In order to add a 2nd BISP 194, you will need to come by the Biology Student and Instructional Services Office (1128 Pacific Hall) and complete an add card. We will stamp the add card and you will then need to take the card to the Registrar's Office to enroll. Students who complete two BISP 194s (on different topics) may combine them as one upper division biology elective. Both courses must be taken for a letter grade (C- of better). If you would like to do this, please contact bioadvising@ucsd.edu.
Title: Neurobiology of the Chemical Senses
Section ID: 673354
Course Description:This course will examine the mechanisms of the chemical senses (taste and smell) from the receptors to the neural circuits. We will consider issues of detection, discrimination and perception. The class will meet once per week to discuss one or more key research articles. Our intent is to review the most important discoveries, evaluate current thinking in the field, and gain expertise in the critical analysis of scientific papers.
Prerequisite Note: Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102), Genetics (BICD 100), or permission of instructor. A course in neurobiology or neuroscience is strongly recommended.
Title: Eukaryotic gene expression: Beyond the central dogma
Section ID: 673355
Course Description:Eukaryotic gene expression is elegantly controlled to allow for proper cellular function and to ensure that the cell can appropriately respond to changes in environmental conditions. In recent years, exciting discoveries have uncovered surprising mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated, including unexpected roles for many classes of noncoding RNAs. Here we will explore emerging models of eukaryotic gene expression and their implications for understanding cellular function and the molecular details underlying human disease. The goal of the course is that you will not only learn about these exciting new discoveries, but you will also learn to read, critically evaluate, and present primary data presented in research articles.
Prerequisite Note: Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102), Genetics (BICD 100), or permission of instructor.
Title: Protein folding and human diseases
Section ID: 673356
Course Description: Initially, proteins are translated as linear polypeptide chains. However, to perform their intended functions, these chains must first fold into precise three-dimensional configurations. Accumulated misfolded proteins in the cell are toxic to cells and becomes bases for varieties of human diseases, including cystic fibrosis, emphysema, osteogenesis imperfecta, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. We will discuss molecular bases of various types of protein folding problems and how they lead to disease pathologies and potential strategies to combat such problems. In this class, you will learn how to read the primary research papers, how to form critical questions and how to make effective presentations of data described in the papers.
Prerequisite Note: Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102), Genetics (BICD 100), or permission of instructor.
Title: Stem cells and cancer
Section ID:673357
Course Description:In this seminar-style course, we will discuss recent research progress in embryonic stem cell and cancer stem cell. The students will be exposed to original research literature and develop skills in scientific presentation.
Prerequisite Note: Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102), Genetics (BICD 100), or permission of instructor.
Title:Cell Architecture: the Contractors and Builders in Development
Section ID:675432
Course Description:This course will focus on conserved molecular mechanisms for how cells are built and remodeled, in particular, the establishment of cellular asymmetry and dynamics. With active student participation, we will discuss primary literature that addresses the signaling events that control proper subcellular organization necessary to perform specialized developmental functions. There will be a heavy emphasis on understanding the basis of design, execution and interpretation of relevant scientific experiments. In the process of learning how to read and discuss scientific literature, students will learn about and formulate their own hypotheses on mechanisms for key regulators (the “contractors”) and effectors (the “builders”) in cellular architecture.
Course Expectations: The professor will lecture briefly each class meeting to introduce major concepts and relevant background. The remaining time will be spent in student-led discussions and presentations of the assigned primary journal articles. Student grades will be largely determined by the level of preparedness and participation in discussions at every class session, in addition to the quality of student presentations and written critiques of a scientific articles.
Prerequisite Note: Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102), Genetics (BICD 100), or permission of instructor.
Title: Introduction to Biotechnology Business: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Section ID: 678040
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce biology undergraduates to biotechnology business and to the coupling of entrepreneurship with scientific innovation. Adhering to an interactive, workshop format, participants will contribute and apply semi-structured methods to business concept and business model development, and be introduced to the mechanics of founding and building a new business endeavor. You should consider this seminar course if you are curious about working in biotechnology, about entrepreneurship, or are interested to learn how to transition a scientific innovation into a new business.
Prerequisite Note: Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102), Genetics (BICD 100), or permission of instructor. Upper division standing is recommended.