Fall 2025

Cellular and molecular biology with examples related to human biology and diseases. Fundamental life processes examined at the genetic, cellular and molecular levels.

An examination of the physical and biological laws that influence agriculture, pollution, population dynamics (including humans), climate, biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. Not available for major credit.

Structure and function of the human body, including the role of organ systems, tissues, and cells in normal function. Malfunctions resulting from disease, substance abuse and lifestyle. Not available for major credit.

Laboratory component for BISC 120 for entering freshmen or transfer students with advanced placement or equivalent lecture credit from another institution.

Laboratory component for BISC 220 for entering freshmen or transfer students with advanced placement or equivalent lecture credit from another institution.

In-depth survey of key topics related to advances in our knowledge of the diversity of life and evolution; origin of life; eukaryotes/prokaryotes; ecology.

Equivalent to 120Lg, but taught at a higher level for exceptionally well-prepared students. Admission to the course by departmental approval only.

The human organism; the nature of inherited and acquired diseases;the biological and societal basis for the AIDS epidemic; therapy,drug design and the future. Not available for major credit.

A series of lectures and discussions at which faculty of the department introduce their research activities to students entering biology and related majors.

In-depth survey of key topics related to advances in our knowledge of cellular biology and physiology; cell composition/metabolism; gene action; organism structure and function. Recommended preparation: high school chemistry; BISC 120L or BISC 121L.

Exploration of the unique properties of brain cells that allow complex perceptions and behaviors; examination of structure and activity of brain cells that underlie function.

Experience in basic techniques through supervised research in the research laboratory of a departmental faculty member.

Modern biological research laboratory cell culture techniques with an emphasis on mammalian systems; topics include in-vitro cell growth requirements, cryopreservation and transfected DNA expression.

Organism-environment interactions; dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems; evolutionary forces.

Structure and synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins; molecular biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes; principles of genetics and cell biology.

Transmission genetics and genotype/phenotype; mapping methods; complex traits; genetics of human disease and population genetics.

Basic biochemical principles; classes of molecules - structure and function; cellular energetics.

Analysis of bioethical dilemmas using classical and contemporary readings in moral reasoning; examination of the ethical, social, legal and business policies associated with health issues.

Underlying biological philosophies of systematics and phylogenetic algorithms used to infer phylogenetic relationships between organisms. Interpretation and production of cladograms and phylogenetic trees.

Introduction to the experiments, theories and knowledge of modern cell biology; analysis of cutting-edge research papers; focused on organelles, signaling, cytoskeleton and the cell cycle.

A project-based course integrating biology, computer science, and statistics through the analysis of genomic datasets available publicly or collected and sequenced during the semester.

Molecular mechanisms and control of DNA replication, DNA repair, recombination, gene expression, cell growth, and development in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, from bacteria to humans. Recommended preparation: BISC 313 or BISC 325

Techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry applied to prokaryotic and eukaryotic model systems; applications of recombinant DNA and genomic technology. Recommended preparation: BISC 313 or BISC 325

Structure, function, and development of nervous systems; neural integration and mechanisms of behavior; organization and operation of brains.

Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats. Biochemical basis of nutrition's impact on metabolic functions, including vitamins, minerals and biologically active non-nutrients; medical aspects of nutrition.

Instruction in the open-source statistical program environment R to analyze biological data; manipulation of large datasets and customization of statistical tests using simulations.

Immune processes, humoral and cellular; immunoglobulins; antibody formation; antigen-antibody interactions; immune dyscrasias; transplantation and tumor immunology; basic hematology and immuno-hematology. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.

Topical seminar in marine and environmental biology. Junior, senior or graduate standing.

Topical seminar in molecular and computational biology. Junior, senior or graduate standing.

Topical seminar in neurobiology.

Biological, physical, chemical dynamics and analysis of the ocean; primary production of phytoplankton, secondary production by zooplankton, bacterial remineralization; physiology, ecology of fishes, marine mammals.

Examination of molecular and cellular processes that generate, maintain and repair body systems. Special emphasis on stem cell biology with clinical applications to regenerative medicine.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Opportunity to gain experience in experimental biological research and analysis and develop the ability to communicate scientific ideas effectively. Not available for graduate credit.

Research and writing of an honors thesis under faculty supervision. Opportunity to provide leadership and mentoring for BISC 493 students. Not available for graduate credit.

Lecture and discussion in specialized areas of the biological sciences. Students cannot register more than twice for this course. Not open to freshmen and sophomores. Recommended preparation: BISC 220L or BISC 221L, BISC 320L, BISC 325 and BISC 330L.

Current genetic and biochemical analysis of replication, recombination, mutagenesis, and repair. Fundamentals of transcription and regulation of gene expression. Recent applications of genetic engineering and genome analysis.

Rotation of graduate students through molecular biology research laboratories to learn the major technological skills required in the field. Graded CR/NC.

Topics in evolution and human biology with emphasis on lifespan, form, function and energy use in the context of genetics, natural selection and ecology

Microorganisms dominate biological processes in the ocean. These species pose significant problems for estimating species diversity, abundance and activity. Examination of modern molecular biological approaches for analyzing aquatic microbial communities and their ecological roles.

Modern oceanographic methods for making remote measurements of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems using satellite imagery and other means. Integrating these data into models that describe ecosystem structure and enable interpretation of ecosystem function.

Development of the skills needed to complete a well-written, correctly formatted literature review or original research paper suitable for journal publication.

Advanced training for molecular biology graduate students in reading primary journal articles. Emphasis on critical analyses of primary scientific literature.

Introduction to grant writing with a focus on scientific health-related fields; hypothesis design, figure construction and clear, concise writing.

Current topics in integrative and evolutionary biology.

Instruction in the critical reading and reviewing of scientific papers from recently published peer-reviewed articles; practice in development and delivery of scientific presentations.

Hands-on introduction to basic bioinformatics skills, software and analysis pipelines for biologists with minimal to no prior command line experience.

Research leading to the Master's Degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Practical principles for the long-term development of effective teaching within College disciplines. Intended for teaching assistants in Dornsife College.

Part-time or full-time, practical work experience in the student's field of study. The internship must be located at an off-campus facility. Students are individually supervised by faculty. May not be taken until the student has completed at least one semester of enrollment in the graduate program with a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC.