Biology

• CAS BI 552: Molecular Biology 1
  Synthesis, structure, function, regulation of macromolecules (DNA, RNA, protein). Prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology. Topics include: replication, repair, recombination, transcription, translation, 5-methylcytosine, transcription factors, DNA looping (enhancer- promoter, insulator, etc.), histone modification/chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNA. Discussion of genetic and recombinant DNA techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9.
• CAS BI 553: Molecular Biology 2
  This course focuses on eukaryotic gene regulation. Course topics include genome organization and DNA rearrangement, RNA interference and noncoding RNAs, gene editing, mouse transgenic approaches, signal transduction pathways, chromatin structure, and cell cycle. Research articles will be discussed.
• CAS BI 560: Systems Biology
  Examines critical components of systems biology, including design principles of biological systems (e.g., feedback, synergy, cooperativity), and the generation and analysis of large-scale datasets (e.g., protein- protein interaction, mRNA expression).
• CAS BI 565: Functional Genomics
  This paper- and problem-based course focuses on functional genomics topics such as genetic variation, genome organization, and mechanisms of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Up-to-date methods include NGS, genome editing, ChIP-seq, chromatin accessibility assays, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Writing-Intensive Course, Critical Thinking.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing-Intensive Course
• CAS BI 569: Tropical Marine Invertebrates
  Explores the diversity of marine invertebrates, including body plans, feeding biology, reproductive strategies, and developmental programs. Field biodiversity surveys and behavioral studies in shallow water tropical marine environments, especially seagrass beds and mangrove. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Creativity/Innovation.
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  • Scientific Inquiry II
  • Creativity/Innovation
• CAS BI 572: Advanced Genetics
  An in-depth study of eukaryotic genetics, ranging from the history and basic principles to current topics and modern experimental approaches. Genetics of Drosophila, C. elegans, mice, and humans are explored in detail, including readings from primary literature. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion.
• CAS BI 576: Carcinogenesis
  Covers multiple aspects of cancer biology with a focus on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, and the implications for therapy. Topics include oncogenes, tumor suppressors, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, mouse models, and chemotherapy. Emphasis on current research. Students may not receive credit for more than one of the following courses: CAS BI 327, CAS BI 576, and GMS BT 520.
• CAS BI 577: Quantitative Approaches in Molecular Biology
  Introduces biology graduate students and upper division undergraduate students to concepts and bioinformatics tools necessary for quantitative analysis of biological problems. Students learn the programming language Python, analyze next generation sequencing and transcriptomic data.
• CAS BI 578: Marine Geographic Information Science
  Introduction to marine geographic information systems and spatial analysis for conservation, management, and marine landscape ecology. Comparative examples from Gulf of Maine and tropics. Solve problems in coastal zoning and marine park design, whale and coral reef conservation. Also offered as CAS EE 578. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Research and Information Literacy
• CAS BI 579: Progress in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution, and Marine Biology 1
  Facilitates presentation and discussion of research ideas, preliminary data, and research progress by all graduate students in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EBE-MB). All EBE-MB graduate students are encouraged to participate every semester, but receive two credits toward the degree only once, for CAS BI 579 or for CAS BI 580.
• CAS BI 580: Progress in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution, and Marine Biology 2
  Facilitates presentation and discussion of research ideas, preliminary data, and research progress by all graduate students in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EBE-MB). All EBE-MB graduate students are encouraged to participate every semester, but receive two credits toward the degree only once, for CAS BI 579 or for CAS BI 580.
• CAS BI 581: Seminar in Biology
  Informal discussion and student reports on subjects of current interest based on an intensive study of the literature. Topics and prerequisites vary. Not for Biology major or minor credit unless two sections of BI 581/582 are taken. Two topics are offered Fall 2020. Section B1: Grant Writing. Seminar course in preparing a research grant proposal. Section H1: Neurobiology of Brain Disorders. Review recent topics and readings in the field of neurodegeneration.
• CAS BI 582: Seminar in Biology
  Informal discussion and student reports on subjects of current interest based on an intensive study of the literature. Topics and prerequisites vary. Not for Biology major or minor credit unless two sections of BI 581/582 are taken. Two topics are offered Spring 2020. Section B1: Community Ecology (Pre-reqs: BI 107 and senior or graduate standing; or consent of instructor. Some background in ecology and/or evolution recommended.) Seminar course designed to discuss patterns and mechanisms of community assembly, including models of species interaction and causes and consequences of diversity. Section B2: Introduction to Mentoring (Pre-req: SED SC 521) This course helps experienced Learning Assistants (LAs) learn, understand, and practice mentoring strategies with first-semester LAs.
• CAS BI 583: Seminar: Progress in Cell and Molecular Biology
  Facilitates presentation and discussion of research ideas, preliminary data, and research progress by all graduate students in Cell & Molecular Biology (CM). All CM graduate students are encouraged to participate every semester, but receive two credits toward the degree only once, for CAS BI 583 or for CAS BI 584.
• CAS BI 584: Seminar: Progress in Cell and Molecular Biology
  Facilitates presentation and discussion of research ideas, preliminary data, and research progress by all graduate students in Cell & Molecular Biology (CM). All CM graduate students are encouraged to participate every semester, but receive two credits toward the degree only once, for CAS BI 583 or for CAS BI 584.
• CAS BI 591: Bio-Optical Oceanography
  This field- and lab-based course explores how the optically active constituents in seawater affect the in-water light field, and in turn, how field optics and remote sensing can facilitate the study of marine biogeochemistry, biological oceanography and water quality. Also offered as CAS ES 591. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Teamwork/Collaboration.
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  • Teamwork/Collaboration
• CAS BI 593: Marine Physiology and Climate Change
  Explores the range of physiological responses marine organisms exhibit in response to climate change. Investigates phenotypic plasticity exhibited across different organisms and how this plasticity can influence an organism's resilience to its changing environment. Also offered as CAS ES 593. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy.
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  • Oral and/or Signed Communication
  • Research and Information Literacy
• CAS BI 594: Topics in Biology 5
  Examines contemporary topics in the biological sciences. This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different. Pre-requisites vary with topic. Topics for Fall 2020: Section B1: Drug Discovery in the Neurosciences. Pre-reqs: CAS BI 108 and CH 102 (and CAS PS/NE 333 strongly recommended) or permission of instructor. Examines historical context through which nervous systems drugs were discovered and addresses specific challenges of modern drug discovery in the neurosciences. Section T1: Neural Impacts on Tumorigenesis. Pre-reqs: CAS BI 108 and BI 203. Looks at the symbiotic interaction between the peripheral nervous system and tumors using reciprocal cross-talk, exploring if this nervous system/cancer interface might be a mediator for the effects of stress-induced cancer.
• CAS BI 595: Master's Research in Biology
  Biology laboratory research conducted under supervision of a faculty member. Externships are acceptable with prior approval. Minimum of 7.5 or 15 hours per week in the lab, culminating in submission of a written progress report.
• CAS BI 598: Neural Circuits
  Reviews modern techniques and toolsets that are capable of dissecting neural circuits, which are critical for understanding how coordinated patterns of neural activity lead to complex behavior. Recent literature on information processing, guided behavior and cognition is discussed. Also offered as CAS NE 598.

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