Courses

• GMS BT 336: Bioinformatics
  Prerequisites: Familiarity with computers and a basic knowledge of molecular biology. This course explores the use of bioinformatics concepts and tools to interpret the rapidly expanding body of public biological data. We will review the major scientific databases necessary to keep up in today's research environment, and will discuss current trends in high-throughput technologies. Bioinformatics problems such as sequence analysis, prediction of protein structure/function, gene expression analysis and clustering will be learned through the use of publicly available tools.
• GMS BT 342: Cell Biology
  This course will introduce students to eukaryotic cell structure and function. Topics include membrane structure, intracellular organelles, control of gene expression, cell motility and transport, cell communication and signaling, cell cycle and apoptosis, and differentiation. Students will explore the field of cell biology through readings and presentations.
• GMS BT 360: Auditing in Clinical Research
  Clinical research auditing ensures that the rights, safety, and well being of the study subject have been protected and the clinical study data are credible. Auditing clinical trial activities provides the strict oversight of performance with the ultimate goal of having a successful submission and identifying opportunities for improvement. In this practical course, students will learn how to prepare and conduct audits, write audit observations, create an audit report and review audit report responses. In addition, students will learn how to manage audits by an outside agency. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and regulatory requirements will be reviewed along with exploring the concept of a quality system and the writing of audit program Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Developing an audit plan will be an emphasis. Group discussions and role- playing will be used to develop practical audit techniques. This class should prepare a student for an introductory auditing position within clinical research.
• GMS BT 404: Medical Virology
  Focuses on techniques used to isolate and identify viral pathogens associated with human disease. Through a series of lectures, the student takes a functional approach to this subject. Covers the biology, the immune response to viral infections, the genetics of viral replication, and viral pathogenesis. Offered every other year.
• GMS BT 405: Biochemistry
  Biochemistry is the perfect melding of basic biology and chemistry. This course focuses on the study of life at the molecular level. We will first look at the structure and function of biomolecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Secondly, we will analyze how biological information is stored and transferred in the cell. We will then learn about bioenergetics and the importance of energy flow in living cells and organisms.
• GMS BT 406: Cytogenetics
  Advanced course designed for those considering a clinical or research career in human genetics. Emphasis is on clinical cytogenetics (chromosome testing). Course will cover types of chromosome abnormalities, methodology, nomenclature and clinical significance in pregnancy, birth defects, and cancer. Laboratory work will include basic blood culture, chromosome preparation, banding, identification and karyotyping. Course will provide updated review of latest cytogenetic methodology and applications, such as FISH, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and array CGH lab.
• GMS BT 407: Molecular Genetics
  Advanced course designed for those considering a clinical or research career in human genetics. Emphasis is on clinical molecular genetics (DNA testing). Course covers types of genetic abnormalities, methodology, nomenclature and clinical significance in pregnancy, birth defects, and cancer. Laboratory work includes basic blood extraction, DNA preparation, gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, sequencing, identification and karyotyping. Course provides updated review of latest molecular genetic methodology and applications, such as copy number analysis, chip based sequencing and next generation sequencing.
• GMS BT 408: Immunology
  This course emphasizes the molecular and cellular interactions involved in immune response. Topics covered include antibody structure and function; applications of monoclonal antibodies in biotechnology and medicine; gene rearrangements in B and T cells; cellular cooperation and the role of MHC; tolerance; and immunopathology (hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation, AIDS, cancer immunity and immunotherapy). Lab techniques covered include Flow Cytometry (FACs), ELISA, cell sorting, cell proliferation, cell death, and migration assays. Offered every other year.
• GMS BT 411: Techniques in Protein Purification and Analysis Lecture
  Familiarizes students with the theory and application of many biochemical techniques involved in protein purification and characterization, such as chromatography (HPLC, ion exchange, gel permeation, hydrophobic affinity), electrophoresis (followed by blotting techniques), and amino acid analysis. Students learn to think critically about methodology, design a purification scheme, scale it up, and troubleshoot an existing plan. Special problems with recombinant proteins are also covered.
• GMS BT 413: Techniques in Molecular Biology
  Students learn the fundamentals of isolation, in vitro translation, DNA and genomic cloning, and the characterization and utilization of DNA clones. Students learn to think critically about research methodology and selection of appropriate techniques to achieve objectives. Introduces basic molecular biology techniques and interpretation of results. Topics include DNA restriction analysis, gel electrophoresis, isolation of DNA from E. coli, construction of recombinant DNA, molecular, and Southern blot analysis. Introduces basic molecular biology techniques and interpretation of results. Topics include DNA restriction analysis, gel electrophoresis, isolation of DNA from E. coli, construction of recombinant DNA, molecular, and Southern blot analysis.
• GMS BT 426: Medical Microbiology
  Provides the student with an understanding of clinically important microorganisms. Students become familiar with the classification, pathogenicity, identification, and prevention and treatment of diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites as well as the workings of a modern clinical microbiology laboratory. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 436: Human Genetics
  This course focuses on mammalian genetics and DNA structure and analysis. It is intended for students interested in pursuing a career in laboratory research in an academic or industrial setting. Topics include the molecular basis of human genetic disease, DNA structure and analysis, utilization of human genome project data, and use of Internet-based bioinformatics tools. The class includes lectures, research laboratory tours, and student presentations.
• GMS BT 440: Genetics, Ethics, and the Law
  This online class will explore the newest information in human genetics and its legal and bioethical implications. Human genetics is the most explosive field in medicine today and its present and future involve legal and ethical decisions only imagined today. The decisions that come from the issues will be presented to professionals and lay people alike. Using audio-visuals, actual cases, discussion and lecture, this class examines cases that come straight from the headlines. Topics covered include: new reproductive techniques, genetic diseases, prenatal testing and genetic testing, DNA fingerprinting, cloning, and DNA technology. Online only.
• GMS BT 442: Issues in Assisted Reproduction
  This on-line course explores the new world of assisted reproduction. Students will examine cases for their ethical and legal implications. Web sites and readings will be provided so students can synthesize information into thoughtful analyses. Topics will include in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, frozen embryos, and gene manipulation. The entire process is taught on-line. Assignments, including case analyses, quizzes and papers, will turned in over the Internet. Online course only.
• GMS BT 443: Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture
  This course evaluates how cutting-edge technologies in molecular biology contribute to unraveling gene function and biological processes. Students read, discuss and present original research papers about transcriptional regulation, intracellular signaling pathways, cell cycling, apoptosis, cancer, and DNA repair. Technologies discussed include microarrays, RNA silencing, inducible gene expression systems, reporter gene assays, mutagenesis, use of green fluorescent protein for life cell imaging, the creation of transgenic and knockout animals, the Cre/Lox system, and the use of biological databases. Great opportunity to develop and improve your PowerPoint presentation skills.
• GMS BT 450: Forensic Toxicology
  Explores the role of toxicology in society both as a safeguard to prevent injury from environmental chemicals and a tool in the investigations of suspicious deaths. Case studies, guest speakers, and group discussions will accompany lectures and demonstrations as students also explore the role of legal and medical communities as well as governmental agencies in dealing with issues.
• GMS BT 454: Cell Culture Techniques
  This course gives students a foundation in basic cell culture techniques used in modern cell culture labs. The topics covered will include aseptic technique, freezing and thawing of cell stocks, passage and maintenance of cells, and culture of adherent and suspension cells. Emphasis will be on practical hands-on experience and much of the class time will be devoted to laboratory work. A short lecture introduces relevant information and techniques to be performed in the laboratory. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to function in a cell culture laboratory at the level of a novice technician and be able to understand and follow basic cell culture protocols.
• GMS BT 456: Endocrinology
  Prereq: Anatomy & Physiology I & II. This course is designed to present an in-depth study of the endocrine system, encompassing the mechanisms of hormone action, the endocrine methodologies, the pathophysiology and diseases of the glands. Topics will cover the pituitary, the endocrine hypothalamus, the neurohypophyseal hormones, calcium metabolism, the gastrointestinal hormones, the pancreatic hormones and metabolic regulation, growth hormones, thyroid hormones, catecholamines and the sympathetic adrenal system, adrenal cortical steroid hormones, and hormones of male and female reproduction. Laboratory exercises and clinical correlations will be incorporated into the course.
• GMS BT 460: Drug Discovery and Development
  Prereq: Chem II and Molecular Biology. This course explores the drug discovery and development process, from which disease pathway to pursue to the evaluation of potential drugs. Methodologies used to identify and validate drug targets will be described with emphasis on biotechnology-based assays and techniques. These include DNA/RNA- and protein based therapeutics, gene therapy and stem cell based therapy. Other topics covered are ?lead optimization? and selection of drug candidates for pre-clinical testing. A hands-on laboratory component will give students practical skills while reinforcing knowledge gained during lectures.
• GMS BT 462: Translational Research in Drug Development
  Prereq: Chem II and Molecular Biology. This course will examine how drugs developed at the laboratory bench become a focus of clinical trials and subsequently make it to the market. Topics will include review of molecular and pathophysiological aspects of several diseases and explore the basis for drug design, pre-clinical and clinical testing. Additional topics will include current technologies, clinical evaluation, regulatory approval of biological drugs, and frontiers in translational research. Lectures will be combined with discussions and paper presentations on relevant topics.

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