BMS - Biomedical Science

Explore the dynamics of gene expression at the level of DNA, RNA and protein. Develop ability to link techniques in molecular biology with appropriate applications in explaining the scientific approach to gene analysis.

Prerequisites: Two semesters of organic chemistry. A study of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, particularly proteins. Topics include acid-base equilibria, protein folding, enzyme catalysis, allosterism and protein engineering.

A study of the generation and storage of metabolic energy and of the structure, biosynthesis and function of nucleic acids.

Prerequisite: BMS 511/411. Lab fee. A lecture/lab course addressing the principles and practical aspects of protein purification and characterization. In addition, the course will cover practical aspects of enzymology, including kinetic analysis of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

Prerequisites: Organic Chemistry and Cell Biology. A study of the structure of cellular organelles and the biochemistry of cellular events, including signal transduction, transport, protein synthesis, respiration, secretion and tissue organizations. Emphasis is given to experimental designs used in analyzing cellular structures and/or functions.

The molecular biology of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Topics include gene mapping, diagnostic screening for genetic anomalies, molecular cloning and genetic regulatory mechanisms. Emphasis on current experimental techniques used to map genes and understand gene expression.

Prerequisites: BMS 523 and BMS 524. An introduction to animal viruses with emphasis on classification, structure, the molecular biology of replication and biological activity within eukaryotic cells.

Lab fee. The biology of microorganisms including morphological, biochemical, genetic, pathogenic and antigenic attributes, with special emphasis on experimental and theoretical aspects of the mechanisms of pathogenicity and virulence.

Prerequisite: BMS 523. Theories and mechanism of the immune response, including structure and function of immunoglobulins, antigen-antibody reactions, immunobiology, immunogenetics, immuno-logic enhancement, immunologic protection, immunologic injury, humoral and cell mediated immunity and experimental methods of analysis of antigen-antibody reactions.

Prerequisite: BMS 525. The role of viruses in human infectious diseases and tumor formation; the host response to viral infection and the epidemiology of viral diseases.

Prerequisites: BMS 524 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. This integrated lab-lecture course provides basic concepts and hands-on experience with common molecular genetics and recombinant DNA methods. Topics include techniques for the isolation of DNA and RNA, gene cloning employing plasmid vectors, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, expression of fusion proteins in E. coli, and web-based analysis of sequence data.

Lab fee. Explore current methods and instrumentation used in molecular biology research. Methods to study DNA, RNA and proteins, such as RNA sequencing, Chip-sequencing, and CRISPR screens in addition to cell culture techniques.

Prerequisites: BMS 511 and BMS 524 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. This is a hands-on, applied course that will introduce students to the use of computer software and Web servers in the analysis of biological sequence data (DNA and protein). Topics include: Pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, BLAST, scoring matrices, phylogenetic analysis, DNA sequence analysis and prediction of 2-D and 3-D molecular structures.

Prerequisite: BMS 528. Lab fee. This combined lecture and laboratory course discusses Ig gene assembly, rearrangements, regulation and expression; T-cell receptors; antigen processing; and advances in antibody engineering. The laboratory exercises cover techniques such as ELISA, immunoblot, hybridoma preparation and evaluation, immunoaffinity chromatography and phage display of antibody fragments.

Prerequisite: BMS 534 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. A study of the techniques used in the cloning, analysis and mapping of genomic DNA. Topics include cloning with cosmid, P1 and YAC vectors, techniques used in linkage analysis and the direct detection of genomic polymorphisms, and strategies to prepare genetic and physical maps. The impact of the combined use of genetic and physical maps in biomedicine will be discussed.

Prerequisite: BMS 534 or permission of the instructor. Lab fee. A study of advanced topics in recombinant DNA technology including high resolution mapping of RNA, nucleic acid-protein interactions, current methodologies for DNA sequence analysis and mutagensis strategies. The impact of these recombinant DNA techniques on developments in biomedicine will be discussed.

The course considers the ethical dilemmas one could face in a career in science, including how information gained in the research lab is conveyed to the wider scientific audience. Topics included are the peer review process, the patent process, the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, the FDA’s role in drug approval, the funding of research and the national research prioritization process.

Prerequisite: BMS 528 or permission of the instructor. A seminar course offering an in-depth investigation of a prescribed area of immunology. Past topics have dealt with AIDS/HIV, cancer and intracellular signaling, all emphasizing the role of the immune response. Emphasis is placed on the use of current literature to develop a thorough understanding of recent advances.

Prerequisite: BMS 511, BMS 523, BMS 524, BMS 537 and Completion of 21 credits of coursework in the BMS program with a 3.0 GPA average, or permission of the instructor. 

Students will choose a specific research problem to address in a grant proposal document.  The scientific merit of the proposal will be presented to the faculty.

Prerequisite: permission of the chair of the department. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to a degree program. (1-3 credits per independent study) Reading and/or research in a selected field. An approved title for the independent study must be submitted with the registration forms. 

Supervision of the master’s thesis. Required of all degree candidates who select the thesis option.

Prerequisite: BMS 580A

Completion of the master’s thesis. Required of all degree candidates who select the thesis option. 

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May require a lab fee. A practical course in newer topics, methods and/or instrumentation used in biomedical research. The course is intended not only for graduate students but also for investigators who are interested in learning about topics outside of their own field that can be useful in their research. This can be a lab/lecture or lecture only class, dependent on the topic to be presented.

Prerequisites: Permission of Faculty. Practical training relevant to student's course of study at an approved worksite. Eligible students must have completed at least 18 credits have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. Worksite and project must be approved by BMS Program Director and BMS faculty. A maximum of 3 credits may be applied to a degree program. This course is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.