Biomedical Sciences Courses

Bms 500A Molecular Cell Biology A (2)

This course provides fundamental knowledge of cellular function at the molecular level. Topics covered: overview of genetics, genes and genomes, mechanisms of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; protein structure and function; nucleic acid structure and interactions with proteins. Prerequisites: Permission from Instructor.

Bms 500B Molecular Cell Biology B (2)

This course provides fundamental knowledge of cellular function at the molecular level. Topics covered: mechanisms of RNA transcription and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; structural and biochemical principles of "molecular machines", multi-subunit macromolecular complexes that use energy to perform their biological functions. Prerequisites: Permission from Instructor.

Bms 500C Molecular Cell Biology C (2)

This course provides fundamental knowledge of cellular function at the molecular level. Topics covered: gene silencing; RNA processing and function; protein translation; intracellular protein trafficking and proteolysis; membrane proteins. Prerequisites: Permission from Instructor.

Bms 502 Macromolecular Structure and Function (4)

The properties of macromolecules are examined, with an emphasis on how the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules determines their biological function, and how changes in structure (mutations & modifications) can cause changes in function.  Protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, and protein-membrane interactions will be studied in depth.  Prerequisite: Undergraduate-level biochemistry course suggested.

Bms 505 Biological Basis of Public Health (3)

Introduction to field of biomedical sciences and public health, including infectious and transmissible vectors, genetic disease and chronic disorders. Explanation of laboratory based procedures for detection, monitoring, and treating such diseases. Concepts of basic, relevant laboratory methods and data interpretation introduced. Discussion of impacts of nanotechnology on biomedical sciences, medicine and public health. Prerequisite: College level biology or biochemistry or genetics or molecular biology or permission of instructor.

Bms 506 Introduction to Immunology (2)

Introduction to basic immunology with emphasis on the comprehensive aspects of humoral (antibody mediated) and cell-mediated immunity. A historical experiment approach will be provided to bring to the student presently accepted/believed concepts. Each two-hour session will be one hour of basic lecture followed by one-hour discussion of the assigned reading. Class will meet once per week to allow sufficient time to complete the reading assignment for each session. Prerequisite: Cell Biology or permission of course director.

Bms 514 (Amc 504) Cellular and Molecular Immunology (3)

Intermediate level immunology course covering the cellular and molecular basis of innate and adaptive immunity.  Prerequisite: Bms 506 or Permission of instructor.

Bms 526 Scientific Communication (1)

This course introduces students to effective scientific communication skills, including giving talks, presenting posters, and writing papers. This is achieved through in-class discussions, critiques of scientific papers, and student presentations and writings. Additional emphasis is placed on specialized activities performed by public health laboratorians, including communicating with non-scientific audiences.

Bms 531 Fundamentals of Biomedical Science Research (3)

This course is designed to introduce graduate students to a wide variety of experimental approaches that are used to answer fundamental biomedical science research questions. The course is composed of individual modules that will emphasize how approaches from different disciplines contribute to cutting-edge research. Prerequisites: Bms 500 A, B, C (Molecular Cell Biology), or permission of instructor.

Bms 552 Bioecology of Vector-borne Diseases (3)

This course will focus on the ecology and biology of insect and tick vectors of pathogens causing both tropical and temperate diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, African sleeping sickness, Chagas' disease, yellow fever, chikungunya and West Nile virus.  We may also introduce forensic entomology, depending on class size.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Bms 553 Virology (4)

A general virology survey covering all aspects of structure, replication, and pathogenesis of viruses important in public health. Prerequisites: Cell Biology and Biochemistry.

Bms 555 Biodefense Sciences (1)

Students will be given a working knowledge of the morphology, pathology, treatment, and prevention of potential biological threat agents as well as an understanding of procedures and methods to safely and securely work with these agents in the laboratory. Overviews and appropriate use of diagnostic methods will be presented. Prerequisite: Undergraduate biology and chemistry.

Bms 556 Biodefense Laboratory Sciences (1)

This course will provide an introduction to the procedures and methods to safely and securely work with these agents in the laboratory. Overviews and use of diagnostic methods will be presented including culture, immunoassay and nucleic acid amplification. The laboratories are designed to give students an understanding of the testing flow used for biothreat analysis and emerging infectious disease as well as some of the specialized techniques and technology that the Wadsworth Center has used in real-world testing of these types of samples. The students will take analysis from the beginning stages of specimen/sample arrival through rapid and confirmatory testing that will be taught throughout the laboratories. Prerequisite: Undergraduate biology and chemistry.

Bms 557 Biomedical Sciences: Emerging Infectious Diseases (1)

Students will gain fundamental knowledge of emerging infectious pathogens, ranging from epidemiology, molecular biology, pathogenesis, transmission, and interventions. The emphasis of the course will be on the impact of these pathogens on public health, and their interventions and preventions. Prerequisites: Undergraduate microbiology or permission of instructor.

Bms 590 Laboratory Rotations in Biomedical Sciences (3)

Introduction to different aspects of biomedical research ongoing in the department; introducing students to various faculty members and a variety of experimental methodologies and research approaches. Prerequisite: Permission of course director.

Bms 601 Biomedical Science Horizons (3)

This course will discuss important concepts for students considering a future career in biomedical sciences and public health.  Students will gain an understanding of cutting edge technologies in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, and cell biology and their role in future improvements in public health.  Students will also become familiar with the all important first step in future biomedical public health studies: scientific proposal writing and review.

Bms 604 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3)

This course introduces the student to the cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems, both neurons and glia. It covers both electrical and chemical aspects in signalling in the nervous system. Some model neurotransmitter systems are examined in detail. Integrative material on learning and memory in simple systems is presented.

Bms 610 Microbial Pathogenesis (3)

This course will provide students with a background in the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. Students will learn basic principles of host- parasite interactions and how human behavior has influenced both the resurgence of old diseases and the emergence of new ones. Paradigms of host-parasite interactions will be illustrated by studying, at the molecular and cellular levels, specific infectious diseases and the agents that cause them. Prerequisites: Bms 500 A, B, C (Molecular Cell Biology), or permission of instructor.

Bms 612 Neuroanatomy and Nervous System Disorders (3)

Examination of the neural basis of disorders as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, Alzheimers, etc. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

Bms 619  (Bio 619) Chemical Principles in RNA Biology (3)

Physical and chemical principles will be exemplified by biological systems, especially those involving RNAs. Topics cover many aspects of RNA, including RNA synthesis, modification, folding, function and catalysis; protein/ligand-RNA interaction. The course will also emphasize physical, chemical, and molecular techniques used in RNA studies, including structural prediction and determination, thermodynamics and spectroscopy, modern sequencing techniques. Prerequisite: Secondary year graduate students from science disciplines with good academic standing are encouraged to take the course. Consent of instructor required.

Bms 622 (Ehs 630) Cancer Biology (3)

This course will introduce second year students to the complexity of cancer as a disease. It will focus on the basic molecular cell biology mechanisms that underlie the origin and progression of cancer, the epidemiological aspects and the principles of clinical management of the disease. Prerequisites: Basic undergraduate biology; Bms 500 and Bms 500B or equivalents; or permission of instructor.

Bms 652 Neuroimmunology Colloquim (2)

An advanced course designed to examine the multiple bidirectional interactions between the central nervous system and the immune system. Topics will include neurotransmitter and neuropeptide effects on cells of the immune system, cytokine regulation of brain functions, innervation of immune organs and the consequences thereof, brain laterality influences on immune functions, conditioning effects on immune responses, and immunopathologies of the central nervous system. Prerequisites: Graduate level cell biology, and Bms 506or Bms 514.

Bms 663 Mammalian Molecular Genetics (3)

This course will cover topics related to the structure and function of the of the mammalian genome and the molecular mechanisms involved in development, cell fate determination and cellular differentiation. Students will participate by presenting research papers relevant to a current topic. Prerequisite: Bms 500 and 605A, or equivalent.

Bms 665 Current Literature in Biomedical Sciences (0-1)

A course designed to teach and promote critical reading of the literature. Multiple sections are offered each semester including immunology, infectious disease, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, structural and computational biology, and neuroscience. Additional sections are mounted as student and faculty interest direct. All students must register for this course.

Bms 670 (Ehs 675) Responsible Conduct of Scientific Research (1)

This is a required course which will explore specific areas of the conduct of research. Aspects of recognition of scientific fraud, peer interaction, and reporting of misconduct will be covered. Bioethical issues will not be covered. A specific issue concerning scientific conduct will be presented at each class through case study and student- led discussion. S/U graded.

Bms 690 Biomedical Science Research (2-12)

Supervised research in an area of biomedical sciences. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. S/U graded.

Bms 692 Advanced Topics in Biomedical Sciences (1)

Advanced topics related to research within the diverse field of biomedical sciences.  Lectures will be largely based on primary literature, with additional background information covered as needed.  Additional sections are mounted as student and faculty interest direct.  May be repeated multiple times as long as topics differ.  Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Bms 694 Directed Readings in Biomedical Sciences (1-6)

Projects in selected areas of biomedical sciences at the Masters level, under supervision of a faculty member, with regular progress reports. May be repeated once when topics differ for a total accumulation of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. S/U graded.

Bms 699 Thesis Research (1-12)

Required of all master's students. Prerequisite: Consent of advisor.

Bms 894 Directed Readings in Biomedical Sciences (1-6)

Projects in selected areas of biomedical sciences, under supervision of a faculty member, with regular progress reports. This course may be repeated multiple times, when topics differ for a total accumulation of 6 hours. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. S/U graded.

Bms 898 Doctoral Project (1-12)

Available for all Ph.D. students engaged in research leading to the dissertation, prior to candidacy.

Bms 899 Dissertation Research (1-12)

Required of all Ph.D. students. Prerequisite: Consent of advisor. Registration for this course is limited to doctoral students who have been admitted to candidacy.