Departmental Core Courses
Principles of Genetics & Genomics
GMS GE 701, 4 credits, course
website
Fall Semester, First Year
This course will serve as a foundation for understanding the heritable basis of numerous biological traits, the relationships among genes, and the regulation of their expression. We will focus on the ability to use genetic systems to probe these problems, and therefore will heavily explore the experimental aspects of these investigations. In addition, we will discuss the impact of the genome sequences on the practice of modern science. Moreover, we will use a case study approach to investigate the rich variety of scientific insights gained through genetic studies. Download syllabus here.
Advanced Topics in Genetics and Genomics
GMS GE 702, 4 credits
Spring Semester, First Year
The Advanced Topics course will focus on the mechanisms of biological processes that influence the inheritance and regulation of genes. In particular, the molecular details of genetic, epigenetic, and genomic processes will be discussed. Both genetic and genomic experimental approaches to these processes will be explored. In addition, we will discuss the possibilities of utilizing these technologies in medical treatments. Download syllabus here.
Critical Thinking in Genetics and Genomics
GMS GE 705, 2 credits
Spring Semester, First Year
This class is designed to chronologically follow the development of a field of study, the cell cycle, to allow students to explore the logical evolution of a coherent line of scientific inquiry. The individual meetings build on the background studies discussed in previous meetings, examine apparent discrepancies in experimental results, critique the approaches employed by the authors, and consider the logical follow-through experiments for the results at hand. Download syllabus here.
Genetics and Genomics Colloquium
GMS GE 703 and 704, 2 credits each
Fall and Spring Semesters, Second Year
The Genetics and Genomics Colloquium will be a highly participatory journal club where the students will be asked to give presentations on cutting edge research with the focus on communication skills rather than scientific content. This approach will allow students to become more comfortable with public speaking while developing the skills necessary for effective communication of scientific ideas. Download syllabus here.
Non-Departmental Core Courses
(One of these three per semester, first year)
General Biochemistry
GMS BI 755 , 4 credits
Fall Semester
This course is designed to provide graduate students with a solid foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology and also to introduce graduate students to critical reading of scientific papers. The overall goal of this two-semester course is to provide a comprehensive in-depth view of the principles, concepts, and methodology underlying the field of biochemistry. The first semester lecture/session schedule is integrated with GMS MS 753 Cell Biology so students study basic biochemical concepts within the context of the cell and its various compartments. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches to the characterization of macromolecular and molecular structure function relationships and the regulation of gene expression.
Cell Biology
GMS MS 753, 4 credits
Fall Semester
This course involves the study of cell membranes, receptors, cytoplasmic organelles, cell motility, cell cycle, extracellular matrix-cellular interactions, fertilization, embryogenesis, and cell differentiation.
Molecular Biology
GMS BI 782, 4 credits
Spring Semester
Advanced molecular biology using the current literature as a source of information. Emphasis is placed on relevant research techniques. Topics include structure and function of nucleic acids, recombinant DNA research, molecular biology of important cellular processes, and regulation of gene expression emphasizing control mechanisms in eukaryotic cells.
Electives
(Six credits, Second Year)
Cancer Biology and Genetics
GMS MM 703, 2 credits
The course will begin with an historical perspective; review the major mechanistic pathways relating to oncogenes, antioncogenes, cell cycle control, genome instability, repair, and apoptosis; discuss standard and experimental genomic principles of cancer treatment and diagnosis; and conclude with a discussion of cancer epidemiology and health policy issues that affect all basic translational cancer research. Download syllabus here.
Mechanisms and Models of Cellular Regulation
ENG BE 700, 4 credits, Course Website
Regulatory and control processes in cells are presented from a genetic and biochemical network perspective. Systems analysis of networks include logical (Boolean), deterministic (differential equations), and stochastic approaches. Case studies of gene regulatory networks as well as metabolic, signaling, cell survival, proliferation and death pathways are discussed. Existing modeling platforms of systems biology and bioinformatic pathways databases are introduced. Download syllabus here.
Additional electives offered by various Departments at BUSM are also approved
including:
Fall Semester
Human
Genetics, GMS MS 781, 4 credits
Genetics and Epidemiology of Disease, GMS MM 701, 2 credits
Comprehensive Immunology, GMS MI 713, 4 credits
Cancer Biology and Genetics, GMS MM 703, 2 credits
Protein Structure and Function, GMS BI 783, 2 credits
Molecular Mechanisms of Growth and Development, GMS BI 787, 2 credits
Receptors and Signal Transduction, GMS BI 790, 2 credits
DNA and Protein Sequence Analysis, ENG BE 561, 4 credits
Spring Semester
Gene Targeting in Transgenic Mice, GMS BI 776, 2
credits
Biochemical Mechanisms of Aging, GMS BI 786, 2 credits
Mass Spectrometry and Functional Genomics, GMS BI 793, 2 credits
Elementary Biostatistics, GMS MS 700, 2 credits
Genetics of Microorganisms, GMS MI 714, 4 credits
Growth Control and Cell Transformation, GMS MI 717, 4 credits
Teaching Methods in the Biomedical Sciences, GMS AN 804, 2 credits
Mechanisms and Models of Cellular Regulation, ENG BE 700, 4 credits
Genetics, Ethics, and the Law, GMS BT 440, 4 credits
Technology Commercialization: From Lab to Market, MET AD 893, 4 credits
Medical School Course
Medical Genetics
Course Website
The pace of genetic advances during the last century has been unparalleled scientifically, and these discoveries have already made and are poised to make an incredible impact on the practice of medicine. Currently, OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) lists over 1600 identified disease genes, and GeneTests lists over 1000 diseases for which there are molecular tests. Moreover, OMIM lists over 15,000 loci that are associated with particular phenotypes. In this course we will explore the precise molecular determinants of medical conditions and of human phenotypic variation that are being elucidated on a daily basis. Clearly, a detailed understanding of the genetic basis of human disease will lead to more precise molecular assays and diagnostics, better-targeted treatments, and more efficient treatment plans overall. Moreover, these developments will certainly affect all clinical specialties of the medical field since genetic components have a clear influence on a wide variety of human traits and conditions, from height and developmental birth defects to cancer susceptibility and neurological degeneration. Download syllabus here.
