Biology

BIOL 5000 Biology and Biomedical Sciences Journal Club

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5001 Independent Study in Biology for the Master's in Biology Program

Research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Can be repeated to complete a Master's Thesis which requires 6 total units of independent study. Must be enrolled in The Master's in Biology Program in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5002 Capstone Experience for the Master's in Biology Program

Students may use this course to expand on any 5xxx level Biology course by completing extra work approved by that course's instructor. The guidelines for this effort will be up to the course instructor but may include special writing assignments, literature reviews, or interviewing local scientists and or clinical researchers involved in related projects. Alternative options will be considered, such as attending a local symposium approved by the instructor and reporting on that experience. Must be enrolled in The Master's in Biology Program in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5004 Independent Research in Genetics

Credit 10 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5005 Advances in Cellular & Molecular Biology

Will examine some of the fundamental principles of cellular processes at the molecular level. Among the major topics covered are nucleic acid chemistry, gene structure and organization in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, gene expression, and recombinant DNA and transgenic/knockout (including conditional knockout) mouse technology. The topic of the CRISPR/Cas system used for gene editing is also be included. In addition, the idea of genes and genomes will be discussed with an introduction to functional and comparative genomics. In particular, emphasis in the second half of the semester will be on the various modes of regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis, and some of the various methodologies utilized to address these topics. In addition, the concepts of siRNA, miRNA, and the phenomenon of RNA-interference will be covered with the topic of micro-RNA and disease, and the importance of these small non-coding RNA molecules, highlighted by presentation of material from the scientific literature. Also included will be a major publication showing how RNA interference can be used as a tool to unlock the secrets of human embryonic stem cells. A number of commonly used molecular biology and biochemical lab techniques will also be covered, in addition to more recent tools such as RNA seq that can be used to address global changes in transcriptional profiles. 

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5010 Human Anatomy & Development

Study of the human body primarily by dissection; extensive use of X-rays and CT scans. Emphasis on functional and clinical aspects of anatomy.

Credit 6 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5011 Biology of Mammals

Biology 4010/5010 is an introduction to the biology of mammals. In this course, students will gain familiarity with the diversity of mammals, as well as a deep understanding of their anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, biogeography and evolution. A weekly discussion/laboratory section will include examination of skeletal material from the department anatomy collection, providing the opportunity to see the diversity of mammals first-hand.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5023 How Plants Work: Physiology, Growth, and Metabolism

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of how plants grow, metabolize and respond to their environment. Topics to be covered include the conversion of light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis and carbon fixation, nitrogen assimilation, water and mineral uptake and transport, source-sink relationships and long-distance transport of carbon and nitrogen, cell growth and expansion, hormone physiology and physiological responses to a changing environment. Biol 5023 is for graduate-level registration only.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5026 Viruses and the Diseases They Cause

The goal of this course is to discuss different families of viruses that are important human pathogens. For each of these families of viruses we will discuss the following three aspects as it relates to their clinical significance. 1. The diseases that they cause. The clinical manifestations, the geographic extent of these infections, the consequences of these infections on the populations affected by the virus being discussed. 2. Mechanisms they use to evade host defense mechanisms. Each of these families of viruses have a unique set of factors that they produce that enable them to evade host responses. We will discuss these factors and how they specifically target our responses to the infections they cause. 3. Current therapies used to treat these viral infections. This would include both drug therapies, immunizations and even environmental aspects that predispose a particular geographic region to infection by a specific class of viruses. Each class will involve both lecture and discussion of relevant publications that are associated with the topic being discussed that class. There will be two exams, a mid-term and a final that will not be cumulative.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5114 Neuroplasticity Wiring and Rewiring of the Brain

‘Neuroplasticity: Wiring and Rewiring of the Brain’ discusses the brain’s remarkable ability to change, reorganize, and grow its neural networks. Our brains are constantly evolving; new and relevant connections are strengthened while irrelevant ones are eliminated. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity. This course examines how the brain reshapes itself at molecular, neural, and systemic levels. It explores both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) factors involved in this process, highlighting the significant contributions of this emerging field of neuroscience. Students learn how to rewire the brain more effectively to enhance its plasticity, which can improve cognitive capacity, enhance learning, prevent memory loss, and promote overall brain health. Understanding of this fascinating area of neuroscience is being applied in various fields, including mental wellbeing and behavioral health, neuroprotection against age-related declines, artificial intelligence, and medicine. Students also explore how the systematic reinforcement of sensory environments, healthy sensory inputs, and brain exercises can boost brain capacity by creating new circuits. Conversely, toxic living conditions and unhealthy lifestyles can negatively impact brain function. Additionally, recent research findings, journal articles, and publications in this emerging area of neuroscience will be reviewed.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5140 Plant Diveristy and Evolution

This course is an in-depth exploration of the diversity and evolution of vascular plants. The course focuses mainly on flowering plants because of their dominant role on our planet, but lycophytes, ferns, and gymnosperms are studied as well. A phylogeny of vascular plants provides the framework for their evolution and diversification. Related subjects, including phylogenetics, biogeography, herbaria, nomenclature, species concepts, and pollination biology are also presented. The weekly lectures/discussions and (three hour) lab function in tandem and it is the responsibility for the student to integrate information from the lectures with the abundant materials presented in lab. The lecture will take place on main campus at WashU, and the lab sessions will make use the abundant and exceptional living and preserved materials at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The intended audience is advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Prerequisite: Bio 2970 or Permission of Instructor. Small Class. Credit.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5150 Environmental Medicine

Environmental Medicine explores the interactions between the environment and human health, focusing on the role of the environment in causing or mediating disease. Environmental hazards are examined in terms of toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment, risk assessment, individual susceptibility, adaptation/maladaptation, and the total load concept. Students enrolled in the 500-level must also complete a term paper and oral presentation.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5171 Medical Immunology

An introduction to basic concepts in immunology and immunopathology. Lectures focus on antigen-antibody interactions, immunoglobulin structure and genetics, the cellular basis of the immune response and immune regulation, T cell effector mechanisms, the inflammatory response, complement, the positive and negative roles of hypersensitivity, and immune deficiency. Prerequisite, some background in biochemistry and genetics helpful. Restricted to medical students only except in unusual circumstances, with permission of coursemaster. Offered during the first half of the second medical semester. Three-four lecture hours a week, two 2-hour lab periods, four 1-hour clinical discussion groups.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5181 Population Genetics

 An introduction to the basic principles of population and ecological genetics. Mechanisms of microevolutionary processes; integrated ecological and genetic approach to study the adaptive nature of the evolutionary process.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5194 Community Ecology

Community ecology is an interdisciplinary field that bridges concepts in biodiversity science, biogeography, evolution and conservation. This course provides an introduction to the study of pattern and process in ecological communities with an emphasis on theoretical, statistical and experimental approaches. Topics include: ecological and evolutionary processes that create and maintain patterns of biodiversity; biodiversity and ecosystem function; island biogeography, metacommunity dynamics, niche and neutral theory; species interactions (competition, predation, food webs), species coexistence and environmental change. The class format includes lectures, discussions, and computer labs focused on analysis, modeling and presentation of ecological data using the statistical program R.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5195 Disease Ecology

Disease ecology is an interdisciplinary field that bridges concepts from fields including population ecology, community ecology, landscape ecology, and evolutionary biology. This course provides an introduction to the study of infectious diseases with an emphasis on theoretical, experimental, and quantitative approaches. The course will integrate studies of infectious diseases from across disciplines including human epidemiology, veterinary medicine, wildlife epidemiology, plant pathology, parasitology, and ecology.

Credit 4 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM BU: SCI

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5220 Practical Bioinformatics

Techniques and perspectives to biologists that are new to computational thinking. Students will learn how to design research workflows, decompose complex problems into simpler solvable units, and apply scientific computing principles to research. In addition, students will practice foundational computing skills, such as how to use the UNIX operating system on research clusters, write custom analysis programs with shell scripts and with Python, and summarize and visualize analysis output. The laboratory exercises build on one another, culminating in the construction of a bioinformatics pipeline that can process and analyze molecular data. Students will apply their newly learned computational skills and use their pipeline to analyze virus sequence evolution and explore evolutionary models.

Credit 4 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5241 Immunology

 Basic molecular and cellular aspects of the vertebrate immune system with emphasis upon the interrelationships of non-specific and specific host defense against disease, the nature of immunological specificity and its underlying molecular biology. Includes complement systems, immunochemistry, the nature of cellular activation and effector generation, immunodeficiency, tolerance, tissue transplantation, hypersensitivity, immune regulation and specific diseases illustrative of the successes and failures of the immune system. Case studies will be presented by the students on an array of immune system disease.

Credit 4 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5244 Advances in Immunology

The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the mammalian immune system. 1. We will begin with a general overview of the immune system. 2. We will then discuss the specific cells and factors that constitute the immune system. 3. We will describe how the immune system detects and defends us against attack by pathogenic microbes. 4. We will describe how foreign tissues are recognized, rejected and what therapies for preventing that from taking place. 5. We will discuss aberrant immune responses that would result in under-responsiveness or over-responsiveness. 6. We will finally cover how the immune system responds to malignant tumor growth and how those cancers evade detection and destruction as well as what therapies are available to aid the immune system to attack the cancer. The class will run for 2 hours and fifty minutes and consist of a 75 to 120 minute lecture that is followed by student presented discussions of relevant publications to that topic being discussed that lecture. This will be for those students who select that option for their individual responsibility (see below). In the event that there are no student presentations scheduled for a particular class period, the instructor will present an article associated with that lectures topic.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5265 The Science of Cats

This capstone-style course will give students the opportunity to apply what they've learned in topics as diverse as speciation, molecular evolution, community ecology and animal behavior to investigate and analyze questions concerning the biology of a species near and dear to the hearts of many, Felis catus, the domestic cat. Over the last several decades, scientists have studied cats in the same way they have studied lizards, birds, flies and many other species. This cat research allows questions of broad scientific interest to be addressed using cutting-edge methods, including (but not limited to): what is a species? How do new species arise? How do we determine when, where and from what species the cat evolved? How do we determine if a trait (e.g., response to catnip) evolved as an adaptation driven by natural selection? How do we determine the impact of an invasive species on local ecosystems? How does domestication occur and is the cat actually domesticated? Is the behavior of domestic cats a legacy of their evolutionary past or does it represent adaptation to living with humans? What role, if any, can genetic engineering play in decreasing feral cat populations and developing new breeds of cats with desirable traits.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5270 Problem Based Learning in Biomedical Sciences

Groups of 5-8 students are presented with medical case studies that are then researched and discussed under faculty guidance. Students take major responsibility for their own learning within their team. A biology or science background is required.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5309 Biology of Aging

 This course provides concepts and examples of the biology of aging. We discuss current literature with emphasis on theoretical causes of aging and the practical implications of these theories. Major topics include the biochemical processes of aging, cell cycle senescence, age-related organ dysfunction, interventions to alter the aging process, and medical illnesses associated with aging (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, the dementias). We also study animal and human models for extending longevity, and current approaches for dealing with the aging process are included. 

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM BU: SCI

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5337 Conservation Biology & Biodiversity

In this course we will examine biodiversity and discuss its value, threats to it, and solutions for conservation. We will explore and discuss real-world examples of issues involving threats to biodiversity, ecological economics and nature conservation, habitat degradation and loss, habitat fragmentation, overexploitation, species invasions, biological impacts of climate change, conservation genetics, species, landscape and ecosystem approaches to conservation, and restoration of damaged ecosystems. Students enrolled in the 5000-level must also complete a term paper and oral presentation. This course is hybrid, meeting once per week for 1.5 hours, and additional work will be completed for 1.5 hours each week asynchronously as assigned by the instructor. Prerequisites: General Biology I or permission of instructor

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5343 Epigenetics

 Introductory course in epigenetics - the layer of chemical information that sits on top of the genome - that switch genes 'on' or 'off'. Will introduce how the epigenome, in collaboration with the genome, controls versatile biological processes and cell fates. Will also cover the latest advances of how humans can control their own epigenetic destiny by lifestyle, diet, and other environmental factors. Learning Objectives: Recognize and summarize the difference between genetics and epigenetics, Apply the basic knowledge of epigenetic mechanism and illustrate how their misregulations cause abnormal development and diseases, Critically review and discuss epigenetic literature, Design epigenetic experiments and interpret the results of those experiments, Graduate student specific: Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate epigenetic research in both oral and written formats.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5360 Neural Basis of Behavior

This course provides an overview of how the nervous system works from a biological perspective. We will begin by studying how nerve cells function, focusing on how they transmit signals and communicate with one another through specialized connections called synapses. We will further examine the anatomy of the nervous system to discover how nerve cells are organized into circuits and how these circuits develop. We will investigate how the specialized properties of our nerve cells allow us to interact with our environment through an in-depth study of our motor and sensory systems. In our 500 level course, we will apply our learning objectives to a scientific research presentation using peer reviewed literature.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5438 Principles of Virology

The goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the biology of viruses. We will emphasize the nature of viruses on a molecular level. In so doing we will: 1.We will discuss how viruses gain access to cells, replicate themselves, and then leave the cell to infect new cells. 2.We will also describe differences and similarities that the different categories of viruses have. 3.We will discuss how viruses participate in host-virus interaction with emphasis on what immune responses are generated and how viruses attempt to avoid those responses. 4.We will also specifically discuss both HIV and tumorigenic viruses. 5.Finally we will discuss vaccination and drug therapies that have been developed to defeat viruses. Each class will involve both lecture and discussion of relevant publications to that topic. There will be two exams, a mid-term and a final exam. Keep in mind that the course is designed so that each class, to one degree or another, builds on the previous material and so it is important to fully understand what we have already covered. 5438 is for MA in Biology students. Undergraduates and PBPM students should register for 4438. This course does not count toward the undergraduate biology major.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5479 Fundamentals of Parasitology

This course covers a variety of clinically relevant parasitic organisms and their importance to human disease. During this course we will: 1.The Semester is divided into two halves. a.The first half will discuss clinically relevant worm parasites. b.The second half will discuss protozoan parasites that cause multiple types of diseases. 2.For each of the parasitic classes discussed we will present general characteristics of the parasite as follows: a.The lifecycle of the particular parasite. b.The clinical disease profile. c.Interactions of parasites with the host immune response both in terms of mechanisms whereby the host resists infections by these organisms and also how these parasites circumvent the host's ability to eliminate them. d.Because so much of the clinical importance of parasites has to do with this interaction, we will also cover general aspects of the workings of the immune system. There will be an emphasis on the nature of the host-parasite interaction on a molecular level. e.Finally we will discuss what available therapies are available and what potential therapies are being developed. 3.These lectures will include discussions of recent literature concerning parasites and their interactions with the host. 5479 is for MA in Biology students. Undergraduates should register for 4479. This course does not count toward the undergraduate biology major.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5510 ITVS Advanced Techniques

The Advanced Methods in Vision Science course provides ITVS students the opportunity to learn about advanced methods utilized in studies of the visual systems from the experts who perform the studies. These methods emerged from different disciplines (molecular biology, imaging, electrophysiology, machine learning), but provide critical details for understanding how the visual systems focuses and processes light stimuli. The course has two components. 1) A series of 90-minute structured discussions of advanced methods via foundational papers and recent applications of these methods. 2) A choice of two hands-on experiences with these methods in the instructor laboratories. We open the discussion section of the course to all students, postdocs, and faculty members (in this order) but cap the class size at 12 participants to facilitate interactions. Hands-on experiences are restricted to ITVS students. For hands-on experiences, each ITVS student chooses two techniques and spends a day in the laboratory of the respective instructor to gain practical experience with the experiments and analysis pipelines and discuss pitfalls and applications of the methods in detail. Through these components, the Advanced Methods in Vision Science course tries to accomplish three goals: 1) enable students to critically assess the literature through an understanding of strengths and limitations of advanced methods, 2) help students plan experiments involving these methods, and 3) facilitate collaborations with experts in the field that could enhance the science of the ITVS students.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5515 General Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the study of the molecular composition of living cells, the organization of biological molecules within the cell, and the structure and function of these biological molecules.  The biological macromolecules which this course focuses on are proteins, polysaccharides, fats, and nucleic acids, including the monomeric units of these macromolecules.  Other topics that will be discussed include bioenergetics, enzyme kinetics, metabolism, and the storage and maintenance of genetic information. Students choose a clinically-relevant biochemical disorder for further study and near the end of the semester prepare a presentation to the class on its cellular, molecular, and biochemical etiology, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and current/future treatment options. Masters students must compose a review article to complement the oral presentation, focusing on an unresolved research question in the disease field of their choice. Exams, which attendance is required, will be administered on Monday, June 15; Friday, June 26; and Friday, July 10.

Credit 4 units.

Typical periods offered: Summer

BIOL 5523 Laboratory in Protein Analysis, Proteomics, and Protein Structure

This laboratory class is structured around a biochemical question of relevance to the research community. Students will design and generate mutants of an enzyme to test hypotheses about its mechanism and kinetics. The course consists of three sections: molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and structural biology. In the first section, students the learn the principles of DNA manipulation, cloning, mutagenesis, and DNA sequencing and apply them to design and generate mutant constructs of the protein of interest. In the second section, students learn the principles of heterologous expression of proteins in bacteria, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, protein quantification, and kinetic analysis of enzyme activity. These methods are applied to test the students' hypotheses by assaying the activity of their mutant enzymes. The final section of the course introduces students to concepts of structural biology including protein crystallization, x-ray diffraction, and computer modeling of protein structures. Fulfills the upper-level laboratory requirement for the Biology major. Prerequisites: Chem 262 and either Bio 451 or Bio 4810/Chem 481. Suggested to be taken concurrently with Bio4820/Chem482. Enrollment limit is set at zero, and students are enrolled from the waitlist. Graduating seniors who need an upper-level laboratory to complete requirements of a biology major program have priority.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM BU: SCI

BIOL 5573 Regenerative and Stem Cell Biology

Regeneration is a very complex, post-embryonic developmental phenomenon, where organisms replace lost body parts and organs upon injury. However, we still know very little about why some animals are so successful at regenerating whole bodies and organs, while other animals (like humans) have limited or no capacity to do so. This course covers regeneration and stem cell biology across different levels of biological organization (e.g. cell, organ, limb regeneration.) and across the animal phylogeny.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5582 Macroevolution

An advanced introduction to the study of macroevolutionary patterns and processes with emphasis on the systematic methodology employed. Topics: theories of classification, phylogenetic reconstruction, testing of historical hypotheses, hierarchy theory, adaptation, extinction, speciation, developmental mechanisms of organismal evolution, biogeography. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5583 Molecular Evolution

A rigorous introduction to the study of evolution at the molecular level. Topics include the origin, amount, distribution and significance of molecular genetic variation within species, and use of molecular data in systematics and in testing macroevolutionary hypotheses. (Biology Major Area

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5584 Essentials of Biomedical Writing and Presenting

This course will provide the most fundamental techniques for effectively reviewing, writing and presenting scientific information. The goal of this course is to help students understand scientific communication better. They will become familiar with the structure of scientific papers, grants and presentations and will learn to critically evaluate each form of communication. Students will learn the characteristics of outstanding scientific writing and presenting, including academic style, coherence, clear data presentation and word choice through classroom exercises and mock presentations. Classes will consist of a lecture followed by a classroom exercise. Students will be graded on classroom exercises and writing assignments. 5584 is for MA in Biology students. Undergraduates and PBPM students should register for 4584. This class does not count toward the undergraduate biology major.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5623 Interdisciplinary Training in Vision Science - Translation in Vision Science

This course introduces students to the translation of basic science and pre-clinical research to the biopharma industry and/or clinics to benefit patients. The class will introduce how patient genetics can guide disease research in animal models and how patient tissue can be used to model disease progression/outcomes. Students will learn how results from these types of studies impact patient lives through the development of drug/treatment candidates and/or clinical trials. Students will be connected to clinicians to witness the profound impact of blinding diseases on patient lives and how scientific advances in disease research can motivate philanthropic funding of subsequent research.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5624 Applied Bioinformatics for Genomics I

This course is for those who want to 1) learn fundamental skills for computational genomics, 2) use this information to improve and expedite their research and 3) improve their knowledge by hearing from experts in specific technologies and practices. The course meets once a week throughout the Fall semester, covering a variety of concepts, best practices, and technologies in focused short lectures coupled with hands-on exercises.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5625 Applied Bioinformatics for Genomics II

This course is designed to follow Applied Bioinformatics for Genomics I, in the fall semester. The fall semester course is not required as a prerequisite. Students who need fundamental skills for computational genomics can access the fall semester lectures online. This course is for those who want to 1) expand fundamentals skills for computational genomics, 2) use this information to improve and expedite their research and 3) improve their knowledge by hearing from experts in specific technologies and practices. The course meets once a week throughout the Spring semester, covering a variety of best practices methods, technology, and knowledge in focused short lectures coupled with hands-on exercises.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5715 Basic Cancer Biology

 More than two thirds of all people know someone who has cancer. This course provides students with a more extensive understanding of what cancer is and how it affects the human body. We will discuss the history of cancer research, the many different types of human cancers, and basic chemotherapeutics. The topics will be presented in a basic scientific nature, with an emphasis on gaining a broad understanding of the subjects.

Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: NSM BU: SCI

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5716 Advanced Cancer Biology

This advanced course provides students with a more in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer. We will discuss tumor suppressors, oncogenes, signaling pathways, animal models in cancer, and novel targeted cancer therapies being developed by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Prerequisite: Biol 144, Biol 1440 or Biol 4715. This course is an IDENT for L41 4716. Undergrads should register for 4716, grad students should register for 5716.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5722 The Biology of Membranes

Biomembrane composition and structures determine its functions. This class examines membrane components, their organization into general cell membrane structures / domains, and functions. You will appreciate the various roles membrane lipids play in constructing membranes and in signal transduction. Cholesterol is an important membrane lipid that is linked to biomembranes structurally and functionally. Misregulation of transport or trafficking of lipids, including cholesterol, contributes to many human diseases. You will learn historical background and recent advances in membrane biology, following the path taken by cholesterol and other lipids. You will also learn how to critically evaluate primary research and literature reviews on membrane biology.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5772 Behavioral Ecology

This course examines animal behavior from an evolutionary perspective and explores the relationships between animal behavior, ecology, and evolution. Topics include mating systems, sexual selection, parental care, kin selection, and cooperation. There is a strong active - learning component.

Credit 4 units. A&S IQ: NSM Art: NSM

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5800 Seminar in Population Biology

This weekly seminar, covering different topics each semester, should be taken by graduate students in the program.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring

BIOL 5862 Seminar On Professional Development for Graduate Students in Ecology, Evolution & Population Biology

This is a weekly discussion seminar course in which advanced graduate students and postdocs in STEM will discuss the practices of scientific teaching and basic professional development skills. Topics covered will include scientific teaching, active learning, assessment driven instruction, creation inclusive classrooms, preparing for job interviews, preparing grant proposals, and balancing family and work. There will be several panel discussions with invited speakers on a range of potential career options to STEM PhDs. Students will prepare or revise their professional portfolio materials over the course of the semester. The course is open to all DBBS graduate students and is required for GAANN fellows. Prerequisite: Graduate student status in the DBBS or permission of instructor.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5906 Research

Enrolled students will meet in-person with faculty for a minimum of 1 hour per week.

Credit 12 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

BIOL 5936 Seminars in Ecology and Evolution

At least once a week, there are seminars on the WashU campus from researchers in ecology or evolution. These seminars are given by local people, by visitors, and sometimes by job candidates. The point of these seminars is to learn about exciting research. What questions are they asking? What are they discovering? What new scientific stories can we hear about ecology or evolution? What makes up these fields anyway? These seminars are often followed by receptions, which offer opportunities to get to know each other better and to ask questions. This course invites undergraduates to listen to these presentations and write about them. After all, this is a major part of the ideas climate at WashU. It would be a great idea for students to get in the habit of going to these seminars, whether they are taking this course or not. In addition to attending these seminars, students in this course will meet three times during the semester; times will be determined based on the availability of enrolled students. Most seminars are at 4:00 pm on Thursdays, although some take place on other days.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5937 Journal Club On Current Topics in Microbiology and Infectious Disease

We read, analyze, and discuss recent primary literature drawn from the field of microbiology. These papers represent the seven broad "Topics" of microbiology, as defined by the American Society for Microbiology (https://asm.org/):

• Antimicrobial Agents & Resistance
• Applied & Environmental Microbiology
• Clinical & Public Health Microbiology
• Clinical Infections & Vaccines
• Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity    
• Host-Microbe Biology
• Molecular Biology & Physiology

Each week, we discuss a single primary research paper, with special emphasis placed on analyzing and interpreting data and figures. Some assignments include supplementary videos or readings to provide the background knowledge required to understand a particular paper. At the conclusion of the semester, students should have achieved the following objectives: 1) Gain insight into the breadth of research performed within the field of microbiology; and 2) Develop skills required to comprehend and to analyze primary research literature.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5980 Topics in Evolution, Ecology and Population Biology

This course will meet weekly to discuss ongoing research and future directions of the Evolution, Ecology, and Population Biology (EEPB) graduate program. A different EEPB faculty member will present each week. This course introduces new EEPB students to the diversity of research questions and approaches undertaken by laboratories in the EEPB program; it will also introduce new students to faculty and vice versa. The course will educate the students about the breadth of research in evolution, ecology, and behavior. It will also provide knowledge that students can use when choosing lab rotations and interdisciplinary exposure to enhance creativity in research.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 5992 Biodiversity Journal Club

Students in this journal club will meet weekly to discuss published research relevant to biodiversity science. Collectively, papers selected for discussion during any single semester will cover a broad range of topics in ecology, evolution, systematics and conservation biology (for examples, see: http://mobot-diversity-jc.weebly.com/previous-semesters.html). Journal club attendees include students, postdocs, faculty and researchs from Washington University, UM-St. Louis, St. Louis University, and Missouri Botanical Garden. Enrolled students will attend journal club every week and once per semester will choose a paper and lead the discussion; evaluations will be based on participation and performance.

Credit 1 unit.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 5993 Decision Neuroscience

This is an advanced, reading-intensive graduate course. We will meet once a week for 3 hrs and focus primarily on discussing the literature on decision making from various perspecitves. Decision making is a cantral object of study in multiple diciplines including neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and economics. Within systems neuroscience, research in the past 20 years has developed in two main areas - namely perceptual decisions and economic (value-based) decisions. Each week we will discuss a specific topic and/or research question. Discussion topics will originate from perceptual decisions or economic decisions, and often be relevant to both. Readings will include experimental papers and computational/theoretical papers. Every week, students are expected to read the assigned papers and to write a short comment before class. In class, we will discuss the papers and the weekly topic in a journal-club format. Participation of PhD students from different programs is encouraged, pending permission from the instructor. The goal of the class is to bring graduate students from different disciplines up-to-date on the current debate(s) in decision neuroscience, and to inspire and support their future research.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall

BIOL 6201 Computational Statistical Genetics

This course covers the theory and application of both classical and advanced algorithms for estimating parameters and testing genomic hypotheses connecting genotype to phenotype. Students learn the key methods by writing their own program to do (simplified) linkage analysis in pedigrees for a simulated dataset provided by the coursemaster. Topics covered in the course include Maximum Likelihood theory for pedigrees and unrelated individuals, Maximization routines such as Newton-Raphson and the E-M Algorithm, Path analysis, Variance components, Mixed model algorithms, the Elston-Stewart and Lander-Green Algorithms, Simulated Annealing and the Metropolis Hastings algorithm, Bayesian and MCMC methods, Hidden Markov Models, Coalescent Theory, Haplotyping Algorithms, Genetic Imputation Algorithms, Permutation/Randomization Tests, classification and Data Mining Algorithms, Population Stratification and Admixture Mapping Methods, Loss of Heterozygosity models, Gene Networks, Copy Number Variation methods, Multiple comparisons corrections and Power and Monte-carlo simulation experiments. Course not available to auditors. Prerequisite: M21-560 Biostatistics I and M21-570 Biostatistics II or, with permission of the Course Master, the equivalents.

Credit 3 units.

Typical periods offered: Spring

BIOL 8830 Master's Continuing Student Status

This course is for continuing students in the Biology Master's program.

Credit 0 units.

Typical periods offered: Fall, Summer

BIOL 8840 Doctoral Continuing Student Status

This course is for continuing students in the Biology Doctoral program.

Credit 0 units.

Typical periods offered: Summer