Graduate

Development of critical thinking skills via discussion of research articles on a broad range of topics. Prepares students to critically evaluate research publications, and improves their ability to organize effective oral presentations and to evaluate the oral presentations of other scientists.

An in-depth coverage of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Discussion of the roles of macromolecules in the regulation of information in the cell.

An in-depth coverage of topics in cellular and subcellular organization, structure, and function in plants and animals. Emphasis on current research problems.

Key topics in developmental biology, including developmental genetics, epigenetics, stem cell biology, and developmental neurobiology. Lectures are accompanied by critical analysis and discussion of recent publications.

A multidisciplinary course that focuses on topics to consider when tackling biomedical research questions experimentally. Lectures highlight important issues to take into account, are coupled with group discussions and intensive analysis of primary literature, and involve case studies to practically demonstrate how how these considerations might be implemented.

Multidisciplinary course with an emphasis on discussion of approaches and methods involved in the study of biological questions. Lectures focus on current gaps in our knowledge of topics and approaches to test models and hypotheses. Course focuses on current topics in RNA and DNA molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, stem cells, neurobiology, and genomics. Lectures coupled with small group discussions and written assignments.

An advanced graduate-level course on biological aspects of RNA function and processing in eukaryotes. Lectures and discussions will be developed using the current literature.

Covers the field of ribosome research in depth, including the structure and function of ribosomes and the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. Begins with historical review of the ribosome field and proceeds to the most recent findings. Focus is on central questions: (1) How is the accuracy of the aminoacyl-tRNA selection determined? (2) What is accommodation? (3) What is the mechanism of peptide bond formation (peptidyl transferase)? (4) What is the mechanism of translocation? (5) What are the mechanistic roles of the ribosome and translation factor EF-G in translocation? (6) To what extent is the mechanism of translation determined by RNA? (7) Why is RNA so well suited for the ribosome? (8) How did translation evolve from an RNA world?

Eukaryotic DNA is complexed with histones to form chromatin. This course focuses on the ways in which chromatin influences and is manipulated to regulate gene expression

In-depth coverage of epigenetics focusing on how alterations in chromatin structure and DNA methylation establish and maintain heritable states of gene expression. Lectures are supplemented with critical discussion of recent publications.

Fundamental concepts, experimental approaches, and current advances in stem cell biology, with consideration of key ethical issues. Topics include: self-renewal and differentiation; the microenvironment; epigenetics; cell-cycle regulation; and how basic research translates to medical therapeutics. Ethical, moral, and political issues surrounding stem cell research are discussed with lectures from philosophy and other relevant disciplines.

Provides students with hands-on experience in embryonic stem cell culture methods.

All eukaryotic cells utilize intricate signaling pathways to control such diverse events as cell-cell communication, cell division, and changes in cell morphology. This course covers the molecular basis of these cellular signaling pathways, focusing on the most current research.

Provides students with knowledge of the latest concepts in cancer biology and cancer therapeutics, and a general appreciation of the rapid advances being made in this area of biomedicine.

For experimental biologists: focuses on resolving practical statistical issues typically encountered in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology lab research. No prior experience in statistics or programming is necessary.

How environmental factors (animals' experiences, environmental toxins, etc.) affect the formation of neuronal circuits and brain function. Lectures and discussions use current literature.

Provides an overview of the continually emerging roles for CRISPR in biomedical research. Topics will include an overview of the CRISPR genome defense systems in bacteria, the mechanisms of DNA cleavage and repair, the many uses of CRISPR as a genome editing tool in model organisms, and discussions on the ethical use of the technology in precision medicine.

Trains students how to plan, design, and develop STEM outreach programs. Outreach proposals focused on engaging communities from under-represented backgrounds.

Basis of neural behavior at the cellular, molecular and system levels. First half of course focuses on cellular, molecular, and developmental aspects of the nervous system and covers two sensory systems: olfaction and auditory. Last half of course concerns higher-level functions of the nervous system, such as processing and integrating information. Discusses human diseases and disorders. Students cannot receive credit for this course and BIOL 126.

Covers the principles of nervous-system development from the molecular control of development, and cell-cell interactions, to the role of experience in influencing brain structure and function. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 128. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students and by permission of the instructor.

Introduction to the fundamentals of grant writing in biomedical research, including best practices for presentation of data and communication of research findings. Participants write and peer-edit most components of the NIH Ruth Kirschstein F31/F32 pre- or post-doctoral fellowship.

Investigates the scientific, ethical, social, and legal dimensions of human embryonic stem-cell research, including the moral status of the embryo; the concept of respect for life; ethical constraints on oocyte procurement; creation of embryonic chimeras; federal policies; and political realities. (Also offered as Biomolecular Engineering 247. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Course in stem cell biology (ex: BME 278 Stem Cell Research) or the equivalent knowledge. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

Intensive research seminar on the structure and function of the gene expression machinery in the simple eukaryote Saccharomyces cervisiae and its relationship to the human gene expression machinery.

Weekly seminar on structure and gene regulatory function of chromatin. Discusses research of participants and relevant scientific literature.

Seminar covers research into the development of the mammalian brain.

A discussion of current research and literature concerning the regulation of precursor messenger RNA processing.

Intensive course on the molecular mechanisms underlying homolog pairing, synapses, and recombination; and how they are regulated, coordinated, and monitored to ensure accurate meiotic chromosome segregation.

Intensive research seminar on molecular mechanisms by which neural connections are established during mouse development. Special focus on topographic maps and role of Eph receptors and ephrins in this process.

Weekly seminar and group discussion on current topics in the study of birdsong neurobiology and the development and evolution of the nervous system generally. Students present, review, and discuss relevant research pertaining but not limited to birdsong molecular and systems neurobiology, developmental gene regulatory mechanisms in the brain, and comparative neurobiology. In addition to presenting and discussing published research, students present their own independent research and receive feedback from the instructor and other students.

Seminar covering research into the effects of chromatin on transcription in yeast.

Intensive course on molecular mechanisms by which insulator elements regulate epigenetic gene silencing.

Focuses on structure and function of the spliceosome using electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography. Participants present results from their own research and relevant journal articles.

An intensive seminar focusing on current research on the molecular mechanisms that control cell division. Participants are required to present results of their own research or to review journal articles of interest.

Seminar covering research into breast development and cancer.

Intensive course on the molecular mechanisms by which RNA binding proteins regulate gene expression.

Weekly seminar discussion of the current research and literature concerning the functions for long noncoding RNA in gene regulation within inflammatory signaling pathways.

Introduces students to classic and current research in the area of systems neuroscience with specific focus on how different neural cell types shape the computations that are performed in neural circuits. Each week, a different student or the instructor will give a presentation and/or lead a discussion on a topic of their choosing. These topics can be the student's research project, a classic or current neuroscience journal article, or a tutorial on a new method. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit.

Intensive, discussion-based course concerning ongoing research in quality control and gene expression via analysis of published and unpublished observations and theories.

Weekly seminar and group discussion on current topics telomerase and telomere length regulation. Students present, review, and discuss relevant research on telomerase, regulation of telomere length equilibrium, analysis of telomere length data. In addition to presenting and discussing published research, students present their own independent research and receive feedback from the instructor and other members of the laboratory. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Intense weekly seminar on the mechanisms of gene regulation, focusing on C. elegans and human parasitic nematodes.

Weekly seminar and group discussion on current topics related to the role of human genome variants, including retrotransposons and segmental duplications, on gene regulation and human brain development and disease. Students present, review, and discuss research pertaining, but not limited, to the evolution of retrotransposons and KZNF proteins and their effect on early embryonic gene regulatory programs as well as the development and characterization of pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoid models. In addition to presenting and discussing published research, students also present their own independent research and receive feedback from the instructor and other class participants.

Intensive, discussion-based course covering recent published and unpublished research in mechanisms regulating cancer stem cells and metastasis in breast cancer and their relationship with normal stem cells. Students also present their own research and solicit feedback from students and instructors. May be repeated for credit. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll with permission of instructor.

Involves a two-hour weekly meeting in which the students discuss topics concerning the cell cycle, early embryonic development, and the cytoskeleton. These discussions critically evaluate ongoing research in this area. Material is drawn from student research and recently published journal articles. Students are also expected to meet individually with the instructor two hours weekly. In addition to a three–five page research proposal, each student gives two one-hour oral presentations.

Weekly discussion of the current research and literature on translational pediatric genomics. Specific patient cases may be discussed.

This seminar course will cover the current topics and progress of neuroscience research on neural circuit development, connectivity, function and genetics. (Formerly Membrane Proteins.)

Intensive research seminar about epigenetic inheritance and the role of small non-coding RNAs in the intergenerational inheritance of paternal environmental effects. Participants present their research results and report on related journal articles.

Research seminar covering the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the mammalian nervous system, focusing on how the activity regulates the structural and functional dynamics of synapses.

Weekly research seminar covering gene regulation, cellular interactions, and stem cell behaviors in mammalian prostate development and prostate cancer progression.

Weekly seminar and discussion of current research and literature concerning mechanisms by which the host immune response determines the severity of disease following a respiratory viral infection. Enrollment is limited to 10.

Weekly seminar covering current research and literature concerning the gut barrier and microbes, with particular emphasis on enteric viruses. Enrollment is limited to 10.

Prepares graduate students to help teach university science courses. Weekly class sessions include activities and interactive discussions of diverse modes of learning, diverse ways of teaching, peer instruction, assessment of learning, equity and inclusion, and professional ethics. Students also visit an active learning class and an active learning discussion section at UCSC, then write evaluations of the teaching strategies used in those classes. (Formerly Teaching Assistant Training.)

Examination of ethical and practical scientific issues, including the collection and treatment of data, attribution of credit, plagiarism, fraud, and peer review. Career issues, including how to apply for grants and positions in industry or academia, will be discussed.

An important goal of graduate programs is to train students for diverse careers. Exposes molecular cell and developmental biology graduate students to diverse career options and helps them develop individual development plans to target their graduate training to their selected career goals.

Topics of current interest in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology are presented weekly by graduate students, faculty, and guest speakers.

Various topics by weekly guest speakers.

Independent laboratory research in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Independent study for graduate students who have not yet settled on a research area for their thesis. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.