh 1:10p - 2:25p
TBA
B. Stockwell
L. Tong
8 [ More Info ]

For students currently enrolled in MA Biotechnology only.

BIOL G4501. Supervised Research in Biotechnology. 2-6 pts. Point total is based on work-load in lab which is determined by discussion with course instructor prior to registration.

Students conduct research related to biotechnology under the sponsorship of a mentor outside the University. The student and the mentor determine the nature and extent of this independent study. In some laboratories, the student may be assigned to work with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student or a senior member of the laboratory, who is in turn supervised by the mentor. The mentor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student's progress and performance. Credits received from this course may be used to fulfill the laboratory requirement for the degree. Instructor permission required. Web site: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/g4500-g4503/index.html

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL G4501
BIOL
4501
76392
001
TBA C. Lin 1 [ More Info ]
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL G4501
BIOL
4501
61006
001
TBA C. Lin 0 [ More Info ]

For students currently enrolled in MA Biotechnology only.

BIOL S4502. Supervised Research in Biotechnology. 2-6 pts. Point total is based on work-load in lab which is determined by discussion with course instructor prior to registration.

Students conduct research related to biotechnology under the sponsorship of a mentor within the University in the summer term. The student and the mentor determine the nature and extent of this independent study. In some laboratories, the student may be assigned to work with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student or a senior member of the laboratory, who is in turn supervised by the mentor. The mentor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student's progress and performance. Credits received from this course may be used to fulfill the laboratory requirement for the degree. Instructor permission required. Web site: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/g4500-g4503/index.html

For students currently enrolled in MA Biotechnology only.

BIOL S4503. Supervised Research In Biotechnology. 2-6 pts. Point total is based on work-load in lab which is determined by discussion with course instructor prior to registration.

Students conduct research related to biotechnology under the sponsorship of a mentor outside the University in the summer term. The student and the mentor determine the nature and extent of this independent study. In some laboratories, the student may be assigned to work with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student or a senior member of the laboratory, who is in turn supervised by the mentor. The mentor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student's progress and performance. Credits received from this course may be used to fulfill the laboratory requirement for the degree. Instructor permission required. Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/courses/g4500-g4503/index.html

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Summer 2013 :: BIOL S4503
BIOL
4503
15946
001
TBA C. Lin 4 [ More Info ]

BIOL W4510y. Molecular Systems Biology. 4 pts. Prerequisites: One year of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Courses taken at CU are recommended, but AP courses may be sufficient with permission from the instructors.

This course will provide students with a quantitative understanding of the ways in which molecular interactions between nucleotides and proteins give rise to the behavior of gene regulatory networks. The key high-throughput genomics technologies for probing the cell at different levels using microarrays and next-generation sequencing will be discussed. Strategies for interpreting and integrating these data using statistics, biophysics and genetics will be introduced. In computer exercises, student will learn the basics of the R language, and use it to perform analyses of genomics data sets. No prior computer programming experience is assumed. This highly interdisciplinary course is intended for advanced undergraduates as well as beginning graduate students in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science. (Offered in previous years as CHBC W4510)

BIOC W4512. Molecular Biology. 3 pts. Prerequisites: One year of biology. Recommended but not required: BIOC C3501.

This is a lecture course designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The focus is on understanding at the molecular level how genetic information is stored within the cell and how it is regulated. Topics covered include genome organization, DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing and translation. This course will also emphasize the critical analysis of the scientific literature and help students understand how to identify important biological problems and how to address them experimentally.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOC W4512
BIOC
4512
12898
001
MW 2:40p - 3:55p
209 HAVEMEYER HALL
R. Prywes
S. Jia
4 / 20 [ More Info ]

BIOL G4700. Seminar in Stem Cell Biology. 3 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014.

Alternating weeks of high-level research seminars from guest speakers and class discussions will cover selected topics at the forefront of stem cell biology research in a course designed for PhD and advanced Masters' students. Grading based on class participation, written assignments every other week and a term paper with an original synthesis of ideas or a research proposal.

BIOL W4799. Readings In the Molecular Biology of Cancer. 3 pts.

Tracing the discovery of the role of DNA tumor viruses in cancerous transformation. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors are analyzed with respect to their function in normal cell cycle, growth control and human cancers.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL W4799
BIOL
4799
77688
001
TuTh 11:40a - 12:55p
516 HAMILTON HALL
L. Yamasaki 15 [ More Info ]

BIOL G6001 (Section 1). Graduate Core, I: Genetics. 4.5 pts.

This course provides an introduction to classical and molecular genetics to first year graduate students. Topics include transmission genetics, gain and loss of function mutations, genetic redundancy, suppressors, enhancers, epistasis, expression patterns, using transposons, and introduction to genome analysis. As part of the Core Program in the Department of Biological Sciences the course is a mixture of lectures, student presentations, and readings from the original literature. Ph.D. students from other departments can take this course with the permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.

BIOL G6001 (Section 2). Graduate Core, I: Statistical Methods & Genomics. 2 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014.

Statistical Methods & Genomics This course provides an introduction to genomics and bioinformatics to first year graduate students. Topics include sequence alignment, DNA microarrays, massively parallel sequencing, gene set based analysis, and transcriptional network modeling. Students will also be introduced to selected topics in statistics and PERL computer programming. As part of the Core Program in the Department of Biological Sciences the course is a mixture of lectures, readings from the original literature, and hands-on computer tutorials. Ph.D. students from other departments can take this course with the permission of the instructor. Enrollment is limited to 20 students.

BIOL G6002 (Section 1). Grad Core II: Eukaryotic Gene Expression.

BIOL G6002x (Section 2). Grad Core II: Protein Thermodynamics. 2 pts.

This course presents a rigorous introduction to solution thermodynamics and applies it to understanding the structural and functional features of proteins. After exploring the conceptual origins of thermodynamic theory, the standard equations describing solution equilibria are derived and applied to analyzing biochemical reactions, with a focus on those involved in protein folding and allosteric communication. The semester culminates with exploration of the energetic factors controlling the formation of protein secondary structures and the role of entropy-enthalpy compensation in determining the complex temperature-dependent thermodynamic properties of aqueous solutions. The course emphasizes both qualitative understanding of the thermodynamic forces controlling the evolution and function of living organisms as well as practical application of thermodynamic methods and structural insight in laboratory research. Tutorials cover the use of curve-fitting techniques to analyze biochemical equilibria as well as the use of molecular visualization software to understand protein structure and function. Open to PhD candidates in the biomedical and chemical sciences and to other qualified graduate, undergraduate, and continuing education students with permission of the instructor. Course start date: Monday October 26, 2011. This is a half semester, 2 point course.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL G6002
BIOL
6002
10350
002
TBA J. Hunt 0 / 30 [ More Info ]

BIOL G6003 (Section 1). Graduate Core, III: Cell Biology. 2 pts.

BIOL G6003 (Section 2). Graduate Core, III: Structural Biology. 2 pts. Not offered in 2013-2014.

BIOL G6300. Writing for the Biological Sciences.

This is a required science writing course for the PhD in Biological Sciences, open only to second year PhD. candidates in Biological Sciences. In this course, we will read examples of science writing from the recent literature, consider the strategies used by successful writers, and workshop student writing. The course will emphasize techniques for achieving clarity of thought and clear prose style while communicating science to other scientists. Students will write three short papers and two longer papers culminating in a Proposed Research Plan.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL G6300
BIOL
6300
72644
001
Tu 6:10p - 7:25p
800 FAIRCHILD LIFE SCIENCES BLDG
M. Crist 16 / 16 [ More Info ]

BIOL G9301. Preresearch Seminars. 3 pts.

Required for all first-year PhD graduate students in the Biological Sciences program. The research of members of the faculty is presented.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL G9301
BIOL
9301
66595
001
TuTh 6:10p - 7:25p
TBA
R. Prywes 0 [ More Info ]

BIOL G9500. Supervised Individual Research. 1-12 pts.

Students in the Biological Science PhD program only.

Course
Number
Call Number/
Section
Days & Times/
Location
Instructor Enrollment
Spring 2013 :: BIOL G9500
BIOL
9500
14252
001
TBA R. Prywes 91 [ More Info ]
Autumn 2013 :: BIOL G9500
BIOL
9500
61598
001
TBA R. Prywes 4 [ More Info ]

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