Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
MCDB 1030-3. Plagues, People, and Microorganisms. Discusses the biology, history, ecology, and social impact of human plagues, including AIDS, smallpox, polio, bubonic plague, tuberculosis, leprosy, the impact of the Irish potato blight, and emerging human pathogens. The biology of pathogens and the human immune responses are treated in detail. Discusses the impact of molecular biology on curtailing the impact of diseases. For nonmajors. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 1041-3. Fundamentals of Human Genetics. Covers the basic principles of genetics, human pedigree analysis, and how genetic diseases affect DNA, RNA, and proteins. Considers implications of this research for medicine and society. For nonmajors. Recommended prereq., good background in high school chemistry and biology. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 1111-4. Biofundamentals: The Evolutionary, Molecular, and Cellular Basis of Life. A web-based, in-class discussion and online laboratory course covering the fundamental properties of biologic systems. Focused on common evolutionary, ecological, molecular and cellular mechanisms, the course provides a thorough introduction to the biological sciences. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1150 or 1151. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 1150-3. Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology. Covers biologically important macromolecules and biological processes, together with an introduction to cell structure, function, and physiology. Provides the foundation for advanced MCDB courses to majors, and a rigorous overview of modern biology to nonmajors. MCDB 1151 must be taken concurrently by MCDB and biochemistry majors and prehealth science students. Prereq., high school chemistry and algebra. Coreq., MCDB 1151 for majors. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1111. Meets MAPS requirement for natural sciences: lab. Approved for arts and science core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 1151-1. Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Lab. Offers one two-hour lab per week designed to acquaint students with research techniques and concepts in molecular and cellular biology. Topics include cell structure, function, physiology, and recombinant DNA. MCDB 1150 must be taken concurrently. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 1111. Meets MAPS requirement for natural sciences: lab. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 1152-1. Problem Solving Co-Seminar for Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology. Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in co-requisite course MCDB 1150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Coreq., MCDB 1150.
MCDB 1161-2. From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Laboratory I. Provides laboratory experience working on a bacteriophage genomics research project. Students will study novel bacteriophage they isolate from the environment. Topics covered include phage biology, bacteria and phage culturing and amplification, DNA isolation, restriction digest analysis, agarose gel electrophorosis, and electron microscopy. Coreq., MCDB 1150 or successful completion of 2 semesters of General Biology AP credit.
MCDB 2150-3. Principles of Genetics. Introduces the behavior of genes and chromosomes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Covers three areas: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Attention is given to genetic mapping, recombinant DNA procedures, and gene expression. MCDB 2151 must be taken by MCDB or biochemistry majors and prehealth science students concurrently or when next offered. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 or 1111 or EBIO 1210 or general biology. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 2151-1. Principles of Genetics Laboratory. One two-hour lab per week. Provides hands-on experience with principles introduced in MCDB 2150. Topics include mitosis, meiosis, classical genetics, complementation, mutagenesis, DNA replication, natural selection, and evolution. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 and 1151. Coreq., MCDB 2150. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 2152-1. Problem Solving Co-Seminars for Genetics. Uses problem solving and other interactive group work to aid student learning in co-requisite course MCDB 2150. Students will work in small groups on learning and practicing how to solve difficult conceptual problems, as well as using hands-on activities and concept mapping to help learn content. Coreq., MCDB 2150.
MCDB 2840 (1-3). Lower-Division Independent Study. May be repeated for credit, but only 8 hours of MCDB 2840 plus MCDB 4840 can be counted toward graduation. Students with adequate prerequisites should take MCDB 4840. Prereqs., instructor consent and independent study contract. Coreq., MCDB 1150.
MCDB 3120-3. Cell Biology. Introduces modern cell biology. Includes molecular basis of cellular organization and function, cellular membrane systems, intracellular organelles, mechanisms of energy transduction, the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, and functional organization of genetic material. Recommended for students planning careers in health sciences. MCDB 3140 must be taken concurrently or when next offered by MCDB and distributed studies majors. Prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070. Coreq., CHEM 1131.
MCDB 3140-2. Cell Biology Laboratory. One four-hour lab per week. Provides experience with and exposure to modern cell biology laboratory techniques. Topics include microscopy, immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, Southern blotting, and flow cytometry. This course does not use vertebrate animals. Coreq., MCDB 3120.
MCDB 3150-3. Biology of the Cancer Cell. Highlights dimensions of the cancer problem; cancer as a genetic/cellular disease; chemicals, viruses, and radiation as causes of cancer; cancer and diet; cancer epidemiology; cancer risk factors; proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, and cancer suppressor genes; and prevention of cancer. Prereq., MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070, or instructor consent. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 3280-3. Molecular Cell Physiology. Analyzes cellular mechanisms from a molecular perspective. Examines molecules as machines that are the basis of cellular mechanisms. Uses animal systems’ physiology as examples. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and CHEM 1133.
MCDB 3330-3. Evolution and Creationism. Intensive lecture/discussion course on the interrelationships among science, religion, and social policy. Includes historical and scientific development of evolution theory, social Darwinism/sociobiology, and the public perception of science. Prereq., MCDB 1111 or 1150 or instructor consent. Approved for arts and sciences core curriculum: natural science.
MCDB 3350-3. Fertility, Sterility, and Early Mammalian Development. Describes the production of germ cells, ovulation, fertilization, reproductive cycles, controls of reproduction, early development of the embryo, methods of contraception, and causes and treatments of sterility. Recommended for students planning careers in the health sciences. Prereq., MCDB 1150, EBIO 1210, or instructor consent.
MCDB 3500-3. Molecular Biology. Studies how molecular techniques are being used to characterize genes and their expression. Topics include mechanisms of DNA replication, mutation and repair, recombination, prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, transposable genetic elements, current applications of recombinant DNA procedures, and identification of human genes. Prereqs., CHEM 1133, and either MCDB 2150 or EBIO 2070. Coreq., CHEM 3311 or 3351.
MCDB 3650-3. The Brain–From Molecules to Behavior. Examines the molecular basis of the brain’s role in thought, action, and consciousness by exploring issues such as relationship of cognition and localized brain function, sensory systems and their role in cognition, learning and memory, and behavioral neurochemistry. Prereq., MCDB 1150 and 2150 or equivalent.
MCDB 4110 (1-3). Special Topics. Presentations of special topics in molecular, and/or cellular, and/or developmental biology, usually given by visiting faculty, alone or in conjunction with MCDB faculty. Prereq., instructor consent.
MCDB 4111-3. Experimental Design and Research in Cell and Molecular Biology. Learning molecular and cell biology experimental design and approaches through independent research projects. Students, working in pairs, will explore the research process and gain extensive first-hand experience in: hypothesis formation; experimental design; solution preparation and experimental methodology; proposal presentation and defense (oral and written); formal presentation of results and conclusions (oral and written in a publication-style format); the publication process; critical reading and evaluation of primary scientific literature. Prereq., MCDB 1150 or equivalent and instructor consent. Recommended coreq., MCDB 3500.
MCDB 4130-3. Biological Electron Microscopy: Principles and Recent Advances. Covers basic mechanisms for imaging and recent advances used in current biological research, elements of electron optics, image optimization, resolution, radiation damage, various imaging modes (TEM, HVEM, SEM, STEM, STM), specimen quantitation and reconstruction (stereo and 3-D), microanalysis, and electron diffraction. Specimen preparation treated only incidentally. Prereq., one of the following: MCDB 1150, EBIO 1220, MCDB 4500, PHYS 1120, or 2020, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5130 and PHYS 4130.
MCDB 4201-3. From Bench to Bedside: The Role of Science in Medicine. Demonstrates the breadth of research in the life sciences and how such research (not just in medical schools) can lead to medical applications. Lecturers from life sciences, the medical school and biotechnology, discuss drug development and the transfer of research into the clinical arena. Students also prepare a paper and presentation on the development of a commercial drug. Prereqs., MCDB 1150, 1151, or 1111, and MCDB 2150, 2151, 3120, and 3140.
MCDB 4202-3. The Python Project. Studies how python hearts grow after they consume a meal. Understanding the molecular processes of growth and regression in the python heart could lead to development of therapeutics for heart disease. Students work in groups in the laboratory and generate novel data by using modern molecular biology and bioinformatic techniques to clone and sequence candidate molecules of the python genome. May be repeated once. Prereqs., MCDB 1150 and 2150. Recommended prereqs., MCDB 3120, 3500, CHEM 4711 and 4731.
MCDB 4300-3. Immunology. Emphasizes cellular and molecular mechanisms by which organisms protect themselves from pathogens and the experimental basis for our understanding of these processes. Discusses development, function, and misfunction of t-cells, b-cells and other components of the immune system, focusing on the human immune system. Prereqs., MCDB 3120, 3500.
MCDB 4310-3. Microbial Genetics and Physiology. Examines the physiology and genetics of bacteria, Archaea and viruses. Particular emphasis will be on metabolism and cell division, adaptations to extreme environments, mechanisms of interactions with and manipulation of the environment, and evolution in response to environmental pressures. Prereqs., MCDB 2150 and 3500. Recommended prereqs. or coreqs., MCDB 3120, EBIO 3400, CHEM 4711, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5310.
MCDB 4314-3. Algorithms for Molecular Biology. Surveys combinatorial algorithms used to understand DNA, RNA, and proteins. Introduces students to methods used to process genomic data. Topics covered include a review of algorithms and molecular biology, sequence analysis, RNA and protein structure analysis, and comparative genomics. Students will get hands-on experience processing recent genomic data. Prereqs., CSCI 2270 and CSCI 3104, or CHEM 4711, or MCDB 3500 or IPHY 4200. Same as CSCI 4314 and MCDB 5314.
MCDB 4330-3. Bacterial Disease Mechanisms. Explores molecular and cellular interactions between bacteria and their eukaryotic hosts that precipitate disease. Activities include critical reading of review and research articles, preparation of homework assignments based on readings, and student presentations of assigned papers. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, 3120, and 3500. Same as MCDB 5330.
MCDB 4350-3. Microbial Diversity and the Biosphere. Provides a molecular phylogeny-based perspective on microbial diversity and the interactions between organisms that result in the biosphere. Provides overview of recent methods and findings in microbial ecology, as well as computer-based workshop in molecular phylogeny. Prereqs., CHEM 1133 or 1371, general biology, or instructor consent. Recommended prereqs., EBIO 3400 and/or CHEM 3311. Same as MCDB 5350.
MCDB 4361-3. Evolution and Development. Relates how recent discoveries in the molecular mechanisms of development are shaping our understanding of animal evolution. The course will review basic principles of molecular developmental biology and apply these concepts to critically discuss current research in the field of Evo-Devo (evolution and development). Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and MCDB 3500. Same as MCDB 5361.
MCDB 4410-3. Human Molecular Genetics. Studies the human organism as a genetic system, including effect of mutation on protein structure and function, biochemical basis of human genetic disease, polymorphic gene loci, gene mapping and identification, gene cloning and characterization, and impact of human genetics on medicine and society. Prereq., MCDB 3500.
MCDB 4425-3. Cellular Stress Responses: Molecular Mechanisms, Physiology, and Human Diseases. In this critical thinking course, students will apply their knowledge of basic biology to exploring several of the most exciting topics in biomedicine including protein folding and stress responses, nutrient sensing and balance, and signal transduction across membranes. Emphasis will be placed upon human physiology and associated human diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Prereq., MCDB 3120 or 3500 or instructor consent.
MCDB 4426-3. Cell Signaling and Developmental Regulation. Introduces several cell signaling processes and their biological functions. Students read and analyze original research articles to learn the thinking processes of scientific research. Writing assignments and oral presentations are required. Prereqs., MCDB 3120, 3500, and CHEM 4711, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5426.
MCDB 4444-3. Cellular Basis of Disease. Explores the cellular basis of disease. Discusses diseases arising from defects in intracellular targeting, cytoskeletal function, intracellular signaling, genomic instability, gene regulation, cell proliferation, and cell death. Involves student-organized presentations and classroom discussion. Prereq., MCDB 2150, 3120, and 3500.
MCDB 4471-3. Mechanisms of Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes. Focuses on manifestations of regulated gene expression. Studies gene regulation at multiple steps, including transcription, RNA processing, and translation. Is based on critical analysis of primary research papers. Written assignments and oral presentations are required. Prereq., MCDB 3500 or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5471. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 4470/5470.
MCDB 4501-3. Structural Methods for Biological Macromolecules. This course teaches fundamental knowledge about protein structures, protein interactions and protein folding. It will discuss in detail the most common methods on how proteins and macromolecular complexes are studied, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR-spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The course will offer about 50 percent direct teaching, 40 percent discussion of papers in a journal club style, and 10 percent hands-on practicals on software packages relevant to structural biology. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500.
MCDB 4520-3. Bioinformatics and Genomics. Computational and experimental methods in bioinformatics and genomics, and how these methods provide insights into protein structure and function, molecular evolution, biological diversity, cell biology, and human disease. Topics include database searching, multiple sequence alignment, molecular phylogeny, microarrays, proteomics, and pharmacogenomics. Prereqs., CHEM 4711, and CHEM 4731 or MCDB 3500. Same as MCDB 5520.
MCDB 4550-3. Cellular and Molecular Motion, A Biophysical Approach. Focuses on the biophysics governing enzyme mechanisms, cellular mechanisms, cellular structure and motion. Synthesizes ideas from molecular biology, physics, and biochemistry, emphasizing how low Reynolds number physics, not Newtonian physics, is relevant to life inside of a cell. Prereq., CHEM 1133 or 1371, PHYS 2010, 2020, MCDB 3120, or instructor consent. Recommended prereqs., MATH 1300 and/or CHEM 3311. Same as MCDB 5550.
MCDB 4600-3. Molecular Approaches to Human Diseases. Studies basic research using molecular biology and its contribution to treatment of human diseases. Includes an overview of physiology, clinical presentation, basic research, and detailed analyses of molecular approaches taken to understand and treat human diseases. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, 3120, and 3500. Recommended prereq., MCDB 4620.
MCDB 4615-3. Biology of Stem Cells. Stem cells have received considerable notice in both the scientific and social arena. The course will examine the stem cell concept by a critical examination of the primary scientific literature. Topics will include pluripotency and plasticity, environment, technology, self-renewal, transdifferentiation, molecular signature, epigenetic programming and stem cell versus cancer cell. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, 3120, 3500, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5615.
MCDB 4621-3. Genome Databases: Mining and Management. Develops essential skills for performing genomic analyses, with focus on developing practical research tools. Introduces human genome and microbiome projects, Python/SQL scripting, accessing and understanding genomic data, sequence alignment and search, evolutionary models, expression data, biological networks, and macromolecular structure. Prereqs., MCDB 3500, CSCI 3104 or CHEM 4711; coreq., CSCI 2270. Same as MCDB 5621. Credit not granted for this course and CHEM 4621 or CSCI 4317.
MCDB 4650-3. Developmental Biology. Analyzes development, emphasizing cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms. Topics include descriptive embryology, developmental control of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, mechanisms of differentiation and morphogenesis, and developmental genetics. Prereq., MCDB 3120 and 3500, or instructor consent. The related lab course, MCDB 4660, can be taken concurrently. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 4620, EPOB 3650, or EPOB 4600.
MCDB 4660-2. Developmental Biology Laboratory. Provides an opportunity for guided research on Caenorhabditis elegans and Xenopus. Experiments will focus on descriptive and experimental embryology, developmental genetics, and application of cell and molecular biology methods applied to developing organisms. This course uses living vertebrate animals and/or tissues. Prereq. or coreq., MCDB 4650. Credit not granted for this course and MCDB 4630 or EPOB 4600.
MCDB 4680-3. Mechanisms of Aging. Studies aging as a developmental process emphasizing genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500. Same as MCDB 5680.
MCDB 4750-3. Animal Virology. Encompasses the structure and replication of both lytic and transforming animal viruses. Emphasizes diversity of naturally occurring genomic structures and the resulting strategies of infection as well as the impact of viral epidemics on society. Includes critical analysis of primary research papers. Prereq., MCDB 3500 or instructor consent.
MCDB 4777-3. Molecular Neurobiology. Introduces the functional anatomy of the nervous system, and explores current knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic basis of the development and function of the nervous system. Studies recent insights into the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases, in the last portion of the course. Prereqs., MCDB 3120 and 3500, or equivalent.
MCDB 4790-3. Experimental Embryology. Embryology is studied by considering experiments relevant to specific topics of early animal development. Emphasizes reading, interpretation, and discussion of research articles. Prereqs., MCDB 3120, and EPOB 3650 or MCDB 3500.
MCDB 4810-3. Insane in the Membrane: The Biology and Biophysics of the Membrane. Studies the biology and physics of the biomembrane. Topics include structure and mechanism of membrane proteins; membrane biogenesis; membrane protein folding and stability; membrane homeostasis; mechanisms of membrane fusion and fission; lipid trafficking. Prereq., CHEM 4711 or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5810.
MCDB 4811 (3-4). Teaching and Learning Biology. Provides an introduction to recent research into student learning on the conceptual foundations of modern biology, together with pedological methods associated with effective instruction and its valuation. Students will be involved in active research into conceptual and practical issues involved in biology education, methods to discover student preconceptions, and the design, testing and evaluation of various instructional interventions. Prereqs., MCDB 1111 or 1150, 2150 and 3120. Same as MCDB 5811 and EDUC 6811.
MCDB 4840 (1-6). Upper-Division Independent Study. May be repeated for credit, but only 8 hours of MCDB 2840 plus MCDB 4840 can be counted toward graduation. Prereqs., MCDB 2150, instructor consent, and independent study contract.
MCDB 4970-3. Seminar on Physical Methods in Biology. Covers basic mechanisms and applications of physical methods used in current biological research, microprobe analysis, EELS, elementary electron and x-ray crystallography, biomedical imaging (NMR, MRI, PET, CAT), Fourier analysis, synchrotron radiation, EXAFS, neutron scattering, and novel ultramicroscopy techniques. Includes lectures, student presentations, occasional demonstrations. Emphasis depends on student interest. Prereqs., MCDB 1050 or 3120, and/or PHYS 1120 and 1140, or 3010 and 3020, or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5970 and PHYS 4970.
MCDB 4980-3. Honors Research. Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Prereqs., MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and a GPA of 3.20 or better.
MCDB 4990-3. Honors Thesis. Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Prereqs., MCDB 4840, 4980, or comparable research experience, a GPA of 3.30 or better, and approval by the MCDB honors committee.
MCDB 5130-3. Biological Electron Microscopy: Principles and Recent Advances. Same as MCDB 4130 and PHYS 5130.
MCDB 5210-3. Cell Structure and Function (Lecture and Discussion). Instructor consent required.
MCDB 5220-3. Molecular Genetics (Methods and Logic). Instructor consent required.
MCDB 5230-3. Gene Expression (Lecture and Discussion). Instructor consent required.
MCDB 5250-3. Topics in Developmental Genetics (Methods and Logic). Instructor consent required.
MCDB 5310-3. Microbial Genetics and Physiology. Same as MCDB 4310.
MCDB 5314-3. Algorithms for Molecular Biology. Same as MCDB 4314 and CSCI 5314.
MCDB 5330-3. Bacterial Disease Mechanisms. Same as MCDB 4330.
MCDB 5350-3. Microbial Diversity and the Biosphere. Same as MCDB 4350.
MCDB 5361-3. Evolution and Development. Same as MCDB 4361.
MCDB 5426-3. Cell Signaling and Developmental Regulation. Same as MCDB 4426.
MCDB 5471-3. Mechanisms of Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes. Same as MCDB 4471.
MCDB 5520-3. Bioinformatics and Genomics. Same as MCDB 4520.
MCDB 5550-3. Cellular and Molecular Motion, A Biophysical Approach. Same as MCDB4550.
MCDB 5615-3. Biology of Stem Cells. Same as MCDB 4615.
MCDB 5621-3. Genome Databases: Mining and Management. Same as MCDB 4621. Credit not granted for this course and CSCI 5317 or CHEM 5621.
MCDB 5650-1. Teaching and Learning in Undergraduate Science Courses. Discusses recent research on how students learn and applications to the teaching of undergraduate science courses. Conducted as an interactive workshop, in which active-engagement in learning approaches are modeled and experienced by participants. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. May be used to fulfill the pedagogical training requirement for undergraduate Learning Assistants in upper division science courses. Post-doctoral and faculty auditors are welcome to participate as regular auditors.
MCDB 5680-3. Mechanisms of Aging. Same as MCDB 4680.
MCDB 5776-1. Scientific Ethics. Prereq., CHEM 5771 or MCDB 5230 taken concurrently and instructor consent. Same as CHEM 5776.
MCDB 5777-3. Molecular Neurobiology. Same as MCDB 4777.
MCDB 5810-3. Insane in the Membrane: The Biology and Biophysics of the Membrane. Same as MCDB 4810.
MCDB 5811 (3-4). Teaching and Learning Biology. Same as MCDB 4811 and EDUC 6811.
MCDB 5970-3. Seminar on Physical Methods in Biology. Same as MCDB 4970 and PHYS 5970.
MCDB 6000-3. Introduction to Laboratory Methods. Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. Open only to MCDB graduate students. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
MCDB 6336-1. Transcription and RNA Processing. Study of recent publications in transcription and RNA processing fields. Students present and discuss recent publications. Goals are that the student will improve critical analysis of data and will learn techniques relevant to the field. Students will keep up-to-date with current literature, will lead discussions of topic of interest, and will learn good presentation skills. Prereq., MCDB 5210, 5230 or instructor consent.
MCDB 6337-1. Cell Cycle Research. Cell cycle regulation is a major biological issue relevant to a number of disease states, including cancer. Surveys the current literature in the cell cycle field. Students present current publications; class participation in discussion is expected. Prereqs., MCDB 5210 and 5230.
MCDB 6338-1. Current Topics in Developmental Genetics and Signal Transduction. Students present and discuss current research papers in the areas of developmental biology and cell signaling. Goals are to improve skills in critical evaluation and presentation of research results as well as to keep up with current literature. Students must present and lead discussions of at least one paper; all students are expected to read papers in advance. Prereq., instructor consent.
MCDB 6339-1. Microbiology Supergroup. Present and receive feedback on your in-progress microbiology research. Learn about and discuss research at CU that is microbiological but outside of your specialty. Participate in journal clubs on microbial physiology. May be repeated up to 3 total credit hours.
MCDB 6440 (1-3). Special Topics in MCD Biology. Acquaints students with various topics not normally covered in the curriculum. Offered intermittently or upon student demand, and often presented by visiting professors. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
MCDB 6621-1. Special Topics in RNA. Reviews and evaluates recent scientific literature in the field of RNA chemistry and biology, including topics in structure, catalysis, bioinformatic approaches, and control of gene expression. Primarily for graduate level presentation of special topics by students and research staff. May be repeated up to 5 total credit hours. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent. Same as CHEM 6621.
MCDB 6940-3. Master’s Degree Candidate.
MCDB 6950 (1-6). Master’s Thesis. Students seeking a master’s degree should consult a departmental advisor. Plan I or Plan II is offered.
MCDB 7790 (1-3). Graduate Seminar.
MCDB 7840 (1-6). Graduate Independent Study. Instructor consent and independent study contract required. May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours.
MCDB 7910-1. Seminar Practicum. Designed for graduate students to give oral presentations on their thesis research, field questions, respond to critiques, and present background information. May be repeated up to 3 total credit hours.
MCDB 8990 (1-10). Doctoral Dissertation. All doctoral students must register for not fewer than 30 hours of dissertation credit as part of the requirements for the degree. For a detailed discussion of doctoral dissertation credit, refer to the Graduate School section.
