Biological Sciences

Applied Microbiology course covers bacterial genetics, microbial diversity and systematics, eukaryotic cell biology and eukaryotic microorganisms, metabolic diversity, basic immunology, host-pathogen interactions, industrial microbiology, and practical application of genetic engineering. This course is designed mainly for 2nd year students majoring life sciences and biotechnology and requires a solid background in general microbiology and biology. Prerequisite: General Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, and Biology.

In this course, students learn to use neuroscience methods to study the cognitive development of infants, children, and adolescents. The course begins with the various methods used in developmental cognitive neuroscience, such as pediatric and infant MRI, EEG, and fNIRS. In this context, students uncover and discuss the benefits and challenges of each approach and the feasibility of studying different age ranges. The course then examines typical brain development as assessed with in vivo MRI (including trajectories of white & gray matter over the life span). Next, are more specific aspects of cognitive development such as the development of visual processes where students learn how learning to read affects the brain and how regions involved in face processing develop throughout childhood to support important social functions such as face recognition. Topics are approached using a mix of formats including active participation, working in subgroups, presentations, short lectures, and videos.

Systems biology is a new approach to biological and biomedical research based on a more holistic perspective and relies on the use of mathematical and computational models, with complementing experiments in the lab.  This course provides an overview of systems biology and its building blocks, experimental approaches, and a variety of mathematical models and tools. Students are introduced to the mathematical basis of dynamic systems, networks, and constraint-based modeling.  Examples used in the course include cancer metabolism (molecular modeling), neuroscience (tissue-level modeling), and diabetes (whole-body level modeling). Practical skills are trained by carrying out computer experiments. 

This course focuses on aspects of toxicity among invertebrate and vertebrate groups, paying particular attention to differences between poisonous and venomous animals, as well as the evolution of venom in animals. It discusses the classification and recognition of venomous and poisonous animals and explains the need for this by stakeholders including clinicians. The course provides information on the nature and mechanism of envenomation and reviews the knowledge about the various aspects of the biology, ecology, and medical importance of venomous and poisonous animals of the major animal phyla. Key components of the course include the prevention and management of bites and stings and the important roles these animals play in the ecosystem.

This course introduces the science and practice of conservation biology, beginning with an overview of conservation issues, the value of biodiversity, extinction risks, and the history and philosophy of conservation. It explores the conservation of biodiversity at multiple levels, including the diversity of genes, species, populations, and ecosystems. At the species and population levels, the role of life history, behavior, and management of populations in the real world is covered. The conservation and management of ecosystems is considered in terms of important processes, such as disturbance, re-wilding, and threats by alien species. Issues considered here include incentives, access, who benefits from conservation, legal aspects, and management policies. 

This course addresses the principle, understanding, and application of cancer treatment and prevention.