BCMP 230
Principles and Practices of Drug Development
Director: Robert H. Rubin and Stan Finkelstein
Critical assessment of the major issues and stages of developing a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical. Drug discovery, preclinical development, clinical investigation, manufacturing and regulatory issues considered for small and large molecules. Economic considerations of the drug development process.

 

Cell Biology 212
Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer
James A. DeCaprio and Myles A. Brown
Examines the molecular basis of cancer including alterations in signal transduction, cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA repair with a focus on oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and oncogenic viruses. Explores the development of novel target based therapies.
Note: Given in alternate years.

 

Cell Biology 226
Concepts in Development, Self-Renewal and Repair
Laurel A. Raftery, Alan J. Davidson, Iain A. Drummond, Niels Geijsen, N. Nanda Nanthakumar, Lizabeth A. Perkins, and David T. Scadden
Explores developmental mechanisms through the life cycle, contrasting pluripotency and cell fate restriction in embryos and adult tissues. In depth analysis of in vivo approaches, with emphasis on adult stem cells, tissue repair and self-renewal.

 

Cell Biology 330
Experimental Approaches to Developmental Biology
David L. Van Vactor, Amy Wagers, and members of the Division
This introductory level course will provide a rapid survey of major topics and themes in developmental biology in parallel with hands-on exposure to a variety of experimental approaches, technologies and model systems.

 

Genetics 219
Inheritance
Chao-Ting Wu, Kami Ahmad, Steven McCarroll, and David Reich
Lextures/discussion will focus on surprising patterns of inheritance, including those resulting from chromosome rearrangements (CNVs, translocations, etc.) and phenomena spanning fungi to humans

 

Genetics 220
Molecular Biology and Genetics in Modern Medicine
Director:  Anne Giersch
Scientific, clinical and ethical aspects of modern human genetics and molecular biology as applied to medicine. Covers genetic approaches and molecular underpinnings of inherited diseases and somatic/genetic diseases are integrated with patient presentations, discussions.

 

Genetics 228
Genetics in Medicine – From Bench to Bedside
Susan A. Slaugenhaupt and Christopher Newton-Cheh
Focus on translational medicine: the application of basic genetic discoveries to human disease. Will discuss specific genetic disorders (including patient interviews) and the approaches currently used to speed transfer of knowledge from the laboratory to the clinic.

 

Genetics 390
Experimental Approaches in Genetic Analysis
Fred Winston and members of the department
A survey of major themes in genetics combined with exposure to various experimental techniques, technologies, and model systems. Combines lectures and hands-on laboratory activities emphasizing experimental models, hypothesis generation and testing, and data analysis.

This course will provide a rapid survey of major topics and themes in genetics and genetic analysis in conjunction with exposure to a variety of experimental techniques, technologies, and model systems. Building on fundamental principles learned in Genetics 201, students will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in using genetic approaches to address biologically relevant questions in a variety of experimental systems, such as Drosophila, yeast, zebrafish, and humans. The course will combine didactic lectures and laboratory activities emphasizing experimental techniques, hypothesis generation and testing, and data analysis.

 

IMMUNOL 201
Principles of Immunology
Michael C. Carroll (Medical School) Ulrich H. Von Andrian-Werburg (Medical School) and members of the Faculty
Comprehensive core course in immunology. Topics include a broad but intensive examination of the cells and molecules of the immune system. Special attention given to the experimental approaches that led to general principles of immunology.

 

IMMUNOL 219
The Primary Immunodeficiencs
Course Directors: Cox Terhorst and Raif S. Geha
This course discusses the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of genetically determined primary immunodeficiencies and selected autoimmune diseases. Evaluates the use of animal models for study and therapy of human disease states.

 

Neurobiology 200.
Introduction to Neurobiology.
Richard Masland, John Assad, David Corey, Matthew Frosch, Lisa Goodrich, and Rosaline Segal
Modern neuroscience from molecular neurobiology to perception and cognition. Includes cell biology of neurons and glia; ion channels and electrical signaling; synaptic transmission and integration; chemical systems; brain anatomy and development; sensory systems; motor systems; higher cognitive function.

 

Pathology 209
Tumor Pathophysiology and Transport Phenomena
Rakesh K. Jain
Tumor pathophysiology plays a central role in the growth, metastasis, detection, and treatment of solid tumors. Principles of transport phenemona are applied to develop a quantitative understanding of tumor biology and treatment.

 

Virology 200
Introduction to Virology
Elliott D. Kief, David M. Knipe, Kaarl Münger, and Max Nibert
The lecture component reviews the basic principles of virology and introduces the major groups of human viruses. Weekly discussion groups critically analyze selected papers from the literatures.

 

 

HST 040/Microbiology 205
Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
Clyde S. Crumpacker II (Medical School) and associates
The mechanisms of bacterial, mycoplasmal, fungal, and viral pathogenesis are covered. Topics are selected for intrinsic interest and cover the spectrum of pathophysiologic mechanisms of the infectious process. Emphasis on pathogenesis at the molecular level.

 

HST 140/BCMP 218
Molecular Medicine
Course Directors:  G.Q. Daley, I.M. London, David Cohen
Conducted as a seminar to study a variety of human diseases and the underlying molecular, genetic, and biochemical basis for the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the disorders. Lectures by faculty and seminars conducted by students, with tutorials and supervision by faculty. Patients presented when feasible. Appropriate for students who have had a course in biochemistry and/or molecular biology.

 

HST175
Cellular and Molecular Immunology
S.S. Pillai
Covers cells and tissues of the immune system, lymphocyte development, the structure and function of antigen receptors, the cell biology of antigen processing and presentation including molecular structure and assembly of MHC molecules, lymphocyte activation, the biology of cytokines, leukocyte-endothelial interactions, and the pathogenesis of immunologically mediated diseases. Consists of lectures and tutorials in which clinical cases are discussed with faculty tutors. Details of each case covering a number of immunological issues in the context of disease are posted on a student website.

 

HST 541J
Quantitative Physiology: Cells and Tissues
D. M. Freeman Course Website
Principles of mass transport and electrical signal generation for biological membranes, cells, and tissues. Mass transport through membranes: diffusion, osmosis, chemically mediated, and active transport. Electric properties of cells: ion transport; equilibrium, resting, and action potentials. Kinetic and molecular properties of single voltage-gated ion channels. Laboratory and computer exercises illustrate the concepts.

 

 

CHEM 285
Human Disease: Molecular Etiology and Mechanistic Pharmacology
Gregory L. Verdine
Focuses on the causation and treatment of human disease from a primarily mechanistic, structural and chemical point of view. Lectures will provide the background for in-class talks given by prominent outside speakers.

 

 

Basics of Statistical Inference
Yi Li
This course will provide a basic, yet thorough introduction to the probability theory and mathematical statistics that underlie many of the commonly used techniques in public health research. Topics to be covered include probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson), means, variances and expected values, finite sampling distributions, parameter estimation (method of moments, maximum likelihood), confidence intervals, hypothesis testing (likelihood ratio, Wald and score tests). All theoretical material will be motivated with problems from epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health and other public health areas.

 

Introduction to Statistical Methods
K. Gauvreau
Covers basic statistical techniques that are important for analyzing data arising from epidemiology, environmental health, biomedical and other public health-related research. Major topics include descriptive statistics, elements of probability, introduction to estimation and hypothesis testing, nonparametric methods, techniques for categorical data, regression analysis, analysis of variance, and elements of study design. Applications are stressed.  

 

 

BCMP 207
Molecular Approaches to Drug Action, Discovery and Design
Donald M. Coen, Nathaniel Gray, and associates.
Explores how molecular biology, structural biology, and modern enzymology have revolutionized understanding of drug action and development of new therapies. Analyzes molecular underpinnings of basic pharmacological principles and their application to clinical therapeutics.

 

BCMP 212
Behavioral Pharmacology
Jack Bergman and Carol A. Paronis
Introduction to CNS pharmacology and behavior in seminar format. Efects of psychomotor stimulants, antischizophrenics, opioid analgesics, and antianxiety agents on behavior. Emphasis on methodology and pharmacological analysis; attention to tolerance, drug dependence/addiction.

 

BCMP 370
Stem Cells: Properties and Applications
George Q. Daley and Amy J. Wagers
This quarter course will discuss scientific problems in both ES and adult stem cell research, providing an historical context for stem cell research as well as a discussion of the basic biological properties and applications of these cells and the questions and controversies that currently drive the field. We will conclude with a discussion of the societal and ethical implications of stem cell research and the impact of federal guidelines on research.

 

Cell Biology 300
Pancreatic Islet Growth and Function—Novel Signaling Pathways
Rohit N. Kulkarni
This quarter course will begin with a background lecture by Dr. Rohit N. Kulkarni on pathways and mechanisms that regulate function and growth of hormone-producing islet cells in relation to maintaining glucose homeostasis in the context of diabetes. The remaining sessions will involve reading and discussing 2-3 assigned research papers each week to provide for critical survey of novel signal transduction pathways that are involved in regulation of pancreatic islet function and growth (e.g. Insulin/ Insulin-like Growth Factor-I, Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Leptin, Glucose, etc.). The final session will discuss the pros and cons of using transgenics, knockouts and knockdown techniques to dissect the role of signaling proteins to evaluate islet growth and function.

 

Cell Biology 207. Developmental Biology: Molecular Mechanisms of Vertebrate Development
Catalog Number: 2044.
Andrew B. Lassar (Medical School), Patricia A. D’Amore (Medical School), Alan J. Davidson (Medical School), John G. Flanagan (Medical School), Jordan A. Kreidberg (Medical School), Richard L. Maas (Medical School), Clifford J. Tabin (Medical School), and Malcolm Whitman
Analyzes the developmental programs of frog, chick, zebrafish, and mouse embryos, emphasizing experimental strategies for understanding the responsible molecular mechanisms that pattern the vertebrate embryo.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as CB 710.0. Includes lectures and conference sessions in which original literature is discussed in depth. Short research proposals are required in lieu of exams.
Cell Biology 211 (formerly Cell Biology 211a). Molecular and Systems Level Cancer Cell Biology
Piotr Sicinski (Medical School), Jarrod Marto (Medical School), and Marc Vidal (Medical School) 
Examines the molecular and systems basis of cancer including alterations in signal transduction, cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA repair.
Note: Alternate years with Cell Biology 212. Offered jointly with the Medical School as CB 704.0.
Prerequisite: General knowledge of biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cell biology.

Genetics 202. Principles of Genetic Analysis in Humans

Catalog Number: 8064  Enrollment:  Limited to 30 students

Raju Kucherlapati (Medical School) and members of the department.

Half course (Spring term)  Tu., Th.  10:30-12:00

This course will examine the principles and methods of molecular genetics as they relate to both normal human variation and disease.  The course covers a wide range of topics, including human genome structure, sequence variation, population genetics, complex trait analysis, association studies and pharmacogenetics.  While lectures and discussions will focus on human inheritance, the concepts and techniques described can be more broadly applied to any area of mammalian genetics as well.

Prerequisites:  Genetics 201 (or permission of the instructor) and basic knowledge of probability and statistics.  Familiarity with bioinformatics and computational tools will be useful, but tutorial assistance will be provided where necessary.

 

*Genetics 390. Experimental Approaches in Genetic Analysis
 Fred Winston (Medical School) and members of the department 
A survey of major themes in genetics combined with exposure to various experimental techniques, technologies, and model systems. Combines lectures and hands-on laboratory activities emphasizing experimental methods, hypothesis generation and testing, and data analysis.
This course will provide a rapid survey of major topics and themes in genetics and genetic analysis in conjunction with exposure to a variety of experimental techniques, technologies, and model systems. Building on fundamental principles learned in Genetics 201, students will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in using genetic approaches to address biologically relevant questions in a variety of experimental systems, such as Drosophila, yeast, zebrafish, and humans.  The course will combine didactic lectures and laboratory activities emphasizing experimental techniques, hypothesis generation and testing, and data analysis.Note: Limited to 8 students. Priority will be given to G1 graduate students. Students must first contact Sarah Wojiski (sarah_wojiski@hms.harvard.edu) or 2-7468 for enrollment approval prior to registration for the course. Prerequisite: Students must also enroll in, or have taken Genetics 201.

 

Immunology 202. Advanced Principles of Immunology
D. Branch Moody (Medical School) and Martin E. Hemler (Medical School) Continuation of Immunology 201 as an intensive core course in fundamentals of the immune system. Emphasis on systems of immunity. Critical reading of primary literature.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as IM 712.0.
Prerequisite: Immunology 201 or its equivalent.

 

*Immunology 219. The Primary Immunodeficiencies
Cox Terhorst (Medical School), Raif S. Geha (Medical School), and Luigi D. Notarangelo (Medical School)
This course discusses the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of genetically determined primary immunodeficiencies and selected autoimmune diseases. Evaluates the use of animal models for study and therapy of human disease states.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as IM 729.0.
Prerequisite: Course in basic immunology.

 

Immunology 300
Clinical Sessions
A lab-based quarter course of clinical sessions in which students will encounter humans with inflammatory diseases. This course will run in conjunction with IMM 202 and will be required for Immunology Program students. A final project will be required in the form of a 5 page (Immune Tolerance Network protocol) in which each student will select a disease state and design a novel immunotherapeutic treatment based upon the

IMM 202 course.

 

MG726.0
Molecular Microbiology and Pathogenesis
S. Lory
Devoted primarily to bacterial structure, physiology, genetics, regulatory mechanisms and pathogenesis. Class time consists of a combination of: 1) lecture, 2) presentations emphasizing methods, results and interpretation of classic and contemporary literature, 3) guest seminars, and 4) small group discussions.

 

Microbiology 300
Bacterial Strategies for Invading and Surviving in Host Cells
John Mekalanos
During the infection process, many species of bacteria actively invade or are phagocytosed by host cells. To avoid immune clearance these bacteria have evolved a diverse array of strategies to survive intracellularly and infect other cells including inhibiting phagosome-lysosome fusion, escaping the phagosome, entering a dormant/ inert life cycle, type-III secretion, and direct cell-to-cell spread. Several mechanisms have been described in molecular detail, while others remain less clear. Organisms covered in this course include: salmonella, legionella, mycobacterium, Chlamydia, listera/rickettsia/shigella, and yersinia.

 

Microbiology 210. A Microbial Planet - (New Course) 
Roberto G. Kolter (Medical School), Jon Clardy (Medical School), and Ann Pearson This course covers the broad spectrum of microbiology from biodiversity to the impact of microorganisms on geology, the environment, climate, and world health. Topics include the origins of life, biogeochemical cycles, microbial diversity, and ecology.

 

Microbiology 213. Social Issues in Biology
Jonathan R. Beckwith (Medical School) and Roberto G. Kolter (Medical School)Readings, discussion of social/ethical aspects of biology: history, philosophy of science; evolution vs. creationism; genetics and race; women and science; genetic testing; stem cell research; science journalism; genetics and the law; scientists and social responsibility.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 722.0. Alternates yearly between the Longwood and the Cambridge Campuses.
Prerequisite: Some background in genetics.

 

Neurobiology 209
The Neurobiology of Disease
Directors: Edward A. Kravitz and Robert H. Brown
Designed for graduate students interested in diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Monday sessions involve patient presentations and “core” lectures describing progression, pathology and basic science underlying a major disease or disorder. Wednesdays, students present material from original literature sources and there is discussion. Note: Given in alternative years. For advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

 

Neurobiology 300
Psychiatric Disorders and Neurobiological Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
Christine Konradi and Bill Carlezon
The course explores psychiatric disorders and the molecular and behavioral consequences of exposure to psychotropic drugs. These agents alter signal transduction pathways in the brain and set in motion sequences of events that change the brain and behavior forever, for better or worse. In this mini-course we will discuss the effects of drugs of abuse as well as drugs used for the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will also provide a brief introduction to the types of methodologies that are used to study these disorders in animal models.

 

Neurobiology 300
Cellular & Molecular Basis of Repair in the Mammalian CNS
Jeffrey Macklis, Zhigang He, Larry Benowitz
This course will discuss cellular and molecular approaches and mechanisms that may enable repair of cellular circuitry in the mammalian CNS. We will focus on the following issues: 1) why mature mammalian CAN (unlike PNS or immature CNS), does not normally regenerate neurons or axonal projections after injury; 2) approaches, including neural transplantation, cellular and molecular “bridges,” and precursor/ “stem cell” manipulation directed at overcoming these limitations, 3) new directions in the field of neural repair, including promotion or regeneration of the diseased CNS using developmental controls and gene manipulation to stimulate axon regeneration, neurogenesis, and directed neuronal differentiation in the adult brain.

 

Neurobiology 300
Experimental Gene Therapy for Neurological Diseases
Miguel Sena Esteves and Xandra Breakefield
Treatment of many neurological diseases remains primarily palliative, and for some of these diseases there is little prospect for the development of effective pharmaceuticals in the near future. Although gene therapy has had its share of disappointment, perhaps due to an overly optimistic initial outlook, the continued development of novel gene delivery vectors and study of their basic biology, as well as the introduction of novel infusion/delivery techniques, has brought this field to the brink of realizing some of its awesome potential for treatment of many neurological diseases.

 

Virology 201. Virology
Sean P.J. Whelan (Medical School), James M. Cunningham (Medical School), David T. Evans (Medical School), and Welkin E. Johnson (Medical School)
Literature based reading. Proposal writing. Course covers a broad range of topics: viral genetics, structure/replication, pathogenesis, evolution ("emerging viruses"), chronic infection, latency, innate and adaptive immunity, anti-viral drugs and vaccine strategies.
Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 723.0.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission required.

 

 

 

HST 521
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering in Medical Devices and Artificial Organs
F. J. Schoen and R. N. Mitchell
Structure, properties, and applications of biomaterials (synthetic or modified natural materials used to evaluate/replace tissues, organs or biological functions) and tissue engineering (use of biomaterials with incorporated cells and biological signals to stimulate tissue regeneration). Emphasizes fundamentals of biomaterials and tissue engineering, clinical problems and practical solutions in a complex ethical, legal and economic context, and state-of-the-art research opportunities. Assesses current challenges and cutting edge technological solutions to medical problems. Probes mechanisms and methods of evaluation of tissue/biomaterials and patient/device interactions. Additional topics include: key biological concepts; biofunctional materials; issues in design; development; fabrication; and clinical evaluation; and novel research directions and applications of materials to medicine.

 

HST 940J
Bioinformatics: Principles, Methods and Applications
G. Stephanopoulos
Introduction to bioinformatics, the collection of principles and computational methods used to upgrade the information content of biological data generated by genome sequencing, proteomics, and cell-wide physiological measurements of gene expression and metabolic fluxes. Fundamentals from systems theory presented to define modeling philosophies and simulation methodologies for the integration of genomic and physiological data in the analysis of complex biological processes. Various computational methods address a broad spectrum of problems in functional genomics and cell physiology. Application of bioinformatics to metabolic engineering, drug design, and biotechnology also discussed.

 

 

PHYSICS 136:
Physics of Medical Imaging
Andrew Jeremy, M. Kiruluta
Presents the physics of modern medical imaging techniques. Explores the physics of diagnostic imaging from a unified electromagnetics viewpoint ranging from a simple mapping of radiation attenuation coefficients in X-ray, gamma radiative single photon (SPECT) and double photon (positron) emission tomography (PET), echo measurements in ultrasound, interferometric pulse echo characterization in optical coherence tomography (OCT) to resonance absorption in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) induced inhomogeneously broadened RF absorber.

 

MCB 192 
Mark Charles Fishman
How is new medicine created? What steps are taken to go from observed medical need to efficacious treatment with minimal side effects? Case-study based introduction to the process of Drug Discovery co-taught by Harvard faculty and researchers from the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research. Topics include: identifying possible drug targets, chemical screening and lead discovery, medicinal chemistry, drug formulation, preclinical safety and clinical trials.

 

Biological Sciences 60
Ethics, Biotechnology, and the Future of Human Nature
Douglas A. Melton and Michael J. Sandel
Explores the moral, political, and scientific implications of new developments in biotechnology. Does science give us the power to alter human nature? If so, how should we exercise this power? The course examines the science and ethics of stem cell research, human cloning, sex selection, genetic engineering, eugenics, genetic discrimination, and human-animal hybrids.

 

 

ID509
Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics
M. Wessling-Resnick, D. Wolf, and S. Liu Credits:
This interdisciplinary course is intended for students who have background knowledge of molecular biology and are interested in the application of genomics and proteomics to their research. The course will introduce basic bioinformatic applications for genome sequence analysis (BLAST), use of CLUSTAL-W, basic methods in DNA sequence acquisition and DNA expression analysis by microarray, use of genomic information in the public health arena, basic methods and application of proteome analysis and the demonstration of proteomic research tools.

 

BPH 222
The Science of Human Nutrition
Frank M. Sacks, Clifford Lo, and members of the Department
A review of the biochemistry of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals in the context of human disease. Contemporary topics are emphasized. Particular emphasis given to current knowledge of the mechanisms that may explain the role of diet in the causation and/or prevention of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer. Recommended dietary intakes of selected nutrients are discussed.