Experimental Oral Developmental Biology, 4 points, coordinated by Dr. Craig. This seminar series discusses experimental approaches in the study of craniofacial growth and development with emphasis on odontogenesis, salivary gland and facial development.
Biology of Chemosensory Systems, 4 points, coordinated by Dr. Spielman The course focuses on the basic mechanisms of taste and smell in health and disease.
Current Laboratory Techniques in Oral Biology, 3 points, coordinated by Dr. Guttenplan. The course is intended to familiarize students with basic techniques used in Oral Biology. Aspects related to tissue culture, protein and nucleic acid purification and analysis will be emphasized. The student is asked to spend 1,2,3 days in a particular lab to learn current techniques used in that laboratory.
Oral Microbiology, 3 points, coordinated by Dr. Linke. This course covers aspects of basic microbiology, mycology and virology with emphasis on bacterial/viral interactions with oral tissues.
Calcified Tissue and Mineralization, 4 points, coordinated by Dr. Rifkin. The course covers bone metabolism and bone cell biology. Emphasis is placed on mechanisms of bone formation and resorption.
Seminars in Oral Biology, 3 points, coordinated by rotating staff members A set of papers reflecting current trends in Oral Biology are assigned for critical evaluation and discussed with faculty selected from areas of interest to the student. This seminar series also includes research seminars given by graduate students. The course is intended to develop a critical sense toward evaluation of scientific literature and increase the student's awareness about the necessity of following it.
Salivary Glands and Saliva, 4 points, coordinated by Dr. Spielman. The course deals with the physiology and pathology of the salivary glands, the structure and function of salivary constituents and their role in health and disease.
All students are required to take a minimum of 8 credits out of the following list of basic courses offered through the Department of Biology:
Biochemistry I,II, 4 points/term. A two semester course taught jointly by faculty from the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. Topics include organic and physical chemistry of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; membrane structure and function; bioenergetics, intermediary metabolism; molecular genetics and regulation of cellular processes.Cell Biology, 4 points. General topics in modern cell biology are covered. Includes an examination of the current state of knowledge in areas such as the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts, protein synthesis and secretion, the cell surface, the mechanisms underlying the control of cellular function. Topics are discussed with reference to the methodology employed to conduct studies that have led to our current understanding of the cell.
Molecular Biology, 4 points. An in,depth discussion of the mechanics of gene expression in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Emphasis is on nucleic acids and protein synthesis, DNA organization, gene mapping and models for regulation of gene expression. Extensive readings are assigned from journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Cell Journal of Molecular Biology, Gene etc.
Microbiology, 4 points. An introduction to the evolution, morphology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and ecology of the protists. Emphasis is on bacteria, fungi, virus, although algae and protozoa are considered. The similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are stressed, as the microbiology of natural habitats.
Statistics in Biology, 4 points. An advanced course designed to teach graduate level biology students techniques of statistical analysis and experimental design that will be of use in their research and in the interpretation of biology literature. Principles of statistical inference, the design of experiments, and analysis of data are taught using examples drawn from the literature. The use of common parametric and nonparametric distributions for the description of data and the testing of hypothesis is covered.
Applications of Molecular Biology, 4 points. Introduces students to the application of recombinant DNA technology to study gene structure and function. Promotor structure and function, mechanism of RNA splicing, capping and polyadenylation are examined in detail. Covers specific topics of importance for gene regulation such as: rearrangement of the immunoglobulin genes during B,cell development, steroid hormone control of gene expression, the implications of transposable genetic elements, methylation, and chromatin structure.
Principles of Neural Science I,II. 4 points/term. Introduction to the anatomy and function of the brain. The focus is on cellular, electrophysiological, and chemical analysis of neuronal circuits. Development, plasticity, and higher cognitive functions are discussed.
