CGAB 502: Syllabus

CGAB 502 Experimental Strategies for Biological Problems

Pre-requisite: CGET 501 Integrated Life Sciences

3 Credits

Course Information

Biological networks make it possible for organisms to engage in complex functions. This course progresses from molecule, to pathway, to interpathway interactions, to networks, while maintaining a focus on inflammation and genomic stability. Key modern experimental approaches are presented, and a deep analysis of a paper in the literature accompanies each lecture. The topic this year is TBA.

Recomended textbook

Lodish H et al. (2008) Molecular Cell Biology, 6 edn. W. H. Freemann and Company, New York.

Course Format

The course will mainly use lectures to impart knowledge and understanding of the aforementioned topics, complemented by a class project. The course has no text, but requires a firm background in biochemistry. Readings from the primary literature will be assigned. Some of class time will be devoted to discussion of key primary journal articles describing important contributions to hierarchical systems biology.

A term project undertaken by subgroups of the class working as integrated teams will involve the preparation of a structured research project, similar to a thesis proposal, in an area of biological networks. The topic will change yearly, and the written product of the case study will be evaluated by a committee of experts.

Course website

Evaluation and Grading

The term grade will derive from the exams, home-assignments and written paper and oral presentations along with participation in class-period discussions.

Grade will be weighted as follows:

Exam 1&2
Home-assignment
Class participation
Final Presentation
Proposal writing

50%
10%
20%
10%
10%

Classroom Rules of Conduct

Be on time. Class will start at the indicated time. Late attendance will affect your grade.

Plagiarism is not an acceptable behavior.