Core Curriculum Courses

Critical Thinking in Cell and Molecular Biology (GMS CM 761, 762, 2 credits each semester, Fall and Spring semesters): This course provides students with an historical perspective in the art of reasoning and critical thinking in the pursuit of answers to biological questions. An understanding of this process of refinement and reasoning which leads to the acceptance or rejection of biological hypotheses is examined. Special attention focuses on the development and changes in methodology and instrumentation and, in turn, their effects on progress in solving questions in cell and molecular biology. Each student is required to present one seminar each semester on a relevant topic.

Instructors for the upcoming academic year:

Cell Biology (GMS MS 753, 4 credits, Fall semester): This course involves the study of cell membranes, receptors, cytoplasmic organelles, cell motility, cell cycle, extracellular matrix-cellular interactions, fertilization, embryogenesis, and cell differentiation.

General Biochemistry I and II (GMS BI 755, 756, 4 credits each semester): This course is designed to provide graduate students with a solid foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology and also to introduce graduate students to critical reading of scientific papers. The overall goal of this two-semester course is to provide a comprehensive in-depth view of the principles, concepts, and methodology underlying the field of biochemistry. The first semester lecture/session schedule is integrated with GMS MS 753 Cell Biology so students study basic biochemical concepts within the context of the cell and its various compartments. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches to the characterization of macromolecular and molecular structure function relationships and the regulation of gene expression. The second semester concentrates on an in-depth discussion of specific classes of biological molecules, their metabolism, and their cellular and organismal roles.

Molecular Biology (GMS BI 782, 4 credits, Spring semester): Prereq: GMS BI 755 or equivalent. This course focuses on advanced molecular biology using the current literature as a source of information. Emphasis is also placed on relevant research techniques. Topics include structure and function of nucleic acids, recombinant DNA research, molecular biology of important cellular processes, and regulation of gene expression emphasizing control mechanisms in eukaryotic cells.

Mini-Courses in Cell and Molecular Biology (GMS CM 765, 766, 1 credit/mini-course, Fall and Spring semesters, Year 2): Faculty present 6 week mini-courses on specialized topics in cell and molecular biology. Several topics are offered each 6 week period. A minimum of 2 mini-courses must be taken.

Current offerings:

  • Semester II Spring 2000
  • Dr. Andrew Zoeller Department of Biophysics
  • Isolation and uses of mutant animal cell lines
  • First class March 1, 2000 from 2 to 4 p.m. in W314 (Biophysics Library in the CABR building)
Primary teaching affiliate
of BU School of Medicine