Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program

Introduction to Developmental Biology - 26DB985. 3 graduate credits
The goal of this course is to provide students with understanding of fundamentals in developmental biology. They learn the basic understanding of key terminology in developmental biology (germ layer, morphogen, etc.), development of major model organisms (fly, frog, chick, mouse, zebrafish), development of the major organ systems, and the key developmental mechanisms (tissue interactions, cell adhesion, transcriptional regulation, etc.)

Biochemistry - 26GNTD872. 3 graduate credits
This course applies classical and molecular techniques to problems of protein structure and function; membrane organization and dynamics; biochemistry of membrane transport processes.

OR

Introduction to Molecular Genetics - 26GNTD871. 3 graduate credits
This course covers gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, principles of gene cloning, DNA replication, mutation and repair, mouse transgenesis and a section on human disease and genetic traits.  

Advanced Molecular Genetics 1: Gene Regulation - 26MG710. 4 graduate credits
This challenging course brings the students up to the present day level of understanding on transcriptional regulation and chromatin structure. It deals with the primary literature, stresses an analytical approach and understanding of methodology, and involves weekly discussion sessions.

Cell Biology - 26GNTD873. 3 graduate credits
This course covers membrane biology and basic cell biology. Emphases include membrane structure and generation of resting and action potentials, cell compartmentalization and organelles, protein trafficking and secretion, cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, nuclear architecture and chromosome structure. The course integrates morphological, biochemical and biophysical approaches.

Advanced Developmental Biology - 26DB986. 4 graduate credits
This course is divided into 8 topics, each consisting of 3 or 4 lectures, including Gametes, Invertebrate Patterning, Vertebrate Patterning, Ectoderm derivatives, Mesoderm, Endoderm, Limb, Immune system. The only exam is a term paper written on a subject chosen from a broad range of topics in the style of a grant application.

Journal Club - 26DB904-905-906. 1 graduate credit each quarter taken.
The purpose ot this course is for students to learn how to critically evaluate the scientific literature and to read state-of-the-art primary research papers. During autumn and winter quarters, Journal Club is to be led by a faculty member in the Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology and during spring quarter by graduate students. Attendance is mandatory for all first and second year students. Participation in Journal Club for advanced students (3rd year and beyond) is required only during the spring quarter when they are expected to provide leadership for the group.

MDB/CHRF Seminar Series - 26DB901-902-903. 1 graduate credit each quarter taken.
Every year, the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, with the Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, hosts a weekly seminar series. Noted researchers from across the country come to Cincinnati Children's to talk about a variety of topics within molecular and developmental biology. All students have the opportunity to meet informally with each speaker. (link to MBD seminar series)

Development and Disease - 26DB987. 3 graduate credits
This course would explore the developmental basis of human disease processes. It is a natural consequence of recent insights into the molecular basis of normal and abnormal development. This course will cover topics not covered in our other Developmental Biology courses

Introduction to Biostatistics - 26BE787. 4 graduate credits
Descriptive statistics, probability distributions, estimation, types of error, significance level, test of hypotheses, sample size, correlation, linear regression, non-parametric methods. Emphasizes practical-applied aspects.

Introduction to Statistics - 26BE796. 4 graduate credits
Descriptive statistics, probability, estimation, statistical errors, parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing, statistical fallacies. Emphasizes applied-practical aspects. Less material covered than in 787.

Genetics of Complex Diseases - 26BE868. 3 graduate credits
Introduction to complex disease and traits. Epidemiology and genetic basis of complex diseases.

Biology of Cancer - 26CB880. 4 graduate credits
Currently, a one-quarter course that covers a broad spectrum of issues relating to the genesis and progression of cancer. Some topics that are covered include cell kinetics and cell cycle regulation in normal and cancerous cells, onco-genes and growth factors, tumor suppressors, the genetics of cancer, mutation and environmental exposure, signal transduction and the role of the immune system in cancer.

Teratology - 35GC860. 3 graduate credits
To understand the major principles of Teratology, learn the effects of specific teratogens, including environmental chemicals, social drugs, prescription drugs, radiation, and several others on patients exposed to these agents, and provide an introduction to the treatment of patients exposed to teratogens, as well as counseling options for family of affected individuals.

Ethics in Research - 26GNTD730. 1 graduate credit
A nine-week lecture series addressing ethical issues in research including such topics as human experimentation, animal welfare, conflict of interest, and responsible authorship and publication practices.

Introduction to Functional Genomics - 26GNTD881. 3 graduate credits
The course will consist of a series of lectures/seminars on the theory and use of methods of functional genomics in biomedical research. Lec-tures will be presented by some local speakers and invited experts outside the university. The course will include eight lab sessions, five on bioinformatics that will be offered in an electronic classroom and three "wet labs" that will provide hands-on experience in practical application of functional genomics principles. Prereq.: 26GNTD871. The course will be open to all COM graduate students and others by perm. of instr.

 Foundations of Immunology I. - 26IMM888. 4 graduate credits
Foundations of Immunology is intended to be a comprehensive immunology course for first year graduate students. It covers the structure and organiza-tion of the immune system, basic concepts of the innate and adap-tive immune responses, and T and B cell development and biology. Lectures will also include details of immunological techniques. While the course has no official prerequisites, students will find that some background in basic biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics will be desirable.

Medical Physiology I. - 26MCP841. 7 graduate credits
Subcellular organ-elles, cells, tissues, organ systems and their integrated activity. Focus: cellular, muscle, cardiac, circulatory, renal, respiration, the physiology acid base, and the physiology of energy balance and temperature regulation. Prereq.: Perm. of course director.

Molecular Physiology I: Membrane Transport Proteins - 26MCP951. 4 graduate credits
The goal of this course is to introduce the major concepts, litera-ture and experimental approaches related to the study of membrane transport proteins, including ion channels, pumps, and transporters. Prereq.: Perm. of instr.

Proteins: Structure, Function and Engineering - 26MG719. 4 graduate credits
Designed for graduate students who have completed the first quarter of Molecular Biology of the Cell. Protein design; enzyme specificity and mechanisms of catalysis; transport physiology and enzymology; macromolecular assembly, protein-protein interactions and signal transduction; NMR and macromolecular structure. Prereq: 26GNTD872 or perm. of instr.

Mechanisms of Signal Transduction - 26MG711. 3 graduate credits
Provides a research literature-based view with student discussions of examples of genetic mechanisms in cell growth and development. Topics include mechanisms of genetic recombination, aspects of Dro-sophila development, mouse molecular genetics, and genetic control of cellular growth. Prereq.: 26GNTD871.

Structural Biology - 26MG718. 2 graduate credits
This course will cover structural techniques used to determine protein structure, dynamics and enzyme mechanisms. Particular emphasis will be placed on solution NMR tech-niques to problems in protein structure and enzyme mechanism. The course will consist of both lectures and a review of pertinent literature articles. Topics to be covered include NMR theory, practical aspects of biological NMR, the use of structural techniques in understanding HIV proteins, structural studies of muscle proteins, as well as mechanistic studies of ribonucleases and phosphoryl transfer enzymes.

Integrated Molecular Pharmacology and Medicine - 26MCBP823. 3-5 graduate credits
Pharmacology at the whole animal, organ, tissue, cellular and molecular levels. Integrated concepts of biomechanics and bioenergetics, structure and function, excitation-contraction coupling, ion transport, regulatory mechanisms, drug actions and transgenic approaches. Prereq.: Perm. of instr.; offered Aut. Qtr., alt. years

Neuropharmacology - 26NS830. 2 graduate credits
This course covers the neuro-chemical mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Reference to specific neurotransmitter systems and drugs are used to illustrate general principles. Topics include drug modulation of synaptic transmission; brain adaptations to chronic drug treatments; psychotherapeutic drugs and what they tell us about the etiology of brain disorders. Prereq.: Perm. of instr

Brain and Behavior I - 26NS841. 4-10 graduate credits
The first quarter of a two quarter sequence that introduces the principles and concepts of nervous system organization: structural organization, cellular neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, sensory and motor systems, higher cortical functions. Required for Neuroscience PhD students.

Brain and Behavior II - 26NS861. 4-10 graduate credits
An overview of human neurological and psychiatric disorders through the various stages of human development, including seizures, schizophrenia, substance abuse, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The course is offered during a four-week concentrated block of time. Prereq.: Perm of instr.