The major emphasis of this course will be on reading and discussing primary research papers in depth. Basic principles of physical chemistry as applied to biological systems. Topics include thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, spectroscopy, and diffraction theory. Concepts discussed in the context of the biochemistry and behavior of biological macromolecules. Emphasis on quantitative understanding of biochemical phenomena, with extensive problem solving as an instructive tool.
Some lectures stress the clinical correlation of the basic course concepts.
Fitness concepts, life history evolution, mating systems, genetic divergence, and causes and maintenance of genetic diversity. CMB 297 - Modern Techniques in Molecular Biology Discussions of nucleic acid sequencing and manipulation, cloning strategies, vectors, expression, hybridization and blotting methods, PCR, etc. CMB 251 - Molecular Cell Biology Current research topics in cell biology presented in a lecture and discussion format based on recent research papers. An introduction to the molecular and cellular basis of the immune response. Topics include anatomy of the lymphoid system, lymphocyte biology, antigen-antibody interactions, humoral and cellular effector mechanisms, and control of immune responses.