Biological Sciences

This course examines biological problems using methods of mathematical statistics and computer science. Course topics include comparative genomics and principles of algorithms, transcriptomics and epigenomics, an introduction to probability theory and mathematical statistics, supervised and unsupervised classification methods, computer programming, and data structures. The course provides students with an understanding of the scientific frontier of research and basic skills for big data analysis.

This course consists of a series of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions that deals with a range of developmental topics emphasizing a molecular approach to understanding the principles of animal development. A number of animal model systems are dealt with and the contribution of each to our overall understanding of development discussed. Specific topics include: developmental genetics: the identification of genes that regulate development in Drosophila and vertebrates; positional determination: how the body plan of the embryo is laid down including the role of homeo-box genes; induction: the role of cell and tissue interactions and signaling cascades; developmental neurobiology: positional determination within the vertebrate central nervous system, neuronal diversity and axonal guidance, and neural crest cells and development of the peripheral nervous system. Other topics include limb development, organogenesis, and evolutionary developmental biology.

This course provides insights into the fascinating world of stem cells and their applications in brain research and clinics. Students follow the life of a cell from embryogenesis to neurogenesis in the adult brain. Students learn directly from scientists how to apply advanced techniques to research, how to build disease models, and the ethical limitations concerning stem cell research. A broad part of the course is directed to debates about working with animal models and stem cells, applications of “mini-brains”, and the role of women in science.

An exploration of vertebrate evolution and paleobiology, with emphasis on the anatomical and physiological transformations that occurred at the evolutionary originations of major vertebrate groups.  The structure and function of both extant and extinct taxa are explored, as documented by modern fauna and the fossil record. Topics studied include locomotion and the origin of fins and limbs, the transition from water to land, dinosaur physiology, the origin of flight, and mammalian reproduction.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms and has been the basis for all important discoveries in the life sciences and has a wide range of applications in industry and medicine. By understanding the structure and role of microorganisms, heredity and physiological phenomena, it is possible to acquire basic knowledge about life. 

Bacteria make up the foundation of the biosphere and sustain all life on earth. This course provides insights into how genes are organized and regulated in bacteria and in their viruses. The course comprises molecular biology of genes, proteins, multi-component protein complexes, and other biomolecules that provide structure and perform the organism’s functions. The use of genetic engineering and modern techniques such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and sequence analysis are included. The experimental part focus on the most studied bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Streptomyces coelicolor. 

This course is part of the LM degree program and is intended for advanced level students. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. This course discusses bioinformatics and data science, with direct applications on molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and transcriptomics. The course discusses topics including next generation sequencing, bioinformatics file formats, the UNIX environment, online bioinformatics tools, gene networks, bioinformatics databases, cancer bioinformatics, sequence acquisition, phylogenetic analysis, R statistical environment, and graphics with R.