Individual instruction in the literature of molecular biology.

Preclinical medical study at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Introduction to the principles by which the neural tube (brain and spinal cord) forms during embryonic development. Discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of a three-dimensional neural tube and its division into forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord.

Examine how epigenetic modifications are covalent modifications of DNA or histones that cause changes in gene expression and how epigenetic modifications appear to be a method through which nurture or the environment can influence nature. Focus on how experience or environmental factors epigenetically modify health or behavior of animals.

Explore the principles and mechanisms of embryonic development and the processes guiding stem cell differentiation and tissue repair.

Examine molecular biology topics in-depth.

Discuss the conceptual foundations and historical roots of research programs in evo-devo and evolutionary neuroscience including recent discoveries and limitations in these fields. Explore how -omics approaches and comparative methods enable novel insights into the diversification, convergence, and constraint of complex traits.

Examine the questions addressed in modern life sciences research and the experimental methods used. Focus on experimental reasoning and on the application of different techniques to solve problems.

Examine the fundamentals of plant molecular biology, including structure and expression of the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes.

Lectures and discussions on current topics in molecular biology.

Students read, present, and discuss current research papers based on speakers for the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology weekly seminar series. Students also will present short talks on their the research from one of their laboratory rotations.

Students write a mock grant proposal with their principle investigator and present a practice part one preliminary exam talk based on the proposal.

Students present a detailed seminar on their thesis research.

Designed for second-year doctoral students. Prepare a detailed proposal of the dissertation research goals of each student with a presentation in the form of a short talk. Focus on critical evaluation of research aims, methodology, and communication skills.

Explore the replication of and transformation by DNA and RNA animal viruses.

Introduction to the immune system for graduate students without prior coursework in immunology. Discuss innate immunity, the molecular basis of T cell and B cell antigen recognition, hematopoiesis and the development of lymphocytes, and cellular and humoral immune responses. Touch on immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, immunotherapy and vaccination. Explore current primary literature on select immunological topics in greater depth.

Examine genome structure, organization, and function of model organisms; theory and methodology of genetic and physical mapping; sequencing analysis and annotation; genome duplication and evolution; and ethics for biotechnology and cloning.

Basic principles of Mendelian and molecular genetics, and an exploration of the genetic toolbox using examples of analytic methods and modern manipulations. Focus on the genetic analysis of model organisms. Use of genetic tools in dissecting complex biological pathways, developmental processes, and regulatory systems.

Explore advanced biochemistry concepts and the scientific process. Examine a detailed consideration of the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, as well as discussion of enzyme mechanisms and kinetics.

Detailed consideration of mechanisms of growth control, cell cycle regulation, mitosis, cell signaling, protein targeting, and the integration of these processes.

Explore advanced biochemistry concepts and the scientific process. Consider the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, and discuss enzyme mechanisms and kinetics.

Detailed consideration of prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms of DNA replication and transcription; posttranscriptional processing of transcription products; and mechanism and regulation of the translation of messenger RNAs.

Explore modern molecular biology with a research project focus in a laboratory setting. Use methods such as eukaryotic RNA purification, quantitative PCR, CRISPR or site-directed mutagenesis cloning, cell fractionation, protein purification and Western blotting detection toward experimental goals.

Teaching under close supervision of the instructor; weekly laboratory instruction of undergraduates, group meetings with the instructor, individual consultations, and reports throughout the teaching period.