BBS Course Requirements/Core Courses

All students in BBS are required to have a solid background in cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology. All BBS students are required to take 8 courses(with the exception of MD/PhD students: New Pathway students must take 6 courses, and HST students must take 4), at least one of which must be an upper level reading course. Micro 230 is required of all BBS students, including MD/PhD students. The core courses and the upper level reading courses, which focus on an in-depth analysis of the literature, and/or advanced courses in topics of one's choosing are highly recommended for fulfilling course requirements.

HBTM students take several required courses that provide a comprehensive introduction to human biology. These courses will fulfill the elective requirements of BBS, and will not add to the total number of courses taken. The outline of the HBTM curriculum and required courses can be found here.

FALL OF YEAR 1

REQUIRED

Microbiology 230. Analysis of the Biological Literature

Critical analysis of original research articles in an intensive small group discussions. Analyze range of papers in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and cell and developmental biology, in terms of context, hypothesis, methods, and objective interpretation of results.

Note: Limited to and required of all first year BBS students.
Half course (fall term).

CORE COURSES - RECOMMENDED

Genetics 201. Principles of Genetics

An in-depth survey of genetics, beginning with basic principles and extending to modern approaches and special topics. We will draw on examples from various systems, including yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, mouse, human and bacteria.

Note: Intended for first-year graduate students.
Half course (fall term).

BCMP 200. Molecular Biology

An advanced treatment of the Central Dogma of molecular biology. Considers the molecular basis of genetic information transfer from DNA to RNA to protein, using current examples from eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.

Prerequisite: Intended primarily for graduate students familiar with basic molecular biology or with strong biology/chemistry background.
Half course (fall term).

SPRING OF YEAR 1

CORE COURSES - RECOMMENDED

Cell Biology 201. Molecular Biology of the Cell

Topics include the molecular basis of cellular compartmentalization, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, mitosis, cell locomotion, cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, cell-cell interaction, and the cellular/biochemical basis of diseases. Methods covered include protein purification, mass spectrometry, and microscopy.

Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as CB 713.0
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge in biochemistry and genetics.
Half course (Spring term).

BCMP 201. Proteins: Structure, Function and Catalysis

Protein biochemistry with emphasis on the interrelated roles of protein structure, catalytic activity, and macromolecular interactions in biological processes. Course provides the core background and the perspective required to consider and dissect biological problems at a mechanistic, molecular level.

Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as BP714.0
Prerequisite: Knowledge of introductory general biochemistry, elementary physical chemistry, and molecular genetics required.
Half course (Spring term).

Microbiology 200. Molecular Microbiology and Pathogenesis

Devoted primarily to bacterial structure, physiology, genetics, regulatory mechanisms and pathogenesis. Class consists of lectures, presentations emphasizing methods, results and interpretation of classic and contemporary literature, guest seminars, and small group discussions of papers.

Note: Offered jointly with the Medical School as MG 726.0.
Half course (fall term).

ADDITIONAL COURSES SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING SPRING OF YEAR 1 AND EITHER SEMESTER OF YEAR 2

The Program strongly recommends that these courses be upper level reading courses focused on an in-depth analysis of the literature. A list of recommended courses will be provided prior to the beginning of each semester.

For all Course Listings refer to DMS Curriculum.