BIOMG 8369 - Foundations and Frontiers in Cellular and Molecular Biology - I

Multi-semester course (Fall). 6 credits (awarded upon completion of all classes in the multi-semester course) First course: R grade only (in progress).

Enrollment limited to: first-semester Ph.D. students in graduate field of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology. Students must enroll in both BIOMG 8369 and BIOMG 8370 to receive a final grade. R is recorded for satisfactory progress at the end of the first semester (BIOMG 8369) of a two-semester course. The grade recorded at the end of the second semester (BIOMG 8370) evaluates the student’s performance in the course for the entire year.

M. Smolka, S. Lee.

Introduction to concepts, historical perspectives and outstanding questions in selected topics through weekly lectures, discussions and analysis of research literature.

Outcome 1: Describe the historical background and current state of knowledge for the 21 key topics in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology covered in class.

Outcome 2: Critically read and analyze research literature, being able to identify strong scientific conclusions, open areas for future investigation, as well as issues in data presentation and interpretation (such as lack of controls, need for additional supporting information or possible alternative interpretations).

Outcome 3: Evaluate and explain factual claims, theories and assumptions.

Outcome 4: Identify the components of a rigorous research design.

Outcome 5: Describe the principles underlying core methods and techniques used in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology.

Outcome 6: Interpret and explain scientific results.

Outcome 7: Confidently express thoughts and scientific opinions in public.

Outcome 8: Independently find, access and evaluate information needed to advance research in a given scientific field.

Outcome 9: Think analytically and use quantitative reasoning to solve scientific problems in the areas of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology.