Curriculum
Core Curriculum Overview
- Designed to provide students with a solid background in key areas
- Provide options in tailoring coursework to specific interests
- Teach independent, critical thinking skills, and grant writing
- Fulfill NIH-mandated requirements for scientific ethics
- 2023-24 Curriculum Grid
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology Program Students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, earn at least a B- in each of the core courses, and remain in good standing to be eligible for tuition waivers and stipend. Students must be registered full time between 9-12 graduate credit hours per semester during Fall and Spring.
*DO NOT add or drop courses after the first day of the semester until you contact the Program Office for guidance
Fall 2023 Semester
University Fall 2023 Class Schedule
Attention: Classroom assignments may change between the time you register and when classes begin. Please check your class schedule for the latest classroom location information before attending class.
Selectives
All first year students will self-select two (2) selectives courses that match their research interest and/or explore the range of disciplines and research emphasis areas.
- All Selectives will be held during Second Half Semester
- Please note some classes overlap in days/times.
- Contact the Instructor or Department Coordinator if a permission code is required
- Selectives will be 1.5-3 credits each
-
- ANAT 6400 - Fundamentals in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- BIO C 6430 - Structural Methods
- BIO C 6600 - Regulation of Metabolism
- BIOL 6140 - Advanced Genetics
- CHEM 6740 - Bioanalytical Chemistry
- CHEM 7430 - Chemical Biology of Proteins
- H GEN 6490 - OMICS: An Introduction to Techniques and Applications
- ONCSC 6500-002 - Clinical and Molecular Cancer Biology
- ONCSC 6701 / BIO C 6701 - Cell Biology
- PATH 6500 - Immunity, Inflammation and Infectious Disease
- PHARM 6500 - Therapeutics Discovery, Development, and Evaluation
- Selectives not available Fall 2023
ADVANCED STUDENT ELECTIVES
Graduate students in the second year and beyond take additional coursework, often discussion courses centered around primary literature and focused on topics relevant to the thesis. In addition to the Selective above there are elective options in the participating departments.
Graduate Electives Fall 2023.pdf | Graduate Electives Fall 2022.pdf | Graduate Electives Fall 2021.pdf
BLCHM 6500 - Foundations of Biological Chemistry
This half-semester course welcomes students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to the University of Utah’s Biological Chemistry Graduate Program. Our goal is to ensure that all students will have a solid foundation in nucleic acid biochemistry, protein structure and function, and bioorganic and biophysical chemistry as you start your first year of graduate school. Basic content will be provided as pre-work and in-class time will be spent discussing and applying these concepts to data interpretation, problem-solving, and the primary literature.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15629
Instructor: Amy Barrios
M, W, F / 9:00 AM– 11:00 AM / EHSEB 3420
Credit Hours: 3.0
Semester: First Half Semester
MBIOL 6500 - Foundations of Molecular Biology
This half-semester course welcomes students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to the University of Utah’s graduate Molecular Biology Program. We strive to ensure that all students will have a strong foundation in nucleic acid metabolism, gene expression, protein structure and function, genetics and cell biology as you start your first year of graduate school. Basic content will be provided as pre-work and in-class time will be spent applying these concepts to data interpretation, problemsolving and model-building. Content experts will join the course directors to ensure both a consistent course structure as well as cutting-edge expertise and an opportunity to meet several faculty. We will work to create a supportive learning environment where all students can actively participate.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15244
Instructor: Scott Hale & Janet Lindsley
M, W, F / 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM / EHSEB 2600
Credit Hours: 3.0
Semester: First Half Semester
BLCHM 7960 - Research
Laboratory rotations for students in the Graduate Programs Biological Chemistry.
A signed Rotation Verification Form and a copy of the Rotation Report must be submitted to the Program Office in order to receive credit.
Rotation Schedule for 2023-24
(Please note: these dates do not correlate with the academic quarters.)
Fall 2023 Semester
1st Rotation: Monday, August 28, 2023 – Friday, October 20, 2023
2nd Rotation: Monday, October 23, 2023 – Friday, December 8, 2023
Spring 2024 Semester
3rd Rotation: Monday, January 8, 2024 – Friday, March 1, 2024
Verbal Lab Commitments Begin:Tuesday, March 5, 2024
When you register, please adjust the credit hour to 2.0
MBIOL 7960 - Research
Laboratory rotations for students in Molecular Biology.
A signed Rotation Verification Form and a copy of the Rotation Report must be submitted to the Program Office in order to receive credit.
Rotation Schedule for 2023-24
(Please note: these dates do not correlate with the academic quarters.)
Fall 2023 Semester
1st Rotation: Monday, August 28, 2023 – Friday, October 20, 2023
2nd Rotation: Monday, October 23, 2023 – Friday, December 8, 2023
Spring 2024 Semester
3rd Rotation: Monday, January 8, 2024 – Friday, March 1, 2024
Verbal Lab Commitments Begin:Tuesday, March 5, 2024
When you register, please adjust the credit hour to 2.0
MBIOL 7570 - Case Studies and Research Ethics
An examination of research integrity and other ethical issues involved in scientific research. Topics may include scientific fraud, conflicts of interest, plagiarism and authorship designation, and the role of science in formulating social policy. This course is designed for graduate students, post-docs and regular faculty in the sciences.
Cross-listed with PHIL 7570
Fall 2023 Schedule
Choose either first half or second half semester section. Each section does have a cap on seats.
First Half Semester
Class Number: 5553
Instructor: Joyce Havstad
W / 4:00 PM – 5:20 PM / GC 2900 (First Half)
Credit Hours: 1.0
Second Half Semester
Class Number: 13473
Instructor: Joyce Havstad
W / 4:00 PM – 5:20 PM CTIHB 101 (Second Half)
Credit Hours: 1.0
ANAT 6400 - Fundamentals in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
The nervous system is the most complex organ in the body; behavior requires unique cell biology and biochemistry. The goal of this course will be to introduce core cellular and molecular processes in the main brain cell types; neurons and glia. In addition, we will highlight how these processes can go awry in neurological disorders. Topics covered include: Cellular and molecular composition of the nervous system. The molecular basis for synaptic transmission – the conversion of electrical activity by chemical synapses. How synapses form circuits during development and learning How synapses signal to the nucleus to regulate gene expression The role of glia (microglia and astrocytes) in brain function. Molecular basis of common neurological disorders New advanced methods to study the brain – optogenetics, human pluripotent stem cells, organoids.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15574
Lead Instructor: Jason Shepherd
M, W / 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM / BPRB 501
Credit Hours: 1.5
Semester: Second Half Semester
BIO C 6420 - Biophysical Methods
This course will focus on biochemical and biophysical approaches to studying proteins and their functional interactions. Topics covered will include: protein-ligand interactions, cooperativity and allostery, protein folding and design, spectroscopic techniques, analytical ultracentrifugation, calorimetry, biosensors, proteomics approaches, and protein structure prediction.
Will not be offered Fall 2023 - Anticipate Fall 2024
Lead Instructor: Michael Kay, Owen Pornillos & Wes Sundquist
T, TH / 2:30 PM - 3:50 PM
Credit Hours: 1.5
Semester: Second Half Semester
BIO C 6430 - Structural Methods
This course provides an integrated approach to the applications of X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy in structural biology. Topics covered include basic theory and the application of methods of structure determination.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15798
Lead Instructor: Julia Brasch, Erhu Cao, Chris Hill, & Peter Shen
M, W, F / 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM / BPRB 501
Credit Hours: 1.5
Semester: Second Half Semester
BIO C 6600 - Regulation of Metabolism
This half-semester course will begin with a review of carbohydrate and lipid metabolic pathways, with an emphasis on an integrated understanding the pathways and what is known about their regulation. The course will progress to an in-depth analysis of current research in specific areas of nutritional sensing and metabolic regulation.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15421
Lead Instructor: Keren Hilgendorf & Janet Lindsley
T, TH / 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM / EHSEB 2600
Credit Hours: 1.5
Semester: Second Half Semester
BIOL 6140 - Advanced Genetics
Advanced Genetics covers the fundamentals of classical genetics and genetic analysis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Classical genetics encompasses the mechanisms of inheritance and the behavior of genes and chromosomes in somatic cells and germ cells. Genetic analysis is a branch of biological investigation that uses mutations and mutant phenotypes to study the function and behavior of cells and groups of cells, in isolation and in a developmental context. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes have different modes of inheritance and significant differences in gene regulation and in their cellular biology. Prokaryotes provided the foundational discoveries of molecular biology and continue to be a source of new genetic tools and biological understanding with health and ecological relevance. Modern eukaryotic genetics blends the tools of molecular biology, cell biology and classical genetics to investigate gene and cell function in complex organisms.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15583
Lead Instructor: Kent Golic, Kelly Hughes, & Erik Jorgensen
M, W, F / 10:45 AM - 11:35 AM / CSC 25
Credit Hours: 1.5
Semester: Second Half Semester
CHEM 6740 - Bioanalytical Chemistry
This course is intended to provide an overview of the methods of chemical analysis used to characterize biological samples. Topics will include a discussion of separations techniques, the spectroscopy of biological molecules, immunological and enzymatic assays, and surface analytical methods.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 18677
Lead Instructor: Jennifer Shumaker-Parry
T, TH / 10:45 M-12:05 PM / CSC 25
Credit Hours: 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
CHEM 7430 - Chemical Biology of Proteins
This is a one half semester course that focuses on the application of organic chemistry to the study and manipulation of proteins. Topics include chemical synthesis of peptides, proteins, and peptide mimics and chemical biology methods to study the role of proteins in cell biology and signaling. Prerequisite: 2 semesters undergraduate organic chemistry.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 11731
Lead Instructor: Ming Hammond
T, TH / 9:10 AM - 10:30 AM / HEB 2002
Credit Hours: 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
ONCSC 6500-002 - Clinical and Molecular Cancer Biology
Offered as a Fall Selective, this course is focused on the current understanding of the genetics, molecular, and cellular biology of cancer along with how this knowledge relates to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The course alternates didactic lectures with studentdriven presentations on notable publications that were important to a topic covered in a prior lecture. The complementary sister-course is focused on clinical cancer biology. It is designed for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in basic science departments with an interest in modern principles and practice of oncology. It will cover general principles and new developments in cancer etiology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The course is organized around specific diseases, using advances in each area to highlight modern principles and practice of oncology.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15486
Lead Instructor: Sean Tavtigian
M, W, F / 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM / Huntsman Cancer Institute - South Auditorium
Credit Hours: 1.5
Semester: Second Half Semester
ONCSC 6701 / BIO C 6701 - Cell Biology
This course covers basic and advanced topics related to cell structure and function including cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, protein targeting/modification and degradation, cell cycle regulation, and signal transduction.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Cross listed - either ONCSC 6701 or BIO C 6701
Class Number: 20109 or 20107
Lead Instructor: Matthew Miller & Ben Myers
T, TH / 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM / EHSEB 4100B
Credit Hours: 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
PATH 6500 - Immunity, Inflammation and Infectious Disease
The immune system is an integral part of virtually every organ system of the body including the neuronal, digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine, to name just a few. Moreover, while the immune system is fundamental to our ability to fend off infectious pathogens, it is intimately involved in a variety of diseases that plague the modern world including all cancers, behavioral diseases, and autoimmunity. Studies in immunology have led revolutionary discoveries that have fundamentally transformed human health, such as protection from deadly pathogens through vaccination and reversal of cancers through immune-based therapies. Thus, an understanding of basic immunological concepts is broadly applicable in multiple disease settings. Furthermore, the immune system provides an effective platform for understanding fundamental concepts of cellular and molecular biology, including events controlling cellular development, differentiation and function, DNA recombination and repair, and cell signaling. This course was designed to introduce basic immunology while integrating and helping to solidify cell biology, genetic and molecular biology concepts. This course will allow you to address questions such as: How does the immune system detect and respond to microbes? How does immunity elicit protection from microbes? Why doesn’t the immune system react to self tissue? How do cells of the immune system differentiate and make fate decisions in response to external stimuli? What are the mechanisms used by the immune system to recognize such a diversity of microbes? How is the immune system used to fight cancer? Why don’t we generally get sick twice with the same pathogen? Undergraduate exposure to basic principles of cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology will improve understanding of this course.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15716
Lead Instructor: June Round
M, W / 1:30 PM - 2:50 PM / EHSEB 5100C
Cr Hrs: 1.0 - 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
PHARM 6500 - Therapeutics Discovery, Development, and Evaluation
This half-semester course, which is open to graduate students from departments in the College of Pharmacy and those participating in the Biological Chemistry/Molecular Biology PhD programs, will explore the process of developing therapeutics. Subject matters include steps spanning the entire drug development process from discovering active species, developing them into compounds that are suitable for clinical evaluation, assessing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and determining the efficacy of candidates in clinical studies and after FDA approval.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number: 15847
Lead Instructor: Raphael Franzini & Mei Koh
M, W, F / 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM / EHSEB 4100C
Credit Hours: 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
H GEN 6490- OMICS: An Introduction to Techniques and Applications
This half-semester course explores the development and application of DNA/RNA sequencing technology, with a specific focus on genomics and transcriptomics. The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the technical aspects and underlying principles used in high-throughput ‘omic’ approaches. In addition to gaining know-how about these methods, including single-molecule and single-cell techniques, students will learn how omics data can be generated and analyzed to comprehend functional elements of genomes.
Fall 2023 Schedule
Class Number:20118
Lead Instructor: Robert Weiss
T, TH / 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM / HSEB 5100B
Credit Hours: 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
CHEM 7450 - Biophysical Chemistry
Topics covered include: Basics of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, with applications
in biochemistry; transport phenomena;
enzyme kinetics and inhibition; kinetic isotope effects; principles and applications
of absorbance, fluorescence, and CD spectroscopies.
Will not be offered Fall 2023 - Anticipate Fall 2024
Lead Instructor: Jessica Swanson
M, W, F / 9:35 AM - 10:40 AM
Credit Hours: 2.0
Semester: Second Half Semester
Spring Semester
Spring 2024 information will be updated when available.
University Spring 2023 Class Schedule
Electives
- Designed to help students gain proficiency in areas of interest
- These courses vary by year and semester
- Many are taught every other year
- Available to first year students and advanced graduate students in thesis departments
Graduate Electives Spring 2023.pdf | Graduate Electives Spring 2022.pdf | Graduate Electives Spring 2021.pdf
Frequent BC Electives Spring 2023
Additional Frequent Electives
Frequent BC Electives Spring - Not Available Spring 2023
Frequent MB Electives Spring - Not Available Spring 2023
BLCHM 6200 - Critical Thinking in Research
In order to teach the skills required to be a successful independent scientist this course will teach students critical thinking strategies for successful research. This will include how to digest and analyze papers and problem solve, both of which will review and apply material from core coursers. The instructors will develop specific course content. Topics may include: How to read a paper (read at home, discuss in class); Survey of the core services; Problem solving with open-ended problems posed on real-life or made-up situations. A focused effort will be made to help students identify topics that they can develop into grants in the Spring term. Grading will be based on participation and individual work.
Cross-listed with MBIOL 6200
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
T & TH 3:00PM-5:00PM, EHSEB 1750
Instructors: Darrell Davis & Eric Huang
BC Students should register for Section 001, Class 9688
MBIOL 6200 - Critical Thinking in Research
In order to teach the skills required to be a successful independent scientist this course will teach students critical thinking strategies for successful research. This will include how to digest and analyze papers and problem solve, both of which will review and apply material from core coursers. The instructors will develop specific course content. Topics may include: How to read a paper (read at home, discuss in class); Survey of the core services; Problem solving with open-ended problems posed on real-life or made-up situations. A focused effort will be made to help students identify topics that they can develop into grants in the Spring term. Grading will be based on participation and individual work.
Cross-listed with BLCHM 6200
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
T & TH 3:00PM-5:00PM, EHSEB 1750
Instructors: Darrell Davis & Eric Huang
MB Students should register for Section 001, Class 9686
MBIOL 6490 - Introduction to Biostatistics and Probability for Biosciences
Statistics is the underpinning of scientific research. This course offers a broad introduction to methods for statistical analysis of biological and biomedical data with emphasis on the fundamental concepts of probability analysis and statistical inference and the practical application of these concepts to experimental design and data analysis. The focus will be on real-world examples that students are likely to encounter in their own research. By the end of the course, students will gain a solid foundation for understanding how to apply statistical analysis to their own data, rigorously interpreting the biomedical literature, and seeking out additional knowledge when needed. An additional component of this class will be an introduction to the statistical software R, which is one of the most used statistical packages in many disciplines.
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
M 3:00PM-3:50PM & T, TH 9:00AM-10:20AM, EHSEB 4100B
Instructors: Gillian Stanfield, Edgar Hernandez, & Mark Metzstein
BC & MB Students should register for Section 001, Class 15641
BLCHM 6300 - Guided Proposal Preparation
To prepare students for their thesis research, prelims, and qualifying exams, we will offer a guided proposal preparation course in the second half of the Spring semester that builds on their experience earlier in the semester (critical thinking in research, reading of primary literature and problem solving). The guided proposal writing course will provide an opportunity for students to create an original research proposal by critical review of other grants, training in hypothesis generation, scientific writing, and experimental design. The written original grant proposal will be used as a basis for an oral qualifying examination by a faculty committee.
Cross-listed with MBIOL 6300
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, Second Half Semester
T & TH 3:00PM-5:00PM, Various Rooms
Instructors: Clement Chow, Tim Formosa, Rich Dorsky
BC Students should register for Section 001, Class 9689
MBIOL 6300 - Guided Proposal Preparation
To prepare students for their thesis research, prelims, and qualifying exams, we will offer a guided proposal preparation course in the second half of the Spring semester that builds on their experience earlier in the semester (critical thinking in research, reading of primary literature and problem solving). The guided proposal writing course will provide an opportunity for students to create an original research proposal by critical review of other grants, training in hypothesis generation, scientific writing, and experimental design. The written original grant proposal will be used as a basis for an oral qualifying examination by a faculty committee.
Cross-listed with BLCHM 6300
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, Second Half Semester
T & TH 3:00PM-5:00PM, Various Rooms
Instructors: Clement Chow, Tim Formosa, Rich Dorsky
MB Students should register for Section 001, Class 9687
Oral Capstone
The written original grant proposal prepared in the Guided Grant Preparation course will be used as a basis for an oral capstone examination by a faculty committee. This exam will ensure that students meet our standards for thesis work and review material from the core courses before they join a department and lab. Students will prepare an R21-style grant proposal (~6 single-spaced pages, covering 2 years of work) to be submitted 5 days before the exam. They will present and defend the proposal in front of a 3-member capstone exam committee.
Capstone exams will be held during Final Exam Week:
Thursday, April 27 - Wednesday, May 3
BLCHM 7960 - Research
Laboratory rotations for students in the Graduate Programs Biological Chemistry.
A signed Rotation Verification Form and a copy of the Rotation Report must be submitted to the Program Office in order to receive credit.
Rotation Schedule for 2023-24
(Please note: these dates do not correlate with the academic quarters.)
Fall 2023 Semester
1st Rotation: Monday, August 28, 2023 – Friday, October 20, 2023
2nd Rotation: Monday, October 23, 2023 – Friday, December 8, 2023
Spring 2024 Semester
3rd Rotation: Monday, January 8, 2024 – Friday, March 1, 2024
Verbal Lab Commitments Begin:Tuesday, March 5, 2024
MBIOL 7960 - Research
Laboratory rotations for students in Molecular Biology.
A signed Rotation Verification Form and a copy of the Rotation Report must be submitted to the Program Office in order to receive credit.
Rotation Schedule for 2023-24
(Please note: these dates do not correlate with the academic quarters.)
Fall 2023 Semester
1st Rotation: Monday, August 28, 2023 – Friday, October 20, 2023
2nd Rotation: Monday, October 23, 2023 – Friday, December 8, 2023
Spring 2024 Semester
3rd Rotation: Monday, January 8, 2024 – Friday, March 1, 2024
Verbal Lab Commitments Begin:Tuesday, March 5, 2024
BIOL 6500 - Advanced Statistical Modeling for Biologist
Frequent MB Elective
(Counts as 2 electives)
This course is designed for life science graduate students with a perhaps rusty background in mathematics and statistics who wish to become real practitioners of the art of modern statistics. The course is based on the R programming language.
To obtain a registration code, please contact the instructor and Shannon Nielsen shannon.nielsen@bioscience.utah.edu
Spring 20223 Schedule
3.0 Credit Hours, Full Semester
Instructor: Jody Reimer
M, W 2:00PM-3:30PM, JTB 320, Class 12883
CHEM 7470 - Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Frequent BC & MB Elective
This is a one half semester course that focuses on the application of organic chemistry to the study and manipulation of nucleic acids. Topics include chemical synthesis of DNA and RNA, nucleoside and oligomer analogs, chemistry of DNA damage and repair, nucleic acid-targeted drugs and binding agents.
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, Second Half Semester
Instructor: Ming Hammond
T, TH, 9:10AM - 10:30AM, BEH S 105, Class 13478
HGEN 6091 - Evolution & Development
Frequent MB Elective
This course will explore the molecular, developmental, and genetic mechanisms underlying evolutionary change, with an emphasis on current research in animal biology. Topics include regulatory networks and signaling pathways, modularity, developmental constraints, origin of animals, molecular/developmental origin of diverse body plans and appendages, and genetics of speciation. The class will consist of both lectures and discussions of current literature. Suitable for graduate students at all levels.
Spring 2023 Schedule
1.5 Credit Hours, Second Half Semester
Instructor: Gabrielle Kardon & Michael Shapiro
T, Th 1:15PM -2:45PM, EHSEB 2962, Class 12064
H GEN 6421 - Genetics of Complex Diseases
Frequent MB Elective
Course work addresses issues relevant to the identification of genes underlying susceptibility to complex disorders. Subjects covered include advantages and disadvantages of isolates versus large population, utilization of affected sibling pairs, discordant sibling pairs and extended families. Methods taught include traditional case-control association methods and family based methods. Other subjects include locus and allelicheterogeneity, phenotypic heterogeneity, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions and density of polymorphic markers.
Spring 2023 Schedule
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Lynn Jorde
W 1:30PM - 3:30PM, EHSEB 2969, Class 7355
HGEN 6481 - Cellular Signaling
Frequent BC & MB Elective
This course will examine the mechanisms of a variety of eukaryotic signal transduction pathways, and explore how these pathways affect the behavior of cells within developing and adult tissues. The material will include readings and discussion of the primary literature, and emphasize experimental techniques and analyses.
Spring 2023 Schedule
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Charles Murtaugh
M, W, F 10:45AM-11:35AM, EHSEB 3515B, Class 5179
MDCRC 6530 - Utilization of Animal Models in the Development of Clinical Research Projects
Frequent MB Elective
Med-2-Grad Core Course Requirement
(Counts as 2 electives)
It is now possible to precisely modify any DNA sequence within the genome of the mouse. This course emphasizes using mouse models to dissect the genetic basis of human disease. Deletion of genes using homologous recombination will be covered extensively as will other methods of gene inactivation (anti-sense constructs, inhibitory RNA, etc.). New experimental systems for modeling human disease in zebra fish and C. elegans will also be covered.
Spring 2023 Schedule
2.0 Credit Hours, Full Semester
Instructor: Anthea Letsou
W 1:00PM - 2:30PM, EHSEB 4100A, Class 11513
PATH 6410 - Molecular Virology
Frequent MB Elective
Basic knowledge of molecular biology is required. The molecular biology of virus lifestyle strategies, including cell entry, nucleic acid replication, gene expression, assembly of progeny virions, interaction with the host cell, and molecular epidemiology. The course will provide both a general introduction to the diversity of virus lifestyles and a detailed analysis of several of these strategies.
Spring 2023 Schedule
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Vicente Planelles
M, W 1:00PM - 2:30PM, EEJMRB 1200, Class 17566
PATH 7320 - Topics in Immunology
Frequent MB Elective
This class is specifically geared toward 1st year MB students. Other students should contact Dr. Bettini prior to registering.
This course will address core topics in immunology including cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, vaccines, autoimmunity and cancer immunology and immunotherapies. The course will provide a general introduction to each topic by a faculty, followed by a student led discussion of a manuscript on the specific topic.
Spring 2023 Schedule
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Matthew Bettini
T, TH 1:00PM - 2:30PM, EEJMRB Conference RM 5420, Class 13285
PHCEU 7011 - Fundamentals of Pharmacokinetics
Frequent BC Elective (Counts as 2 electives)
Prerequisite: PHCEU 7010, or Special Permission from Instructor
This course will review fundamental aspects of pharmacokinetics with an emphasis on understanding concepts for compartmental and non-compartmental modeling, physiologic modeling, and modeling of targeted drug delivery systems. The goal of the course is to understand how these techniques can be used to optimize drug delivery.
Spring 2023 Schedule
3.0 Credit Hours, Full Semester
Instructor: James Herron & Shawn Owen
W, F 10:30AM - 12:00PM, EHSEB 4100B, Class 10214
CHEM 7150 - Bioinorganic Chemistry
Frequent BC Elective
Meets with CHEM 5150. This course provides a broad overview of metal sites in biology and is intended for students at the interface of Chemistry, Biology, Biophysics, and related disciplines. It focuses on our current understanding of the role of metals in the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids, metalloproteins as elaborated inorganic complexes, physical methods used to study metal sites with emphasis on the synergism between model complexes and biochemical studies, and applications in medicine. Three lectures, one discussion per week for 7.5 weeks.
Not Offered Spring 2023
2.0 Credit Hours, Second Half Semester
Instructor: Matt Kieber-Emmons
M, W, F 9:35AM - 10:40AM
BIO C 6420 - Advanced Biochemistry
Frequent BC & MB Elective
This course will focus on biochemical and biophysical approaches to studying proteins and their functional interactions. Topics covered will include: protein-ligand interactions, cooperativity and allostery, protein folding and design, spectroscopic techniques, analytical ultracentrifugation, calorimetry, biosensors, proteomics approaches, and protein structure prediction.
Not Offered Spring 2023
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructors: Michael Kay and Wes Sundquist
T, TH 9:40AM - 11:00PM
CHEM 7270 - Organic Spectroscopy I
Frequent BC Elective
Students should gain an understanding of NMR theory, experimental set-up and spectral interpretation/identification of organic molecules from 1D and 2D solution NMR spectra. Specifically:
- Fundamentals of organic structural determination
- Components of the NMR spectrometer, data acquisition and sample considerations
- Chemical shift theory and estimation of 1H and 13C chemical shift through empirical formulas
- J-coupling theory, magnetic equivalence and higher order spectra, and use of spin decoupling for signal enhancement
- NMR relaxation – theory of longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation, experimental measurements of T1 and T2 (inversion-recovery, spin-echo, CPMG), quadrapolar relaxation effects, use of relaxation properties in spectral assignment
- Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) – theory and application
- Multinuclear NMR – spectral interpretation for direct detection of 15N, 19F, and 31P nuclei
- Advanced 1D NMR techniques – theory and spectral interpretation of INEPT, DEPT, TOCSY, NOESY/ROESY data
- 2D NMR techniques – theory and spectral interpretation of homonuclear: COSY, TOCSY, NOESY/ROESY, INADEQUATE; and heteronuclear: 13C/1H HMQC, HSQC, HMBC data
Not Offered Spring 2023
2.0 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Peter Flynn
M, W, F 11:00AM - 12:05PM, JTB 130,
H GEN 6060 - Applied Computational Genomics
Frequent BC & MB Elective (Counts as 2 electives)
Prerequisites: Complete "Learn the Command Line" from codeacademy.com
This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental concepts and experimental approaches in the analysis and interpretation of experimental genomics data. It will be structured as a series of lectures covering key concepts and analytical strategies. A diverse range of biological question enabled by modern DNA sequencing technologies will be explored including sequence alignment, the identification of genetic variation, structural variation, and ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis. Students will learn and apply the fundamental data formats and analysis strategies that underlie computational genomics research. The primary goal of the course is for students to be grounded in theory and have the ability to conduct independent genomic analyses.
Not Offered Spring 2023
2.0 Credit Hours, Full Semester
Instructor: Aaron Quinlan
T, Th, 10:30AM - 12:00PM, EHSEB 3515B
MD CH 7891 - The Chemical Biology of Pain: Opioids and Beyond
Frequent BC Elective
In this half-semester course, we will introduce key concepts in Chemical Biology with an emphasis on examples from the primary literature. Topics will include chemical and biological compound library development, chemical genetics and target identification, and strategies for the development of chemical probes and therapeutic compounds. Students will leave the class with a working knowledge of the field of Chemical Biology and its relationship to medicinal chemistry and drug development, the ability to analyze the primary literature and to design experiments to test key questions at the interface between chemistry and biology.
Not Offered Spring 2023
2.0 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Eric Schmidt
M, W, F 1:00PM - 2:00PM, EHSEB 4100C
PATH 7360 - Advanced Immunology
Frequent MB Elective
Prerequisite: A survey course in Immunology (such as PATH 5030) and some exposure to Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Genetics.
This is an advanced lecture and seminar course addressing topics of immunological research and interest. The course will focus upon original research articles, not a textbook. Students will be expected to participate in discussions. Class grade will be determined based upon classroom participation and a research proposal based upon some aspect of immunology covered in this course.
Not Offered Spring 2023
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructor: Dean Tantin
T, TH 2:00PM - 3:30PM
ONCSC 6520-001 - Physiology & Medicine for the Molecular Biologist
Med-2-Grad Core Course Requirement
Frequent MB Elective
The goal of this course is to provide graduate students in the basic sciences with a richer understanding of human physiology and pathophysiology. This information is critical for understanding the importance of any molecular mechanism at the level of cells, organs and whole animals, and applying this information to humans.
This course is aimed for students interested in:
- Gaining an understanding on the broad implications of their research and basic science.
- Learning how their focus in molecular mechanisms translates to medical interventions.
- Obtaining a foundation in anatomy and physiology necessary that is critical for understanding how to characterize genetic engineered animal models
- Preparing themselves scientifically for careers in biotech or pharma industry.
We will teach the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to a given organ system (heart, lung, kidney etc.). The relationship between molecular mechanism, pathophysiology and medicine will be emphasized. Each sections will be organized into three-1 hour lectures. Lectures will include up to date molecular details of interest and relevance to this audience. Though the course will utilize a textbook, McCance and Huether Pathophysiology, class participation is key as we will synthesize information to develop therapeutic strategies of today and tomorrow.
Not Offered Spring 2023
H GEN 6020 - Advances in Genetics
Frequent MB Elective
Seminar for graduate students. Faculty and topics will change yearly. Consult instructor before registration.
Not Offered Spring 2023
1.0 Credit Hours, Second Half Semester
Instructors: Mark Metzstein & David Grunwald
W 2:00PM-4:00PM, HSEB 4100D
PATH 7310 - Host Pathogen Interactions and Human Disease
Frequent MB Elective
This course will examine the mechanisms and consequences of microbial interactions with host cells and tissues. The means by which microbial pathogens stimulate and overcome host defenses in order to cause disease will be explored. This course is suitable for all graduate students and can be repeated up to three times for credit. Topics change annually. This is a half semester course, offered in the spring.
Not Offered Spring 2023
1.5 Credit Hours, First Half Semester
Instructors: Jessica Brown & Matthew Mulvey
M, W, F 2:00PM-3:00PM, EHSEB 5100B
ONCSC 6500 - Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer
Frequent BC & MB Elective
Review current understanding of the genetic, molecular, and cellular biology of cancer and how this knowledge relates to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Not Offered Spring 2023
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES AND PROGRAMS
- There are several certificate programs graduate students can complete during their training in addition to the Ph.D.
- Students are encouraged to consider these programs when selecting electives
- Additional information can be found in Affiliated Research Programs and the Graduate School Degree Requirements
GENOME SCIENCES PROGRAM
Genome Sciences Program Certificate
The goal of the Genome Sciences (GS) Program is to train the next generation of investigators to integrate genomics with biological and clinical research. Genome sciences merges functional genomics and translational biology to investigate biological systems at all levels of complexity.
MED-INTO-GRAD PROGRAM
Students should be a current PhD graduate student in the Colleges of Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Engineering, or the School of Medicine. They must have completed their first year of graduate school, have identified their thesis mentor, and have a strong interest in pursuing translational research during and following graduate school.
Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS)
Kellie Brown, Kellie.E.Brown@hsc.utah.edu