BIO805 / Protein Research Methods [1-6, 3 cr.]

This course is a laboratory course in molecular biology.  The course  aims  at familiarizing students with the basic techniques currently used in this field, and supplies them with the necessary tools to carry on independent research that is needed for their Master’s  Thesis. Techniques include protein isolation and purification, protein handling and quantification, gel electrophoresis, western immunoblot, ELISA, column chromatography (gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography, and affinity chromatography), HPLC, GCMS, NMR, and lipoprotein separation, using density gradient ultracentrifugation, and other advanced laboratory techniques in protein research.

BIO806 / Research Methods II [1-6, 3 cr.]

This course  is a laboratory course  in molecular biology which aims  at familiarizing students with the basic techniques currently used in this field, and supplies them with the necessary tools to carry on independent research needed for their Master’s  Thesis. Techniques include DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, southern blotting, DIG probe labeling, micro-satellite typing, DNA sequencing, DNA sub-cloning coupled with bacterial transformation, transcriptional expression techniques using galactosidase reporter gene assays, and identification of bacterial species using the Biology System.

BIO820 / Applied and Industrial Microbiology [2-3, 3 cr.]

This course deals with industrial microorganisms and their application in the industrial process for the large-scale production of antibiotics, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and organic acids. It also deals with microbial bioconversions, and the production of food from microorganisms, sewage, and wastewater microbiology, as well as the applications of genetically engineered microorganisms to obtain novel products.

BIO822 / Advanced Molecular Biology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course emphasizes the principles and information which form the contemporary basis for molecular biology.  The course covers the subjects of prokaryotic molecular genetics, RNA and DNA biosynthesis, protein biosynthesis, DNA recombination, regulation of gene expression, eukaryotic molecular genetics, RNA and DNA viruses, oncogenes, attenuation, global control, signal transduction, and two-component regulatory systems.

BIO825 / Diagnostic Microbiology and Immunology [2-3, 3 cr.]

This course covers the biochemical, serological, and automated, methods used  in the laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. The laboratory part of the course allows for a better understanding through application. Topics include the monoclonal antibody production, detection of fluorescent antibodies, enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunoassay, gas-liquid chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, time-resolved immunofluorescence, nucleic acid probes in clinical diagnostics, and diagnostic virology and parasitology.

BIO826 / Advances in Cell Biology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course deals mainly with the most recent advancement in cell biology, i.e., stem cell research, and its applications in therapy. The course deals with embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and the umbilical cord stem cells. It discusses the potential fate of such cells, their molecular characteristics, and their isolation, culturing, and identification techniques. Stem cell application in animal and human tissue and organ repair, such as in the brain, heart, blood, and pancreas, are thoroughly investigated. Student presentations on the most recent case studies on stem cell applications are covered.

BIO829 / Endocrinology and Metabolism [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the study of biochemical messengers, integrators, and coordinators of general, developmental, and physiological processes with stress on metabolic mechanisms. It deals with biosynthesis, secretion, mechanisms of action and bioactivities of the hormones, as well as diagnostic technologies.

BIO834 / Environmental Health and Toxicology  [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the methodology of the practical control of the environmental factors that affect disease, disorders, and health. The course deals with physical environmental stresses, and relates them to biological factors and vectors. It provides an overall view of the general principles of toxicology: environmental contamination, pollution, and their routes and pathways.

BIO835 / Microbial Pathogenesis [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course focuses on model microbial systems, to comprehensively illustrate the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. It aims  at providing a thorough understanding of bacterial physiology, host defense mechanisms, general principles of microbial pathogenesis, adhesion and invasion strategies, intracellular survival strategies, antibiotic resistance, and bacterial toxins.

BIO841 / Molecular Physiology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is an in-depth consideration, and a theoretical analysis, of the physiological aspects of body organization, regulation, integration, maintenance, and continuity, with special emphasis on the modern application of knowledge in the domain of physiology, as related to the normal and upset homeostasis.

BIO845 / Diagnostic and Applied Physiology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course covers an in-depth application of molecular physiology, as utilized in a practical way to better understand, and approach, the physiology and diagnosis of diseases on one hand, and for practical analyses of research projects, as needed by the applicable physiological hypothesis, on the other.

BIO848 / Fungal Genetics and Pathogenicity [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces students to two important eukaryotic organisms: Candida Albicans, an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, a model eukaryotic organism easily amenable to modern genetic analysis. Topics to be covered include their life cycle, morphology, virulence, and pathogenicity, alongside the basic molecular mechanisms that govern them. The course will also feature a laboratory portion where students familiarize themselves with these two important microorganisms.

BIO850 / Genomics and Proteomics [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an in depth introduction to using genome and proteome sequences to unravel problems of interest to biomedical researchers. Sessions include a combination of technical lectures, scientific testimonials, and hands- on solving problems, where students will be able to put the theoretical concepts into practice.

BIO852 / Nutrition and Diet Therapy [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course is designed to provide the basics of human nutrition, and its relationship to health. It covers all aspects of the macro- and micro-nutrients needed throughout the human life cycle. It also deals with the pathology, treatment, and nutritional therapy of acute and chronic diseases, nutrition and physical fitness, as well as other aspects of nutrition.

BIO881 / Special Topics in Biology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the selected, recent, and contemporary, advances in the various applied fields of the biological sciences, and affiliated disciplines.

BIO888 / Current Topics in Microbiology [3-0, 3 cr.]

This course will engage students, and foster discussion on the current research in the field of Microbiology. Participants will review and discuss research papers. In addition, each student will present two or three peer-reviewed papers during the semester. Research topics will include, but are not limited to, virology, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, microbial ecology, and host- microbe interactions.

BIO899 / Thesis [6 cr.]

This course entails producing an original and extensive research project under the supervision of an advisor, and defended before a committee. It may include field research, be qualitative or quantitative, descriptive or experimental, and in the form of a case study, document analysis, or action research.