Biomedical Sciences

BIMS 1101 Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (1 semester credit hour) The course discusses through lectures and case studies the goals, concepts, and challenges encountered in Biomedical Sciences. (1-0) S

BIMS 3091 Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Sciences (0 semester credit hours) Subject and scope are to be determined on an individual basis. Credit/No Credit only. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Instructor consent required. (0-0) S

BIMS 3306 Parasitology (3 semester credit hours) Fundamentals of the diversity of existing parasites and their life cycles, host-parasite relationships, parasite evasion, host pathology and defense mechanisms, as well as vaccine development. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2311 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2312 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2281 or equivalent). (Same as BIOL 3306) (3-0) R

BIMS 3314 Discrete Biomedical Systems (3 semester credit hours) Networks and graphs, discrete recursive processes, the discretization of continuous models, Boolean logic, basic stochastic processes, including probabilistic models, random walks, probability trees, and Markov models, agent-based models, as well as the basics of parameter estimation and optimization; all theoretical concepts are illustrated in hands-on computer sessions with biomedical applications. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2281 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2311 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2312 or equivalent) and (MATH 2417 or equivalent). (Same as BIOL 3314) (3-0) F

BIMS 3318 Forensic Biology (3 semester credit hours) Role and methodology of biological testing in criminal investigation and forensic science. Analysis of the procedures and methodologies employed in the collection, preservation and screening of biological evidence, and protein and DNA testing. Population genetics employed during the statistical evaluation of data is covered. The course is structured to allow individuals with and without biological training to participate. The subject matter will be developed from the concept of "What is DNA?" through "What does a statistical estimate really mean?" (Same as BIOL 3318) (3-0) S

BIMS 3325 Drug Development to Clinical Trials (3 semester credit hours) Covers the process of drug development and the journey of the drug from lab to clinical trials to the pharmaceutical industry. Fundamentals of the drug development process as well as the phases and types of clinical trials in detail; further exploration of topic with group projects, presentations, and reports based on specific therapeutic areas. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2281 or CHEM 2401 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2311 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2312 or equivalent). (Same as BIOL 3325) (3-0) R

BIMS 3335 Informatics and Programming (3 semester credit hours) Topics include an introduction to computer programming using Python and R and their application to data processing, visualization, and simulation, as well as simple analyses of data. May not be used to satisfy degree requirements for Data Science, Engineering, or Computer Science majors. Prerequisites: (MATH 1325 or MATH 2413) and (STAT 1342 or STAT 2332 or STAT 3332). (Same as MATH 3335 and STAT 3335) (3-0) Y

BIMS 3336 Bioinformatics (3 semester credit hours) This course introduces mathematical and computational methods for analyzing and interpreting molecular biology data. The focus will be on biological sequence (DNA, RNA, and protein) analysis and its applications. Topics include working with biological databases, sequence alignment and analysis, molecular phylogeny and evolution, protein structure, and prediction. Prerequisites: (MATH 2414 or MATH 2419) and (STAT 2332 or STAT 3332). (Same as MATH 3336 and STAT 3336 and BIOL 3337) (3-0) Y

BIMS 3337 Elements of Biostatistics and Epidemiology (3 semester credit hours) Topics include linear regression, analysis of categorical data, analysis of variance, power and sample size calculations, survival analysis, and implementation of methods using software tool R. Prerequisites: (MATH 2414 or MATH 2419) and either STAT 3355 or ((STAT 2332 or STAT 3332) and (MATH 3335 or STAT 3335)). (Same as STAT 3337) (3-0) Y

BIMS 3372 Comparative Physiology (3 semester credit hours) Explores the diverse array of living systems in the animal kingdom, highlighting both their similarities and differences; reinforces essential biological principles by recognizing recurring patterns, while revealing innovative survival strategies by examining differences; employs a comparative approach to illuminate complex topics of sex and gender, providing scientific objectivity and clarity for developing effective solutions; examines extraordinary functionalities in the animal kingdom that have historically inspired advancements in technology and medicine. Prerequisite: BIOL 2312. (Same as BIOL 3372) (3-0) R

BIMS 3380 Biochemistry Laboratory (3 semester credit hours) Current techniques in the purification and characterization of enzymes to demonstrate fundamental principles that are utilized in modern biochemistry and molecular biology research laboratories. Practical skills taught include micropipetting, basic solution preparation, conducting pH measurements, isolating crude enzyme extracts, and performing standard activity assays. Advanced experiments with Green Fluorescent Protein and Lactate Dehydrogenase include Ni++-NTA affinity chromatography, ion chromatography, protein detection using Bradford, Lowry, and spectrophotometric assays, SDS-PAGE separation, Western Blot analysis, and enzyme kinetics. Lab fee of $30 required. A Top Hat subscription fee of up to $40 is required for this course. Prerequisite: BIOL 2281 or CHEM 2401 or equivalent. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 3461 or CHEM 3461. (Same as BIOL 3380) (1.5-3) S

BIMS 3385 Medical Histology (3 semester credit hours) Covers the microscopic structure and function of human cells and tissues that make up the organ systems in normal and pathological conditions. The lecture component will include understanding of relevant disease and pathophysiological conditions from a histological standpoint. The laboratory component of this course will involve the microscopic study of cells and tissues using the compound light microscope and prepared slides. Laboratory studies will complement and correlate with the study of cells and tissue organization. Prerequisites: BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2312. (Same as BIOL 3385) (1.5-3) S

BIMS 3398 Biological Barriers (3 semester credit hours) Examines the various physical and cellular biological barriers with special emphasis on human and biologically relevant model systems, to study their function in health and dysfunction in disease. Prerequisites: BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2312. (Same as BIOL 3398) (3-0) R

BIMS 3402 Molecular and Cell Biology (4 semester credit hours) Structural organization of eukaryotic cells; regulation of cellular activities; protein targeting; vesicular trafficking; membranes and transport; cell cycle regulation; cancer; stem cells, and current cell biology techniques. Problem solving and discussion related to concepts covered in lectures. An online subscription fee of up to $125 may be required for this course for online homework access. Prerequisites: BIOL 3401 and (BIOL 3461 or CHEM 3461) or equivalent. (Same as BIOL 3402) (4-0) S

BIMS 3413 Systems Biology (4 semester credit hours) Experimental and computational approaches, with emphasis on typical computational systems modeling; Topics include: design of interaction diagrams; identification of variables; parameters and processes; design of systems models in the format of ordinary differential equations; the concepts of approximation, steady states, stability, sensitivity, and robustness; computational generation and evaluation of transients; and the simulation of representative biomedical scenarios. All concepts are explored with computational hands-on exercises and executed with a user-friendly software program. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2281 or CHEM 2401 equivalent) and (BIOL 2311 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2312 or equivalent) and (MATH 2417 or equivalent). (Same as BIOL 3413) (3-1) F

BIMS 3455 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I (4 semester credit hours) A comprehensive study of the basic principles of human physiology in conjunction with a detailed, model-based human anatomy laboratory and computer-assisted physiology experiments. Examination of structure-function relationships includes a survey of human histology and skeletal, muscular, neural, and sensory organ systems. Lab fee of $30 required. An online subscription fee of up to $140 is required for this course for course participation licenses, including online homework access. Prerequisite: BIOL 2312 or equivalent. (Same as BIOL 3455) (3-3) S

BIMS 3456 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II (4 semester credit hours) Comprehensive study of the basic principles of human physiology in conjunction with a detailed, model-based human anatomy laboratory and computer-assisted physiology experiments. Endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems are examined. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisite: BIOL 2312 or equivalent. (Same as BIOL 3456) (3-3) S

BIMS 3V00 Topics in Biomedical Sciences (1-6 semester credit hours) May be repeated as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum). Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. A fee of up to $200 may be required, depending on topic. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2281 or CHEM 2401 or equivalent) and BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2312 or equivalent. ([1-6]-0) R

BIMS 3V01 Topics in Biomedical Sciences with Lab (1-6 semester credit hours) May be repeated as topics vary (6 semester credit hours maximum). Lab fee of $30 required. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2281 or CHEM 2401 or equivalent) and BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2312 or equivalent. ([1-6]-[1-5]) R

BIMS 3V90 Undergraduate Readings in Biomedical Sciences (1-3 semester credit hours) Subject and scope to be determined on an individual basis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Instructor consent required. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Instructor consent required. ([1-3]-0) S

BIMS 3V96 Undergraduate Research in Biomedical Sciences (1-3 semester credit hours) Subject and scope to be determined on an individual basis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Instructor consent required. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. ([1-3]-0) R

BIMS 4156 Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in Molecular Neuropathology (1 semester credit hour) Designed to complement topics covered in BIOL 4356; training in techniques and how basic neuroscience research is conducted; formulation of hypotheses related to the pathology of one or more neurodegenerative diseases, experimentation, and data analysis. Projects will be focused but comprehensive, starting with genotyping of mouse models of diseases and molecular and pathological investigations on brain samples and culminating with a research report. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 4356. (Same as BIOL 4156) (0-3) F

BIMS 4302 TA Apprenticeship (3 semester credit hours) Development and practice of teaching skills in the classroom and laboratory in the biological sciences. May be repeated only once for credit (6 semester credit hours maximum). Instructor consent required. (3-0) S

BIMS 4312 Data Science for Biologists: Programming and Analysis (3 semester credit hours) Hands-on, intermediate programming course with an emphasis on analyzing and visualizing big biological datasets. Covers basic programming concepts at a rapid pace, introduces popular libraries for numerical computing, statistical analysis, machine learning, and scientific plotting. Examples in areas of structural biology, cell imaging, transcriptomics, genomics, and network biology are used throughout the course. Students are encouraged to bring their own data analysis/modeling projects to the course and work on them as a part of the graded component. Prior experience in programming Python or other languages is recommended but not required. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2311 or equivalent) and (BIOL 2312 or equivalent) and STAT 3332. (Same as BIOL 4312) (3-0) F

BIMS 4338 Biostatistics and Machine Learning Lab (3 semester credit hours) This course is intended to provide hands-on experience in biomedical data analysis. Topics include introduction to common machine learning methods for classification and regression, and their implementation in the R or Python programming language. The course has a research project requirement. The deliverables will include a final project report. Prerequisite: STAT 3337 or BIMS 3337. (Same as STAT 4338) (3-0) Y

BIMS 4350 Medical Microbiology (3 semester credit hours) Covers the methods used for identification of pathogenic organisms and the study of these organisms in relation to their disease process in humans; Molecular level concepts such as microbial virulence, the control of bacterial growth, and host responses to infection. Prerequisite: (BIOL 3401 or equivalent) or BIOL 3520 or (BIOL 3303 and BIOL 3203). (Same as BIOL 4350) (3-0) R

BIMS 4356 Molecular Neuropathology (3 semester credit hours) Offers a 360-degree view on neurological diseases and the underlying molecular causes. Pathology of the brain and central nervous system in various diseases, molecular aspects of the same diseases from the genetic and protein structure-function point of view. Open class format with discussions on the various topics on the syllabus. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2281 or BIOL 2V81 or equivalent) and BIOL 3401 or instructor consent required. (Same as BIOL 4356) (3-0) F

BIMS 4366 Molecular Biology of Cancer (3 semester credit hours) Aims to teach the latest knowledge germane to the molecular biology of cancer. The following areas of cancer molecular biology will be covered: oncogenes; tumor suppressor genes and functions; metastasis; angiogenesis; tumor metabolism; tumor microenvironment; tumor immunology and immunotherapy; clonal evolution and tumor heterogeneity; tumor hypoxia; and therapy resistance. Contains readings and discussions on primary literature in this field. Prerequisite: BIOL 2311 or equivalent. (Same as BIOL 4366) (3-0) R

BIMS 4371 General and Molecular Virology (3 semester credit hours) What is a virus? What is the basis of virus/host specificity? How do viruses replicate? Will cover virus structure, classification, gene expression, and replication. Will consider selected groups of viruses from each of the three domains of life and discuss in detail virus replication from attachment to release of progeny virions (and/or alternative fates such as lysogeny, abortive infections, and others). Designed to expand from a firm grasp of the basics of Central Dogma: transcription, translation, replication, as well as a background in bacteriology and eukaryotic cell biology. BIOL 3402 is recommended but not required. Prerequisites: BIOL 2311 and BIOL 2312. (Same as BIOL 4371) (3-0) Y

BIMS 4379 Advanced Research in Biomedical Sciences (3 semester credit hours) Project-based original research and practical approaches with techniques used in a research laboratory. Topic-specific advanced research approaches and techniques to investigate fundamental molecular and cellular processes in cells and organisms. Lab fee of $30 required. Prerequisites: (BIOL 2311 or equivalent) and (or equivalent BIOL 2312) and (BIOL 2281 or BIOL 2V81 or equivalent). (1-4) R

BIMS 4389 Cancer Therapy: From Bench to Bedside (3 semester credit hours) Cancer biology and the basic and translational science that is the foundation for cancer clinical trials and therapy. Topics include cancer pathology, histology, cancer cell cycle, oncogenes, tumor suppressors, cancer (epi)genetics, and basic and translational studies that have led to clinical trials and FDA approval. Prerequisites: BIOL 3401 and (BIOL 3461 or CHEM 3461). (Same as BIOL 4389) (3-0) P

BIMS 4391 Senior Research in Biomedical Sciences (3 semester credit hours) For students conducting laboratory research and scientific writing in Biology or Molecular and Cell Biology. Subject and scope to be determined on an individual basis. Topics may vary. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Instructor consent required. (3-0) S

BIMS 4399 Senior Honors Research for Thesis in Biomedical Sciences (3 semester credit hours) For students conducting independent laboratory research for honors in Biology or Molecular and Cell Biology. Besides the university specifications, the student should contact the undergraduate academic advisor in biology for program requirements. Topics may vary. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Instructor consent required. (3-0) S

BIMS 4V00 Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences (1-6 semester credit hours) May be repeated as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum). Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. A fee of up to $200 may be required depending on topic. ([1-6]-0) R

BIMS 4V01 Special Topics in Biomedical Sciences with Lab (1-6 semester credit hours) May be repeated as topics vary (6 semester credit hours maximum). Lab fee of $30 required. Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. ([1-5]-[1-5]) R

BIMS 4V81 Clinical Research Lab (1-3 semester credit hours) Advanced research approaches and techniques will be used to investigate topics related to biomedicine such as epidemiology, pathology, or clinical trials. Practical skills needed will be taught and applied. Subject and scope to be determined on an individual basis. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (6 credit hours maximum). Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Prerequisites: STAT 3332 and instructor consent required. (Same as BIOL 4V81) ([1-3]-0) R

BIMS 4V96 Epidemiological Research Lab (1-6 semester credit hours) May be repeated for credit as topics vary 6 semester credit hours maximum). Prerequisites: BIMS 3337 or STAT 3337 and instructor consent required. ([1-6]-0) R