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Majors Courses Research Advising Organizations Awards |
This course will be devoted to a discussion of the current state of our understanding of cell structure and function. Eukaryotic cells will be emphasized with particular attention to animal cells. However, prokaryotic cells will be discussed for comparative purposes. Course material will emphasize the experimental basis for our understanding of cell biology and the relationship between structure and function. Most of the techniques to be considered will involve biochemical and molecular biological approaches used in the study of cell function. Thus the course will assume a familiarity with the principles of biochemistry covered in the prerequisites and will not repeat this material. Topics will include membranes, the nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts, the cytoskeleton, cell motility, growth and division, endocytosis and exocytosis, and selected topics on the cellular biological aspects of cancer and the immune system.
This experimental methods course is designed to give upper division majors an opportunity to learn modern techniques used in cell biology research. Students will master the fundamentals of light microscopy (bright field, phase contrast, and dark field) and explore more advanced techniques such as fluorescence, confocal, video, and differential interference contrast microscopy. Students will isolate plasma membranes, mitochondria, nuclei, brush borders, and flagella and characterize these organelles by microscopy, enzyme assays and antibody labeling. Because laboratory exercises are complex, students should be prepared for some classes to extend beyond the scheduled class time. There is a $48.00 lab fee.
1511 Cell Biology Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is the writing practicum for Cell Biology Laboratory, BIOSC 1510. Students will prepare laboratory reports based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1510. The reports will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission.
The mechanisms of animal development will be analyzed. The first half of the course will emphasize classic embryological investigations focusing on how the embryonic body plan becomes organized, while the second half will deal primarily with the genetic and molecular regulation of development. The experimental analysis of such processes as fertilization, morphogenetic movements, tissue interactions, pattern formation, and gene expression will be discussed using examples from a variety of animal embryos, and by discussion of the current research literature.
1530 Developmental Biology Laboratory This laboratory course is designed to provide students with practical experience in the scientific method of experimental research with regard to animal development. Initial labs will stress observational skills, but the goal of each will be to understand the careful and deliberate process of experimental design, execution, and the interpretation of results. The importance of establishing and interpreting controls in experimental procedure will also be emphasized. There is a $48 lab fee.
1531 Developmental Biology Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Developmental Biology Laboratory, BIOSC 1530. Students will prepare laboratory reports and write essays based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1530. The reports and essays will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission.
This is an upper-level course designed to provide students with a broad understanding of how computational approaches can be used to solve problems in biology. Current computational techniques will be covered in depth, including sequence analysis and alignment, structure prediction, molecular modeling, and digital imaging. Both the biological and computational basis of the methods will be addressed, and a substantial amount of hands-on experience will be provided. Students will prepare a project over the course of the semester utilizing the computational tools learned in class.
1550 Ecology and Evolution Seminar In this seminar course, a single topic is developed by student presentations of research articles from the original scientific literature as chosen by the instructor. Topics might include, for example, "Cladistic Controversies," "Molecular Phylogeny," or "Wetlands Conservation."
1551 Ecology and Evolution Seminar Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for the Ecology and Evolution Seminar. Students will write one paper of at least 12 pages in length, with several revisions, based on the topic of their oral presentation in the corequisite course BIOSC 1550. Topics will be chosen by the instructor for BIOSC 1550.
1560 Cell and Developmental Biology Seminar In this seminar course, a single topic each term is developed by student presentations of research articles from the original scientific literature, as chosen by the instructor. Possible topics might include genes encoding major developmental switch proteins, the cytoskeletal basis of morphological movements in development, or establishing and subdividing body axes in development.
1561 Cell and Developmental Biology Seminar Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for the Cell and Developmental Biology Seminar. Students will write one paper of at least 12 pages in length, with several revisions, based on the topic of their oral presentation in the co-requisite course BIOSC 1560. Topics will be chosen by the instructor for BIOSC 1560.
In this seminar course, a single topic each term will be chosen in which the instructor is experienced and knowledgeable, and in which a suitable collection of primary research articles is available for student presentation. For this term, the topic will be "Ecology and Evolution of Pathogenic Bacteria." Papers to be discussed will include some "classics" that establish the general outlines of the field and mostly recent papers that investigate specific examples of host-parasite coevolution. There will be one meeting per week, with one student presenting a specific research paper and leading discussion of that paper. All students are required to read the presented paper in advance, and are expected to participate in the group discussion of the paper. Each student will also be required to write one 10-page paper, due at the end of the term.
1571 Microbiology Seminar Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for the Microbiology Seminar. Students will write one paper of at least 12 pages in length, with several revisions, based on the topic of their oral presentation in the corequisite course BIOSC 1570. Topics will be chosen by the instructor for BIOSC 1570.
In this seminar course, a single topic each term is developed by student presentations of research articles from the original scientific literature, as chosen by the instructor. Recent topics have included biosynthesis of peptide hormones, recombinant DNA technology, processing of mRNA precursors, protein folding with emphasis on the molecular biology and biochemistry of chaperonins, and protein translocation within cells. This year's topic will be: virus assembly mechanisms.
1581 Biochemistry Seminar Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for the Biochemistry Seminar. Students will write one paper of at least 12 pages in length, with several revisions, based on the topic of their oral presentation in the corequisite course BIOSC 1580. Topics will be chosen by the instructor for BIOSC 1580.
1590 Special Topics in Biological Sciences (Orientation) This course is designed to help transferring biology majors from underrepresented minorities bridge the gap between community college and research university. Topics covered in BIOSC 0150/0160 and their lab components will be reviewed and expanded. Because this course is to be offered specifically for new University of Pittsburgh students with at least 2 years of college course work, part of the course will involve orientation of students to the campus in general and the biology major specifically.
1590 Special Topics in Biological Sciences (Entymology) This course is offered at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology Field Station. Lectures, field and lab work in terrestrial and aquatic systems, covering taxonomy, diversity, distribution, abundance, population dynamics, predator-prey and plant-herbivore interactions, and the use of insect diversity and abundance measures as bioindicators. There is a $48.00 lab fee. Additional fee information is provided in the information packet.
1590 Special Topics in Biological Sciences (Teaching) This 2 credit course is aimed at science and engineering majors interested in learning more about science teaching at any level. It will introduce principles of learning, provide models of biological instruction and afford the opportunity for students to develop and present a biological concept to an introductory biology recitation class using the studied principles of learning and instruction. The lesson will be developed under guidance of the instructor, undergoing multiple drafts and discussion in the class. The recitation presentations, created by teams of 3-4 students, will be videotaped to evaluate the achievement of the lesson goal and adherence to the learning principles. A second cycle of design, testing, and reflection will provide additional opportunities to apply the learning principles on a different biological concept.
This course is offered at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology Field Station. This field course will focus primarily on the applied aspects of conservation biology by examining the degradation and loss of species populations and ecosystems due to human activities and by considering alternatives for avoiding and/or mitigating these impacts. The perspectives of science, management, and policy will be elucidated in the context of historical, current, and future strategies designed to conserve the diversity of life. There is a $50.00 lab fee. You must register for both CRNs associated with this course. Upon registering for this class, students must go to the Department of Biological Sciences Advising Office in A230 Langley Hall to get an information packet (which will have additional fee information) before they can attend classes at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology Field Station.
1690 Experience in Undergraduate Teaching A program to allow qualified Juniors and Seniors to assist in the teaching of one of the Biological Sciences lecture or laboratory courses. Details of the student's responsibility must be worked out with the Biological Sciences faculty member in whose course the student will be assisting. Student must have permission of the supervising instructor to register for the course. Students should inquire at the University Honors College (3500 CL) about the Undergraduate Teaching Award Fellowship which is available for students participating in undergraduate teaching. Forms are available at the Departmental Advising Office (A230 LANGLEY). Credits earned do not count as credits towards the major.
This course presents the concepts and methods of modern molecular virology. Principles of bacteriophage and animal virus replication are covered. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of viruses as model systems to approach basic problems in molecular biology. Applications of virological knowledge to medicine and biotechnology will be discussed.
This course accompanies BIOSC 1730. The exercises are designed to give each student practical experience with the methods and techniques used in the study of bacterial, insect, and animal viruses and the reactions of host cells to viral infections. Included are tissue culture techniques, methods used in the isolation, characterization and assay of viruses and purification of viral DNA. In some portions of the course students are encouraged to design and implement experiments of their own choosing. There is a $48 lab fee.
1741 Virology Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Virology Laboratory, BIOSC 1740. Students will prepare laboratory reports based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1740. The reports will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission.
This course presents basic principles of immunology and immunological techniques. Experimental methods from both humoral and cellular immunology will be used to study the cells, tissues and molecules involved in immune response initiation and maturation, antibody products and their characteristics, immunoassays, molecular immunology, and both cellular and humoral immune effector functions. Quantitative analysis of data will be emphasized. There is a $48 lab fee.
1751 Immunology Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Immunology Laboratory, BIOSC 1750. Students will prepare laboratory reports and write essays based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1750. The reports and essays will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission.
This course will describe the immune systems of vertebrates that enable them to recognize and respond specifically to foreign substances. The molecular and cellular basis of immunity will be emphasized. The roles of antigens, antibodies and immuno-competent cells in pathogenesis and immunity to infectious diseases will be covered. Specific topics include antigens and antigenic determinants, antigen-antibody reactions, antibody structure and formation, anatomy and physiology of immunocompetent tissues, cellular immune responses, the complement system and other immune modulators, phagocytosis, monoclonal antibody formation, immunogenetics and the histocompatibility antigens, diseases of the immune system and immunopathology, tolerance, inflammation, allergies, and hypersensitivity reactions. The applications of immunology in the design of vaccines, immunotherapeutics, immunodiagnostics, and organ transplantation will be discussed as will the uses of immunology in biological research. The course is suitable for University Honors College students with an interest in immunology.
1810 Macromolecular Structure and Function This course is concerned primarily with the structure and functions of proteins and nucleic acids. These are large polymers where structure and function are determined by the sequence of monomeric units. Topics will include the physical and chemical properties of the monomer units (amino acids/nucleotides); the determination of the linear sequence of these units; analyses of the three-dimensional structures of the macromolecules; kinetics and mechanisms of enzyme catalyzed reactions, including RNA enzymes; regulation of enzyme activity; molecular recognition; and fidelity of protein synthesis. Emphasis throughout will be on experimental methods, molecular mechanisms and problem solving.
The major topics will be the pathways of intermediary metabolism by which cells and organisms of all kinds synthesize and degrade carbohydrates, lipids, and nitrogenous compounds. Bioenergetics (including photosynthesis), the process by which cells harness the energy of electron transfer, will be carefully elaborated. Throughout the course emphasis will be given to reaction mechanism, reaction energetics, and key pathway regulation steps. Consideration of the interaction of the flows of carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism under various states of physiological stress will serve to integrate these pathways.
This advanced course introduces several basic experimental techniques of biochemistry including spectrophotometry, ion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography, FPLC, HPLC, radio-chemical methods, gel electrophoresis, enzyme isolation, and nucleic acid purification. Many of the discussions and laboratories will center around very modern protein purification strategies. Students will use the latest equipment to purify macromolecules. A two-hour lecture each week will focus on the techniques under study. Successful completion of laboratory projects will often require more time than the twice weekly four-hour sessions. It is advisable to leave the early evening hours uncommitted on laboratory days to accommodate longer laboratory exercises. Students should have a sincere interest in biochemical research and should possess a great deal of patience and motivation. There is a $48 lab fee.
1831 Biochemistry Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Biochemistry Laboratory, BIOSC 1830. Students will prepare laboratory reports and write essays based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1830. The reports and essays will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission. The day and time for the course will be decided on the first day of the lab, BIOSC 1830. Students should have their schedules with them. The majority of students will decide the day and time.
This course will introduce students to the basic biology, diversity in types, and survival strategies of microorganisms. We will study basic topics, including microbial growth, metabolism, nutrition and genetics, as well as the relevance of microorganisms to human disease, biotechnology and environmental science. We will also pay some attention to the diverse types of jobs available to persons interested in microbiology. This course will provide the necessary foundation for future studies in various areas of microbiology.
1855 Introduction to Experimental Microbiology tudents in this course will culture microorganisms from natural samples such as soil, vegetables, and their own skin, and learn various methods in the process of studying the organisms they have cultured. The topics for the course include:
The exercises incorporate explicit treatment of (i) data analysis, (ii) commonly used computational skills needed by microbiologists, and (iii) safety practices for protecting the microbiologist, personnel on whom the laboratory depends (e.g., custodian and dishwasher), and the workspace, from microbial contamination. The curriculum includes a variety of standard methods that anyone having such a course listed on his or her transcript would be expected to know about. There is a $48 lab fee.
This laboratory course introduces basic techniques used for isolation of microorganisms in pure culture, identification of groups of microorganisms, and study of microbial physiology, genetics, and ecology. Some topics in applied microbiology that are covered include food microbiology, water and waste water analysis, and identification and antibiotic sensitivity-testing of pathogenic isolates. Viruses, archaebacteria, bacteria, algae, protozoa, and fungi that students isolate from soil, pond water, human skin, and other sources are used to illustrate these methods. Students wishing to earn "W" credit by writing lab reports should in addition register for BIOSC 1861. There is a $48 lab fee.
1861 Microbiology Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Microbiology Laboratory, BIOSC 1860. Students will prepare laboratory reports based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1860. The reports will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission.
This course examines the diversity of microbial life from a physiological point of view. We will examine the fundamental processes of microbial metabolism in diverse organisms, and develop a framework for understanding how organisms use different approaches to solve specific needs. Lecture material is appropriate for students trained in Introductory Microbiology and in Biochemistry.
This course is a survey of the current state of our knowledge of how animals work. The emphasis will be on physiological mechanisms for survival in natural environments. A comparative approach will stress the diversity of physiological adaptations throughout the animal kingdom. Topics include: nutrition, metabolism, muscle, respiration, circulation, osmoregulation, sensory and neural physiology, and hormones. The material will stress multi-cellular systems of organization at the levels of tissues, organs, and whole animals.
1880 Animal Physiology Laboratory A laboratory methods course designed for the serious student who intends to pursue a professional career requiring first-hand experience in current techniques of animal physiology. Experimental topics include energy metabolism, osmoregulation, muscle physiology, neurophysiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, and endocrinology. A major goal is to develop familiarity with the use of current laboratory research procedures through rigorous structured experiments and written laboratory reports. There is a $48 lab fee.
1881 Animal Physiology Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Animal Physiology Laboratory, BIOSC 1880. Students will prepare laboratory reports and write essays based on exercises and assignments for the companion course, BIOSC 1880. The reports and essays will be returned with instructor comments for student revision and resubmission.
1890 Advanced Topics in Microbiology This advanced-level lecture course will consider topics not covered in the set curriculum; these topics will vary from year to year. Lectures will be based on assigned readings from the literature. Topics to be treated could include but will not be limited to the following: Genesis and function of microbial structures (e.g. viruses, flagellae, and pili), Microbial recycling of industrial and agricultural waste, Biogeochemical cycling, Environmental use of genetically-engineered organisms, Emerging infectious diseases, and Physiology in extreme environments.
A program of independent reading with individual tutorials on a topic chosen in consultation with the Biological Sciences faculty member who will supervise the student. The type of written paper required will be decided upon by supervising faculty. Student must have permission of the supervising faculty to register for the course. The independent study course number can also be used for an internship, when it is in an area that will enhance and enrich the student's academic program. Such internship experiences must have a departmental faculty co-sponsor. The appropriate forms that must be completed by the student and supervising faculty are available at the Departmental Advising Office (A230 LANGLEY). Credits earned do not count as credits towards the major.
A program of independent laboratory research, with supporting library work, on a topic chosen in consultation with the Biological Sciences faculty member who will supervise the work. Type of written paper required to be decided by the supervising faculty. Student must have permission of the supervising faculty to register for the course. The appropriate forms that must be completed by the student and supervising faculty are available at the Departmental Advising Office (A230 LANGLEY). Credits earned do not count as credits towards the major.
1904 Undergraduate Honors Research A program of independent laboratory and library research with written paper on topic chosen in consultation with the Biological Sciences faculty member who will supervise the work. Ordinarily elected in the senior year by students with a 3.25 or better average who plan to try to qualify for an Honors Degree in Biological Sciences. Six credit hours of independent laboratory research is one of the requirements for graduation with Honors in Biological Sciences. Student must have permission of the supervising faculty to register for the course. The appropriate forms that must be completed by the student and supervising faculty are available at the Departmental Advising Office (A230 LANGLEY). Credits earned do not count as credits towards the major.
This course will examine the molecular basis of life processes, with a primary emphasis on genes (what they are, what they do, how they determine the properties of an organism). Topics covered will include replication of DNA, transcription of DNA into RNA, and translation of RNA into protein. Much of the course will be concerned with how these processes are regulated in response to changes in the environment, and how this regulation relates to the observed properties and behavior of the organism.
1950 Molecular Genetics Laboratory This course will discuss the theories and methodologies that have recently emerged as the central theme of modern molecular genetics. In lectures we will emphasize descriptions and applications of techniques such as molecular cloning, restriction site mapping, in vitro mutagenesis, the polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequence analysis that have led to the recent explosion in knowledge about chromosome organization, gene structure, and the regulation of gene expression. Laboratory sessions are scheduled for one period each week, however, students are expected to follow their experiments during unscheduled hours. Selected projects will provide practical experience in many of the techniques discussed in the lecture portion of this class. These will include the polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, cloning DNA fragments, bacterial transformation, restriction analysis, and the Sanger method of sequencing DNA. There is a $48 lab fee.
1951 Molecular Genetics Laboratory Writing Practicum This course is a writing practicum for Molecular Genetics Laboratory, BIOSC 1950. There will be weekly, one-hour meetings with the instructor to discuss scientific writing styles and techniques. The five major sections of a research article will be discussed, as will proper preparation of the laboratory notebook. Students will be responsible for preparing two lab reports, which will be critically reviewed by the instructor and returned. The first of the two papers will be written in sections and used in the class for peer review. Students will also be responsible for weekly summaries of the lab exercises. All papers will be expected to be revised and resubmitted.
This is an advanced level course that introduces students to the physical chemistry of biological macromolecules and the methods used to study their structure, interactions, and function. Concepts of positional and structural information will be integrated with those of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and kinetics. We will focus on the enzyme RNAse-A, a paradigm for the study of the physico-chemical properties and mechanism of function of proteins. This lecture course is integrated with BIOSC 1990/CHEM 1595, the co-requisite laboratory.
1990 Molecular Biophysics Laboratory This is an advanced level laboratory course that introduces students to modern techniques such as X-ray crystallography, NMR and CD spectroscopy, calorimetry, and molecular dynamics simulations for the study of the structure, interactions, and function of biological macromolecules. Experiments will use the enzyme RNAse-A, a paradigm for the study of the physico-chemical properties and mechanism of function of proteins. This laboratory course is integrated with BIOSC 1980/CHEM 1590, the co-requisite lecture course. There is a $48 lab fee.
This is an advanced level lecture course educating students in the microbial aspects of human infectious diseases. Students will learn about the microbial basis of infection, the host response, and the nature of specific infections within the human body. The course also will present approaches for the diagnosis of infections and strategies for disease control. The topic of medical microbiology will be presented in a system-based rather than an organism-based approach.
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