Courses
Biology
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.
0401. Teaching of Biology (3
s.h.)
Required of all first-year teaching assistants. Instruction
in the art of teaching laboratories and recitations.
0402. Teaching of Biology (3
s.h.)
Required of all first-year teaching assistants. Instruction
in the art of teaching laboratories and recitations.
0410. Evolution (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: completion of Biology 203
(or equivalent majors-level genetics course)
with a grade of C- or better.
A lecture and discussion for upper-level science majors and
graduate students. Topics covered include Darwinism and neo-Darwinian
theory, theories and experimental evidence for micro-revolution
(population genetics, adaptation, natural selection, sexual
selection, speciation) and macro-evolution (classical and molecular
techniques used to understand the evolution of groups of organisms).
0416. Tropical Marine
Biology (4 s.h.)
An overview of marine biology with focus on reef biota and
the largest coral barrier reef in the Atlantic Ocean. Lectures
given on Temple`s main campus, including meetings during the
fall semester and between fall and spring semesters, are complimented
by an 8-day field experience on Ambergris Caye in Belize (Central
America). Coursework in Belize consists of lectures, daily
field trips and field projects. Project papers and oral presentations
are due upon return to Philadelphia.
Note: Additional requirements include cost of air travel to a foreign country between fall and spring semesters, a current passport, and snorkeling equipment.
0427. Immunology (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: completion of Biology 203
and 204 or equivalent Genetics and Cell Biology
courses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the immune system. The
lectures will describe the general properties and development
of immunity, the condition of being protected from infection
by microorganisms or the effects of foreign molecules. They
will provide systemic coverage of immune responses to viruses,
bacteria, protozoa and roundworms as well as the practical
aspects of vaccine development. Additional lectures will include
a description of various types of primary immunodeficiencies,
most prevalent autoimmune disease and cancer.
0428. Virology (3
s.h.)
The role of viruses in human diseases, and their potential
as tools for research and clinical interventions. The course
will focus on virus-induced diseases in man (including polio,
rabies, hepatitis, herpes, and influenza); recently discovered
viruses such as HIV and HTLV-1 will also be studied. Virus-host
interactions and the mechanisms involved in disease progression,
therapeutic strategies, and vaccines, strategies for viral
entry, evasion of the immune system, transmission, and the
subversion of host-cell machinery will be emphasized. Potential
uses of viruses as vector for gene therapy of genetic disorders,
cancers, and infectious diseases will also be discussed.
0429. Developmental
Genetics (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Biology 203 or equivalent.
The role of genes in the determination and differentiation
of invertebrates and lower Vertebrates. Emphasis is on the
regulation of gene function and on the genetic and molecular
interactions which control early development in Drosphilia,
C. elegans, Amphibia, and chick embryos. Together with Biology
463, these courses provide an overall picture of the genetic
control of development.
0430. Cell Biology (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: Biology 204.
Recent developments in cell biology. Topics may include the
cytoskeleton, cell motility, the cell cycle, endo- and exocytosis.
0433. Advanced Techniques
in Microscopy (3 s.h.)
A survey of modern techniques in microscopy. Students will
acquire a thorough grounding in general principles of optics
and conventional microscopy, and learn the theory of many methods
current in biology and medicine. Hands-on laboratory experiences
include fluorescence, confocal microscopy, video, microscopy
and digital image processing and analysis.
Note: This course includes extensive laboratory experience
0440. Advanced Invertebrate
Biology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Bio 241-242 or permission
of instructor.
A study of the mechanisms of development using invertebrates
as model systems. The class will address developmentally significant
questions relevant to both vertebrates and invertebrates, including:
role of lineage vs. position in determination, induction of
polarity, genetics and molecular biology of segmentation and
path finding in the nervous system. Emphasis is on the advantages
of comparative biology and invertebrate systems for analyzing
patterns in development.
0452. Neurobiology (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
A comparative survey of vertebrate and invertebrate neurology
systems intended to acquaint the student with their structure
and function at the level of the cell or small groups of cells.
0454. Neurological
Basis of Animal Behavior (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: One semester neurobiology.
An exploration of the relationship of neural activity and connectivity
to behavior. Topics include object recognition, motor control,
attention, sensory resolution, and feedback. Examples from
both vertebrate and invertebrate species. Analytic and synthetic
approaches.
0456. Organization
and Development of the Nervous System (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: Biology 204 or permission
of instructor.
This course covers developmental, anatomical, and integrative
aspects of the nervous system. Two questions are covered in
depth: What are the principles that enable the nervous system,
both vertebrate and invertebrate, to develop from earliest
stages to full adult form? How is the vertebrate nervous system
organized? The course is intended to complement Neurobiology
452 so that students will have a perspective on neuroscience
ranging from the molecular to the systems level.
0463. Genetic Control
of Mammalian Development (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Biology 203 or permission
of instructor.
This course covers mammalian embryogenesis, and 1) macromolecular
synthesis and onset of zygotic gene activity, 2) the effects
of the male and female genomes on development; 3) the effects
of specific genes, such as wnt genes, on development; 4) the
effect of chromosome and gene imprinting on development; 5)
the production of, analysis of and use of transgenic and knock-out
mice; 6) the expression of protooncongenes and oncogenes during
development; and 7) the expression of homeoboxes and their
effects as transgenes during development. With the exception
of normal development, all of the topics are taught from journal
articles.
Prerequisites: General
Biology and Organic Chemistry.
Broad coverage of "chemical messengers," occurrence, biochemistry,
and physiology. Vertebrate endocrinology with minor treatment
of invertebrates and plants.
0470. Comparative Animal
Physiology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisites: Bio 0103-0104
and 0233 or equivalent; Chemistry C071-C072
or equivalent.
A study of the experimental approach to understanding how animals
have adapted physiologically to the unique physico-chemical
conditions of different environments. Topics include comparison
of metabolic rates, osmo- and thermoregulation and reproductive
processes among animals living in diverse aquatic and terrestrial
habitats. Animals' physiological adaptations are correlated
with their morphology, life cycles and behavior. Vertebrate
animals are stressed. There is an opportunity for students
to do reports on particular animals or physiological systems
that interest them.
0471. Cell Proliferation (3
s.h.)
Prerequisites: Biology
0203 and 0204 or permission of instructor.
Discussion of cell proliferation and its control; model systems,
comparisons of proliferating cells with nonproliferating cells,
controls of cell division and how that control is modified
in proliferative diseases such as cancer and the relationships
between proliferation and differentiation. Readings will be
taken from the literature.
0474. Physical Biochemistry (3
s.h.)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
C071-C072, C073-C074, or C091-C092, two semesters
of calculus. One semester of calculus-based
physics will be useful..
The course covers introduction to probability and applications;
computer programing to solve probability problems; an introduction
to the use of computers to solve problems in genomics and proteomics
(structure analysis of proteins); and introduction to statistical
mechanics.
0475. General Biochemistry
I. (3 s.h.)
Prerequisites: Chemistry
0121 and Biology 0103 and 0104 or permission
of instructor.
Properties of water (pH and buffers); chemistry of amino acids
and proteins including non-covalent interactions, carbohydrates,
nucleotides and nucleic, lipids and membranes, enzyme mechanisms
and kinetics; control of enzyme activity; bioenergetics and
oxidative metabolism; biophysics and chemistry of photosynthesis.
0476. General Biochemistry
II. (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Biochemistry I.
Emphasis on the biochemical reactions in various metabolic
pathways. Biosynthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins and amino acids. Regulation and integration of metabolic
pathways. Bioenergetics and oxidative phosphorylation. Signal
transduction. Transcription, translation and their control.
0479. Molecular Biology (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: Corequisites: Biology 475
and knowledge of basic genetics.
Macromolecular structure; recombinant DNA technology and gene
cloning; advanced DNA replication and DNA repair; artificial
chromosomes, chromatin structure and histone modifications;
transcription factor complexes; RNA splicing and catalytic
RNA; translational control; gene regulation and regulatory
protein structure; RNA interference; genomics and proteomics;
transposons and retrotransposons; molecular biology of the
immune system.
0484. Organogenesis (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: Biology 265.
An analysis, based upon the experimental literature, of the
processes which result in organogenesis during embryonic development.
Emphasis is on correlations between morphological and biochemical
specializations. Topics include: patterns of differentiation,
morphogenetic movements, epithelialmesenchymal interactions,
and role of extracellular materials in differentiation.
0485. Contemporary
Biology (3 s.h.)
Current research topics in selected areas of biology examined
in depth. Selected readings assigned. Limited to students who
are in the Graduate Program of the Department of Biology. It
meets weekly to present and review current research papers
in the field of biology.
0489. Biotechnology (3
s.h.)
This course is designed to survey current issues in technologies
including therapeutics and diagnostics, and to examine consequences
of developments in thees areas. The course is designed in a "Problem
Based Learning" format, where students research critical areas
and provide oral and written reports for other members in the
class. The course is organized by topics including Concepts
in Genetics, Cloning and Ethics, Gene Therapy, Prenatal Diagnosis,
Gene Therapy for Cancer, Cell Replacement Therapy, Genomics
and Proteomics, Vaccines, Forensics, Plant Biotechnology, and
Instrumentation. At the end of the course, each student makes
a formal presentation on a specific advance in biotechnology.
0703. Introduction
to Biological Research (3 s.h.)
A laboratory course providing hands-on experience in common
techniques of biological research. Topics covered will include
laboratory safety, Ph buffers, spectroscopy, centrifugation,
electrophoresis, and chromatography. Instruction will also
be given in experimental design, the use of controls, and the
analysis of data. Limited to graduate students.
0799. Preliminary Exam
Preparation (1-6 s.h.)
Students in M.S. program who have completed coursework but
have not yet passed the exam.
0802. Research Techniques: Biochemistry (3
s.h.)
Laboratory techniques used to investigate biological problems.
Techniques include spectrophotometry, column chromatography,
electrophoresis, separation of macromolecules, two-dimensional
analytical protein separation, affinity chromatography, isolation
of plasmid DNA, transformation, immunoassay, enzyme kinetics,
radioisotope techniques, pulse labeling, and analysis of radioactive
products. If time permits, students will be given a small research
project.
0804. Research Techniques: Neuroscience (3
s.h.)
This course is intended to give students a hands-on approach
to experimental neurobiology. Sensory input, central processing
and motor output will b explored using preparations that include:
vital staining and synaptic plasticity of invertebrate neuromuscular
units; action potentials from plants; monitoring and modifying
electric discharge patterns of weakly electric fish; responses
of crayfish stretch receptors; mapping and physiological properties
of visual units in the frog brain; bursting cells in mollusc
ganglia. Students will learn extra-cellular and intracellular
single unit physiological recording and stimulating. Physiological
signals will be processed by modern laboratory computers. Independent
projects based on earlier preparations will be carried out
towards the end of the semester.
0805. Research Techniques (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0806. Research Techniques (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0807. Research Techniques (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite(s): Biology
479 and undergraduates who have had Bio 324
or permission of the instructor.
Laboratory instruction in molecular biology and recombinant
DNA techniques. The course will provide practical experience
in modern cloning, hybridization, and DNA sequencing technology.
0808. Theory and Practice
of Ultra-structure Research (4
s.h.)
Theoretical background of the potential of the electron microscope
for biological research; also provides practical experience
in major techniques of the field. Students begin with live
tissue and conclude with electron micrographs.
0821. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0822. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0825. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0826. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0841. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0842. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0845. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0846. Seminar (3
s.h.)
Topics will vary.
0851. Seminar: Neuroscience (3
s.h.)
A discussion of recent advances in the clinical and experimental
Neurosciences using original research papers or reviews. Particular
topics are selected on the basis of student interests and background.
0861. Directed Reading (1-9
s.h.)
Directed study and discussion of the current research literature.
0862. Directed Reading (1-9
s.h.)
Directed study and discussion of the current research literature.
0899. Pre-Dissertation
Research (1-6 s.h.)
Ph.D. students who have not yet been elevated to candidacy.
0901. Graduate Research (1-9
s.h.)
0902. Graduate Research (1-9
s.h.)
0904. Graduate Research (1-9
s.h.)
0999. Dissertation
Research (1-6 s.h.)
Limited to Ph.D. students who have been elevated to candidacy.