[Choose any 1 for BA degree (may also choose labs from EEB or MB&B for the BA degree). Choose any 2 MCDB labs for BS and BS INT degrees.]
MCDB 201Lb. Molecular Biology Laboratory.
Maria Moreno
M or W 1.30-5.30 Meets RP WR
An introduction to Synthetic Biology. Basic molecular biology training in a project-based laboratory setting. Experiments analyze gene function through techniques of PCR, genomic and cDNA cloning, DNA sequence analysis, and protein expression and purification. Instruction in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation. Prerequisite: With permission from instructor or concurrently with or after MCDB 200. Juniors and seniors interested in exposure to molecular biology techniques are welcome. Special registration procedures apply. Interested students must contact the instructor and attend an organizational meeting during the first week of classes.
MCDB 203La. Laboratory for Genetics.
Iain Dawson
MT or W 1.45-5.00
Introduction to laboratory techniques used in genetic analysis. Genetic model organisms - bacteria, yeast, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis - are used to provide practical experience with various classical and molecular genetic techniques including cytogenetics, complementation, epistasis and genetic suppressors, mutagenesis and mutant analysis, recombination and gene mapping, isolation and manipulation of DNA, and transformation of model organisms. Prerequisite: Concurrently with or after MCDB 202.
MCDB 221La. Model Organisms in Biological Research.
Maria Moreno
TWTh or F 1:30-5:30
An introduction to research and common methodologies in the biological sciences with an emphasis on the utility of model organisms. Techniques and methods commonly used in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular and developmental biology; experimental design; data analysis and display; scientific writing. Prerequisite: With permission of instructor, or concurrently with or after BIOL 101, 102, or 103.
MCDB 251Lb. Laboratory for Biology of Reproduction and Development.
Seth Guller, Hugh Taylor, Shannon Whirledge
TW or Th 1.30-5.00
This laboratory course will focus largely on aspects of human reproductive biology, thereby establishing a strong connection with normal reproductive function. Mouse tissue models will also be employed. Clinically relevant topics to be covered include the use of human tissue and cell models to study ovarian, uterine, and placental structure and function. The role of tissue specific cellular differentiation, human trophoblast function, and the roles of steroid hormones, in the regulation of uterine, placental, and ovarian function will be tested. Enrollment limited. Concurrently with or after MCDB 210 or 250. Not open to freshmen. Special registration procedures apply. Students must consult the instructor prior to the first week of classes.
MCDB 291Lb. Laboratory for Microbiology.
Iain Dawson
TW or Th 2.30-5.20
Practical approaches used when working with microbes, primarily bacteria. Topics include microscopy, culture techniques, biochemical/metabolic assays, and basic environmental and medical microbiology. Concurrently with or after MCDB 290b. Electronic permission key required; students should contact the instructor.
MCDB 301La/MB&B 251La. Laboratory for Biochemistry.
Aruna Pawashe, William Konigsberg
T or Th 1.30-5.30
An introduction to current experimental methods in molecular biology. After or concurrently with MB&B 300 or MCDB 300. Limited enrollment. Preregistration required; e-mail instructor prior to the first week of classes.
MCDB 303Lb. Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory.
Maria Moreno, Kenneth Nelson
Tu 2.30-4.30 Meets RP
A laboratory course that provides advanced biology research skills. Weekly workshops focus on laboratory practice, experimental design, data analysis, reading of primary literature, scientific presentations, and scientific writing skills. Application of these skills in project-based laboratory training sponsored by a faculty member. Enrollment limited. Special registration procedures apply; interested students must contact the instructor and attend an organizational meeting. This class is recommended to students in the sciences who are in their junior year and will be completing a senior research project for graduation.
MCDB 321LaG. Laboratory for Neurobiology.
Haig Keshishian, Paul Forscher
T or W 1.30- 5.30
Introduction to the neurosciences. Projects include the study of neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology, and neuroanatomy. Concurrently with or after MCDB 320.
MCDB 342La. Laboratory in Nucleic Acids I.
Kenneth Nelson
T & Th 1.30-4.30
A project from a research laboratory within the MCDB department, using technologies from molecular and cell biology. Laboratories meet twice a week for the first half of the term. Concurrently with or after MCDB 202, 205, or 300. Enrollment limited. Special registration procedures apply. Students should contact the instructor during January of the year you intend to take the course.
MCDB 343La. Laboratory in Nucleic Acids II.
Kenneth Nelson
T & Th 1.30-4.30
Continuation of MCDB 342La to more advanced projects in molecular and cell biology, such as making and screening cDNA libraries, microarray screening and analysis, or next-generation DNA sequencing. Laboratories meet twice a week for the second half of the term. Prerequisite: MCDB 342L or with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited. Special registration procedures apply. Students should contact the instructor during January of the year you intend to take the course.
MCDB 344Lb. Experimental Techniques in Cellular Biology.
Joseph Wolenski
M & W 1.30-6.30
A problems-based approach to questions in cell and molecular biology, with emphasis on experimental strategies and techniques. Topics include SDS-PAGE, immunoblots, column chromatography, mammalian cell culture, cell fractionation, light microscopy, drug studies, bacterial cultures, and methods of transfection and transformation. Prepares for MCDB 475, 485, or 495. Meets during January and February. Enrollment limited. Prerequisite: MCDB 205. Special registration procedures apply. Students must contact the instructor in at least 18 months in advance.
MCDB 345Lb. Experimental Strategies in Cellular Biology.
Joseph Wolenski
M & W 1.30-6.30
Continuation of MCDB 344L, with increased emphasis on experimental design and interpretation of data. Research projects involving protein purification are semi-independent. Focus on developing an independent research project in modern biomedical research. Students participate in journal discussions, formal seminars, and presentations of data to peers. Prepares for MCDB 475, 485, or 495. Enrollment limited. Meets during March and April. Prerequisite: MCDB 344L. Special preregistration procedures apply. Students must contact the instructor.