Fall Terms Courses and Descriptions

Lab Rotation Report Form
Syllabus

This is a required core course in the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum (BBSC). Students in the BBSC are required to take three 8-week rotations in a minimum of two independent laboratories during their first year in the BBSC. The first two rotations must be performed in different laboratories. The third rotation should only be performed with a previous rotation mentor if there is a commitment that the student will be joining the lab and therefore does not need to rotate with a third faculty mentor; otherwise the student should perform all rotations with different mentors. Mentor expectations and grading criteria and student course schedules should be communicated between the mentor and student at the start of the rotation. The time commitment is at least 6-18 hours/week in the lab, but will vary. Students should respect the timing of experimental protocols and usual lab procedures and schedules. Faculty should appreciate the demands of class attendance and coursework on students; there should be a reasonable amount of flexibility in apportioning the working hours during a week or even among weeks. If it is necessary for the student to work outside of a typical work week or typical work-day hours, this should be clearly communicated to the student when the rotation is initially arranged. Students will be required to submit a written report that includes a description of the research, experiments attempted, interpretations, accomplishments, etc., along with a Student Evaluation Report form completed by the faculty member.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I, II, III with no more than six credit hours (16 weeks) in one lab
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 6-8 hours/week in the lab
Instructor: Toliver-Kinsky

Critical Reading of Scientific Literature (BBSC 6104)

Syllabus

This eight-week course is designed to introduce graduate students to critical concepts involved in understanding scientific literature. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing, comprehending, interpreting and evaluating scientific articles from peer-reviewed journals. This class is based on discussion format, and students will be expected to actively participate in classroom discussions, as well as lead one classroom discussion on an article of their choice. Grades will be based on the performance of presentation, attendance, and class participation.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 1; Conference/Discussion 1
Instructor: Vargas

Teaching in Molecular Biology and Genetics (BBSC 6127)

Syllabus

In this course, trainees will learn and practice how to facilitate small-group learning teams. Trainees will acquire teaching skills through workshops, observing faculty during small group discussions and finally applying these skills to serve as facilitators in BBSC 6224 Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) small-group discussions. Facilitator Skills Workshops will be imparted by personnel from the School of Medicine Office of Educational Development. MBG course instructors will meet with the trainees and provide key discussion topics and teaching tactics prior to MBG small-group discussions with enrolled students. The trainees will then serve as lead facilitators for MBG small-group discussions to practice newly learned skills. Grading will be on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. A grade of satisfactory will be dependent on: Attendance of the student to all workshops (2), facilitator previews (4), and small-group literature review discussion sessions (4), and acceptable performance as a facilitator judged by the course director with input from students enrolled in the MBG course.

Grading will be on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. A grade of satisfactory will be dependent on: (a) attendance of the student to all scheduled course sessions and instructor discussions (as detailed above); (b) writing a one-page reflective piece that will serve as self-evaluation; (c) acceptable performance as a facilitator judged by the course instructor with input from students enrolled in the MBG course.

Prerequisites: BBSC 6224, BBSC 6304, BBSC 6403, or consent of instructor
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: .5 Lectures; Discussion 1.5
Instructor: Dann-Grice

Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research (BBSC 6129)

Syllabus

This course will cover all topics recommended by NIH for required instruction in responsible conduct of research (RCR), described in NOT-OD-10-019, and will incorporate contemporary ethical and regulatory issues in modern biomedical research. The course will begin in the Fall term and will extend over all 3 terms of the academic year. Students will register for the course in the Fall term and will be automatically enrolled the following Spring and Summer terms. A grade of "G" (longitudinal) will be assigned at the end of the Fall and Spring terms, and a single, 1-hour course grade will be assigned at the end of the Summer term. Specific RCR topics covered in a given term will be temporally aligned with relevant science or research topics being taught in the Basic Biomedical Sciences Curriculum courses during that term. Small group sessions and case studies will be utilized to discuss and integrate designated RCR topics, and will include various problem-based learning approaches. The average grade of all sessions over the three terms will be determined, and an average of 80% or greater is required to achieve a grade of Satisfactory.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I, II, III Longitudinal
Year offered: Annually
Hours: Lecture 2; Discussion 14
Instructor: Toliver-Kinsky

Teaching in Biochemistry (BBSC 6133)

In this course, students will learn and practice skills necessary to facilitate small group learning teams. At the end of the course, students will: (a) Be able to distinguish between actual content (the concept the small group is working on) and process (how the group works on acquiring and developing knowledge on that concept); (b) Understand the various group member roles related to both content and process; (c) Have practiced methods for effective communication; (d) Have learned effective questioning skills; (e) Have practiced effective listening skills and empathy; (f) Be capable of providing effective feedback; (g) Be capable of maintaining engaging group discussions and (h) Be able to provide constructive evaluations. Grading will be on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. A grade of satisfactory will be dependent on (a) attendance of the student to all scheduled course workshops, facilitator previews, and small-group problem solving sessions, and (b) acceptable performance as a facilitator judged by the course director with input from students enrolled in the BBSC 6303 Biochemistry course.

Credit: 1
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours: Discussion 1
Instructor: Smith

Frontiers of Science (BBSC 6195)

Syllabus

This longitudinal course provides students the opportunity to hear about the latest advancements and techniques in a wide variety of biomedical sciences. Students are required to attend seminars by on- or off-campus speakers. Students choose seminars to attend on the basis of student interest and/or program recommendations. The course will begin in the Fall term and will extend over all 3 terms of the academic year. Students register for it in all 3 terms. A grade of “G” (longitudinal) will be assigned at the end of the Fall and Spring terms, and a single, 1-hour course grade will be assigned at the end of the Summer term. Grades will be satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) based on attendance and submission report forms for the designated required number of seminars each term.

Prerequisites: Student in PREP program or consent of instructor
Term offered: I, II, III Longitudinal
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 1
Instructor: Toliver-Kinsky, Vargas

Molecular Biology and Genetics (BBSC 6224)

Syllabus
Calendar

This is a required foundation course in the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum (BBSC). Topics include nucleic acid structure, DNA replication, genetic recombination, recombinant DNA technology, mutations and their repair, transcription and its regulation, translation, Mendelian inheritance, the human genome, microbial genetics, transgenic animals and models of human genetic disorders, and human evolution. Grades will be determined based on the performance on examinations, and participation in small-group discussion sessions.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 2
Instructor: Dann-Grice, Castellanos

Biochemistry (BBSC 6303)

Syllabus
Calendar

This is a required foundation course in the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum (BBSC). The primary goal of the course is to train students to develop their ability to critically analyze data. The course deals with the fundamental forces that provide the bases for molecular interactions, and the translation of these forces into the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Emphasis will be on the principles that give rise to these forces; on applying the principles to biochemical problems; and on the application of the principles in understanding macromolecular structure and function. The course also provides a survey of techniques relevant to subjects discussed. In addition the course presents the general principles of regulation in metabolism, molecular signaling and synthesis and function of different biomolecules as they apply to developing an understanding of regulatory mechanisms in homeostasis and disease. Grades will be determined based on performance on written examinations, problem-solving homework and performance in small-group discussion sessions.

Prerequisites: At least one-year college-level biology and chemistry; biochemistry recommended or consent of instructor
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 3; Discussion 1
Instructor: Smith

Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Course Descriptions

Research (BCMB 6097)

Work is designed to introduce the student to the techniques and philosophy of scientific research and to guide the development of a research problem in the major area of concentration. Provides laboratory experience prior to entering candidacy. Grade is determined by a written progress report signed by mentor and program director.

Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Muge Kuyumcu-Martinez
Term offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
Year offered: Annually

Dissertation (BCMB 6099)

Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the dissertation for the Doctor of Philosophy degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9

Current Concepts in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Faculty Seminar) (BCMB 6111)

The objective of this course is to introduce students to current research in the general areas of biochemistry and molecular biology through attendance at faculty seminars. Students will be required to attend departmental seminars in the fall and spring semesters. Students may choose from Biochemistry and Molecular Biology departmental seminars, Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics seminars, Center for Metabolic Health seminars, and special seminars as communicated by the course director or coordinator. The required number of seminars to attend is 12. No textbooks will be required. Grades will be satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory(U) based on attendance. If the student chooses to attend a seminar virtually or one that is not a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology departmental seminar, then completion of a seminar summary, to include the objectives/hypothesis of the research presented, methodology significant findings, and implications of research must be submitted to the course director to receive credit. Please keep this summary to 1-2 pages in length and submit the completed forms within 2 weeks of attending the seminar to Dr. Chen. Failure to attend 12 seminars in person and/or turn in the required number of completed forms per semester will result in a grade of "U", unsatisfactory, for the semester. At the completion of this course, participants will have become familiar with cutting edge research in biochemistry and molecular biology and will have developed skills necessary to succinctly evaluate scientific seminars..

1 Credit Hour
Prerequisite: None
Instructor: Yunfeng Chen
Term offered: Summer, Fall and Spring
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 1 hour per seminar attended, 15 weeks.

Biomolecular Thermodynamics (BCMB 6113)

In this 6-weeks course, students will learn thermodynamics of various biomolecular processes, including conformational changes, molecular association / dissociation, and protein-drug interactions. Both theoretical and experimental aspects are covered. Students will also learn the MATLAB software and use it to solve or understand thermodynamic problems.

Prerequisite: None
Instructor: Junji Iwahara, PhD, B. Montgomery Pettitt, PhD
Term offered: Fall, Annually
Hours per week: 1 hour, 1st 6 weeks

Biomolecular Kinetics (BCMB 6114)

In this 6-weeks course, students learn kinetics of various biomolecular processes, including molecular association, dissociation, conformational changes, enzymatic catalysis, and target search. Both theoretical and experimental aspects are covered. Students also learn the MATLAB software and use it to solve or understand various kinetic problems.

Prerequisite: None
Instructor: Junji Iwahara, Tom Smith and Whitney Yin
Term offered: Fall, Annually
Hours per week: 1 hour, 2nd 6 weeks

Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics (BCMB 6208)

Lecturers will select seminal recent papers on principles and novel techniques used in the interpretation of genomic sequencing data, RNA-seq analysis, and data mining of structural and functional databases of genes and proteins. Each student is requested to read all papers during the course, and present one paper with additional background information in a 45-minute lecture. The faculty will give introductory lecturers to the topics of the course with an emphasis on Genomics and Bioinformatics. They will also provide additional advice on the context of the papers in the literature, and will complement the student presentation with comments from his expertise on particular techniques. The student presentations of the papers will include discussions among students and faculty on the scientific background of the papers.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or BBSC core
2 Credit Hours
Instructors: Werner Braun, Andrew Routh, Steven Widen
Term offered: Fall
Year offered: Fall, Annually
Hours per week: 2, 16 Weeks

Tutorial for DNA Replication, Repair and Mutagensis (BCMB 6209)

This course deals with various aspects of repair and replication of damaged DNA. A particular focus point will be the interrelationships among repair processes and other important cellular functions. This course uses the tutorial model. On the first class day, each student will choose the topic for his/her presentation from the list provided by the instructors. The list of topics will include state-of-the art articles relating to the given topic. Generally, each student will be responsible for one in-depth presentation on the chosen topic. The first formal session will consist of an introductory lecture by the instructor(s). The following few weeks will be used for preparation by the students for their presentations, after which the first formal student presentation will begin. Since there are no written examinations, class participation is an important part of a tutorial-based class and it is expected that everyone will be actively involved in this endeavor.

While the focus of the course is on repair and replication of damaged DNA, the specific topics will vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or BBSC core
Instructor: Louise Prakash, Satya Prakash
Term offered: Fall
Year offered: Fall, Annually
Hours per week: 2, 10 Week Course

Scientific Project Writing (BCMB 6231)

This course is required for the 2nd year students to provide them with the framework for their graduate training. The goal of a graduate training is to develop a student into an independent investigator. The trademarks of an independent investigator are the ability to identify a project of significance through critical analysis of the literature, identify needed information to fill the gap, identify the best approaches to acquire the needed information, assimilate data and present data in writing or verbally.

Prerequisite: None
Course Director: Petr Leiman
Term offered: Fall, Annually
Hours per week: 2 hours, 15 weeks

Biological Electron Microscopy (BCMB 6351)

Over the last five decades, transmission electron microscopy has emerged as a powerful tool to 1) study tissues at the level of single cells/organelles; 2) image eukaryotic/prokaryotic cells and characterize their interactions and 3) elucidate three-dimensional structures of large biological macromolecules and assemblies. Within the field of transmission electron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allows visualization of intact molecules/complexes under near native conditions. With improvements in data acquisitions hardware and image processing software, it is now possible to determine three-dimensional structures of structurally homogeneous biological macromolecules to near-atomic resolution. Further, the development of cryo-electron microscopy tomographic techniques (cryo-ET) has made it possible to image structurally heterogeneous objects such as cells and organelles to nanometer resolution. Hence, modern cryo-EM/ET techniques facilitate imaging and understanding a wide range of biological macromolecules and their complexes that are critical for cellular function. The purpose of this course is for the student to develop an understanding of the principles of electron microscopy as applied to the study of biological macromolecules and tissues. Knowledge of these principles will provide a foundation for gaining practical experience and training in biological transmission electron microscopy. At the end of this course, participants will become skilled in applying some of the techniques and concepts necessary to independently initiate projects using this powerful technique. The grades will be based on exams and in class discussion.

CLCS Course Descriptions

CLCS 6097 Research

This course initiates the formal research training directed toward a degree in Clinical Science. During this course, the student will select a supervisory committee, submit a full written proposal for approval, orally defended the approved written proposal and request admission to candidacy. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student’s supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).

CLCS 6098 Thesis

Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing a Master of Science degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the thesis for the Master of Science or Master of Arts degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student’s supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).

CLCS 6099 Dissertation

Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the dissertation for the Doctor of Philosophy degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student’s supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).

CTPS Course Descriptions

Mentored Research for Postdoctoral Scholars (CTPS 6001)

No classroom attendance required. Research report due online at end of term.

This course consists of the training the postdoctoral scholar’s supervisor provides regularly in the laboratory and, thus, requires no class attendance. When research prevents a postdoc from leaving the lab bench, he or she may register only for Mentored Research. This course is designed to fine-tune postdocs' basic research skills in the laboratory or other location where the research takes place. The course consists of research in keeping with the postdoc's field, and overseen by the mentor.
*Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows

Credit Hours/Semester: Limited to 3.0

Research Seminar (CTPS 6101)

Seminar attendance, as required by mentor. Personal verification of attendance due at end of term.

This course is designed for postdocs to observe and learn to develop and present seminars about their research. After completing the course, students should be able to discuss their research with scientists in a way that helps advance the project; develop a presentation that concisely presents the research; develop learning objectives that the audience will receive from the presentation; demonstrate the ability to engage the audience in the research project; and observe and objectively assess and discuss another scientist's research.
*Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Journal Club (CTPS 6102)

Journal club attendance, as required by mentor. Personal verification of attendance due at end of term.

This course is designed for postdocs to learn to critically read and evaluate scientific journal articles and discuss them with colleagues; to lead discussions about published research developments, and to plan discussions for journal club meetings.

*Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows
Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Career Planning (Individual Development Plan) (CTPS 6103)

No classroom attendance required.

This course is comprised of writing your own Individual Development Plan (IDP) and discussing it with your mentor during the semester of registration. You must write your IDP, discuss it with at least one faculty mentor, and send a copy of the signed IDP and your CV to the Postdoctoral Affairs Office. There is no class to attend.
*Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Translational Research Management 1: Team Building and Meeting Management (CTPS 6115)

This course is designed to prepare postdocs and advanced graduate students with the basic tools to develop their management skills for leading translational research projects. With completion of this course, the participant will be able to: diagnose team effectiveness and dynamics; understand the role of norms, roles, goals, and team procedures, and to apply techniques to develop such; plan and facilitate both traditional and virtual meetings in a highly professional manner; use facilitation tools and techniques to develop and lead teams; follow established models of teams and groups, and apply the latest practices (cross functional teams, new product teams) to translational team efforts.

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Teaching Practicum – GSBS Small Group Facilitation (CTPS 6120)

This course is designed to prepare postdocs to facilitate discussion in the small group discussion course components within the UTMB Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. After completing the course, students should be prepared to: 1) Develop a facilitating style that encourages discussion among the graduate students that will help them reach the desired result; 2) Develop a method for evaluating the students' knowledge and preparation; 3) Demonstrate the ability to encourage participation by everyone in the group.

*Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Effective Lab and Resource Management (CTPS 6121)

This course is designed to prepare postdocs and advanced graduate students with the basic tools to develop and lead a laboratory in academia or industry, manage resources and personnel effectively, and evaluate funding and technology transfer options.

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Undergraduate Teaching – Observation (CTPS 6125)

This 2-phase course is designed to prepare postdoctoral scholars to teach science courses in the college setting, under the guidance of a faculty mentor at a local undergraduate college or school. The first phase is for observing several faculty members with different teaching methodologies. The second phase is the classroom teaching segment.

*Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows
Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Application for Funding (CTPS 6131)

This course is designed to provide postdoctoral scientists with experience in preparing and submitting an application for funding. Participants will spend time with their mentors: 1) identifying and selecting a funding opportunity; 2) determining the application submission date; 3) planning the application; 4) writing and completing the application; 5) submitting the application; and 6) completing a self-evaluation.

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0 *Enrollment limited to Postdoctoral Fellows

Conference Presentation (CTPS 6134)

Conference presentations are used to communicate research findings to the scientific community. The feedback received during an oral presentation or poster session can be used to refine experiments and prepare data for publication in a peer reviewed journal. This course is designed to provide postdoctoral scientists with experience in preparing and delivering a presentation at a local, national, or international scientific meeting and performing critical reflection of feedback received in a collegiate atmosphere. This course is offered on a Satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Satisfactory can be achieved by submitting a verification form describing the activity. Credit will not be given for future dated experience.

Responsible Conduct in Research (CTPS 6139)

This course provides postdoctoral appointees and advanced graduate students instruction in responsible conduct of research. It is a blended course with online and in-person instruction. The online component is asynchronous, allowing the flexibility to study in a self-pace manner. The in-person component will be held over two days, allowing trainees time to discuss course materials with their research groups and return with questions and comments. The course will employ lectures and small-group discussion to explore issues that arise in the research environment and between scientists and the community. Grades will be on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis determined by attendance in both small-group sessions, adequate class participation based on an understanding of the basic concepts covered in the course and completing all online modules.

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Accelerator Bootcamp (CTPS 6140)

This 8-week professional development course is designed for postdoctoral scholars at the beginning of their training to help them make the most of their postdoctoral training experience and establish a foundation for future career success. Overall course grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory) calculated based on attendance and participation in small-group sessions.

Credit Hours/Semester: 1.0

Interdisciplinary Course Description

Independent Study (INTD 6088)

This 8-week interdisciplinary course provides graduate students the opportunity to expand their knowledge in preparation for their capstone, thesis or dissertation (e.g., learn a particular technique or a skill, read on a particular subject, etc.). The detailed or in-depth study would be in a specific topic area as agreed upon by the student and supervising faculty member. A written report at the end of the block is required, summarizing what has been learned. Overall course grade is based on meeting the objectives set forth for the course, and the requirements for the report.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 3-6
Instructor: Jupiter

Capstone (INTD 6094)

This interdisciplinary course is for students pursuing a Master’s degree and who are not doing a thesis or dissertation but instead are carrying out a project or capstone. The project/capstone consists of any of the following activities: i) Writing a review paper on a topic that the student will select together with a mentor and/or a committee; ii) Writing a short research paper on a topic that the student will select together with a mentor and/or a committee; iii) Hands-on activity that would result in generating/optimizing a protocol or establishing an assay; iv) Computational exercise around a well-defined scientific project that includes bioinformatics or data analysis; v) Internship in industry with written report. Grades are based on a satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 3-6
Instructor: Jupiter

Research (INTD 6097)

This interdisciplinary course varies in credit according to the work performed. It is intended for formal research on thesis or dissertation project under the direction of a supervising professor directed toward the Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science degree programs. This interdisciplinary course is designed to introduce the student to the techniques and philosophy of scientific research and to guide the development of a research problem in the major area of concentration. At the end of the registered term, students are required to write a one-page description of their research work. Grade is satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U).

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 1-9
Instructor: Jupiter

Animal Models of Human Diseases (INTD 6220)

This 8-week course will provide an overview of the use of animal models in biomedical research. Initial sessions will discuss the scientific, technological, and ethical use of animals in disease research. The course will discuss the requirements of NIH Vertebrate Animals section of research proposals. The students will visit the animal facilities and become aware of all the components that make animal experimentation possible and sit on an IACUC discussion of protocols. The lectures will be followed by discussions on selected papers in diseases that utilize animal models to address molecular and cellular mechanisms in pathogenesis and host defense. Each student is assigned one or more research papers to present. All students are expected to read assigned background materials and research papers in advance to actively engage in the discussions. Students will evaluate the approach, usefulness, and validity of each model discussed in the selected papers. Students are expected to write and submit an IACUC protocol, which will be critically reviewed by the course directors and randomly assigned for the same purpose to members of the class. Materials will be presented by lecture and discussion. Grades will be based on performance on two written assignments, journal discussion(s), one in class take-home exam, class attendance, and participation in the class discussions.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 2; Conference/Discussion 1.5
Instructor: Castellanos

Experimental Pathology Course Descriptions

Research in Pathology (PATH 6097)

This course varies in credit according to the work performed. The student concentrates on a problem of his or her own choosing with faculty advisor.

Grading is S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory)
Prerequisite: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Instructor: McBride

Thesis (PATH 6098)

Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the thesis for the Master of Science or Master of Arts degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student’s level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student’s supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9

Dissertation (PATH 6099)

Biology of Arthropod Disease Vectors (PATH 6112)

The goal of this course is to introduce students to arthropods that are vectors for a wide variety of infectious agents that cause human diseases. The unique biology of hematophagous arthropods that has evolved to facilitate the coexistence between the vectors, pathogens, and the vertebrate host will be illustrated in both lectures and practical sessions. The curriculum will build upon a general introduction to arthropods. Then, using specific examples, the processes of infection, development, and transmission of pathogens will be discussed. This will include vector behaviors involved in location of the host, physiological adaptations to facilitate blood feeding and digestion, and factors that influence the vector-pathogen relationship. Options for controlling vector-borne diseases will be discussed from a historical perspective, with a consideration of how modern molecular approaches might be used in the future.

Prerequisites: None
Hours per week: 1
Terms offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Instructor: Bouyer/Vasilakis

Experimental Pathology Trainee Work in Progress (PATH 6115)

The ExPath trainee work in progress is a student led seminar series structured to: 1. Provide annual research update to an audience of peers and faculty. 2. Develop skills required to create an organized scientific presentation that is understandable to a scientific audience of various backgrounds and expertise. 3. Develop and improve oral presentation skills. 4. Develop critical thinking skills required to answer questions in thoughtful and professional manner. 5. Develop skills and insight necessary to evaluate peer presentations and provide constructive feedback. Grades and attendance: Presentation-50% + Participation 50%, A-F grading scale.

Prerequisites: None
Hours per week: Conference 1
Terms offered: I, II
Year offered: Annually
Instructor: Aguilar/Bouyer/Freiberg/Vasilakis

Clinical Microbiology Practicum (PATH 6123)

This course is designed to provide graduate students with an opportunity to gain both understanding and practical, hands-on experience in the policies, procedures and regulatory/safety standards of the clinical microbiology laboratory, and its role in infectious disease diagnostics. It serves as an introduction to the field of clinical microbiology, for those students interested in pursuing this area as a career choice. The student will rotate through different sections of the clinical microbiology laboratory. Bench-level rotations will expose the student to laboratory sub-specialties including bacteriology, virology, serology, mycology, mycobacteriology and parasitology. The student will be given simulated specimens on which to perform bacterial identification and susceptibility testing under the guidance of microbiology technologists. Throughout the rotation, students will participate in weekly Microbiology Plate Rounds and are encouraged to attend the weekly Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease Case Conferences.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Hours per week: Conference or discussion 2
Lab: up to 30
Grading is based on a written and oral assignment. Final grade will be assigned as either Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U)
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Instructor: Williams-Bouyer

Colloquium of Frontiers of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine (PATH 6145)

Frontiers in Infectious Diseases is an Experimental Pathology course that uses the Infectious Diseases and Immunity for its didactics. The colloquium is organized and sponsored by the Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CBEID), the Center for Tropical Diseases (CTD), and the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology (M&I) and Pathology at UTMB. This colloquium was created to offer faculty, staff, and trainees the opportunity to hear about the latest research of recognized experts in the fields of infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunity. Invited speakers are almost always from academic institutions throughout the United States and occasionally from international institutions. The Colloquium offers a wide range of topics within the fields of infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunity, including epidemiology, vaccine development, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, molecular biology, cellular microbiology, etc. Students registered for this course will have the opportunity to meet the speaker in a separate small-group session called "meet the professor". This is a great opportunity to learn not only about the details of the speaker's research, but also about their motivations in science, their life experiences, and their advice as it relates to professional and academic advancement. Grading is S/U (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) and depends on attendance.

Specific requirements are the following: First year students will register for this course for the fall and spring semesters, and they must attend more than 80% of the seminars offered during those semesters
Second year students will register for this course for either the fall or the spring semester, and they must attend more than 80% of the seminars offered during the selected semester
Registered students must attend more than one third of the "meet the professor" post-seminar meetings
Terms offered: I,II
Year Offered: Annually
Instructor: McBride

Introduction to Vaccinology (PATH 6161)

Vaccines for the 21st Century is a five-week introductory course designed to provide the basic scientist with an understanding of vaccine development from conceptualization through development, testing and utilization. The course Objectives are to learn:

1. The history of the development of vaccines and their impact on society.
2. The identification of pathogens & diseases for which vaccines are needed.
3. The principles of the development, availability and use of vaccines.
4. The pathophysiologic approach to developing vaccine strategies.
5. The application of traditional and new technologies to vaccine development.
6. The importance of the regulatory process to vaccine development, including "proof of principle", pre-clinical and clinical testing.

The course will be taught in lecture format with a small number of expert lecturers. There will be assigned reading in preparation for each session. Reading materials will be provided. Each session will be 1 hour (total 15 contact hours). Course performance will be determined by take home midterm & final examinations (50% each).

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Instructors: Bourne/Barrett

Introduction to Competitive Grant Writing (PATH 6279)

This course will provide an introductory and interactive experience to competitive grant writing. Topics to be covered include understanding the review process, and planning, organizing, writing a successful hypothesis driven application. Students will be required to write a two year grant application, provide written critiques, and participate in a final mock study section review. Grading is Standard (A-F) and will be based on class participation (30%), written assignments (40%), and quality of the final application (40%).

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Instructors: Dr. Rossi and Dr. Cisneros

Tropical Diseases (PATH 6318)

This course is designed to provide graduate students with an overview of tropical diseases and related current research. The course is not designed to be comprehensive, but will sample representatives of major infectious tropical diseases. Emphasis is placed on the ecology, epidemiology and control of tropical diseases. The class meets two (2) times a week for 90 minutes; each session includes a 45 minute lecture by a faculty member, followed by the presentation of a pertinent paper and discussion questions. Students are expected to submit their selected reference and at least 5 discussion questions to the lecturer one week in advance.

Grading is Standard (A-F)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Hours per week: Lecture 3
Term offered: II
Year offered: Annually
Instructors: Dr. Melby, Dr. Travi

Basic Human Pathobiology (PATH 6386)

This 8-week course will provide a fundamental background for students who are interested in pursuing knowledge in infectious disease pathogenesis and histopathology. This course will include a series of lectures on bacterial and viral PATHogenesis and histopathology. Bacterial pathogens include the agents of tuberculosis, plague, rickettsioses/ehrlichioses, and anthrax. Viral pathogens include alphaviruses, herpes viruses, hepatitis viruses, viral hemorrhagic fever viruses, Zika, and Influenza. Introductory lectures in immunology will include cellular and humoral immmunity, cytokines and principles of immunopathology. Additional introductory lectures include animal models of infectious diseases and diagnostic principles of infectious diseases in the clinical microbiology laboratory (including molecular diagnostics). Each pathogen lecture will have a component of molecular pathogenesis followed by a discussion of its histopathology.

Prerequisites: None
Hours per week: 1.5
Term offered: III
Year offered: Annually
Instructors: Dr. Olano

Functional Histology and Pathobiology (PATH 6436)

This 16-week course will provide a fundamental background for students who are interested in pursuing experimental PATHology. This course will include, but is not limited to, general PATHobiology, basic functional histology, and organ development of humans. Pathobiology topics will include cell injury/death, acute inflammation, immunopathology, neoplasia, coagulation, and genetic diseases. Functional histology will include the following organ systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal/hepatic, and urinary. For each system, normal functional histology and the main categories of diseases will be discussed (infectious, neoplastic, environmental, hemodynamic, etc.). Supplemental lectures on experimental techniques used in pathology research will also be included: histology/immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and laser capture microdissection. Topics will be discussed as didactic lectures and use of glass slides/virtual imaging for demonstration of histology slides. Seven journal club sessions will take place during the course and will be related to the topics discussed during the course. Grading is Standard (A-F) and will be based on two mid-term exams and one final exam. Participation during journal clubs will also be graded. (Examinations: 20% + 20% + 20%; Journal Club: 20%; Attendance: 20%.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Hours per week: Lecture 4
Term offered: II
Year offered: Annually
Course Directors: Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Olano

Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine Course Descriptions

Clinical Encounters (HPTM 6071)

This course will consist of clinical encounter sessions with HPTM clinical faculty. Students will gain hands-on experience and mentorship in conducting T1 translational research projects in their specific area of scientific and clinical interest. The goals of the clinical encounter sessions are to continue the development of interprofessional communication skills between scientists (students) and physicians (clinical mentor), have the students gain a focused knowledge of current standards of diagnosis and treatment of a specific disease or injury, discuss the limitation of current methods of clinical care, and explore or identify potential areas for future translational research projects for the improvement of current standards of care. Clinical Encounter session activities will include: physician "shadowing" to observe patients afflicted with the disease or injury of interest and/or attending interdisciplinary clinical conference that discuss disease processes and/or patient care. The CE sessions will also allow time for l) student-clinical mentor planning sessions to discuss scheduling and goals for the CE course in the beginning of the course, and 2) time for the student to write 1·2 pages reflection essays on how the CR rotation enhanced their understanding of the specific disease or clinical problem as it relates to their translational research project. The final course grade is determined based on the criteria established between the mentor and student and reported on the Student Evaluation Report form.

Prerequisites: HPTM 6291, POTS l and HPTM 6292, POTS 2.
Terms offered: I, II, III
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 6

Internship Regulated Nonclinical Studies (HPTM 6072)

The ORNCS faculty/staff will offer practical training on development/use of study protocols, standard operating procedures, study-specific and facility documentation, equipment qualification, data/sample retention, and Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QC/QA). Trainees participating In this internship will shadow study directors, scientific/technical personnel, records management and archiving personnel, and quality assurance unit (QAU) personnel. Interns will gain an advanced understanding of the FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Animal Rule regulations, Implementation and operation of quality management systems, and the design, execution, reporting and quality oversight of animal efficacy studies supporting licensure of vaccines and other medical countermeasures. Trainees participating In this Internship may also be able to attend the UTMIHDA¿¿sponsored training activity, ·Achieving Data Quality and Integrity In Maximum Containment Laboratories-, which Is held annually at the National Institutes of Health In Bethesda, MO, focusing on animal mode regulatory expectations under the FDA's Animal Rule. Grading (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) Is based on participation, attendance, and effective completion in assigned tasks.

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor. Participation in Good Laboratory Practice training provided by the ORNcS-FDA-GLP Regulations In the Academic Setting.
Terms offered: I, II, III
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Practicum

Vaccinology Internship in Human Clinical Research (HPTM 6074)

The Clinical Trials Program (CTP) faculty/staff will offer real-world training on implementation of study protocols, use of the Investigator Brochure, fulfillment of Institution Review Board (IRB) requirements, utilization of standard operating procedures, maintenance of study documentation, attainment of informed consent, recruitment and retention of subjects, and performance of quality assurance. Interns will observe investigators, study coordinators, and other research personnel interact with research subjects, Contract Research Organization (CRO) employees and sponsors. Completion of readings and on-line training regarding human research ethics and Good Clinical Practice are required. Interns will gain insight into the conduct of studies performed under FDA Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Grading (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) is based on participation, attendance, effective completion of assigned tasks, and submission of a final course evaluation by the student. Dr. Richard Rupp is the course director to contact for enrollment consent.

Prerequisites: Instructor permission
Terms offered: I, II, III
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: 2-16

Research (HPTM 6097)

Formal research directed toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree programs. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the student's research supervisor and will be assigned as satisfactory or unsatisfactory in a Mentor Report. Work is designed to introduce students to the techniques and philosophy of scientific research and to guide them in the development of a research problem in their major area of concentration. At the end of the registered term, students are required to write a one-page description of their research work.

This course is taken after a student has passed the qualifying exam. Each student may enroll in this course for a maximum of three terms before becoming a candidate.

Prerequisites: Approval of Program Advisor
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable

Thesis (HPTM 6098)

Dissertation (HPTM 6099)

Translational Research Seminar Series for HPTM Graduate Students (HPTM 6109)

This seminar series PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine (HPTM) graduate and Translational Research Track (TRT) medical students to present their research to their peers and interested faculty in a scholastic setting, maintain contact with TRT students and gain an understanding of the translational insights of the medical students doing their clinical rotations, and interface with experienced clinicians and scientific competencies. Grading will be based on: seminar and post-seminar discussion attendance (70%), professionalism (5%), career building (10%) and the annual presentation of a student research update seminar (15%). Final grades will be calculated based on the standard A-F scale.

Prerequisites: Student must be entering second year in the HPTM program to enroll
Terms offered: I, II
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Discussion 1; Seminar 1

Teaching in Translational Science (HPTM 6114)

In this course, students will gain practical teaching experience on instructing and leading graduate level lectures to students enrolled in HPTM POTS I-IV. Students will: 1) learn how to prepare lectures 2) learn how to effectively convey information to students 3) serve as a reviewer for grant writing assignments 4) gain feedback on how to improve their teaching skills. The course will consist of both a theoretical and a practical component. The theoretical component will consist of discussions with experienced teachers on how to best convey information in a way that maximizes retention and engagement. The practical component will consist of providing feedback to first-year HPTM students on grant writing practices and facilitating a lecture. The goal of this course is to provide hands-on teaching experience and credits for students seeking a career in academia and/or teaching fellowships. This course is offered on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. A grade of Satisfactory will be dependent on the student meeting all the listed course requirements. Additionally, the HPTM 6114 and POTSI-IV course directors will consult with each other and the POTSI-IV students to decide if the facilitated lecture was of an acceptable quality to receive a Satisfactory grade.

Prerequisites: HPTM 6291 POTS I and HPTM 6292 POTS II
Terms offered: I, II
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: 1

Practice of Translational Science – Modules I, II, III and IV (HPTM 6291, 6292, 6293, 6113)

6291 MODULE I: PRACTICE OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE (2 Credits)

Students in this course will participate in active, student-directed cooperative learning exercises in small groups to explore foundational concepts that address basic competencies of translational scientists. Students will be concurrently enrolled with medical students in Gross Anatomy and Radiology course (HPTM 6405). Topics explored during the POTS 1 courses will include scientific knowledge of human physiology and pathology as well as traditional basic sciences such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, etc. Concepts will be linked to Problem Based Learning cases studies in the GAR course (HTPM 6405). Students will also spend significant time in groups exploring and applying concepts related to other core competencies of translational scientists, such as teaching, professionalism, communication, and management. Grades will be based on weekly quizzes (20%), final written exam (20%), small group participation and problem-solving (20%), and other (oral presentation, reflective writing, peer assessment, learning portfolio) (40%).

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in the HPTM program. HPTM 6405 must be taken concurrently.
Terms offered: I
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Conference/Discussion 4

6292 MODULE II: PRACTICE OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE (2 Credits)

Students in this course will participate in active, student-directed cooperative learning exercises in small groups to explore foundational concepts that address basic competencies of translational scientists. This course will emphasize core principles in physiology incorporating biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, etc. Grades will be based on weekly quizzes (20%), final written exam (20%), participation in small group activities (20%), and other ( (oral presentation, reflective writing, peer assessment, learning portfolio) (40%).

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in the HPTM program. HPTM 6291 and HPTM 6405. HPTM 6332 must be taken concurrently.
Terms offered: I
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Conference/Discussion 4

6293 MODULE 3: PRACTICE OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE (2 Credits)

Students in this course will participate in active, student-directed cooperative learning exercises in small groups to explore foundational concepts that address basic competencies of translational scientists. This course will emphasize core principles in physiology and pathology incorporating cell injury and adaptation, inflammation, immunologic diseases, microbiology, environmental and genetic diseases. Grades will be based on weekly quizzes (20%), final written exam (20%), participation in small group activities (20%), and other (oral presentation, reflective writing, peer assessment, learning portfolio) (40%).

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in the HPTM program. HPTM 6405, HPTM 6291, HPTM 6332, HPTM 6292
Terms offered: II
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Conference/Discussion 4

HPTM 6113 MODULE 4: PRACTICE OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE IV (2 Credits)

This eight-week course is the fourth module of the Practice of Translational Science course, the foundational, discipline-specific course of the HPTM curriculum. The students will be engaged in a longitudinal, individual grant writing experience that began in POTS Ill. POTS IV is a continuation of the grant exercise; however, there will be greater focus on the Experimental Methods and Approaches in this course. In general, the classes will be designed to be experiential with a "how to" focus. Students will meet in the instructors' labs and be immersed in datasets, or experimental samples for assay analyses. Grades will be based on: final written grant and competency assessment. Competency assessment includes work exercises, proposal papers, group projects, oral presentations, quizzes, and post-class assignments.

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in the HPTM program. HPTM 6291, POTS 1; HPTM 6292, POTS 2; HPTM 6293, POTS 3
Terms offered: II
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 2

Introduction to Big Data Visual Analytics (HPTM 6284)

The accelerated growth and complexity of biomedical data far exceeds our cognitive abilities to exploit it for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. A promising approach to bridge this gap is through the emerging field of visual analytics defined as the “science of analytical reasoning facilitated by interactive visual interfaces.” This course provides the theoretical foundations and practical methods related to visual analytics focused towards the analysis and comprehension of large and complex biomedical datasets (e.g., genomic data, and electronic health records). The theoretical foundations will focus on the principles related to cognition, computation and graphic design. The practical methods will focus on hands-on experience in using commercial (Tableau and Pajek) and a research prototype (MODIM) requiring no programming. Through a required project, students will have the opportunity to integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge of big data visual analytics to analyze, comprehend and present complex patterns in a large biomedical dataset. Grading scale will be A-F.

Prerequisites: Biostatistics – BBSC 6222 or Interprofessional Translational Research Design – HPTM 6295, or with the permission of the instructor
Terms offered: Summer, 2nd Block
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: Conference/Discussion 4

Interprofessional Translational Research Design Course (HPTM 6295)

The Interprofessional Translational Research Design (IPTRD) course will team HPTM students with UTMB Medical Students in the Translational Research Track in identifying a translational problem and designing translational research projects. The course will focus development of key research design and collaborative competencies. Major emphasis will be on biostatistics and research design, team building, professional identify development, inter-professional communication and oral presentation skills. The course will meet for three, two hour sessions weekly. Teaching methodology will use active learning modalities such as guided inquiry, moderated discussion, workshop sessions and seminar presentations. Course grades will be based on small group discussions participation, written critiques of research articles, and research proposal developed as an interprofessional pair.

Prerequisites: Currently enrolled in the HPTM program having satisfied the requirements of HPTM 6291, 6292, HPTM 6293 and HPTM 6294 or a UTMB Medical School Student enrolled I the Translational Research Track
Terms offered: III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 6

Laboratory Rotation (HPTM 6310)

This course will consist of a laboratory rotation with HPTM research faculty. During the laboratory rotation, students will gain hands-on experience and mentorship in conducting T1 translational research projects in their specific area of scientific and clinical interest. The goals of lab rotations are to continue the development of interprofessional communication skills between scientists (students) and physicians (clinical mentor), have the student gain a focused knowledge of current standards of diagnosis and treatment of a specific disease or injury, discuss the limitation of current methods of clinical care, and explore/identify potential areas for future translational research projects for the improvement of current standards of care. The final course grade is determined based on the criteria established between the mentor and student and reported on the Student Evaluation Report Form.

Prerequisites: HPTM 6291 POTS I and HPTM 6292 POTS II
Terms offered: I, II, III
Years offered: Annually
Hours per week: 18

Gross Anatomy and Radiology (HPTM 6405)

In this course, graduate students in the HPTM curriculum will participate in problem based learning, anatomy lab, and lectures together with selected medical students in the Integrated Medical course of the same name. This inter-professional learning opportunity will allow medical and graduate students to learn with, from and about each other with the goal of instilling collaborative competencies for translational research. Grades will be based on participation in small group problem based learning sessions (45%), midterm and final written exams (25%), mid term and final laboratory practical exams (22%), and self study cross sectional anatomy tutorial (8%).

Prerequisites: Enrollment in HPTM
Terms offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 6-8; Lecture 4; Conference/Discussion 3

Pathobiology and Host Defense for HPTM Students (HPTM 6406)

In this course, graduate students in the HPTM curriculum will participate in problem-based learning ((PBL) sessions, pathology lab session and lectures together with selected medical students in the integrated Medical Curriculum course of the same name. PBL and lab sessions involve case-based studies of various diseases. Major basic science topics include general pathology, histopathology, basic immunology and microbiology. The inter-professional learning opportunity will allow medical students and graduate students to learn with, from and about each other with the goal of instilling collaborative competencies for translational research. The course will be complemented by the HPTM course Practice of Translational Science Module 3. Grades will be based on mid-term exam, final exam, lab exam, PBL evaluation, PBL graded quizzes and graded weekly quizzes. Assessment modalities for HPTM students are tailored specific for the program-specific objectives, hence the use of essay examinations in addition to course development multiple choice assessments.

Prerequisites: HPTM 6405, HPTM 6291, HPTM 6332, HPTM 6292. Students must be enrolled in the HPTM program
Terms offered: II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 5; Discussion 6; Laboratory 2

MD/PHD Course Descriptions

MD/PhD Lab Rotation (MDPH 6001)

The objectives of this course are to provide students an opportunity to become familiar with the faculty and their research efforts in the graduate school by participating in the activities of the lab and by becoming acquainted with the lab staff and the goals of the research project. Letter grades will be determined by the instructor and will be based on lab performance. Course taken during the summers prior to year 1, 2, and 3 (optional).

Term offered: Summer
Year offered: Annually
Prerequisites: Enrolled as a student in the MD-PhD program and not yet enrolled in a specific graduate program
Course Instructor: Michael Laposata

Current Topics in Pathobiology and Host Defense (MDPH 6102)

This course is designed to supplement the medical school pathobiology and host defense block. Students will meet weekly to review current literature related to disease pathogenesis covered in the medical school. Students will be graded (letter grades) on class performance and attendance. Course taken in spring term of year 1.

Term offered: Spring
Year offered: Annually
Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Pathobiology (IMC 1210)
Course Instructor: Michael Laposata

MD/PhD Seminar (MDPH 6101)

The seminar program focuses on research activities in various graduate programs and other topics of interest to MD-PhD students. Grading is determined on a pass (satisfactory)/fail basis, based on participation/attendance. Course taken during the fall and spring semesters for the duration of the program.

Terms offered: Fall; Spring
Year offered: Annually
Prerequisites: Enrolled as a student in the MD-PhD program
Course instructor: Michael Laposata

Current Topics in Neuroscience and Human Behavior (MDPH 6202)

This course is designed to supplement the medical school neuroscience course. Students will meet weekly to review current literature related to neuroscience covered in the medical school. Students will be graded (letter grades) based on class performance and attendance. Course taken in spring term of year 1.

Term offered: Spring
Year offered: Annually
Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Neuroscience and Human Behavior (IMC 1220)
Course Instructor: Michael Laposata

Microbiology & Immunology Course Descriptions

International Internships in Vaccinology (MICR 6070)

The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development (SCVD), in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters, sponsors an annual internship program. The traveling internship program will form the basis for this course. Students participating in this course will undertake an internship at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Each student will be paired up with a mentor at WHO and a UTMB SCVD member to work on a defined project related to public health and vaccines for a period of 3 months (typically from early Spring to Fall of each year, with specific time-frames to be determined for each internship). Each internship project will involve significant contribution to a team tasked with developing a report on vaccines and a specific infectious disease for the WHO. Grading (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) will be based on participation, attendance, completion of assigned task(s), evaluations/feedback received from WHO and UTMB mentor(s), and submission of a final report to the SCVD by the student summarizing their internship experience and outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

All work submitted in this course is to be done entirely by students. This includes all process work, drafts, and final works, whether in group or individual work. The following are violations of academic honesty: using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Scite.ai, Jenni.ai, having other people or entities do any portion of a graded assignment, whether for hire or not.

Prerequisites: Students must have completed all required graduate program coursework and entered candidacy prior to commencing the internship. Written approval from the mentor is also required.
Term offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable

Field Experience in OneHealth and Outbreak Response (MICR 6071)

OneHealth is defined as the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines -working locally, nationally, and globally -to attain optimal health for people, animals, and our environment. Implementing this approach requires braking down professional silos and engaging medical and veterinary professionals, laboratory scientists, the public health community, policymakers, and experts from the biomedical, social. and environmental sciences. This 4 week course will take a OneHealth approach to the problem of emerging infectious diseases, from the veterinary, public health, laboratory, and clinical points of view. Using innovative and highly inter-professional learning approaches and guided by experts in the field, students will travel between Texas A&M University, UT Rio Grande Valley, and UTMB to observe regional differences in the social. economic, cultural, and environmental determinants of population health. Topics that will be addressed include animal/veterinary health, vector dynamics, sample collection and processing, molecular diagnostics, countermeasure development, biocontainment/biosecurity, clinical management of potential infectious threats, communication skills, interprofessional teamwork, and public health system response. Students must complete an application process and undergo selection to participate in this course. Grading (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) will be based on attendance and participation in assigned activities at each field site, completion of assigned task(s), evaluations/feedback from the course mentors, and submission of a final report to the course committee by the student.

Prerequisites: Must have completed all required graduate coursework and have passed the qualifying exam. Written approval from the student’s dissertation mentor is also required.
Term offered: III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable

Research (MICR 6097)

Formal research directed toward Masters Doctor of Philosophy degree programs. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the student's research supervisor and will be assigned as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Prerequisites: Admission to the microbiology and immunology program.
Term offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 3-27

Thesis (MICR 6098)

Dissertation (MICR 6099)

Training in Infectious Disease Outbreak Response (MICR 6140)

This 3-day course in infectious diseases provides the students with the opportunity to test their own knowledge in solving an outbreak scenario, and to learn how institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control approach infectious disease outbreaks. In this three-day course students will be confronted and led through a fictive outbreak simulation. Using innovative and highly inter-professional learning approaches and guided by experts in the field, students will understand the steps required in an outbreak response; solve the etiology of the outbreak agent case by drawing on their previously acquired knowledge and skills in virology, immunology, bacteriology, and epidemiology; and learn how to interact with the public. Topics that will be included are sample collection and processing, diagnostic tool and immuno reagent development, countermeasure development, and public outreach. Grades will be satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U) based on participation. A grade of satisfactory will depend on: a) attendance of the student to all scheduled sessions and discussions; b) a short report during the course; and c) writing one -page reflective paper that will serve as self-evaluation.

Prerequisites: Must have taken MICR 6403 – General Virology, MICR 6315 – Pathogenic Bacteriology, or MICR 6408 – Advanced Immunology.
Term offered: III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 6, Conference 18

Student Research Update Seminar (MICR 6142)

Weekly student research update seminars for Microbiology and Immunology graduate students to present their current work. Students and faculty are invited and give the presenting student an opportunity for helpful critique and suggestions regarding their thesis project. A summary report is provided to the presenter and mentor(s) with feedback received from all attendants.

Prerequisites: Student must have declared Microbiology & Immunology as their graduate program
Term offered: I, II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 1- Seminar
Detailed Course Information (PDF)

Internship in Vaccinology (MICR 6143)

The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development (SCVD), in conjunction with the World Health Organization(WHO) headquarters, sponsors an annual Internship program. The proposed course will be associated with a UTMB-based Internship program that will involve preparation of a report by the student on a specific infectious diseases and vaccines topic, intended for use as a briefing document by a WHO expert committee. The student will work as part of a small group (2-3 students) under the supervision of a SCVD member. The internship will be conducted over a 3 month period, concurrent with the trainee's regular educational and research activities. Grading will be based on participation, attendance, effective performance of assigned tasks, evaluations/feedback received from mentors, and submission of a final report to the SCVD by the intern summarizing their internship experience and outcomes. Prerequisite: Consent to be enrolled required.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Prerequisites: For graduate students, successful applicants must have completed all required BBSC and/or program coursework prior to commencing the internship. Written approval from the mentor is also required.
Term offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 2 - Conference or Discussion

Current Topics in Infectious Diseases and Immunity (MICR 6195)

Seminar course intended to familiarize students with current research in the areas of infectious diseases and immunology. Students attend weekly seminars in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity Colloquium. Students may substitute some seminars in the series with presentations from the monthly Immunology Research in Progress series. Students are required to enroll during the first two years in the program. Each student will be assigned a session per term to lead class by discussing an assigned topic relevant to a journal club article. Students will also participate in small group discussions and prepare essays. Grading will be based on attendance (30%), preparation and discussion leadership (20%), and reflective essays or review essay (50%).

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I, II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 1 - Conference or Discussion

Scientific Writing & Grant Proposal Preparation (MICR 6255)

This course introduces the principles of scientific writing and grant proposal preparation in the new NIH format. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the individual parts of an NIH-style grant application, to help students in acquiring scientific writing skills, and to prepare students for the qualifying exam in the Microbiology & Immunology graduate program. It consists of weekly lectures and small-group sessions during which experienced faculty mentors present didactic instruction on planning, organizing, and writing a hypothesis-driven grant application. Students will also work individually and in small groups on an original grant proposal. Students write a grant proposal with precise deadlines for submission of individual parts. Grading will be based on the assignments (30%), the final grant application (50%), and an oral defense of the proposal (20%).

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 2

Pathogenic Bacteriology (MICR 6315)

The objective of this course is to introduce students to concepts of research on bacterial pathogens. Pathogens infecting man will be studied, with emphasis given to their pathogenic mechanisms, induction of immunity, and physiochemical characteristics. The course will consist of lectures and discussions. Grading based on written examinations.

Prerequisites: BBSC first year curriculum
Term offered: III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 2; Conference or discussion 1

General Virology (MICR 6403)

Principles and concepts of animal virology will be presented, but the majority of the course will be devoted to the study of viruses of medical importance. Emphasis will be placed upon the chemical and physical characteristics of viruses, viral interaction with the immune system, pathogenesis of viral infections, and the mechanisms of replication of viruses. The course consists of lectures and discussion periods. Grades will be based on performance on written examinations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Prerequisites: BBSC First Year Curriculum
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 3; Conference 1
Syllabus

Advanced Immunology (MICR 6408)

An in-depth study of the immune response and related events with emphasis on the mechanism of cellular and humoral immunity. Some of the topics to be covered include antibody structure and function, antigen-antibody reactions, cells involved in the immune response, antibody formation, cellular immunity, mediators, tolerance, and immunogenetics. Material will be presented in lectures and assigned readings of texts, reviews, and research articles. Grading will be based on written examinations and class participation.

Prerequisites: BBSC First Year Curriculum
Conference or discussion 1
Term offered: II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 3
Course Coordinators: Soong/Milligan

Masters of Medical Science Course Descriptions

Research (MMSC 6097)**

This course initiates the formal research training directed toward a Masters of Medical Science degree. During this course, the student will select a supervisory committee, submit full written proposal for approval, orally defend the approved written proposal, and request admission to candidacy. Grading is based on the student's level of performance as satisfactory, needs improvement, or unsatisfactory.

Credits: 3-10
Course grades: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory (S/U)
Term offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually

Thesis (MMSC 6098)

Reproductive Biology Journal Club (MMSC 6105)

This longitudinal course spans across two terms. It will improve the knowledge of research methodology in

reproductive biology and provide the improvement for clinical practice by latest research. This course will develop abilities to critically analyze the research article and improve critical appraisal skills.

By participating the journal clubs through presentations and by completing the readings, the students will be able: To enhance the current state of knowledge regarding the research in the OB-GYN fields. Experience in reviewing and critiquing research articles. Each journal club will lead by different student for discussion by writing a blog that critically evaluates peer-reviewed science articles for subsequent group discussion threads that reinforces those principles of various research approaches and analytical methods.

Journal clubs will also help students to develop their scientific inquiry and written skill sets. A grade of “G” (course in progress) will be assigned at the end of the Fall term, and a single, 1-hour course grade will be assigned at the end of the Spring. Grades will be based on the performance of an examination, written report, and an oral presentation.

Seminar (MMSC 6195)

This course is to expose students to a wide range of current biomedical research topics. All Masters of Medical Science students must register for seminar courses every term offered irrespective of status in program. Students may attend a seminar on campus or specific specialty-specific topics at national meetings to fulfill this requirement.

The course spans across two consecutive terms, Fall and Spring. A grade of "G" (longitudinal} will be assigned at the end of the Fall term. The final course grade will be assigned at the end of the Spring term.

Students are required to attend a total 16 seminars over the two terms with a total of 8 completed for each term and complete an online evaluation for each seminar. Grading will be Satisfactory(S)/Unsatisfactory (U) or, Needs Improvement (N) based on attendance.

Neuroscience Graduate Program Course Descriptions

Information About the Course of Study

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A. Course Requirements

Students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program will take the integrated first-year Basic Biomedical Sciences Curriculum (BBSC). In addition, a series of required and elective courses specific to the NGP are taken in the first and subsequent years. These include the courses Integrative Neuroscience (NEUR 6403), Teaching in Neuroscience (NEUR 6220) and Neuronal Excitability (NEUR 6207). Neuroscience students must take any combination of available electives for a minimum of 6 credit hours. Students are required to take a minimum of 9 credit-hours per term (The second number in each 4-number course identification code represents the credit hours for the course). Course evaluations by students are required for all didactic courses in the program. Grades will not be released for any course until all evaluations are received.
B. Minimal Performance Criteria

Students in the Neuroscience Graduate Program should maintain a grade of B or higher in all required courses of the program. Students who fail to do so will be required to make up the deficiency by a variety of means, including but not limited to, retaking examinations, taking a readings or special topics course, or repeating the course the next time it is offered. The remedial action to be utilized will be determined by the Advisory Committee and Program Director. Rules and requirements regarding probation and dismissal from the graduate school may be found in section 4.57 of the Academic Policies of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
C. Elective Courses

1. Students may choose elective courses to strengthen special areas of interest or weakness, or to provide background for research skills. A minimum of 6 credit hours of elective courses is required in any combination. Students may take additional hours if appropriate.

2. The elective courses available include any of the courses shown on the chart. Courses offered by other graduate programs may be taken in lieu of the electives listed, but approval of the Program Director is required for the substitution.
D. Laboratory Rotations

1. New students will meet with the NGP Program Director and Advisory Committee, who will introduce them to the research activities of our Program.

2. Each student will rotate through at least 2 laboratories of his/her choice during the first (BBSC) year, beginning with the fall term. Registration is for BBSC 6042 Lab Rotations. NGP students then register for lab rotation in the neuroscience program (NEUR 6042) in the lab they chose to join by the end of the BBSC year and continue to register for NEUR 6042 each term until they pass the written qualifying examination and enter into "Research". Credit hours depend on the time commitment of the student and faculty member but may not be for less than 3 credit hours (9 contact hours per week) per term.
E. Seminars

Each student is required to register for Seminar each term for the duration of his/her tenure in the graduate school. All students registered for the NGP seminar course (NEUR 6195) must attend at least 80% of fourteen Program-recommended seminars in each term (approximately one seminar per week). Regular and student seminars count toward satisfying the 14-seminar requirement. "Regular" seminars are those presented by non-students (local or visiting faculty, scientists, etc.). "Student" seminars are those presented by any NGP student and include conventional seminars or progress reports as well as defenses of dissertation proposals and dissertations.

In addition to the seminar attendance requirements, each student must write a brief statement about the seminar, summarizing in the style of NIH reviews (1) Overall impact of the work described in the seminar, and (2) Innovation. Students are graded S/U for the written summary (Form E in our Program Policies). Summaries will be reviewed/graded by the Director of the NGP seminar course (NEUR 6195).

Each student will also present one seminar each year of the neuroscience program, typically in the summer term, including the dissertation proposal, the dissertation defense, and other annual presentations. The Advisory Committee is responsible for running the seminar program for students. Two successful seminar series, the Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Seminars and the Neuroscience & Cell Biology Departmental Seminars are offered, which provide our students with exciting opportunities to interact with external speakers and UTMB faculty and enjoy important presentations by students and postdoctoral fellows as well.

In addition to regular seminars, we are fortunate to be able to offer the James E. Beall II Memorial Lecture, which is co-sponsored by the Neuroscience Graduate Program and the Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology and is given annually by distinguished investigators in the neurosciences.

Laboratory Rotations (NEUR 6042)

The objectives of this required course are to provide students an opportunity to become familiar with the faculty and their research efforts in the Neuroscience Program by participating in the activities of the laboratory (gaining supervised, hands-on experience with techniques and experimental protocols) and by becoming acquainted with the laboratory staff and the goals of the research project. Students will be taught by discussions with the instructor, by reading relevant literature and by active participation in laboratory procedures. The long-term goal of this course is to provide exposure to a variety of experimental approaches and to help in the identification of a supervisory professor and dissertation project. Neuroscience Program students are required to spend at least 3 credit hours in each of three different laboratories (that is, do three different rotations), and must complete the three rotations before the end of their fifth term in the program. Grading is A, B, C, F and based on participation in lab discussions and experiments.

3-8 credits
Term offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory, 9-24 (variable)
Instructors: Staff

Research (NEUR 6097)

Formal research directed toward development of the dissertation research for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the student's research supervisor and will be assigned as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Prerequisites: Admission to a research group by a mentor
1-8 Credits
Term offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Year offered: Annually

Dissertation (NEUR 6099)

Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the dissertation for the Doctor of Philosophy degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).

Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9

Neurobiology of Disease II (NEUR 6182): Implication of Improper Nucleic Acid Processing in Neurological Disease

This course will examine the newly emerging importance of how defects in nucleic acid post-transcriptional processing/splicing, nuclear and cellular transport, RNA toxicity, and RAN mediated translation impact neurodegenerative diseases. The course will meet once per week and will consist of1 hour lecture followed by a 1 hour faculty-led discussion of the recent literature related to the topic. Introductory lectures will orient students in the field with seminal works and finding, while subsequent meetings will be driven by student-generated discussion of assigned papers from the literature that develop or challenge current dogma.

Prerequisite: None
Term offered: Fall
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 1, Discussion 1
Course Directors: Dr. Partha Sarkar, Dr. Rakez Kayed

Seminar (NEUR 6195)

The objectives of this course are to: 1) expose the students to a wide range of current topics in neuroscience, and 2) provide the students with experience in organizing and presenting seminars. Exposure to current topics in neuroscience will be accomplished by requiring students, who have not advanced to candidacy, to attend 14 seminars presented by GSBS students, and by local and visiting scientists. Experience in organizing and presenting seminars will be obtained by requiring students in candidacy to organize and present a seminar each year. The students will present literature and experimental data related to their research experiences. Their performance will be evaluated by their Supervisory Committee members. Student attendance is mandatory for Neuroscience program seminars and for the annual student symposium. Active participation by asking questions is encouraged.

1 credit
Term offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Required every term student is enrolled
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Seminar, 2
Course Director: Ping Wu, MD, PhD

Project Proposal Preparation (NEUR 6208)

The goal of this course is to provide students with skills to develop a dissertation proposal and tools to understand how to prepare a research training proposal and respond to reviewer critiques. Course objectives are for students to acquire knowledge about defining a proposed topic for the dissertation and training grants; to become familiar with assessment of current research literature to support the proposal premise; to learn the components of a successful proposal; to acquire practice in preparing a research proposal; to learn how to critique a proposal; and to respond to reviewer critiques. The course will be taught through didactic presentations by faculty and hands-on activities in which students will prepare a proposal throughout the length of the course. Faculty presentations topics include attributes of a successful scientific proposal including an F proposal with a training plan, how to present proposal ideas in a group setting, the NIH study section approach, how to critique a proposal and how to respond to a critique with examples given. Faculty will also facilitate interactive discussions related to the above. The student will be expected to prepare a written proposal and an oral presentation of their proposed project. Sample NIH grants and reviews will be provided to facilitate learning. Grades will be based on class participation, presentations, and written and oral research proposal.

2 credits
Prerequisites: Admission to a research group by a mentor
Term offered: Fall
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 1; Discussion 2
Course Directors: Dr. Gracie Vargas, Dr. Andres Oberhauser

Synapses: Development & Degeneration (NEUR 6221)

Synapses are fundamental units of communication in a nervous system that is composed of roughly a billion neurons. Almost all of the neurodegenerative disorders disrupt synapses and since they play such a central role in neuronal communication, this leads to a dramatic decrease in cognitive abilities of patients suffering with these debilitating disorders. The course will start with a brief introduction to synapse development and maintenance, leading into the molecular mechanisms of synapse degeneration in neurodegenerative disorders. The course aims to provide students with the essentials required to understand, and ask questions about molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.

2 credits
Prerequisite: None
Term offered: Fall
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lectures, 2
Course Directors: Dr. Rakez Kayed, Dr. Agenor Limon

Teaching Gross Anatomy (NEUR 6301)

This course provides additional training in gross anatomy for students anticipating future teaching responsibilities in this discipline. Enrollment is only open to those students who have had significant previous training in human gross anatomy, including extensive dissection experience. This course requires performance as a teaching assistant in gross anatomy lab on a daily basis and may include gross anatomical prosections and formal presentations of the dissected regions to students from the John Sealy School of Medicine, and/or the School of Health Professions. A project, discussed and approved by the course director, in anatomic-clinical correlation is required. Grading will be determined by the Course Director based on observations of performance in the laboratory, knowledge of and skill in demonstrating anatomical structure and post-course student survey. Students will receive periodic feedback during the course regarding their performance..

3 credits
Prerequisites: Enrollment requires prior consultation with and approval of the Course Director
Term offered: Fall
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 1, Lab 5
Course Director: Dr. Bi-Hung Peng

Pharmacology & Toxicology Course Descriptions

Lab Rotation (PHTO 6022)

The objectives of this course are to acquaint students with the research activities of individual faculty members and to assist students in choosing their areas of specialization. The faculty member and student will design a research project and work out a time schedule committing the student to three to 24 hours per week in the laboratory. The student will prepare an abstract describing the objectives and methodology of the study and then conduct the study under the faculty member's supervision. A final report stating the methods, results, interpretation, problems encountered, and suggestions for future research will be required. In addition to carrying out the research proposal the student will be expected to gain a knowledge of the current literature relevant to the project. Grading will be based on the student's laboratory performance, final written report, and an oral presentation of the project. Grading will be A, B, C, F. Normally, a student entering the program without an advanced degree will be required to complete 12 hours of credit with a grade of B or better prior to gaining admission to candidacy. Individual requirements may vary depending on the research experience of the student.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 3 24

Capstone (PHTO 6094)

Description: This course is for students pursuing a Master’s degree and who are not doing a thesis or dissertation but instead are carrying out a project or capstone. The project/capstone consists of any of the following activities: i) Writing a review paper on a topic that the student will select together with a mentor and/or a committee; ii) Writing a short research paper on a topic that the student will select together with a mentor and/or a committee; iii) Hands-on activity that would result in generating/optimizing a protocol or establishing an assay; iv) Computational exercise around a well-defined scientific project that includes bioinformatics or data analysis; v) Internship in industry with written report. Grades are based on a satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I,II,III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 3-6
Instructor: Laezza

Research (PHTO 6097)

Research on thesis or dissertation project under the direction of supervising professor. The research is graded as satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U).

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Laboratory 3 27

Thesis (PHTO 6098)

Formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the thesis for the Master of Science degree under the direction of the student's supervisory committee. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually

Dissertation (PHTO 6099)

Neuroaddicts Journal Club (PHTO 6121)

The Neuroaddicts Journal Club provides a more cohesive venue for trainees and exposes mentees to a wider range of neuroscience and addictions topics. The goals are for mentees to learn critical thinking of the published literature, the requirements and construction of high quality manuscripts, and presentation skills. Within this environment, mentees have a prime opportunity to refine the ability to converse in both scientific and collegial domains, and become comfortable with asking questions and thinking critical/constructively.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I, II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 1
Instructor: Dr. Noelle Anastasio

Advances in Mental Health Research (PHTO 6123)

This course will provide a solid understanding of current mental health research and promote understanding of factors advancing future groundbreaking mental health research. The course will have flexible format, including sessions where students discuss relevant papers, present their own data, discuss a wide range of career-development issues, learn about pharmacotherapeutic development, learn advanced grant-writing principles, discuss relevant ethical issues, and learn advanced research techniques. Attendance 50%, participation in classroom discussion 50%. A satisfactory grade requires a score of 80%.

Prerequisites: None
Term Offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours Per Week: 2
Instructor: Dr. Thomas Green and Dr. Fernanda Laezza

Bioinformatics Tools and Applications (PHTO 6125)

The goal of the class is to introduce the students to the various bioinformatics tools available for the analysis DNA and RNA sequencing data. Students will be provided with an overview of the most common bioinformatics tasks they will face in the research. During the class, students will have hands on experience performing analysis of the data generated by the variety of scientific instruments and bioinformatics tools addressing real-life clinical and scientific applications. The class will be divided into three sections: pathogen detection, gene expression, and microbiome analysis. Students will be taught how to use public bioinformatics resources such as GeneBank, SRA, PATRIC, SILVa, and I2B2.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours Per Week: 1
Instructor: Dr. George Golovko

Environmental Toxicology Research Review (PHTO 6126)

This course begins in the Fall term and extends to the Spring term. It is an open discussion and presentation course, and will include monthly presentation of current literature papers, selected by the students, in consultation and development with the Course Director, prior to each presentation. This will include: 1) the process of paper selection, 2) the review of potential auxiliary papers, and 3) distribution of the papers to the class participants. Using guidelines developed by the Course Director, students will each present 1-2 papers from the current toxicology-relevant literature, in a semi-formal presentation venue, with an open discussion format. In this discussion time, presenting students will be responsible for the development and delivery of presentation on their selected research paper(s). Areas required to be covered within the presentation are: 1) hypothesis, 2) methods and approach, 3) statistical analyses, 4) main finding(s), 5) appropriateness of overall conclusions, 6) strengths and weaknesses of study, and 6) whether they would accept the paper for publication as is, or with modification(s), and what those modifications, if necessary, would be. Open discussion will include questioning the presenter about various important aspects of the study being presented, including the hypothesis, experimental design, statistics, and results. Students register for the course in both terms. A grade of “G” (longitudinal) will be assigned at the end of the Fall term and a single, 1-hour course grade will be assigned at the end of the Spring term. Grading will be based on paper presentation, participation in classroom discussion, and attendance

Prerequisites: Permission of course director
Terms offered: I, II Longitudinal
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 2
Instructor: Ameredes

Pharmacology & Toxicology STD Journal Club (PHTO 6190)

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for students to practice formal presentation skills and discuss science. Students will select research articles from pharmacological journals for presentation to students and student groups. Each student will present and discuss at least one paper per semester depending on the number of students enrolled in the course. Grades will be based on attendance and quality of presentation. Pharmacology students are required to be enrolled in this course every term offered, except for the last term.

Prerequisites: None
Term Offered: I, II
Year Offered: Annually
Hours Per Week: Conference or Discussion 1
Instructor: Dr. Miriam Falzon

Seminar in Pharmacology & Toxicology (PHTO 6195)

Presentations by guest lecturers, staff, and students on the progress of their own research, as well as review of recent advances in pharmacology and toxicology. The course begins in the Fall term and extends over all 3 terms of the academic year. Students must register for it each term. A grade of “G” (in progress) will be assigned at the end of the Fall and Spring terms, and a single, 1-hour course grade will be assigned at the end of the Summer term. Students are to attend 15 PHTO seminars total, the Summer PHTO Graduate Symposium, and PHTO PhD preliminary exam presentations. Enrollment in this course is required every term except graduating term. Grading is Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U).

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I, II, III Longitudinal
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Seminar 1
Instructor: Dr. Kangling Zhang

ECT Pharmacology (PHTO 6213)

Survey of Pharmacology course covering drugs that affect the endocrine system, drugs used in cancer chemotherapy, anti-parasitic drugs, drugs to treat gastrointestinal (GI) system, anti-dhistomines, anti-inflammatory drugs and an introduction to toxicology and specific toxic agents.

Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: II
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 4

Introductory to Toxicology Risk Assessment (PHTO 6224)

The objective of this course is to provide a basic foundation on the toxicological risk assessment process. The course format is lecture-based with supplement from online materials and experiences, as well as practical application aligned with book chapter commentary, and case studies. Students will be provided a risk assessment simulation exercise to experience and understand the risk assessment process. Within this course, students learn about: 1) the building blocks of risk assessment, 2) the risk assessment process, 3) how risk assessment is applied and used in decision making scenarios, 4) current and emerging issues in risk assessment, and 5) the skills and professional resources available to those interested in risk assessment. After completing the course, the student will be able to: 1) define and explain toxicological risk assessment, 2) comprehend the application of risk assessment, 3) demonstrate effective use of risk assessment technique, 4) demonstrate competent science and math skills associated with risk assessment, 5) employ ethical principles in the application of risk assessment, 6) demonstrate the ability to work effectively in teams and in discussion-based format. Course performance grading will be standard letter grades, based on exams, individual projects, class participation/discussion, and attendance.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I
Year Offered: Biennially – Odd Years
Hours per week: 2
Instructor: Dr. Sol Bobst

Introduction to Computational Toxicology (PHTO 6225)

The objective of this course is to provide a basic foundation in computational toxicology methods, applications, and practical skills. The course format is a hybrid of online lectures and webinars supplemented with online materials as well as practical application aligned with project examples. Students will be provided an opportunity to I) learn the background and application of QSAR methods for in silico prediction of toxic endpoints, as well as application for industrial and pharmaceutical product development 2) learn the background of modeling pharmacologicall pharmacodynamic principles as well as systems biology modeling for predictive value, and demonstrate some competency in modeling via an exercise, and 3) learn the background and application of publicly available toxicology databases, and how the data can be used for experimental and regulatory purposes, as well as a practical exercise using a database for a project and focused outcome

Online discussions will be asynchronous with clear start times and deadlines for students to post to the discussion forum. Students are expected, at the minimum, to provide at least one initial post and one reply post for each weekly topic. Depending on the course size, students may be asked to lead discussions for the week. The course instructor will set the course discussion question for the week and provide the journal club citation and pdf if necessary, though students will be encouraged to use their library research skills when papers are available that way. At the end of the discussion week, students will be graded on their level of participation. The expectations for online discussions will be explained, along with a grading rubric for the assignment of grades that is based on the quality and content of the online discussion postings. Lecture notes will also be available within Pilot on a weekly basis, so that students have the course material available to them during the week, and if they bring laptops to the course, they can use interactive tools on risk assessment during lectures or discussions to meet the applied learning objectives

Prerequisites: Instructor or Director Approval
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: Lecture 2 Discussion 1
Instructor: Dr. Sol Bobst

Autonomic, Cardiovascular and Central Nervous System Pharmacology (PHTO 6312)

This fifteen-week course serves as an introduction to the cellular, biochemical, and molecular effects of pharmacological agents acting on the autonomic and central nervous systems as well as the cardiovascular and renal systems. Prior to detailed presentations of the various classes of agents used to treat disorders of the aforementioned systems, the pertinent physiology of each system will be reviewed. The therapeutic use, mechanism of action, adverse effects, and absorption, distribution, and metabolism will be emphasized for each pharmacological agent presented in class. This course will be graded on the basis of four in-class examinations.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week: 4.5
Instructor: Dr. John Allen

Principles of Environmental Toxicology (PHTO 6319)

This course will be a graduate-level presentation of fundamental principles of environmental toxicology, including basic concepts like ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion), mechanisms of toxicity and injury, inflammation and ROS, overviews of discipline-specific toxicology (e.g., genetic toxicology, immunotoxicology, and toxicant-associated carcinogenesis), as well as organ-system-based toxicology covering major organ systems of the body (e.g., neurotoxicology, hepatotoxicology, renal toxicology, cardiovascular toxicology, and respiratory toxicology), and including developmental toxicology. Grades will be calculated based on upon 2 mid-term and final in-class exams, and class attendance.

Prerequisites: None
Term offered: I
Year Offered: Biennially – Even Years
Hours per week: 3
Instructor: Dr. Bill Ameredes