Biomedical Studies (BMS)
Students are required to register for the weekly seminar (a forum for outside speakers, presentation of student research, and discussion of selected topics) and to present papers. No more than three semester hours may be counted on a master's degree and no more than six may be counted on the Ph.D. degree.
To fulfill requirements for non-thesis master's students who need to complete final degree requirements other than coursework during their last semester. This may include such things as a comprehensive examination, oral examination, or foreign language requirement. Students are required to be registered during the semester they graduate.
Advanced aspects of the following topics are covered: Innate immunity, antigen recognition and presentation, lymphocyte maturation, autoimmunity, host defense failure, hypersensitivity, and vaccine development.
The manipulation of the immune system to advance therapy and prevention is a special focus of this course. Antigen recognition and presentation, dendritic cell development, vaccine development, and other topics are covered in detail. Each topic is presented from the literature by a researcher working on the topic.
(BIO 4306 preferred but not required.) Interdisciplinary course that covers basic mechanisms of molecular biology and genetics along with rigorous presentation of state-of-the-art research methodology. Utilization of DNA/RNA/protein regulation technology in biomedical and clinical applications.
Advanced topics in cell biology. Cell division, replication, and recombination of DNA and mutations and repair of DNA will be reviewed. Application of restriction enzymes, recombinant DNA technology, and sequencing of DNA to study molecular architecture of the cell will be overviewed.
Investigation of the interrelationships of energy utilizing and producing metabolic pathways. Consideration will be given to glycolysis, Kreb's cycle, oxidative pathways of fatty acids, pathways of lipid and sterol formation, and various aspects of gluconeogenesis and the pentosephosphate shunt, as well as specific functions of amino acid metabolism in oxidative stress and methylation.
See BIO 5399 for course information.
Immune responses of vertebrate animals, including immunochemistry and molecular genetics. Cellular responses will be analyzed by conventional skin tests, in vitro correlates of delayed-type hypersensitivity, histology, and laser-activated cell sorting.
Directed research for those students who have not yet passed the Ph.D. preliminary examination and who have not yet selected a Ph.D. dissertation topic or for master's students desiring in-depth practical training in a specific area of research. May be repeated for no more than 30 semester hours of credit.
A minimum of six semester hours is required.
Individual students complete five-week rotations in three research laboratories in order to master a set of biomedical techniques and to choose a home lab and dissertation mentor. Students join ongoing research projects and learn current techniques from lab personnel that will advance their dissertation work. Participation in experimental planning and exploration of the relevant literature is expected.
Selected topics in biomedical studies. May be repeated with change in content. No more than six semester hours total credit allowed.
A minimum of twelve semester hours is required.