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Undergraduate
Courses
Graduate Courses
Official Yale College program and course information is found in Yale College Programs of Study, available at http://www.yale.edu/yalecollege/publications/ycps
Undergraduate
Courses
Note: The letter "a" following a
course number indicates a fall term course; "b"
indicates a spring term course; "G"
indicates courses offered to undergraduate and
graduate students; courses without an "a"
or "b" are year-long; “*” indicates
permission from the instructor is needed. Bracketed
courses are not offered in the academic year 2004-2005.
INTRODUCTORY
COURSES WITHOUT PREREQUISITES:
*E&EB 071a. The Natural History Collections
of the Peabody Museum. Leo Buss. Course
web page
MW 1-2:15
An introductory seminar that investigates the
biological, geological, and anthropological collections
of the Peabody Museum in order to explore scientific
problems selected by the students. Enrollment
limited to freshmen.
MCDB 105a. An Issues Approach to Biology.
Timothy Nelson, Ronald Breaker,
David Wells. MWF 11:30-12:20
Biological concepts taught in context of current
societal issues, such as stem cell research and
genetically modified organisms. Emphasis on biological
literary to enable students to evaluate scientific
arguments.
MCDB 120a. Principles of Molecular, Cellular
and Developmental Biology.
John Carlson, Sidney Altman, Frank Slack. MWF
11:30-12:20
Introduction to biochemistry, genetics, cell biology,
and development. Emphasis on the cell as the basic
unit of life; its composition, functions, replication,
and differentiation. Suitable as the first step
in any biological sciences major, and also for
any student wishing to understand the fundamentals
of biology at the molecular and cellular level.
This course is a prerequisite to MCDB courses
numbered 200 or higher.
MCDB 121La. Laboratory for Principles of Molecular,
Cellular and Developmental Biology.
John Carlson, Nancy Rosenbaum. TWTh or F 1:30-
Experimental techniques and procedures in molecular,
cellular and developmental biology. May be taken
with or after MCDB 120a.
E&EB 122b. Principles of Evolution, Ecology,
and Behavior. Stephen Stearns.
MWF 11:30-12:20
The major principles of evolution, ecology, and
behavior explained and illustrated by recent advances
that have changed the field. Emphasis on major
events in the history and key transitions in the
organization of life. Ecological processes from
organisms through populations and communities
to the biosphere. Foraging, mating, selfish and
cooperative behavior placed in evolutionary and
ecological context. Recommended preparation: MCDB
120a or equivalent.
E&EB 123Lb. Laboratory for Principles
of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior.
Nancy Rosenbaum. TWTh or F 1:30-
Experimental approaches to organismal and population
biology, including study of the diversity of life.
May be taken with or after E&EB 122b.
E&EB 125b/G&G 125b. History of Life.
Derek Briggs, Leo Hickey.
TTh 11:30-12:45
Examination of fossil and geologic evidence pertaining
to the origin, evolution, and history of life
on Earth. Emphasis on major events in the history
of life, on what the fossil record tells us about
the evolutionary process, on the diversity of
ancient and living organisms, and on the evolutionary
impact of the changing environment of the Earth.
MCDB 135a or b/CGSC 202a or b/*Pscyh 302a or
b. How the Brain Works. Thomas Byrne,
David Wells. T,Th 1-2:15
An introduction to how the brain works, using
a neuroscience textbook and original scientific
articles. Discussion of the cellular and gross
anatomy and the physiology that give rise to movement,
sensation, vision, memory, and emotion. Consideration
of clinical cases that illustrate the interface
between the brain and the mind. Enrollment limited
to freshmen fall term, open to all classes spring
term.
*E&EB 140aG. AIDS and Society. Alvin
Novick. MWF 10:30-11:20
The natural history, biology, and epidemiology
of AIDS; social, ethical, public policy, and political
aspects of AIDS and of the ways societies address
a medical crisis.
[MCDB 150bG/EVST 205bG. Global Problems of
Population Growth.]
E&EB 160b/G&G 160b. Diversity of Life.
Marta Martinez Wells.
TTh 1-2:15
A survey of the diversity of organisms on Earth
with a focus on their evolutionary history, biology,
and adaptations to their environment.
F&ES 220bG/*EVST 220b. Local Flora.
Thomas Siccama.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental
Studies in the YCPS book
INTERMEDIATE &
ADVANCED EEB COURSES and EEB RESEARCH AND TUTORIALS
Please refer to the course
listing on the EEB web site.
MCDB
COURSES
MCDB 120a is a prerequisite for the courses below:
MCDB 200a. Genetics. Stephen Dellaporta
and staff. TTh 11:30-12:45
An introduction to classical, molecular and population
genetics, of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and
their central importance in biological sciences.
Emphasis on analytical approaches and techniques
of genetics used to investigate mechanisms of
heredity and variation. Topics include transmission
genetics, cytogenetics, DNA structure and function,
recombination, gene mutation, selection, and recombinant
DNA technology.
MCDB 201La. Laboratory for Genetics. Iain
Dawson, Gregory Fitzgerald. MT or W 1:45-
Introduction to laboratory techniques used in
genetic analysis. Different genetic model organisms-bacteria,
yeast, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis—are used to
provide practical experience with various classical
and molecular genetic techniques including cytogenetics,
mutagenesis and mutant analysis, recombination
and gene mapping, isolation and manipulation of
DNA, and DNA sequence analysis. Concurrently with
or after MCDB 200a.
MCDB 205b. Cell Biology. Thomas Pollard,
Craig Crews and staff. TTh 9-10:15
A comprehensive introductory course in cell biology.
Emphasis on the general principles that explain
the molecular mechanisms of cellular function.
MCDB 210a. Developmental Biology. Vivian
Irish, Scott Holley, Douglas Kankel.
TTh 9-10:15
Cellular differentiation and its genetic and molecular
control; fertilization, cleavage, and morphogenesis
of plants and animals; polarity and positional
information; development of specialized tissues;
evolution and development.
MCDB 215a/E&EB 210aG/Stats 101aG. Introduction
to Statistics: Life Sciences.
Günter Wagner and staff. TTh 1:00-2:15
For description see under Statistics in the YCPS
book. (Does not count toward the natural science
requirement.)
*MCDB 235b/*EVST 325b. Plants and Agriculture
in Temperate and Tropical Ecosystems.
Mary Helen Goldsmith. T 1:30-3:20; Lab, Th 1:30-3:20
An exploration of the scientific basis of plant
productivity in natural and agricultural systems
worldwide, the ecological impacts of modern intensive
agriculture, and the attempt to achieve food security
through agricultural practices that are ecologically
sound and sustainable.
*MCDB 240a. Biology of Reproduction.
Mary Klein, Hugh Taylor.
TTh 11:30-12:45
Introduction to reproductive biology, with emphasis
on human reproduction: development and hormonal
regulation of reproductive systems; sexuality,
fertilization, and pregnancy; modern diagnosis
and treatment of reproductive and developmental
disorders. A segment on social and ethical issues
is included.
*MCDB 240b. Biology of Reproduction. William
Segraves and staff. MWF 10:30-11:20
For description see MCDB 240a.
MCDB 241Lb. Laboratory for Biology of Reproduction
and Development. Mary Klein.
T or Th 1:30-
Laboratory investigation of reproductive and developmental
processes. Emphasis on mammalian reproduction
and embryonic development in classic vertebrate
and invertebrate systems. Topics include gametogenesis,
ovulation, hormonal control of reproduction, and
investigation of embryogenesis in the frog and
the fruit fly, Drosophila. May be taken with or
after MCDB 210a or 240a or b. Not open to freshmen.
MCDB 250a. The Biology of Plants. Ian
Sussex and staff. MWF 10:30-11:20
How plant evolved. How they grow and develop.
When and where crop species originated. Crop improvement
by selective breeding and soil amelioration. The
how and why of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Organic farming as an alternative. Feeding the
world in the 21st century. Lectures and demonstrations.
After MCDB 120a, EEB 122b or by permission of
instructor.
EVST 260aG/F&ES 260aG. Structure, Function,
and Development of Trees.
Graeme Berlyn.
For description see under Forestry
and Environmental Studies.
EVST 261Lb/F&ES 261LbG. Laboratory for
Structure, Function, and Development of Vascular
Plants. Graeme Berlyn.
For description see under Forestry and Environmental
Studies in the YCPS book.
MCDB 290b. Microbiology. S.P. Dinesh-Kumar,
Carol Bascom-Slack. TTh 1-2:15
Microbial evolution and diversity, cell structure
of microorganisms, bacterial genetics, microbial
development, chemotaxis, bioremediation, microbial
genomics, host defense systems, infectious diseases,
viruses, and the future of microbiology. After
MCDB 300a, and Chem 220a, 221b.
MCDB 291Lb. Laboratory for Microbiology.
Iain Dawson. Th 2:30-
Laboratory experiments to supplement lectures
of MCDB 290b. Emphasis on microscopy and pure
culture technique. Must be taken concurrently
with MCDB 290b.
MCDB 300aG/MB&B 200a. Biochemistry.
L. Nicholas Ornston, Ronald Breaker, Mark Hochstrasser.
MWF 9:30-10:20
An introduction to the biochemistry of animals,
plants, and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations
of chemical principles and structure to the evolution
and regulation of living systems. After one term
of organic chemistry.
MCDB 301La/MB&B 251La. Laboratory for
Biochemistry. Aruna Pawashe, William Konigsberg.
TTh 1:00-
For description see under Molecular Biophysics
and Biochemistry in the YCPS book.
MCDB 310aG/BENG 350aG. Physiological Systems.
Mark Saltzman, Peter Aronson, Walter
Boron, Emile Boulpaep, Mark Laubach, Darrell
Neufer. MWF 9:30-10:20
Regulation and control in biological systems,
emphasizing human physiology and principles of
feedback. Biomechanical properties of tissues
emphasizing the structural basis of physiological
control. Conversion of chemical energy into work
in light of metabolic control and temperature
regulation.
MCDB 315b. Biological Mechanisms of Reaction
to Injury. Michael Kashgarian,
Joseph Madri, Vincent Marchesi, Jon Morrow, Archibald
Perkins. TTh 11:30-12:45
An introduction to human biology and disease as
a manifestation of reaction to injury. Topics
include organ structure and function, cell injury,
circulatory and inflammatory responses, disordered
physiology, and neoplasia. After MCDB 120a and
with or after 205b or MCDB 300a or 310a.
*MCDB 351Lb. Laboratory in Electron Microscopy.
Barry Piekos. T or W 1:30-
Techniques in light and electron microscopy. Preference
given to senior Biology and MB&B majors; recommended
to be taken after or concurrently with MCDB 205b;
enrollment limited.
*MCDB 352La. Laboratory in Nucleic Acids I.
Kenneth Nelson. TTh 1:30-
Introduction to many of the technologies used
in molecular and cell biology. The course is organized
as a project from a research laboratory within
the MCDB department. Laboratories meet twice a
week for the first half of the term. With or after
MCDB 200a, 205b, or 300a; enrollment limited.
Special registration procedures apply. Students
must consult the instructor prior to the first
week of classes.
*MCDB 353La. Laboratory in Nucleic Acids
II. Kenneth Nelson. TTh 1:30-
Continuation of MCDB 352La to more advanced methods
and techniques in molecular and cell biology,
including projects such as making and screening
cDNA libraries or microarray screening and analysis.
Laboratories meet twice a week for the second
half of the term. After MCDB 352La or with permission
of the instructor; enrollment limited.
Special registration procedures apply. Students
must consult the instructor prior to the first
week of classes.
*MCDB 354Lb. Experimental Techniques in Cellular
Biology. Joseph Wolenski. MW 1-
Introduction to modern techniques used for subcellular
fractionation and purification and characterization
of proteins from various tissues. Techniques include
gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, organelle
fractionation, principles of centrifugation and
column chromatography, and cell culture and light
microscopy. Excellent preparation for MCDB 475
or 495. Prerequisite: MCDB 205b.
Special registration procedures apply. Students
must consult the instructor prior to the first
week of classes.
*MCDB 355Lb. Experimental Strategies in Cellular
Biology. Joseph Wolenski MW 1-
Advanced laboratory techniques and research strategies
common to several disciplines, including biochemistry,
physiology, cell biology and video microscopy
and digital imaging. Participation in a project-based
approach to the purification of proteins from
tissue and/or organs. Past modules have included
the purification and characterization of microtubules,
calmodulin and myosins. Students also participate
in one or more mini-modules featuring current
research from the laboratory of a senior faculty
member. Toward the end of the term, each student
pursues an independent mini-project that involves
purification of a protein of interest. Oral presentations
of data are required. Prepares for MCDB 475a or
b or 495. Prerequisite: MCDB 205b and MCDB 354Lb.
Special registration procedures apply. Students
must consult the instructor prior to the first
week of classes.
MCDB 360aG. Neurobiology. Haig Keshishian,
Paul Forscher. MWF 11:30-12:20
Examination of the excitability of the nerve cell
membrane as a starting point for the study of
molecular, cellular, and intercellular mechanisms
underlying the generation and control of behavior.
After a year of chemistry. A course in physics
is strongly recommended.
MCDB 361LaG. Laboratory for Neurobiology.
Haig Keshishian, John Fitzpatrick, Robert Wyman.
T or W 1:30-
Optional laboratory. Introduction to the neurosciences.
Projects include the study of neuronal excitability,
sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology,
and neuroanatomy. Concurrently with or after MCDB
360a.
MCDB 370bG. Biotechnology. Kenneth Nelson,
Ronald Breaker, Joseph Wolenski.
MW 11:30-12:45
The principles and applications of cellular, molecular
and chemical techniques that advance biotechnology.
Topics include the most recent tools and strategies
used by government agencies, industrial laboratories,
and academic research to adapt biological and
chemical compounds as medical treatments, as industrial
agents or for the further study of biological
systems. Prerequisites: MCDB 200a and 300a.
[MCDB 385bG /E&EB 385bG. Evolutionary
Developmental Biology.]
*MCDB 387b. The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle. Iain Dawson.
T 7-8:50 P.M.
An examination of the regulation and coordination
of the eukaryotic cell cycle, by means of a detailed
critique of primary literature. Particular attention
to the processes of development, differentiation,
and oncogenic disease. Students should contact
the instructor prior to the first week of classes.
MCDB 400b. Human Molecular Genetics. Stephen
Dellaporta and staff. TTh 11:30-12:45
Study of advanced genetic and molecular principles
using the human species as illustration. Topics
include sex determination, molecular basis of
gene and chromosome mutation, genome organization,
cancer and the cell cycle, DNA repair and recombination
and epigenetics.
MB&B 405aG. The Molecular Genetics of
Prokaryotes. Nigel Grindley.
For description see under Molecular Biophysics
and Biochemistry in the YCPS book.
MCDB 410aG. Molecular Basis of Development.
Xing-Wang Deng and staff. MW 9-10:15
Current understanding of the molecular mechanism
of cell signaling and development in multicellular
organisms. Topics include the basics of cell signaling
and experimental model organisms, cell proliferation
and death, cell specification and determination,
cell migration, hormonal regulation, and environmental
regulation. Intended for advanced students after
completion of MCDB 200a and at least one other
MCDB core course.
MCDB 415bG. Cellular and Molecular Physiology.
Emile Boulpaep, Michael Caplan,
Mark Mooseker. MWF 9:30-10:20
Study of the processes that transfer molecules
across membranes. Topics include the different
classes of molecular machines that mediate membrane
transport. Emphasis on interactions among transport
proteins in determining the physiological behaviors
of cells and tissues. Intended for seniors majoring
in the biological sciences. Recommended preparation:
MCDB 205b, 310a, 360a, or permission of instructor.
MCDB 425aG/MB&B 425aG. Basic Concepts
and Logic of Genetic Analysis. TTh 1-2:15
Tian Xu, Michael Koelle, Richard Lifton, Michael
Stern, Kevin White.
For description see under Molecular Biophysics
and Biochemistry in the YCPS book.
MCDB 430aG. Biology of the Immune System.
Kim Bottomly, Peter Cresswell,
Sankar Ghosh, Fadi Lakkis, Ruslan Medzhitov, David
Schatz. MWF 9:30-10:20
The development of the immune system. Cellular
and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition.
Effector responses against pathogens; autoimmunity.
After MCDB 300a.
*MCDB 435a. Landmark Papers in Cell Biology.
Joel Rosenbaum, Mark Mooseker. HTBA
Discussion and critical evaluation of selected
research papers that were important in determing
the directions of modern cell biological research.
Emphases on the nature of the problem, evaluation
of the experimental approaches and results, and
the authors’ interpretation of the results. Students
should contact the instructor prior to the first
week of classes.
Prerequisite: courses in cell biology, biochemistry
and genetics, or permission of instructor.
*MCDB 440bG. Brain Development and Plasticity.
Weimin Zhong, Elke Stein.
MW 2:30-3:45
Interpretation of primary literature including
recent reviews and basic research papers in the
areas of neuron generation and regeneration, neuron
phenotype determination, axon guidance systems
and the role of activity in organizing and increasing
the efficiency of synaptic connections. Prerequisite:
MCDB 360a or permission of instructor.
MCDB 452bG/CPSC 452b/MB&B 452bG. Genomics
and Bioinformatics. Dieter Söll, Mark Gerstein
For description see under Molecular Biophysics
and Biochemistry in the YCPS book.
MCDB
RESEARCH AND TUTORIALS
*MCDB 470a or b. Tutorial. Elke Stein.
HTBA
Individual or small-group study for qualified
students who wish to investigate a broad area
of biology not presently covered by regular courses.
A student must be sponsored by a faculty member,
who will set the requirements. The course must
include one or more written examinations and/or
term paper. This course is intended to be a supplementary
course and, therefore, to have weekly discussion
meetings between the student and the sponsoring
faculty member. To register, the student must
prepare a form, available in office of the director
of undergraduate studies, and a written plan of
study with bibliography, approved by the advisor.
The form and proposal must be submitted to the
course instructor in KBT 754 by Wednesday, September
8, for the fall term and Tuesday, January 18,
for the spring term. The final paper is due in
the hands of the sponsoring faculty member with
a copy to the course instructor by the beginning
of the reading period. In special cases, with
approval of the director of undergraduate studies,
this course may be elected for more than one term,
but only one term will count as an elective for
the major. Normally, faculty sponsors must be
members of the MCDB Department. One term of this
course fulfills the senior requirement if taken
in the senior year.
*MCDB 475a or b. Research. Elke Stein.
HTBA
Research projects ordinarily taken under faculty
supervision to fulfill the senior requirement.
This course may be taken before the senior year,
but it cannot substitute for other requirements.
Students are expected to spend approximately ten
hours per week in the laboratory. At the beginning
of the term, the student must submit a form, available
in 754 KBT, with a written proposal of research
and a short bibliography, approved by the research
supervisor, to the office of the director of undergraduate
studies. During this course, students give an
oral presentation describing their work. At the
end of the term, a final written report on the
research done is required before a grade will
be given. The final paper is due in the hands
of the sponsoring faculty member with a copy to
the course instructor by the beginning of the
reading period. Students will meet during the
semester to discuss their progress. Students who
take this course more than once must reapply each
term. Students should line up a research laboratory
during the term preceding the research. The written
proposals are due Wednesday, September 8, for
the fall term and Tuesday, January 18, for the
spring term. One term of this course fulfills
the senior requirement if taken in the senior
year.
*MCDB 495. Intensive Research. Scott Holley.
HTBA
Qualified students majoring may undertake directed
research in some field of biology, during the
senior year. Before registering for this course,
the student must be accepted by a member of the
Yale faculty for a research project and obtain
the approval of a committee headed by the instructor
in charge of the course. Students devote a substantial
amount of time in the laboratory (approximately
20 hours per week) and prepare written and oral
presentations of their research. Guidelines for
the course are covered in detail in an information
sheet that students should obtain from the office
of the director of undergraduate studies early
in the final term of the Junior year. A topic
form and a written proposal will be due by Wednesday,
September 8, 2004. Fulfills the senior requirement
and leads to the intensive B.S. degree.
Graduate Courses
BIOCHEMISTRY,
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
Biochemistry MCDB 500a. L. Nicholas
Ornston, Robert Macnab
An introduction to the biochemistry of animals,
plants and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations
of chemical principles and structure to the evolution
and regulation of living systems.
Molecular Genetics of Prokaryotes
MCDB 505a. Nigel Grindley, Catherine Joyce, Charles
Radding
Molecular aspects of the storage, replication,
evolution, and expression of genetic material
in prokaryotes.
Biotechnology
MCDB 570b. Michael Snyder, Ron Breaker, Kenneth
Nelson, Joseph Wolenski
The cellular, molecular and chemical techniques
in biology that advance biotechnology. Topics
include tools and strategies used to increase
understanding of biological processes and to adapt
biological and chemical compounds for use as medical
treatments, industrial agents, or for the further
study of biological systems. Design and implementation
of drug development and approval.
Advanced Biological Laboratory
MCDB 600La. Mike Snyder, Ronald Breaker, Xing-Wang
Deng, Kenneth Nelson, Joseph Wolenski, David Austin,
Frank Ruddle.
This laboratory course is to familiarize graduate
students with state-of-the-art technologies in
molecular biology, genomics. Students will carry
out research projects and incorporate their own
projects into the lab. The class will meet for
two afternoons each week and consist of 2-3 week
modules covering the following topics: microarray
analysis, plant genetic engineering, mouse genetic
engineering, imaging/microscopy, ribozyme enzymol./engineering,
phage display/chemical biology.
Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry
and Genetics MCDB 670b. Sidney Altman,
Ronald Breaker and Stephen Dellaporta
Topics to be announced. Discussion involvement
and attendance is required.
Genomics and Bioinformatics
MCDB 752a. Dieter Söll, Mark Gerstein, Michael
Snyder
Genomics describes the determination of the nucleotide
sequence and many further analyses to discover
functional and structural information on all the
genes of an organism. Topics include the methods
and results of functional and structural gene
analysis on a genome-wide scale as well as a discussion
of the implications of this research. Bioinformatics
describes the computational analysis of genomes
and macromolecular structures on a large-scale.
Topics include sequence alignment, biological
database design, geometric analysis of protein
structure, and macromolecular simulation.
CELLULAR
AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Biology of the Immune System
MCDB 530a. Kim Bottomly and staff.
The development of the immune system. Cellular
and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition.
Effector responses against pathogens; autoimmunity.
Advanced Immunology Seminar:
Functions of the Major Histocompatibility Complex
MCDB 539b. Peter Cresswell, Ira Mellman, Akiko
Iwasaki
This seminar course will consist of a brief introductory
session, followed by detailed critical reviews
of recent key papers in the field. We will consider
the genetics of the MHC, structures of MHC class
I and II molecules and homologs, and the mechanisms
governing their assembly with peptides. We will
also cover the cell biology of antigen processing
in various types of antigen presenting cells,
including B-cells and dendritic cells.
Physiological Systems
MCDB 550a. staff.
Regulation and control in the human body, emphasizing
principles of feedback and the maintenance of
homeostasis. Biophysical properties of cells,
tissues, and organs are presented in light of
the structural basis of physiological control.
Molecular Basis of Development
MCDB 555b. Xing-Wang Deng, Douglas Kankel and
staff.
Study of current understanding of the molecular
mechanism of cell signaling and development in
multicellular organisms. Topics include the basics
of cell signaling and experimental model organisms,
cell proliferation and death, cell specification
and determination, cell migration, hormonal regulation,
and environmental regulation.
Roles of Microorganisms
in the Living World MCDB 642a. L. Nicholas
Ornston & Staff
A topical course exploring the biology of microorganisms.
Emphasis on mechanisms underlying microbial adaptations
and how they influence biological systems.
Structure, Function and Development of
Vascular Plants MCDB 660a. Graeme Berlyn.
Morphogenesis and adaptation of vascular plants
considered from seed formation and germination
to maturity. Physiological and developmental processes
associated with structural changes in response
to environment are discussed from both phylogenetic
and an adaptive point of view.
Mechanisms of Development MCDB
677a. Lynn Cooley and Staff
An advanced course on the mechanisms of animal
development focusing on the genetic specification
of cell organization and identity during embryogenesis
and somatic differentiation. The use of evolutionarily
conserved signalling pathways to carry out developmental
decisions in a range of animals is highlighted.
Course work includes student presentations and
critical analysis of primary literature.
Advanced Seminar in Cell Biology: Mechanisms
of Signal Transduction MCDB 692a. Craig
Crews
Discussion/seminar course with special emphasis
on the molecular signal transduction mechanisms
of mitogenesis and cell division.
Global Problems of Population Growth
MCDB 861b. Robert Wyman
The worldwide population explosion in its human,
environmental, and economic dimensions. Sociobiological
bases of reproductive behavior. Population history
and the cause of demographic change. Interactions
of population growth with economic development
and environmental alteration. Political, religious,
and ethical issues surrounding fertility; human
rights and the status of women.
GENETICS
Genetics and Molecular Biology of Plant
Development MCDB 615b. Timothy Nelson
and Staff
Genetic and molecular analyses of plant embryogenesis,
organogenesis, and other topics in plant development.
Basic Concepts of Genetic
Analysis MCDB 625a. Tian Xu, Michael
Koelle, Richard Lifton, Shirleen Roeder, Michael
Stern.
The universal principles of genetic analysis in
eukaryotes are discussed in lectures. Students
also read a small selection of primary papers
illustrating the very best of genetic analysis
and dissect them in detail in the discussion sections.
While other Yale graduate molecular genetics courses
emphasize molecular biology, this course focuses
on the concepts and logic underlying modern genetic
analysis.
Genetic Dissection of Cell
Signaling Development MCDB 680b. Xing-Wang
Deng and Staff
This is an advanced course on the cell signaling
mechanism and its control of development. The
specific topics will be selected from those best
genetically characterized cases representing model
organisms such as yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila,
Arabidopsis, and mouse. In each session, 2-3 primary
papers in a selected topic will be discussed following
an introduction of the subject. Emphasis will
be on genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
Assigned papers will be available in class one
week before the session. The grade will be primarily
based on the attendance and active participation
of the discussion.
NEUROBIOLOGY
Neurobiology MCDB
720a. Haig Keshishian, Paul Forscher
Examination of the excitability of the nerve cell
membrane as a starting point for the study of
molecular, cellular and intercellular mechanisms
underlying the generation and control of behavior.
Laboratory for Neurobiology MCDB
721La. Haig Keshishian, and Staff
Optional laboratory. Introduction to the neurosciences.
Projects include the study of neuronal excitability,
sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology,
and neuroanatomy.
Brain Development &
Plasticity MCDB 735b. Weimin Zhong and
David Wells
Interpretation of primary literature including
recent reviews and basic research papers in the
areas of neuron generation and regeneration, neuron
phenotype determination, axon guidance systems,
and the role of activity in organizing and increasing
the efficiency of synaptic connections.
RESEARCH COURSES
First Year Introduction
to Research and Rotations MCDB 900a/901b.
Ronald Breaker
Second Year Research
MCDB 950a & 951b. By arrangement with faculty.
GRADUATE
AD HOC
Cell Biology Seminar
MCDB 602a/603a, MCDB 645b, CB 725 Joel Rosenbaum
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