Teaching

BI203/BI218/BI281 Cell Biology

Course schedule: Fall semester, Tues. and Thurs. 9:30-10:45 AM and 3:30-4:45 PM
Instructors: Prof. Uwe Beffert, Office LSEB 506
Textbook: The Cell by Geof Cooper
Course description: THE GOAL OF THE COURSE is to attain an understanding of the fundamental principles of cell and molecular biology. This field is not only one of the most rapidly moving areas of the life sciences, but also one that has a major impact on all our lives because of its central role in biotechnology and medicine. We therefore hope that students will not only learn the basic mechanisms that govern the behavior of cells, but also come to understand the experimental nature of contemporary research in this area of knowledge and begin to appreciate the ways in which progress in understanding cells is being made. The course focuses on providing fundamental background information as well as providing insight into experimental approaches and recent advances. Therefore, emphasis is placed on both the “what” (i.e., vocabulary) as well as the “why” and the ‘how” (i.e., concepts) underlying such understanding.

BI394: Topics in Biology – Cell Biology and Translational Medicine

Course schedule: Spring semester, MW 10:10-11:55AM and F 10:10-11:00 AM
Instructors: Prof. Uwe Beffert, Office LSEB 506
Scientific papers and reviews
Course description: This course integrates recent advances in Cell Biology research with the latest developments in translational medicine. Includes a student-led discussion of topical articles in cell biology and translational medicine.

BI481/NE481/BI681 Molecular Biology of the Neuron

Course schedule: Spring semester, MW 2:30-4:15 pm
Instructors: Prof. Angela Ho, Office LSEB 503
Scientific papers and reviews
Course description: This course examines how neurons function at the cell and molecular level. We will examine the electrical properties of single neurons, how neurons propagate electrical signals and the ion channels underlying these signals. We will then study the chemical synapse and how it mediates signaling between cells including neurotransmitter release and survey different kinds of receptors and neurotransmitters. We will continue to look at receptor-activated intracellular signaling cascades governing neurodevelopment and study the plasticity of these signals in relation to learning and memory and disease.

BI581 Readings in Biology: Neurobiology of Brain Disorders

Course schedule: Fall semester, M 10:10-11:55 am
Instructors: Prof. Angela Ho, Office LSEB 503
Scientific papers and reviews
Course description: This course reviews recent topics and readings in the field of neurodegeneration that span disorders affecting neurodevelopment, learning and memory and aging. The class will probe commonalities of diseases, genetic risk factors and the usefulness and limitations of animal models.