MSBMG 2515 Macromolecular Machines
(required)
M. Schmidt & Staff - Spring Term 2 credits
This course covers the macromolecular machines that catalyze biochemical processes within the cell. Topics to be covered include the proteasome, the transcriptional machinery, machinery for the processing of micro RNA and post-transcriptional regulation machinery used by micro RNA, chaperones, centrosomes, ribosomes, molecular motors, DNA repair and replication machinery and virus packaging machines.



MSBMG 2520 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics (required)
J.R. Chaillet & Staff Spring Term 2 credits
Topics in this course currently include molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, cell cycle control, oncogene and tumor suppressor gene function, chromatin structure, RNA splicing, and the genetics of development in model organisms. Prerequisites: Foundations of Biomedical Science or permission of the course director.


MSBMG 2560 Biology of Signal Transduction
B. Rajasekaran, G. Romero & Staff Spring Term 3 credits
This course will explore different types of signaling pathways activated by receptor-ligand interactions. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: G-protein linked receptors, adenylate cyclases, small GTPases, kinases and phosphatases, nitric oxide, phospholipases, steroid hormone signaling, and pharmacological applications of signaling pathways.


MSBMG 3510 Advanced Topics in Gene Expression
N. Hukriede & Staff Fall Term 3 credits
This course consists of lectures and class presentations on recent advances in the molecular genetics. The course explores the regulation of gene expression at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as the use of model organisms to study gene function in development and to model human disease.


MSBMG 3530 DNA Repair: Biochemistry to Human Disease
L. Niedernhofer & Staff Spring Term 2 credits
Cellular responses to DNA damage impact cell cycle control, transcription, replication, cell division, signal transduction and evolution. More than 40 distinct human diseases are caused by defects in DNA repair, including syndromes of impaired development, cancer predisposition or premature aging. This course will emphasize the biochemistry of DNA repair, placing these mechanisms into the context of other cellular processes such as DNA replication, transcription and damage signaling. Sources of DNA damage, both environmental and endogenous will be discussed, as well as the importance of DNA Repair mechanisms during development and to prevent cancer and aging.


MSBMG 2550 Research in Progress Seminar (required)
Fall and Spring Terms 1 credit
A weekly Research In Progress Seminar presented by students. Weekly attendance and participation by all BMG students is required.


MSBMG 2570 Current Topics Seminar (required)
Fall and Spring Terms 1 credit
A bi-weekly Current Topics Seminar presented by BMG students. Attendance and participation by all BMG students is required.


MSBMG 2590 Directed Study
Fall, Spring & Summer 1-9 credits
A laboratory course providing the student an opportunity to carry out a laboratory project under the direction of a member of the Program prior to admission to candidacy for the PhD.


MSBMG 2500 MS Thesis Research
Fall, Spring & Summer 1-9 credits
Laboratory projects to fulfill the requirements for the Masters of Science degree.


MSBMG 3500 PhD Dissertation Research
Fall, Spring & Summer 1-15 credits
Laboratory projects to fulfill the requirements for the PhD degree.

Seminar Program
The Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry hosts a seminar program of invited outside speakers and speakers from within the University. Though not offered for course credit, attendance and active participation at these seminars is considered to be a regular and important activity of all graduate students.