Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Introduction to basic laboratory skills, including pipetting, solutions, dilutions, spectrophotometry, aseptic technique, record keeping, and similar basic laboratory activities. Work will consist of short investigative project. Recommendation: This course is recommended for students with very limited practical laboratory experience. Students wishing to take BIOS 211 will have to take this course or test out of it. See the course URL for instructions. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: FRESHMAN SEMINAR IN LOCAL BIOLOGY RESEARCH (BCB)

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A 7-week seminar course to introduce freshmen prospective biologists to the excitement of research at Rice and the Medical Center and to provide context with which to think about facts presented in biosciences textbooks. Small groups will meet weekly with a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher to explore a published research article by a local lab, gaining background information about the subject and exposure to the research techniques. In the final session, the group will tour the lab that produced the featured article. Additional tours and activities TBA. All first-year non-transfer students are eligible to enroll in BIOC 115/FSEM 115 regardless of AP credit. This course meets in the second half of the semester and features research in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Course organizers: Dereth Phillips and Bonnie Bartel. Cross-list: FSEM 115.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS IN BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Biological topics of current interest, covering advances in biotechnology, human health, agriculture, and the environment. Topics focus on the underlying biology, but may also include the social/political/economic impact. Each session is taught by an expert in that field with the assistance of a class coordinator. Cross-list: GLHT 122.

Long Title: INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Chemistry and energetics, cell physiology, cell biology, Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, developmental biology, and plant physiology.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO EXPERIMENTAL BIOSCIENCES

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 111 OR BIOC 111) AND (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201)

Description: Introduction to scientific method, principles of experimental design, selected research strategies, record keeping, and technical communication as related to biological science. Students matriculating fall 2009 or later who wish to take BIOC 211 must take BIOC 111 (formerly BIOS 111)or test out of it. See the course URL for instructions. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: BIOS LAB TEACHING

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1 TO 3

Description: Undergraduate teaching in a biosciences laboratory. Participate in weekly meetings and selected seminars; supervise up to 24 students in one or more laboratory sections. Provide group and individual instruction to undergraduates during and outside of laboratory classes. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: DISCUSSION SECTION TEACHING

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1

Description: In this course, undergraduates who have previously excelled in BIOS 344 or BIOC 344 will develop teaching skills by leading discussion sections for the benefit of students presently taking BIOC 344 under the guidance of the professor teaching the course. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: PARDIGMS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Examination of paradigms in Biochemistry and Cell Biology with a focus on the "central dogma" of molecular biology. Recommended strongly for students with Advanced Placement in Biology and designed for prospective BIOC majors. This course is strongly recommended as a prerequisite for BIOC 341 Cell Biology. BIOC 300 can be counted toward fulfillment of the BIOC major for upper level BIOC courses only if taken as the first 300-level BIOC course.

Long Title: BIOCHEMISTRY I

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 211 OR CHEM 251 OR CHEM 252)

Description: The second in an integrated sequence of three courses (BIOC 201, 301, 302, formerly BIOS 201, 301, 302). Structure and function of proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics; glycolysis, aerobic metabolism, and energy coupling.

Long Title: BIOCHEMISTRY II

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301 AND (CHEM 211 OR CHEM 251)

Description: The final in an integrated sequence of three courses (BIOC 201, 301, 302, formerly BIOS 201, 301, 302). Introduction to metabolism, membranes, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation, and regulation. Course involves analysis of primary scientific literature.

Long Title: GENETICS: SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: The course uses an interdisciplinary perspective to examine the claims and counter-claims made regarding genetics and new technologies for identifying and manipulating genetic material. The course will cover biological basics of genes, DNA, and epigenesis; cultural and historical aspects of approaches to genetics, including eugenics past and present; and ethical issues arising from new genetic technologies. Cross-list: ANTH 314.

Long Title: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FOR BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATES

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1 TO 4

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 111 OR BIOC 111 OR BIOS 211 OR BIOC 211

Description: Independent research in Rice BCB faculty laboratories (sections 3-30) or other Texas Medical Center laboratories (section 1 & 2). Students spend at least 3 hours per week in the laboratory for each semester hour of credit. If taken for 3 or more hours, counts as one required 300+ level lab course (not BIOC 311). Requires a proposal abstract, weekly reports, and a research paper (fall semester) or a proposal abstract, weekly reports, and a poster presentation (spring semester). Students wishing to perform their research in an off-campus lab must submit a completed application to the BIOC 310 instructor at least 2 weeks prior to the start of classes and may not register for fewer than 3 credit hours. Instructor Permission Required. Recommended Prerequisite(s): Students are strongly advised to secure research advisors and register for the class well in advance of the start of classes. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: ADVANCED EXPERIMENTAL BIOSCIENCES

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 211 OR BIOC 211) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301)

Description: Advancement of biochemical laboratory methods, record keeping, technical communication skills, and research strategies. Students maintain a research quality laboratory notebook and submit a paper in the style of a journal article. Taught first half of each semester. If you find that you have a time conflict while registering for this course, please contact the instructor to inquire about Special Registration. BIOC 301 (formerly BIOS 301) is required but it can be taken during the same semester as BIOC 311.

Long Title: INTRODUCTORY SYNTHETIC BIO

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 211 OR BIOC 211 or permission of instructor

Description: Introduction to the emerging field of synthetic biology. Focuses on molecular biological procedures commonly used to build and characterize synthetic genetic circuits. Students maintain a research quality laboratory notebook and submit a project proposal that promotes the development of novel biotechnology. Taught second half of fall or spring semester. Prerequisite: BIOC 211 (formerly BIOS 211) or equivalent lab.

Long Title: LABORATORY STUDIES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 211 OR BIOC 211

Description: Isolation, culture, observation, assay, and identification of bacteria, along with a team project in microbiological examination of water. Starts the second half of the semester, self-scheduled after the first formal meetings.

Long Title: LABORATORY IN TISSUE CULTURE

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOE 440 OR STAT 440 OR BIOC 311 OR BIOS 311

Description: Introduction to tissue culture techniques, including cell passage, cell viability, and cell attachment and proliferation assays. Students complete quantitative analysis of their data. Engineering design and applications are featured in graded work. Sections 1 and 2 are taught during the first half of the semester. Sections 3 and 4 are taught during the second half of the semester. Students may be required to attend lab on a university holiday. Your registration for this course will not be accepted until you obtain Dr. Saterbak's signature on an Undergraduate Special Registration Request form. Instructor Permission Required.Cross-list: BIOE 342.

Long Title: MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) or permission of instructor

Description: Structure and functions of microorganisms with emphasis on their environmental, industrial and medical importance.

Long Title: BIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202)

Description: This course gives a broad overview of the biology of infectious diseases using examples from humans, plants, and animals. Topics include diversity of diseases, mechanisms of disease transmission, epidemiology, population regulation, evolution of virulence, disease dynamics in natural communities and disease invasion and conservation biology. Cross-list: EBIO 331.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOE 252 OR BIOC 201 OR BIOS 201) AND (MATH 211 OR MATH 213)

Description: This course will teach the fundamentals of human physiology from an engineering perspective, with specific focus on the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems. Lectures, assignments and exams will be quantitative and will introduce engineering principles, such as conservation of mass and energy, controls and system analysis, thermodynamics and mass transport, and apply them to the study of physiologic systems. Cross-list: BIOE 322.

Long Title: EVOLUTION

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202 or permission of instructor

Description: Principles of biological evolution. Topics include natural selection, adaptation, molecular evolution, formation of new species, the fossil record, biogeography, and principles of classification. Biosciences Group B. Cross-list: EBIO 334.

Long Title: CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201

Description: Molecular mechanisms of the processes common to all cells, including exposition of structure, function, and biogenesis of all subcellular organelles. Emphasis will be on cytoplasmic events; molecular studies of transcription will be taught in BIOC 344 (formerly BIOS 344).

Long Title: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Mendelian genetics, population genetics, mapping, gene expression and regulation, genetic engineering, DNA replication and recombination, human genetics, genetic disease and gene therapy. Recommended Prerequisite(s): BIOS 201 or BIOC 201.

Long Title: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR THE BIOSCIENCES

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 211 OR CHEM 251 AND (CHEM 212 OR CHEM 252 AND (PHYS 125 OR PHYS 101 OR PHYS 111 OR PHYS 141 AND (PHYS 126 OR PHYS 102 OR PHYS 112 OR PHYS 142 OR (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301

Description: Study of selected aspects of physical chemistry as it relates to the biosciences. Includes thermodynamics, reaction rate theory, quantum mechanics, and atomic and molecular structure.

Long Title: METABOLIC ENGINEERING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOE 362 OR GLHT 362 AND (PHYS 126 OR PHYS 102 OR PHYS 112 OR PHYS 142 AND MATH 102

Description: Importance of nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds, impact of cost of compounds on global health; Overview of biochemical pathways; Genetic engineering and molecular biology tools for ME; Nutritional molecules; Pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, tamiflu-against influenza virus; anti-parasite compounds against malaria and filaria diseases; anti-diarrhea treatments). Cross-list: BIOE 361, GLHT 361.

Long Title: BIOENGINEERING FOR GLOBAL HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOE 260 OR GLHT 260) AND (PHYS 126 AND MATH 102)

Description: Clinical trial design, regulation of medical technologies, medical technology assessment. Detailed case studies of vaccine development, diagnostic tests, cancer screening.

Long Title: ENDOCRINOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341)

Description: Study of molecular and cellular mechanism of hormone action and of target cell reponses. Study of the role of hormone action in mammalian physiological responses.

Long Title: SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341 OR BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301

Description: This course will offer students a close-up look at an area of contemporary biological and biomedical research in a small-group seminar setting. Each seminar will focus on a different area of research through reading and discussion of recent research articles in that focus area. The faculty discussion leader for each seminar will be drawn from Baylor College of Medicine, UT Health Science Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Rice and others. Please consult the course website for a complete listing of seminars offered each semester. Pre-/co-requisite BIOC 341 (Cell Biology) or BIOC 301 (Biochemistry). Please refer to the following link for additional information: http://www.bioc.rice.edu/bioc371. Instructor Permission Required. Recommended Prerequisite(s): Students should check the courses website for additional prerequisites, notes from the instructor, and other information specific to each section. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: IMMUNOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201)

Description: Cellular and molecular basis of innate and adaptive immune function in mammals. Recommended Prerequisite(s): BIOC 301 and BIOC 341 (formerly BIOS 301 and BIOS 341). Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 372 if student has credit for BIOS 372.

Long Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF CELLULAR, MOLECULAR, AND INTEGRATIVE NEUROSCIENCE

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201

Description: Cellular, molecular, and integrative mechanisms of neural function, including membrane and axon physiology, synaptic transmission and plasticity, and sensory and motor systems.

Long Title: TRANSFER CREDIT IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: For transfer of courses which have no current equivalent in the Rice curriculum, but which can be counted as Group A Biosciences courses in satisfying requirements for majors in Biosciences. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: LABORATORY TRANSFER CREDIT IN BIOSCIENCES

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: For transfer of an advanced laboratory course in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology that has no current equivalent in the Rice Biosciences curriculum. Any student may receive a maximum of one credit of BIOC 393, formerly BIOS 393.

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE HONORS RESEARCH

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 5

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 211 OR BIOC 211) OR (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341)

Description: The Biochemistry and Cell Biology Honors Research Program is a suite of courses offering our seniors and advanced juniors the opportunity to perform a two-semester, individual research project in a research laboratory in Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Students having performed BIOS/BIOC 310 research in an off-campus laboratory in the Texas Medical Center will also be eligible to apply to perform honors research in that laboratory. The Honors Research Program courses function as a set and must all be taken in the same academic year. Registration for any of the courses requires a commitment to register for all three. Requires at least 15 hours of laboratory research per week, a proposal (revised from application), monthly reports, and a formal progress report (abstract, aims, progress toward aims, discussion of results, plans for the spring semester). Prerequisites: strong performance in (BIOS 310 or BIOC 310) and (BIOS 211 or BIOC 211) and either (BIOS 301 or BIOC 301) or (BIOS 341 or BIOC 341). Research professor recommendation required. Application for admission required (BCB Honors Program OwlSpace Resources). Department Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE HONORS RESEARCH

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 5

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 202 OR EBIO 202) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND BIOS 302 OR BIOC 302

Description: The Biochemistry and Cell Biology Honors Research Program is a suite of courses offering our seniors and advanced juniors the opportunity to perform a two-semester, individual research project in a research laboratory in Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Students having performed BIOS/BIOC 310 research in an off-campus laboratory in the Texas Medical Center will also be eligible to apply to perform honors research in that laboratory. Registration for any of the courses requires a commitment to register for all three. Requires at least 15 hours of laboratory research per week, monthly reports, a thesis (substantial research paper) and a poster presentation at the Rice Undergraduate Research Symposium. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 0

Description: This independent research course offers multi-disciplinary training in the area of cellular engineering within the Departments of Bioengineering and Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Areas of research will include engineering of hard and soft tissue formation, cardiovascular tissue engineering, engineering cell surface interactions regulating movement and metabolic engineering. Students will conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This companion seminar requires attendance at course meetings and a formal scientific presentation of research performed while enrolled in the Honors Research Program. Corequisite: BIOC 402. Instructor Permission Required. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: EXPERIMENTAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 311 OR BIOC 311 or permission of instructor

Description: Application of strategies in molecular biology to investigate gene expression and function in Arabidopsis. Emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, and data interpretation. Experience in preparation of a scientific poster. Taught second half of fall semester (not offered every year).

Long Title: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 311 OR BIOC 311

Description: Laboratory studies in membrane, nerve, and muscle physiology, with emphasis on experimental design, data analysis, and data interpretation.

Long Title: PLANT MOLECULAR GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341) or permission of instructor

Description: Novel aspects of plant biology and development with emphasis on molecular and genetic mechanisms. Plant responses to the environment and the use of bioengineering and other means to develop new plant products will also be covered. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 525. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 425 if student has credit for BIOC 525.

Long Title: ADVANCED CONCEPTS AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN MODERN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341 OR BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301 OR BIOS 344 OR BIOC 344 or permission of instructor

Description: An advanced undergraduate and graduate level course, dedicated to analysis and evaluation of scientific inquiry into animal development. Textbook based lectures and discussions based on primary scientific literature are used to exemplify and evaluate concepts and methodology. Writing assignments, quizzes and a final exam will be used to evaluate performance. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 544. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 443 if student has credit for BIOC 544.

Long Title: ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 344 OR BIOC 344)

Description: Molecular and genetic aspects of the regulation of gene expression as seen in simple prokaryotic systems and the model eukaryotic systems used for studies of development.

Long Title: VIROLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOC 201 OR BIOS 201) AND (BIOC 301 OR BIOS 301) AND (BIOC 341 OR BIOS 341) AND (BIOC 344 OR BIOS 344) or permission of instructor

Description: Studies on the structure and function of viruses, focusing on analysis of the research literature. Includes student presentations (both oral and written) of research data and analyses. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 450 if student has credit for BIOC 550.

Long Title: CANCER BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOC 301 OR BIOS 301) AND (BIOC 341 OR BIOS 341)

Description: Provides an integrated lecture series summarizing current knowledge in cancer biology and integrating current literature with basic concepts. Topics include: statistics of incidence/survival, types of cancer, pathology, the process of carcinogenesis and sources of carcinogens, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and consequences, cancer progression, metastasis and current treatment options. Students will learn to use online databases to develop independent strategies for analyzing datasets. There will be several writing assignments and in class oral presentations of research articles. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 560. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 460 if student has credit for BIOC 560.

Long Title: EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341

Description: Recommended Prerequisite(s): BIOE 372.

Long Title: MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS I

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 352 OR BIOC 352) or permission of instructor

Description: Focus on principles of common biophysical methods used for study of conformations and dynamics of biological macromolecules and assemblies. Topics cover spectroscopic methods (absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, epr, NMR), transport processes, sedimentation, calorimetry, mass spectrometry, crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ligand-protein interactions, protein folding, single molecule detection, computer simulations, functional genomics and laboratory evolution. Biological examples will be used to demonstrate merits and complementarity in each of the biophysical methods. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 551.

Long Title: MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS II

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Advanced treatment of X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Emphasis on theory and application of these methods for the determination of the three-dimensional structure and dynamics of biological molecules and complexes. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 552. Recommended prerequisite(s): BIOC 301 and BIOC 352 (formerly BIOS 301 and BIOS 352). Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 482 if student has credit for BIOC 552.

Long Title: ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 341 OR BIOC 341)

Description: Review of literature on current biosciences research, with emphasis on human diseases, their treatment, and drug discovery. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 588. or equivalent.

Long Title: PLANT MOLECULAR GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Novel aspects of plant biology and development with emphasis on molecular and genetic mechanisms. Plant responses to the environment and the use of bioengineering and other means to develop new plant products will also be covered Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 425. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 525 if student has credit for BIOC 425.

Long Title: LAB MODULE IN NMR SPECTROSCOPY AND MOLECULAR MODELING

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Prerequisite(s): BIOS 352 OR BIOC 352 or permission of instructor

Description: The students will learn to set up, acquire, and process one-dimensional and basic two-dimensional NMR experiments. Spectral interpretation (3D molecular modeling of proteins and nucleic acids) for nucleic acids and proteins using homonuclear and heteronuclear data will be performed. Enrollment limited to 12, with priority to graduate students. Offered first half of the semester. BIOC 352 may be taken concurrently with BIOC 530.

Long Title: LABORATORY MODULE IN OPTICAL SPECTROSCOPY AND KINETICS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Description: Students learn the principles behind fluorescence, circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifugation, spectroscopy and rapid kinetics by carrying out experiments with genetically engineered proteins and state-of-the-art equipment. Data will be interpreted and manipulated using curve-fitting and graphics software. Offered second half of the semester. Recommended Prerequisite(s): BIOC 352 (formerly BIOS 352) or equivalent. Concurrent or previous enrollment in BIOC 481 (formerly BIOS 481) or BIOC 551 (fomerly BIOS 551).

Long Title: BIOINFORMATICS & COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 2

Description: An introduction to the emerging field of bioinformatics. A series of lectures, combined with hands-on exercises. The topics to be discussed include sequence comparison, structure analysis, phylogenetics, database searching, microarrays and proteomics. Recommended prerequisite(s): BIOC 301 (fomerly BIOS 301) or permission of instructor.

Long Title: PRACTICAL X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2

Description: This is an introduction to macromolecular crystallography with emphasis on crystallization methods, data acquisition, processing and molecular model-building. Approaches to solving structures will be discussed, as well as refinement of molecular models. Offered second half of the semester. Prerequisites are concurrent and may be taken the same semester.

Long Title: METABOLIC ENGINEERING

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Principles of metabolic engineering: overview of biochemical pathways; kinetics and thermodynamics of metabolic networks; genetic engineering and molecular biology tools; metabolic flux analysis using stoichiometric and labeling techniques; metabolic control analysis. Metabolic engineering in the postgenomic era; functional genomics and systems biology. Emerging applications: chemicals from biorenewables; food ingredients; health and disease. Cross-list: CHBE 640.

Long Title: SECONDARY METABOLISM

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 212

Description: A survey of the biosynthetic pathways leading to the major classes of natural products. Topics covered include the use of radioactive and stable isotopes, the synthesis of labeled organic compounds, mechanistic investigations of secondary metabolic enzymes, and the cloning and characterization of secondary metabolic genes. Cross-list: CHEM 543.

Long Title: ADVANCED CONCEPTS AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS IN MODERN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: An advanced undergraduate and graduate level course, dedicated to analysis and evaluation of scientific inquiry into animal development. Textbook-based lectures and discussions based on primary scientific literature are used to exemplify and evaluate concepts and methodology. Writing assignments, quizzes and a final exam will be used to evaluate performance. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 443. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 544 if student has credit for BIOC 443.

Long Title: ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 344 OR BIOC 344) or permission of instructor

Description: Molecular and genetic aspects of the regulation of gene expression as seen in simple prokaryotic systems and the model eukaryotic systems used for studies of development.

Long Title: VIROLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOC 201 OR BIOS 201) AND (BIOC 301 OR BIOS 301) AND (BIOC 341 OR BIOS 341) AND (BIOC 344 OR BIOS 344) or permission of instructor

Description: Studies on the structure and function of viruses, focusing on analysis of the research literature. Includes student presentations (both oral and written) of research data and analyses. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 550 if student has credit for BIOC 450.

Long Title: MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Focus on principles of common biophysical methods used for study of conformations and dynamics of biological macromolecules and assemblies. Topics cover spectroscopic methods (absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, epr, NMR), transport processes, sedimentation, calorimetry, mass spectrometry, crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, ligand-protein interactions, protein folding, single molecule detection, computer simulations, functional genomics and laboratory evolution. Biological examples will be used to demonstrate merits and complementarity in each of the biophysical methods. Instructor Permission Required.Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 481.

Long Title: MOLECULAR BIOPHYSICS II

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Advanced treatment of X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Emphasis on theory and application of these methods for the determination of the three-dimensional structure and dynamics of biological molecules and complexes. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 482. Recommended prerequisite(s): BIOC 301 and BIOC 352 (formerly BIOS 301 and BIOS 352). Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 552 if student has credit for BIOC 482.

Long Title: CANCER BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOC 301 OR BIOS 301) AND (BIOC 341 OR BIOS 341)

Description: Provides an integrated lecture series summarizing current knowledge in cancer biology and integrating current literature with basic concepts. Topics include: statistics of incidence/survival, types of cancer, pathology, the process of carcinogenesis and sources of carcinogens, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and consequences, cancer progression, metastasis and current treatment options. Students will learn to use online databases to develop independent strategies for analyzing datasets. There will be several writing assignments and in class oral presentations of research articles. This course requires instructor permission to enroll. Please send all enrollment requests to Monica Roberts, mr19@rice.edu. All requests will be reviewed and you will be notified of enrollment decision by December 5th. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 460. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOC 560 if student has credit for BIOC 460.

Long Title: BIOINFORMATICS: SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, Markov chains and HMMs, Phylogenetic reconstruction, Haplotype inference, Computational models of RNA structure, Gene finding, Genome rearrangements, and comparative genomics. Cross-list: COMP 571.

Long Title: BIOINFORMATICS: NETWORK ANALYSIS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This course covers computational aspects of biological network analysis, a major theme in the area of systems biology. The course addresses protein-protein interaction networks, signaling, and metabolic networks, and covers issues related to reconstructing, analyzing, and integrating various types of networks. Cross-list: BIOE 564, COMP 572.

Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Introduction of first-year graduate students to the research programs and laboratories of individual faculty members. Open only to BCB graduate students.

Long Title: FOUNDATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Graduate level introduction to a wide range of research methods in biosciences and bioengineering. Individual faculty members from the Biosciences and Bioengineering will each present practices and techniques for their areas of expertise. A web-based methods database will be constructed, with student involvement, from the library of lectures. Cross-list: BIOE 576.

Long Title: FOUNDATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Graduate level introduction to a wide range of research methods in biosciences and bioengineering. Individual faculty members from the biosciences and bioengineering will each present practices and techniques for their areas of expertise. A web-based methods database will be constructed, with student involvement, from the library of lectures. Cross-list: BIOE 577.

Long Title: BIOTECHNOLOGY PRACTICUM

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course is part of the NIH Biotechnology Training Program and is limited to program participants. Students will receive exposure and training in cutting edge concepts and technologies. Cross-list: BIOE 578.

Long Title: PROTEIN ENGINEERING

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Manipulation of gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Rational design and directed solutions for cell and protein engineering. Selection and screening technologies and process optimization. Synthetic Biology: engineering and application of gene circuits. Molecular biotechnology applications: Diagnosis, Therapeutics and Vaccines. Cross-list: BIOE 580, CHBE 580. Recommended Prerequisite(s): CHBE 310/510 or equivalent is highly recommended.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A discussion of selected research topics. Required of all Biochemistry and Cell Biology graduate students. Open only to BCB graduate students. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A discussion of selected research topics. Required of all Biochemistry and Cell Biology graduate students. Open only to BCB graduate students. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Review of literature on current biosciences research. Open only to BCB graduate students.

Long Title: GRADUATE SEMINAR FOR 1ST YEAR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Preparation and presentation of research proposals. Open only to BCB graduate students.

Long Title: ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): (BIOS 201 OR BIOC 201) AND (BIOS 301 OR BIOC 301) AND (BIOS 344 OR BIOC 344)

Description: Review of literature on current biosciences research, with emphasis on human diseases, their treatment, and drug discovery. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOC 488. or equivalent.

Long Title: COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING/BIOPHYSICS

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: This is a course designed for students in computationally-oriented biomedical and bioengineering majors to introduce the principles and methods used for the simulations and modeling of macromolecules of biological interest. Protein conformation and dynamics are emphasized. Empirical energy function and molecular dynamics calculations, as well as other approaches, are described. Specific biological problems are discussed to illustrate the methodology. Cross-list: BIOE 589.

Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Development of specific topic areas at the graduate level. Instructor Permission Required.

Long Title: SEMINAR IN COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: A discussion of selected research topics in computational biology. Cross-list: KECK 592. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Discussion of selected research topics in current plant biology literature. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: TRAINING IN THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 1

Description: This course will consider ethical issues involving human and animal subjects, record keeping, publications, potential conflict of interest, and behavior toward colleagues, research fellows, students, and employees. Cross-list: BIOE 594.

Long Title: GRADUATE TEACHING IN BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Independent Study

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Supervised instruction in teaching biochemistry and cell biology. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: CELL MECHANICS, MECHANOTRANSDUCTION AND THE CELL MICROENVIRONMENT

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Mechanotransduction is a fundamental process essential for living systems and plays a fundamental role in cell signaling, cancer metastasis and stem cell differentiation. Additionally, fundamental biological processes such as endocytosis cell fusion and cell migration are driven by a coordinated interplay of molecular interactions that drive membrane deformation. This course will survey the current understanding of mechanotransduction and the mechanical properties of cells and their microenvironment, including membrane and cytoskeletal mechanics. Experimental approaches for measuring and manipulating the material properties of cells and their environment; including optical, electrical and magnetic techniques will be covered. A variety of application will be covered, including manipulation in engineering of mechanotransduction pathways to drive cell migration and stem cell differentiation. Instructor Permission Required.Cross-list: BIOE 643, PHYS 643.

Long Title: GRADUATE LAB RESEARCH I

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2 TO 4

Description: Graduate research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Designed for short term laboratory projects for first year graduate students. Recommended prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: GRADUATE LAB RESEARCH II

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 2 TO 4

Description: Graduate research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Designed for short term laboratory projects for first year graduate students. Recommended prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Repeatable for Credit.

Long Title: VISITING RESEARCH TRAINEE

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Audit

Course Type: Research

Credit Hours: 0

Long Title: BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY GRADUATE RESEARCH

Department: Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1 TO 15

Description:  Repeatable for Credit.