BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b provide a one-year introduction to modern biology that fulfills medical school requirements. During some weeks, students attend a laboratory instead of a lecture. BIOS E-1a focuses on the general principles of cellular biology. Topics include the structure of cells, the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, enzymes and cellular metabolism, and the general principles of modern genetics. BIOS E-1b examines the general concepts of organismic biology. Topics include embryology and development, anatomy and physiology, and evolution. Prerequisites for BIOS E-1a: high school mathematics, chemistry, and biology; although CHEM E-1a and CHEM E-1b, or their equivalents, are not required, they are strongly recommended. Prerequisite for BIOS E-1b: BIOS E-1a, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-1b Introduction to Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Spring term (22957)
William J. Anderson, PhD, Lecturer on Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University.
Mondays, Wednesdays beginning Jan. 23, 7:35-9:35 pm. Required sections to be arranged.
Course tuition: undergraduate credit $1,150.
Class meets 7:35-10:35 pm during laboratory weeks.
BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b provide a one-year introduction to modern biology that fulfills medical school requirements. During some weeks, students attend a laboratory instead of a lecture. BIOS E-1a focuses on the general principles of cellular biology. Topics include the structure of cells, the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, enzymes and cellular metabolism, and the general principles of modern genetics. BIOS E-1b examines the general concepts of organismic biology. Topics include embryology and development, anatomy and physiology, and evolution. Prerequisites for BIOS E-1a: high school mathematics, chemistry, and biology; although CHEM E-1a and CHEM E-1b, or their equivalents, are not required, they are strongly recommended. Prerequisite for BIOS E-1b: BIOS E-1a, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-5/W Debunking Biology Myths
Spring term (23603)
Cheryl D. Vaughan, PhD, Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
This course is designed to provide the non-science concentrator with the building blocks needed to better understand how general biological processes work. The course is very interactive and driven by questions that students may face in their everyday lives, specifically addressing popular misconceptions about a wide range of topics. Among the questions covered: How do vaccines work? What is antibiotic resistance? What are the differences between bacteria and viruses, and why does it matter? What is a mutation? How does a normal cell become a cancer cell? Successful completion of this course provides students with more confidence in their ability to understand topics in biology that affect their daily lives. (4 credits)
Core courses
BIOS E-10 Introduction to Biochemistry
Fall term (13095)
Robin Lynn Haynes, PhD, Instructor in Pathology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School.
Saturdays beginning Sept. 10, 9 am-noon. Required sections to be arranged.
This course provides an overview of the main aspects of biochemistry by relating molecular interactions to their effects on the organism as a whole, especially as related to human biology. The organization of macromolecules is addressed through a discussion of their hierarchical structure, and a study of their assembly into complexes responsible for specific biological processes. Topics addressing protein function include enzyme kinetics, the characterization of major metabolic pathways, and their interconnection into tightly regulated networks. Prerequisites: introductory biology and chemistry. (4 credits)
BIOS E-12 Principles and Techniques of Molecular Biology
Spring term (22965)
Alain Viel, PhD, Senior Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Jan. 24, 7:35-9:35 pm. Required laboratories on five Thursdays, 7:35-9:35 pm.
Students gain in-depth knowledge of nucleic acid structure, molecular genetics, and the biochemistry of transcription and protein synthesis. Working from this foundation, students explore mechanisms of gene regulation in prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and viruses. The roles played by gene regulation and rearrangement in retroviral pathogenesis and in embryonic development are also examined. One large project comprises three linked laboratory exercises that introduce students to important recombinant DNA and protein expression techniques. Students learn about the construction of an expression plasmid and assays for normal promoter function. Prerequisite: BIOS E-1a, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-14 Principles of Genetics
Spring term (22962)
Frederick R. Bieber, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School.
This is a general course in genetics providing a broad view of gene action from the molecular to the population levels, with emphasis on eukaryotes. Topics include bacterial and viral genetics, Mendelian genetics, mutation and DNA repair, forensic DNA technology, chromosome structure and function, genomics, and population and evolutionary genetics. Prerequisites: MATH E-8, BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, and CHEM E-1a and CHEM E-1b, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-16/W Cell Biology
Spring term (22958)
Katie Kathrein, PhD, Research Fellow in Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School.
This course cultivates an understanding of eukaryotic cellular and subcellular structure, with close attention to structure/function relationships that govern cellular processes at the molecular level. We examine the differences between several eukaryotic model systems, including fission and budding yeast, slime mold, plants, and mammalian cells in culture. We further discuss the specific experimental techniques amenable to the study of cell biology in each system and how discoveries made using model organisms have influenced modern cell biology. Prerequisite: BIOS E-1a, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-25 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Vertebrates
Spring term (23390)
Brooke Flammang-Lockyer, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University.
This course is an introduction to vertebrate evolution, development, and function. Structure, function, and evolutionary patterns of each major organ system are discussed. Even though this course prepares every student for further studies in biology, it is essential for students interested in the health sciences. Some lecture material is accompanied by laboratories offered six times during the semester. Prerequisite: BIOS E-1b, or the equivalent, or AP biology, or consent of the instructor. (4 credits)
BIOS E-30 Epigenetics
Fall term (13410)
Cheryl D. Vaughan, PhD, Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Chromosomes are macromolecular polymers that undergo continuous alterations in structure and organization, which can influence gene expression. These physical variations can be attributed to DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling complexes, and the association of non-coding RNA molecules. Irregular patterns of inheritance that cannot be accounted for by changes in DNA sequence are often caused by epigenetic mechanisms. This course explores the role of epigenetics in biological phenomena such as imprinting, X-inactivation, cell identity, cellular reprogramming, tumorigenesis, and the onset of certain types of neurological disorders. Prerequisite: BIOS E-12, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-40 Introduction to Proteomics
Fall term (13099)
Alain Viel, PhD, Senior Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Aug. 30, 5:30-7:30 pm. Required sections to be arranged.
The completion of several genome projects, including the Human Genome Project, has further fostered a systems-based approach to biology. The goal is to determine how all the genes in a genome act and how their products interact to produce a functional organism. Proteomics seeks to identify and to characterize all the proteins synthesized in a cell or a tissue. Based on this information, one can then try to understand how individual proteins or protein collectives function within an organism. The first half of the course focuses on current methodology used to analyze and identify proteins. This includes protein electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and protein database analysis. The second half of the course focuses on case studies derived from the current scientific literature. This includes comparisons between healthy and diseased tissues, new approaches to analyze metabolic pathways, and the comprehensive analysis of protein-protein interactions in different cell types. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a, or the equivalent; BIOS E-12 recommended. (4 credits)
BIOS E-45 Introduction to Genomics
Spring term (23605)
Arezou Ghazani, PhD, Research Fellow, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
Mondays beginning Jan. 23, 5:30-7:30 pm. Required sections for graduate-credit students Mondays, 7:35-8:35 pm.
This course provides an overview of the genome and genomic architecture, genomic variations, and regulatory mechanisms of the genome. The course topics include current and novel practices in genome interrogations, global copy number variation (CNV) assessment, genome sequencing, and data analysis. This course cultivates an understanding of functional genomics and genomic malfunction, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and the new field of personal genomics along with discussions on social and ethical impacts resulting from advances in genomics. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, CHEM E-1a and CHEM E-1b, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-50 Neurobiology
Fall term (13097)
Shawn Murphy, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School.
Wednesdays beginning Aug. 31, 5:30-7:30 pm. Optional sections to be arranged.
This course is an introduction to the organization and function of the nervous system. Topics covered include cell biology of neurons, physiology of excitable membranes and electrical signaling, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, sensory systems, motor systems, developmental neurobiology, simple circuits, and behavior. We discuss the basis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disease. Prerequisite: introductory biology, or permission of the instructor. (4 credits)
BIOS E-55 Developmental Biology
Spring term (22959)
Mary E.L. Madabhushi, PhD, Preceptor in Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University.
Tuesdays beginning Jan. 24, 5:30-7:30 pm. Optional sections for undergraduate-credit students, required sections for graduate-credit students to be arranged.
Medicine has been and continues to be influenced by a basic understanding of developmental biology. How does a complex, multicellular organism arise from a single cell? What is known about the mechanisms that accomplish this feat? This course aims to provide a broad, comprehensive look at embryology, focusing on both classical experiments and modern molecular and genetic techniques. We explore the basic body plan of the embryo and how organs are formed, with special emphasis on vertebrate models. The role of both embryonic and adult stem cells is also considered. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-60 Immunology
Spring term (23186)
Mihaela Gadjeva, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Thursdays beginning Jan. 26, 5:30-7:30 pm. Required sections to be arranged.
How does the immune system work? What are the molecular and cellular components and pathways that protect an organism from infectious agents or cancer? This comprehensive course answers these questions as it explores the cells and molecules of the immune system. The topics discussed during the first half of the course cover the structure, function, and genetics of the molecules of the immune system, including antibodies, B- and T-cell receptors, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and cytokines; and processes of lymphocyte development and antigen presentation. During the second half of the course the lectures focus on how the individual components of the immune system work together to fight bacterial, fungal or viral infections. In addition, basic concepts of tumor immunity, immune system deficiencies, AIDS, and autoimmunity are examined. The course emphasizes the research and development opportunities for therapeutic intervention arising from recent advances in immunology (for example, the application of therapeutic antibodies and recombinant molecules as potential drug treatments). Upon completion of the course students have a sound understanding of the essential elements of the immune system, preparing them to engage further in this rapidly evolving field. Students may not count both BIOS E-60a/60b (previously offered) and BIOS E-60 (currently offered) toward the same degree. Prerequisites: background in biology, biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology is helpful. (4 credits)
BIOS E-65c Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Fall term (13387)
Jennifer Carr, PhD, Preceptor in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University.
Brooke Flammang-Lockyer, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University.
Mondays beginning Aug. 29, 5:30-7:30 pm. Required sections to be arranged.
This course is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology from an integrative perspective. Students learn the structure and function of the tissues, the skeletal system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and muscle function from the level of the cell to the level of the organism. Students may not count both BIOS E-65a/E-65b (previously offered) and BIOS E-65c (currently offered) toward the same degree. Prerequisite: introductory biology. (4 credits)
BIOS E-65d Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Spring term (23232)
Jennifer Carr, PhD, Preceptor in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University.
Mondays beginning Jan. 23, 5:30-7:30 pm. Required sections to be arranged.
This course is a continuation of BIOS E-65c. Students learn the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system, the immune system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, and the urogenital system from the level of the cell to the level of the organism. Students may not count both BIOS E-65a/65b (previously offered) and BIOS E-65d (currently offered) toward the same degree. Prerequisite: introductory biology. (4 credits)
BIOS E-70 Introduction to Epidemiology
Fall term (13179)
Karin B. Michels, PhD, ScD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School and Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health.
How do you design a study to find out whether tofu consumption prevents heart disease? How do you decide whether to believe the latest news report on a miraculous cure for cancer? This course introduces the student to the basic principles and methods used in epidemiologic research. These include types of epidemiologic studies, choices in study design, measures of disease frequency and association, and sources of bias and error. Applications to public health and strategies for disease prevention are discussed. Students may not count BIOS E-70 and BIOS E-105 toward the same degree. Prerequisites: basic quantitative skills essential; familiarity with medical terminology helpful. (4 credits)
Special topics
BIOS E-102 Newsworthy Topics in Contemporary Life Sciences
Spring term (23074)
William J. Anderson, PhD, Lecturer on Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University.
Scientists constantly make groundbreaking discoveries, some of which receive attention by the press. This course, designed for non-scientists, provides the scientific background to appreciate these reports more fully. We discuss three exciting topics in the life sciences: stem cells, cancer, and infectious diseases. (4 credits)
BIOS E-105 Medical Detectives
Fall term (13529)
Karin B. Michels, PhD, ScD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School and Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health.
Why is there confusion in the scientific community as to whether butter or margarine is worse for your health? How do researchers find out whether cell phone use increases your risk for brain cancer? What is your risk of contracting diabetes? Discover how researchers draw on quantitative skills to detect causes of acute disease outbreaks and chronic diseases. This course introduces the techniques and methods for empirically based analyses, decisions, and actions in the context of current public health problems. Recent research findings are discussed. Prerequisites: basic quantitative skills essential. The recorded lectures are from the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences course Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning 15. Students may not count both BIOS E-70 and BIOS E-105 toward the same degree. (4 credits)
BIOS E-108 Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Fall term (13771)
Lucia Pastorino, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Tuesdays beginning Aug. 30, 7:35-9:35 pm. Required sections for graduate-credit students Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm.
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are becoming more and more common. Although very different from one another, these neurodegenerative diseases share common mechanisms and features that are linked or lead to neuronal death. This course focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that are at the basis of these neurodegenerative diseases and on their impact and relevance in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a, BIOS E-12, and BIOS E-16/W. (4 credits)
BIOS E-109 A Translational Approach to the Study of Alzheimer's Disease
Spring term (23632)
Lucia Pastorino, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Tuesdays beginning Jan. 24, 7:35-9:35 pm. Required sections for graduate-credit students Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive irreversible neurodegenerative disease associated with aging. As AD cannot yet be diagnosed in its early stages, therapeutic intervention is now only possible when the disease has already spread to a significant portion of the brain, and can delay, but cannot stop, the progression of the disease. To help find new drugs to treat AD, scientists in the field are focused on understanding more about this disease. What makes AD different from the other neurodegenerative diseases? What are the hallmarks and how do they define the biology of this disease? Last but not least, how can the knowledge of the pathologic mechanisms in AD impact the research of a proper therapeutic target? These questions are addressed in the course. From the observation of the plaques, the typical lesions associated with AD in the human brain, to the identification of the molecular pathways associated with their formation, this course guides students through the steps of the translational research in the field of Alzheimer's disease. Lectures cover diagnosis, characterization of the plaques and pathogenic pathways, and their pharmacological modulation in AD. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a, BIOS E-12, and BIOS E-40, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-110 The Neurobiology of Drug Addiction
Spring term (23229)
Johanna L. Gutlerner, PhD, Instructor and Curriculum Fellow in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School.
Wednesdays beginning Jan. 25, 5:30-7:30 pm. Optional sections for undergraduate-credit students, required sections for graduate-credit students Wednesdays, 7:35-8:35 pm.
This course introduces students to the phamacology of drug action and the biological models for drug addiction. Students study the molecular, cellular, and neurocircuitry modifications elicited by different classes of drugs, including opiates, cannabinoids, psychostimulants, nicotine, and ethanol. Prerequisites: introductory biology required; cell biology, molecular biology, or neurobiology strongly recommended. (4 credits)
BIOS E-115 Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Spring term (23308)
*** BIOS E-115 Spring term (23308) has been CANCELED. ***
This course considers how mechanisms of animal developmental genetics help explain the scope and patterns of animal diversity. Particular emphasis is placed on major evolutionary transitions, the origin of innovations, and the contribution of evolutionary developmental biology to current debates on evolution. We also discuss the place of "evo-devo" research in modern evolutionary biology. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, or the equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
BIOS E-118 Deep Sea Biology
Fall term (13746)
Peter Girguis, PhD, John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Natural Sciences, Harvard University.
Thursdays beginning Sept. 1, 5:30-7:30 pm. Three optional sections to be arranged.
The oceans contain 97 percent of the Earth's water, and host the most disparate ecosystems on the planet. This course provides an introduction to deep sea ocean habitats, animals, and microorganisms. Emphasis is placed on the physiological adaptations of organisms to their environment, as well as the role of microorganisms in mediating ocean biogeochemical cycles. (4 credits)
BIOS E-120 Trees and Forests in New England
Spring term (23645)
Donald H. Pfister, PhD, Asa Gray Professor of Systematic Botany, Harvard University.
Trees both provide a background in our landscape and play an important role in the ecosystems of the world. This course explores topics related to the growth patterns of trees, their physiology, and their identification. Basic concepts in ecosystem dynamics and forestry practices are discussed. The course provides a broad overview of factors that are important in conservation and forestry management. Prerequisite: introductory biology. (4 credits)
BIOS E-127 The Evolution of Microbes
Fall term (13100)
Christopher J. Marx, PhD, Associate Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University.
This course examines microbial evolution through an integration of lectures and discussion of primary literature. To a great extent this is an evolutionary biology course that simply focuses on microbes (and their comparison to macrobes). It is explicitly designed to be accessible for students with no background in microbiology or evolutionary biology while remaining non-redundant for those with exposure to both. We integrate knowledge of comparative patterns of variation seen in natural populations with evolutionary processes that can be examined in laboratory-based studies of experimental microcosms. For the major project in the course, students apply their knowledge to design, conduct, and analyze their own evolution experiments using populations of digital organisms. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-130 Microbes, Man, and the Global Environment
Fall term (13751)
Narveen Jandu, PhD, Lecturer on Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School.
Thursdays beginning Sept. 1, 5:30-7:30 pm. Optional sections for undergraduate-credit students, required sections for graduate-credit students Thursdays, 7:35-8:35 pm.
The world of microbes is dynamic, complex, and ever changing. Microbes impact our daily lives on a regular basis — from the foods we eat, the environment around us, and the technologies we encounter. This course covers several topics in microbiology to address the impacts of microbes on our lives and the global environment. The first part of the course begins with a review of fundamental concepts of microbiology. The next part focuses on microbes and man in the context of applied microbiology, food microbiology, and probiotics. The next major part of this course focuses on microbes and the global environment by exploring topics in plant, soil, and aquatic microbiology. Topics in biodegradation, bioremediation, and biofuels are also covered. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and CHEM E-1a, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-150 The Biology of Cancer
Spring term (23079)
Melodie Knowlton, PhD, Biology Teacher, Cambridge School of Weston.
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to cancer. Lectures primarily focus on the role of growth factors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, angiogenesis, and signal transduction mechanisms in tumor formation. The fundamental principles behind cancer diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic management are also discussed. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-16/W, or the equivalent; BIOS E-12 recommended. (4 credits)
BIOS E-155 Medical Microbiology
Fall term (13729)
Tara Mann, PhD, Preceptor in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Wednesdays beginning Aug. 31, 5:30-7:30 pm. Optional sections for undergraduate-credit students to be arranged, required sections for graduate-credit students Wednesdays, 7:35-8:35 pm.
This course aims to acquaint students with the basic principles of microbiology and the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis that underlie a wide range of infectious diseases. We discuss microorganisms that are of medical relevance to humans including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans. The course focuses on host-pathogen interactions including a survey of human immunobiology. Prerequisite: introductory biology. (4 credits)
BIOS E-161 Obesity and Body Weight Regulation
Spring term (23610)
Kristy Townsend, PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School.
This course covers various aspects of body weight regulation and dysregulation, including the pathophysiology of obesity. Body weight regulation is a complex process involving many organ systems, circulating hormones, brain coordination of neuronal and other signals, and molecular signal transduction pathways in cell types like the adipocyte and the hepatocyte. Therefore, this course covers both systemic physiology and cellular and molecular biology. In addition, we cover the biology of obesity and diabetes, and discuss current treatment strategies. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-65c, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-162a Human Pathophysiology I
Fall term (13789)
Nancy C. Long Sieber, PhD, Adjunct Lecturer on Physiology, Harvard School of Public Health.
Stephanie A. Shore, PhD, Senior Lecturer on Physiology, Harvard School of Public Health.
This course focuses on the pathophysiology of the human cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems, and on how these systems are altered by various physiologic challenges. The concept of homeostasis is integrated with general disease processes such as injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and neoplasia to demonstrate ways in which perturbations in physiological regulatory mechanisms and anatomy result in pathophysiology. We particularly focus on the effects of stress and obesity on these systems, and on differences between men and women in the manifestation of diseases of these systems. Please note that Human Pathophysiology II is offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: BIOS E-65c and BIOS E-65d, or permission of the instructors. (4 credits)
BIOS E-172 Biological Perspectives on HIV and AIDS
Fall term (13181)
Robert A. Lue, PhD, Professor of the Practice of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Conservative estimates indicate that more than 50 million men, women, and children worldwide have been infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic. It is expected that the vast majority of these people will develop AIDS and become part of the most serious medical crisis in recorded history. This course examines the molecular biology of both the virus and the immune system that it destroys. The history of the disease is traced and compared to current theories of HIV transmission, clinical testing, and the potential for effective therapies and vaccines. The biology of the virus is related at each step to issues of public policy and human behavior. Prerequisite: BIOS E-1a, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-175 Optical Imaging in Modern Biomedical Research: An Introduction to Principles and Techniques
January session (23296)
Lai Ding, PhD, Optical Imaging Manager, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School.
5:30-8:30 pm, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3. Week 1: T, W, Th. Week 2: M, T, W, Th. Week 3: T, W, Th. Required sections to be arranged.
Imaging technologies have played a crucial role in the history of many biological discoveries. In the seventeenth century, the first cell was recorded in a hand drawing using a light microscope. In the 1950s, DNA was recorded on photographic film using an imaging method called x-ray diffraction. In the modern age, researchers are combining the fundamental principles of imaging with advances in molecular techniques, powerful computers, and robust digital image acquisitions systems to create new imaging applications that are changing the way we see, record, interpret, and understand biological events. This course explores imaging in-depth using the modern light microscope as a case study. We learn how images are formed, we learn the strengths and limitations of various imaging techniques commonly used in modern biomedical research (brightfield, phase contrast, DIC, fluorescence, TIRF, confocal, and multi-photon), and we learn the basic concepts in electronic imaging and computer-based image analysis. Most topics are enhanced through hands-on experimentation in lab. Prerequisites: high school math and sciences (physics, trigonometry, geometry, biology, and chemistry); good computer skills. (4 credits)
BIOS E-176 Experimental Molecular and Cellular Biology
January session (23660)
Cheryl D. Vaughan, PhD, Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Mary Ellen Wiltrout, PhD, Preceptor in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
This course is designed to maximize student exposure to critical experimental techniques. The molecular biology portion of the lab includes a two hybrid screen for proteins that interact with p53. The candidate proteins are overexpressed, purified, and subsequently used in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In the cell biology portion, students perform experiments using two different model organisms. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, budding yeast, students evaluate the conditions under which a transcriptional activator is transported in and out of the nucleus. In Dictyostelium discoidem, a slime mold, students evaluate the effect of a myosin mutant on cell motility and differentiation under starvation conditions. Prerequisites: BIOS E-12 and BIOS E-16/W, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
Graduate level
BIOS E-200 Graduate Research Methods and Scholarly Writing in the Biological Sciences
Fall term, Section 1 (13092)
Mihaela Gadjeva, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Tuesdays beginning Aug. 30, 7:35-9:35 pm.
Course tuition: graduate credit $1,900.
Students who do not have Harvard ID cards must purchase $100 special borrower's cards at Widener
Library.
Graduate proseminar. Limited enrollment.
This proseminar is designed to teach students many of the writing and analytical skills that are required to succeed in graduate-level courses in the biological sciences. Through critical reading and presentation of research articles, students learn how to form questions that can be addressed experimentally and how to write a corresponding, testable hypothesis. This course also addresses the process of experimental design and current experimental methodologies in biology. Students are given multiple opportunities to hone their writing skills on several short writing assignments and a final writing project due at the end of the semester. In the fall, section 1 explores molecular mechanisms of immunity and inflammation, and section 2 focuses on the mechanisms of action of regulatory noncoding RNAs, such as miRNAs and siRNAs, in gene expression as well as their uses in other fields of biology, including medicine and agriculture. The spring section focuses on the mechanisms of action of regulatory noncoding RNAs, such as miRNAs and siRNAs, in gene expression as well as their use in other fields of biology, including medicine and agriculture. Prerequisites: satisfactory score on the mandatory test of critical reading and writing skills; molecular biology (BIOS E-12, or the equivalent) highly recommended. Some immunology knowledge would be beneficial for section 1 in the fall. (4 credits)
BIOS E-202 Topics in Developmental Biology
Fall term (13457)
*** BIOS E-202 Fall term (13457) has been CANCELED. ***
Developmental genetics is at the heart of modern biology. We are witnessing rapid advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of embryological development of complex organisms, including humans. These advances allow for a more comprehensive view of topics as disparate as evolution and medicine. This upper level course explores particular topics in classical embryology and modern developmental genetics—from the earliest steps in development to formation of body plans through organogenesis in animals, with emphasis on vertebrates and humans. We discuss recent studies that illustrate important developmental phenomena and consider their biomedical significance. Prerequisites: BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, or permission of the instructor. (4 credits)
BIOS E-205 The Biology of Aging
Fall term (13756)
Noreen Tuross, PhD, Landon T. Clay Professor of Scientific Archaeology, Harvard University.
Aging, even more than taxes, is a fate none can avoid. In this course, we examine the current theories of aging, read some of the current literature, and explore the complexity in the biology of aging. We study the distinction between aging, life span, and senescence; learn the value and limitations of animal model studies; focus on the mechanistic, molecular underpinnings of recent research on aging; and talk about what is essential and unique to human aging. Students may not count both BIOS E-160 (previously offered) and BIOS E-205 toward the same degree. (4 credits)
BIOS E-210 The Physiology of Sleep
Fall term (13184)
Steven A. Shea, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
This seminar addresses the basis of biological rhythms, including circadian rhythms, and the technology, neurophysiology, physiology, psychology, pathology, and functions of sleep—particularly in humans. Prerequisites: introductory biology; advanced biology welcomed. (4 credits)
BIOS E-215 Protein Evolution
Spring term (22964)
*** BIOS E-215 Spring term (22964) has been CANCELED. ***
The structural and functional constraints of proteins and protein interaction networks have a significant impact on how biological systems evolve. This course is divided into three segments. It begins with an examination of the principles of protein structure, protein folding, and the relationship between structure and function. The course subsequently covers evolutionary principles in the context of protein sequence and structure comparisons. Finally, there is a discussion of "protein case studies" for which molecular methods have been applied to investigate the origins of the protein in question. Prerequisites: introductory biology (BIOS E-1a and BIOS E-1b, or the equivalent), one semester of organic chemistry (CHEM E-2a, or the equivalent), and basic computer literacy. (4 credits)
BIOS E-232 The Neurobiology of Emotion and Mental Illness
Spring term (23451)
Sabina Berretta, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School.
Investigations on the neural basis of emotion and pathophysiology of mental illnesses synergistically inform each other, and in recent years have led to a leap in our understanding of emotion processing in normal and pathological conditions. In this course, the historical concept of the limbic system is used as a background to explore the anatomy, connectivity, and functions of the brain circuits involved in emotional processing. Neural networks linking the medial, cingulate, and orbitofrontal cortices, subcortical regions such as the amygdala, 'limbic' thalamus and the nucleus accumbens, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis are discussed in light of their relevance to emotion processing and mental disorders. Emerging concepts are emotion processing as a result of complex interacting systems and the relationship between emotion and memory. Current knowledge on the pathophysiology of mental illnesses, with particular emphasis on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, is discussed in the context of these concepts. Emphasis is placed on current strategies to investigate the pathophysiology of these disorders, from postmortem studies to animal and in vitro models, in vivo imaging, clinical trials, and published case reports. Prerequisites: BIOS E-12 and BIOS E-50, or the equivalent. (4 credits)
BIOS E-234 Principles of Human Disease: Cellular Metabolism
Spring term (23029)
Thomas Michel, PhD, MD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Alain Viel, PhD, Senior Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
Cheryl D. Vaughan, PhD, Lecturer on Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University.
This advanced course covers cellular and organismal metabolism, with focus on interrelationships between key metabolic pathways and human disease states. Topics include genetic and acquired metabolic diseases and functional consequences for specific organ systems. The recorded lectures are from the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences/Harvard Medical School course Molecular and Cellular Biology 234/Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology 234. Prerequisites: Solid foundation in introductory biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology required (BIOS E-10, BIOS E-14, and BIOS E-16/W, or the equivalent); one year of organic chemistry (CHEM E-2a and CHEM E-2b, or the equivalent). (4 credits)