FALL 2015
- Bio 580 01: Plant-Microbe Interactions (Catharina Coenen)
An examination of the interactions between plants and microorganisms, focusing on the molecular physiology of signal exchange in plant-microbial symbioses. Laboratory investigations emphasize the modification of plant development by microbial symbionts and provide opportunities to work with genetic model systems and reporter gene analysis. One laboratory per week. Recommended: Biology 360, 310, or 305.
SPRING 2016
- Bio 580 02: Signal Transduction (Margaret Nelson)
An examination of the central role played by signal transduction pathways in the process of cellular differentiation. Particular emphasis will be placed on evolutionarily conserved pathways involved in development in a wide range of organisms, including examples of signaling defects implicated in cancer and other human disorders. The laboratory includes experience in tissue culture, histochemical staining, and fluorescence imaging techniques. One laboratory per week. Recommended: Biology 305, 315, 320, or 325.
- Bio 580 06: Oxidative Stress Response (Ann Kleinschmidt)
An examination of biotic and abiotic stresses that produce reactive oxygen species in animals and the response mechanisms involved in sensing and reducing these toxic compounds. In the laboratory oxidative stress response will be investigated at the proteomic and genomic levels using molecular biological techniques. One laboratory per week.
Other
Junior Seminar(s) not being offered in the current academic year:
- Genetic Analysis (Brad Hersh)
A study of genetic approaches to the investigation of complex biological processes, including animal development, behavior, and disease. We will consider model genetic systems such as the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and how these models can be used to analyze human genetic disorders. The laboratory will involve experience with molecular biological methods, techniques of both forward and reverse genetics (e.g., mutagenesis, RNA interference), and molecular mapping of traits. One laboratory per week. - Pathogenic Bacteriology (Tricia Humphreys) An exploration of bacterial pathogens and how they cause disease. Students will learn principles of pathogenic microbiology, including where disease-causing organisms come from, how they are transmitted to a host, what factors they use to cause damage to the host and perpetuate their own survival, how the disease is treated, and how transmission can be prevented. The laboratory will focus on factors contributing to virulence using standard microbiology and molecular biology techniques. One laboratory per week. Recommended: Biology 305, 310, or Chemistry 353.