Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• GMS BT 342: Cell Biology
  Prereq: GMS BT110, GMS BT208, and GMS BT301. This course introduces students to eukaryotic cell structure and function, and covers various cellular components -- including the plasma membrane, mitochondria and the cytoskeleton -- and examine their roles in the cell. Additionally, students explore essential cellular processes including cell communication and the cell cycle. The course also highlights the unique features of some specialized cell types such as germ and stem cells.
• 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 learn how to prepare and conduct audits, write audit observations, create an audit report and review audit report responses. In addition, students learn how to manage audits by an outside agency. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and regulatory requirements are reviewed along with exploring the concept of a quality system and the writing of audit program Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Developing an audit plan is emphasized. Group discussions and role- playing are used to develop practical audit techniques. This class prepares a student for an introductory auditing position within clinical research.
• GMS BT 404: Medical Virology
  Prereq: one semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry, and BT 110 (Intro Biomed Lab Sci). Focuses on techniques used to isolate and identify viral pathogens associated with human disease. 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
  Prereq: Satisfactory completion of 1 semester of college biology with lab, 2 semesters of college chemistry with lab, and GMS BT342. This course introduces students to the fundamental biochemical principles that underlie cell function. Topics include the structure and function of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, as well as the metabolic pathways involved in their synthesis and degradation. Emphasis is given to metabolic regulation and mechanisms of enzyme action.
• GMS BT 406: Cytogenetics
  Prereq: one semester of biology, intro biomed lab, and molecular biology or genetics, or consent of program director. Advanced course designed for those considering a clinical or research career in human genetics with an emphasis on clinical cytogenetics (chromosome testing). The course covers types of chromosome abnormalities, methodology, nomenclature and clinical significance in pregnancy, birth defects, and cancer. Laboratory work includes basic blood culture, chromosome preparation, banding, identification and karyotyping. The course also provides an updated review of latest cytogenetic methodology and applications, such as FISH, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and array CGH lab. Also offered at graduate level. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 407: Molecular Genetics
  Prereq: BT 110 (Intro Biomed Lab Sci), BT 413 (Mol Bio), BT 436 (Genetics) or consent of program director. Advanced course designed for those considering a clinical or research career in human genetics. Emphasis is on clinical molecular genetics (DNA testing). The 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, and identification. The course also provides an updated review of latest molecular genetic methodology and applications, such as copy number analysis, chip based sequencing and next generation sequencing. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 408: Immunology
  Prereq: BT 342 (Cell Bio) and BT 413 (Mol Bio) or consent of program director. Cell culture techniques and knowledge of genetics is recommended. This course emphasizes the molecular and cellular interactions involved in immune response. Topics covered include innate immunity, antibody structure and function; applications of monoclonal antibodies in biotechnology and medicine; gene rearrangements in Band T cells; cellular cooperation and the role of MHC; tolerance; and immunopathology (hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation, AIDS, cancer immunity and immunotherapy). Lab techniques include Flow Cytometry (FACs), ELISA, cell proliferation and death, and assays of immune function.
• GMS BT 411: Protein Purification and Analysis
  Prereq: BT 110 (Intro Biomed Lab Sci) and BT 208 (Ess. Math for Biotech). Biochemistry and elementary physics are recommended. Familiarizes students with the theory and application of many biochemical techniques involved in protein purification and characterization, such as chromatography (ion exchange, gel permeation, hydrophobic affinity), electrophoresis and blotting techniques. 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. The laboratory component includes a wide variety of conventional methods for protein isolation, purification, and characterization. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 412: Techniques in Protein Purification and Analysis Laboratory
  This laboratory course is now incorporated into BT 411 (Protein Purific.)
• GMS BT 413: Techniques in Molecular Biology
  Prereq: one semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry and BT 110 (Intro Biomed Lab Sci). The course is comprised of a lecture part focusing on the structure, function, and analysis of DNA and RNA and a laboratory component in which students isolate, analyze, and manipulate DNA and RNA in the test tube. Experiments include the isolation of genomic DNA and RNA, followed by their analysis through gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, PCR, and blotting techniques. Students are introduced to recombinant DNA technology through bacterial transformation, plasmid preps, mapping of plasmids by restriction digests, and purification of recombinant protein from bacteria by column chromatography. The course also includes a bioinformatics component in which students use a web platform to access various genetic databases, retrieve genetic sequence information and analyze the sequences using free software for translation and restriction enzyme mapping. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 422: Biomedical Instrumentation and Imaging
  Prereqs: GMS BT110 Intro to Biomed Lab Sciences, GMS BT405 Biochemistry, GMS BT342 Cell Biology (or equivalent courses) and knowledge of molecular biology. This course examines the scientific principles and proper uses of optical instruments commonly found in modern biomedical laboratories. Students will learn hands-on fundamentals of assay development, using instruments such as luminometers, spectrophotometers, fluorometers, fluorescence microscopes, plate readers, bioimagers, and real-time PCR thermocyclers. Principles of sound experimental design, including the use of appropriate controls and consideration of instrument sensitivity, will be addressed using the students' own experiments as well as examples from the scientific literature. Students will process their data, including microscope images using computer freeware. At the end of the course students will present, interpret, and critically discuss their results with faculty and researchers during a poster session. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 426: Medical Microbiology
  Prereq: one semester of biology and two semesters of chemistry. 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 432: Basic Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease
  Prereq: BT 104 and BT 342. This course is designed to familiarize students with the cellular and molecular basis of many different types of diseases, including infectious diseases and genetic disorders. Students begin to make connections between previous coursework, such as cell biology and anatomy. Students also learn new concepts, histology, and experimental design, as they pertain to the study of human disease. The goal of the course is to give student a knowledge base that can prepare them for thinking critically about pathology should they decide to work in a laboratory researching disease or to pursue further education in a disease-related field.
• GMS BT 436: Human Genetics
  Prereq: one semester of biology and two semesters of chemistry, BT 342 (Cell Bio) or BT 413 (Mol Bio). This course focuses on human genetics with a strong emphasis on the relationship between DNA structure, disease manifestation, and inheritance. The course reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying the flow of information within a cell from DNA to protein, population genetics, genetics of immunity and cancer, reproductive technologies, epigenetics, genomics and cancer stem cells. The class includes lectures and student presentations.
• GMS BT 440: Genetics, Ethics, and the Law
  This online class explores the newest information and legal and bioethical implications in human genetics, using audio-visuals, actual cases, discussions and lecture. Topics include: new reproductive techniques, genetic diseases, prenatal testing and genetic testing, DNA fingerprinting, cloning, and DNA technology. Online only; technology fee applies.
• GMS BT 442: Issues in Assisted Reproduction
  This course addresses the legal, ethical and scientific aspects of Assisted Reproduction (also called ART-Assisted Reproductive Techniques). The science of treating infertility has expanded amazingly in the last 15 years, from the use of sperm donors to selling eggs on the internet. Assisted Reproductive techniques are constantly changing and have given rise to many legal cases and ethical questions, which this course will. This course closely examines these legal and ethical questions. Online only; technology fee applies.
• GMS BT 443: Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture
  Prereq: GMS BT 413 (Mol Bio) or consent of program director. 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 444: The Business of Biotechnology
  This course provides students with knowledge pertaining to the scientific, political, legal, and ethical issues that drive the advancement and innovation in biotechnology. Students learn how the various drivers of medical biotechnology interact with one another and shape the business and finance of this industry and impact its growth. Students explore intellectual property, R&D, marketing and other issues including what shapes the public view of biotechnology. In addition, students develop their creative thinking and analytical skills and explore their ideas of new vision of biotechnology through discussions, readings, and presentations.
• GMS BT 450: Forensic Toxicology
  Prereq: one semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry, and BT 405 (Biochemistry). This course explores the role of toxicology as a safeguard to prevent injury from environmental chemicals and as a tool in the investigations of suspicious deaths. Case studies, videos showing how forensic evidence is used in court and group discussions will accompany lectures and demonstrations. 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
  Prereq: one semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry, BT 110 (Intro Biomed Lab Sci), BT 208 (Essential Math for Biotech) & BT 342 (Cell Bio). This course gives students a foundation in cell culture techniques used in modern cell culture labs. Topics include aseptic technique, freezing and thawing of cell stocks, passage and maintenance of cells, and culture of adherent and suspension cells. Emphasis is on practical hands-on experience. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to understand and follow basic cell culture protocols. Laboratory course.

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