First Year
Semester I:
Core Courses (Select 3)
Physiology - GCLS 500 (3 credits)
This course covers basic systems physiology at the graduate level. It is designed for students enrolled in a graduate program offered through the College of Medicine or Pharmacy or in the Departments of Bioengineering, Biological Sciences or Physical Therapy. Students will learn fundamental concepts related to the normal function of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems of the human body through conference-type lectures. The major areas of systems physiology covered include neurophysiology, skeletal and smooth muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology, respiratory physiology, renal physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, and endocrine physiology. In addition, the last part of the course applies the basic physiological concepts to normal situations in which homeostasis has been altered, such as exercise or pregnancy.
The course provides the foundation for more advanced graduate level physiology courses, such as Translational and Applied Physiology PHYB 552.
Biochemistry - GCLS 501 (3 credits)
This course is taken by all basic science graduate students in
the College of Medicine as well as students from other colleges,
most prominently Bioengineering and Pharmacognosy. The course
presents selected topics in depth, appropriate to a 500-level
course. Whereas there is a heavy emphasis on metabolic pathways
in traditional introductory Biochemistry courses, most of this
has been removed in this course. The emphasis is on fundamental
properties of bio-macromolecules in an aqueous environment, the
thermodynamics underlying basic biochemical processes and the
properties of enzymes, including the kinetics of operation, and
regulation, illustrated with important examples.
The course consists of 37 hours of lecture, with 5 hours of student
conferences to discuss material that has been covered, and its
application. These conferences will be evenly spaced and will
give instructors a better opportunity to actively engage students.
There are three exams.
With enrollment of 45-50 students from the GEMS program and 20-25
additional students from other colleges, non-degree students and
students from outside UIC will be given low preference if total
enrollment would otherwise exceed 70 students.
Molecular Biology - GCLS 502 (3 credits)
This is a core Molecular Biology course covering basic principles
of gene expression, genome replication and molecular interactions
important to biological processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The goals of this course are to ensure that graduate students
have a broad base of knowledge in the molecular biology of prokaryotes
and eukaryotes. Students will learn the basic molecular principles
of gene expression, genome replication, recombination and repair,
RNA processing, translation and modification. Students will learn
examples of important molecular interactions central to biological
regulation. Students will gain an understanding of the principles,
terminology and techniques of molecular biology important for
most aspects of biomedical research. They will acquire fundamental
skills that are necessary for reading current literature, critical
analysis and for use in their own research.
Cell Biology - GCLS 503 (3
credits)
This is an advanced course that will provide students with a
solid background in fundamental aspects of cell biology and will
expose them to recent advances in general cell biology. The course is divided into several topic areas
including membrane structure, membrane transport of small molecules,
electrical properties of membranes, intracellular compartments,
protein trafficking, extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton,
cell communication, the cell cycle, and programmed cell death.
Using the basic knowledge of cell biology obtained
during lectures, students will be expected to critically read
and discuss related primary scientific literature.
Research Methods I and II - GCLS 504 and GCLS 505 (1-3
credits)
This course is organized into ten modules focusing on the theory
and practice of the major research techniques in biochemistry,
molecular biology, spectroscopy, structural biology, genetics,
bio-imaging, immunology, separation, kinetics, synthesis and sequencing
of biopolymers, bio-informatics, combinatory chemistry and high
through-put screening technology. The ten modules are given in
two semesters, GCLS 504 in fall semester and GCLS 505 in spring
semester. Each module consists of 9-11 lectures and is assigned
0.5 credit hours. The first year GEMS graduate students are expected
to take four modules during their first year to fulfill the requirement
of 2 credit hours. The remaining modules will become electives
and a total of 5 credits will be awarded if the student takes
all ten modules in their graduate career.
Research Methods I -GCLS 504 (Fall semester, 2007):
Students will choose 1 module in the first semester from those
listed below.
* Module I - Separation Techniques
MBRB Auditorium
Coordinator: Dr. Yee-Kin Ho (ykho@uic.edu, 6-7676)
The fundamental techniques involved in separation of cells, organelles and membranes; in extraction of bio-molecules; and in purification of proteins and nucleic acids will be systematically examined. Basic theory and principles of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), magnetic beads sorting, chromatography and electrophoresis will be discussed. Practical usage of different separation methods will be evaluated. The knowledge will allow students to develop the logic in designing protocols and in selection of techniques involving separation and purification of bio-molecules. Mass spectrometry application in proteomic research will be discussed.
* Module II - Basic Molecular Biology Techniques and Discovery
Bioinformatics
MBRB Auditorium
Coordinators: Dr. Robert Storti (rvstorti@uic.edu, 6-6650)
Dr. Yee-Kin Ho (ykho@uic.edu, 6-7676)
This module will provide students with an overview of selected techniques commonly used in molecular biology research. Lecture will emphasize the principles and practical application of specific techniques and interpretation of data related to studies focused on gene structure and function. Genomic analysis of DNA sequences, homologous sequence search, micro-array on comparative gene expression will be discussed.
* Module III - Spectroscopic and Structural Biology Methods
MBRB Auditorium
Coordinator: Dr. Yee-Kin Ho ( ykho@uic.edu, 6-7676)
The application of spectroscopic methods in elucidating the structure and dynamics of biomolecule will be discussed. The basic theory and application of on X-ray absorption, UV-Visible, Fluorescence, Circular Dichroism, Light scattering, Infrared and Raman, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance will be discussed. Special emphases will be focused on the quantitative aspects in studying macromolecular structure, in detecting conformational and environmental changes and in the design of molecular probes. The lectures will be given on conceptual understanding, practical application and interpretation of spectroscopic data. Theoretical and mathematical treatments will be kept to the minimum.
GEMS Research Rotation - GCLS 506 (1-5 credits)
This course is designed for graduate students in the first year
of the GEMS interdepartmental graduate program. Students will
participate in research rotations in laboratories that are affiliated
with the GEMS program. Students are expected to participate directly
in laboratory research, and in so doing, gain an appreciation
of how to approach a scientific problem and how to perform the
various experimental techniques to investigate that problem. In
second half of the first semester, students will do one rotation
for a total of 2 credits.
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First Year Semester II:
Core Courses (2 required)
Integrative Biology - Development, Cancer, Immunology
- GCLS 510 (3 credits)
This a dvanced level course will explore issues of development,
immunity, and cancer, especially from a molecular and cellular
perspective. The course will provide students with rigorous fundamentals
as well as in-depth explorations of critical topics and recent
advances within each of these areas. A unique aspect of this course
will be the focus on common thematic issues, including regulated
gene expression, the control of genome stability, specificity
and discrimination in cellular interactions, and selective cell
death, that integrate these subjects. This approach is designed
to foster critical and integrative thinking skills.
Although touching on topics of immunology, cell biology, and
developmental biology that are raised in other courses (for example,
GCLS 503, MIM 551, and BioS/Gene 526), there is no fundamental
overlap and the material here is presented in a different context.
Satisfactory completion of GCLS 501, GCLS 502, and GCLS 503, or
demonstrated proficiency in the material covered in those courses,
is a prerequisite for this course.
Molecular Genetics - GCLS 511 (3 credits)
Core molecular genetics course covering classical and molecular
principles of microbial and Mendelian genetics. Systems covered
include bacteria, bacteriophage, animal viruses, yeast, Drosophila,
mouse, and human.
The goals of this course are to ensure that graduate students
have a broad base of knowledge in the molecular genetics of prokaryotic,
eukaryotic, and viral genetic systems. Students will gain an understanding
of the principles, terminology and techniques of molecular genetics
important for most aspects of biomedical research. Students will
acquire fundamental skills that are necessary for reading current
literature, critical analysis and for use in their own research.
Structure of Biopolymers - BCHE 513 (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of structural and bioinformatic
approaches used to characterize proteins and nucleic acids. Lectures
emphasize X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy and their
application to the study of protein structure/function relationships,
drug design, and structural genomics.
Prerequisites: GCLS 501 or equivalent.
Translational and Applied Physiology – PHYB 552 (3 credits)
Continuation of GCLS 500 Physiology. Advanced physiological concepts emphasizing interactions of different organs and systems under normal and abnormal conditions. Review of compensatory mechanisms and clinical applications of physiology.
Receptor Pharmacology and Cell Signaling-GCLS 515 (3 credits)
This is an advanced course on the molecular pharmacology of signal
transduction mechanisms in cells. The course includes an overview
of receptor theory, hands-on data analysis, lectures on various
receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms, student presentations
and discussions of selected papers. The emphasis is to provide
fundamental knowledge of molecular mechanisms of cell signaling,
as well as to expose students to the most updated progress in
the field. Major topics covered include (1) Receptor Theory,
(2) Signaling through G-protein coupled receptors; Heterotrimeric
G proteins, Low molecular weight G proteins; Effectors and regulators
of G-protein signaling pathways, (3) Signaling through enzyme-linked
receptors; Receptors with tyrosine kinase activity; Cytokine receptor
signaling, (4) Signaling through ion channels, and (5) Signaling through nuclear receptors. Crosslisted as NEUS 515.
Research Methods II- GCLS 505 (Spring semester)
Please see the general description of GCLS 504 and 505, Research Methods I and II under First semester courses (above). In the second semester, students will choose 2 modules from those listed below to complete their 4 module requirement for the first year.
- Module IV - Cell Physiology and Imaging Methods
Coordinators: Dr. Mark Brodie (mbrodie@uic.edu, 6-2373)
Dr. Jonathan Art (jart@uic.edu, 6-4956)
- Module V - Advanced Molecular Genetics Methods
Coordinator: Dr. Alisa Katzen (katzen@uic.edu, 3-9215)
- Module VI- Biochemical and Chemical Methods
Coordinator: Dr. Yee-Kin Ho ( ykho@uic.edu, 6-7676)
- Module VII - Immunological Methods
Coordinator: Dr. Margalit Mokyr (mokyr@uic.edu, 6-2343)
GEMS Research Rotation - GCLS 506 (4 - 5 credits)
This course is designed for graduate students in the first year of the GEMS interdepartmental graduate program. Students will participate in research rotations in laboratories that are affiliated with the GEMS program. Students are expected to participate directly in laboratory research, and in so doing, gain an appreciation of how to approach a scientific problem and how to perform the various experimental techniques to investigate that problem. In the second semester, students will do two rotations for a total of 4 - 5 credits.
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Second Year and beyond:
Anatomy and Cell Biology
Please review the Graduate College Course Description to select
6 credits in 500 level electives.
Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics - BCMG
575 (3 credits)
This is an advanced course in which students will be exposed
to, present and discuss recent scientific papers in biochemistry
and molecular genetics. Students will learn about recent advances
in these broad fields and learn how to critically evaluate and
discuss scientific literature related to these areas. Microbiology and Immunology Molecular Biology of Cells and Viruses - MIM 553 (2
credits)
Animal viruses including basic structure and viral nucleic
acids; emphasizes molecular organization of viral genomes; cellular
and molecular events during virus replication and viral transformation.
Prerequisites: first year GEMS curriculum or consent of instructor.
Immunology - MIM 551 (2 credits)
Concepts in immunochemistry, immunogenetics, molecular immunology,
cellular immunology and immunopathology at the intermediate
level. Prerequisites: first year GEMS curriculum or consent
of instructor.
Molecular Microbiology - MIM 552 (2 credits)
Advanced microbial genetics and molecular biology. Topics include
microbial pathogenesis, microbial cell biology, diversity of
microorganisms, gene regulation, genetic structure, and genomics.
Prerequisites: first year GEMS curriculum or consent of instructor.
Special Topics - MIM 594 (1 credit)
The department currently uses this course to develop presentation
and grant-writing skills. Students develop research grants and
present them to a "study section" of departmental faculty. Pharmacology Medical Pharmacology - PCOL 501 and 502 (6 total credits)
A
comprehensive course on human pharmacology. Drug mechanisms,
toxicities and kinetics are presented as a foundation to therapeutic
application. This is a College of Medicine course and as such
does not follow the Graduate College academic calendar.
Molecular Pharmacology of the Cardiovascular System
and Platelets - PCOL 510 (2 credits)
Novel therapeutic approaches to: failing or dysrhythmic heart,
prevention/dissolution of thrombi, vascular tone regulation,
platelet dysfunction and platelets as model cells for excitation
mechanisms.
Pharmacology and Biology of the Vessel Wall - PCOL
530 (2 Credits)
Regulation of physiological and pathological processes in the
cardiovascular system; e.g. endothelial barrier, cell adhesion,
smooth muscle proliferation, angiogenesis, endothelial gene
expression. Pharmacological treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Ion Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology, and Pathology - PCOL 540 (2 credits) The concept of ion channels is treated from the perspectives of their molecular structures and functions. Modulation, pathological conditions (channelopathies), and pharmacological intervention will also be treated.
Physiology and Biophysics
Cell Physiology - PHYB 586 (3 credits)
Advanced functional and structural organization of the cell with emphasis on the cellular basis of physiological activity.
Two or more additional UIC 400 - or 500 - level courses, totaling 5 or more semester hours, are also required. These courses are to be chosen in consultation with the thesis advisor. The following is a list of 500 level PHYB courses. PHYB501 - Endocrinology
PHYB502 - Physiology of Reproduction
PHYB512 - Gastrointestinal Physiology
PHYB516 - Biochemistry and Physiology of Muscle Contraction
PHYB518 - Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology
PHYB540 - Ion Channels: Structure, Function, Pharmacology and Pathology
GCLS515 - Receptors & Cell Signaling
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