* MCDB 0300a, Cancer  Alexia Belperron

The main purpose of this course is the development of an understanding of the biology of cancer, with emphasis on understanding the core biological principles and how an understanding of these principles is essential to understanding how cancer develops, how it can be treated, and how we can try to prevent its development. Topics include genetics, biochemistry, immunity, infection agents, and challenges for prevention and treatment. Intended for non–science majors and preference is given to first years and sophomores. Prerequisite: High school biology is required.  SC
MW 1:05pm-2:20pm

* MCDB 0500a, Immunity and Microbes  Paula Kavathas and Ellen Foxman

In this interdisciplinary course students learn about immunology, microbiology, and pandemics. Fundamentals of the immune system are presented, including how the system recognizes and responds to specific microbes. Microbes that cause illness such as influenza, coronaviruses, HIV, and HPV are discussed as well as how we live in harmony with microbes that compose our microbiome. Readings include novels and historical works on pandemics, polio, AIDS, and smallpox. Enrollment limited to first-year students.   SC
TTh 2:35pm-3:50pm

* MCDB 0600b / EEB 0106b / HLTH 0155b, Biology of Malaria, Lyme, and Other Vector-Borne Diseases  Alexia Belperron

Introduction to the biology of pathogen transmission from one organism to another by insects; special focus on malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease. Biology of the pathogens including modes of transmission, establishment of infection, and immune responses; the challenges associated with vector control, prevention, development of vaccines, and treatments. Intended for non–science majors; first-year seminar. Prerequisite: high school biology.  SC
MW 1:05pm-2:20pm

MCDB 1050a or b / MB&B 1050a or b, Biology, the World, and Us  Staff

This course is for non-science majors who wish to gain an understanding of modern biology by examining the scientific basis of current issues. We’ll consider issues related to:  i) pandemics and global infectious disease;  ii) the climate crisis;  iii) the future of genetics and the new green revolution. Many of the topics have an increasingly large impact on our daily lives.  The issues are both social and biological, and it’s crucial that social debate be based on a clear understanding of the underlying science.  The instructors will explain the scientific foundation beneath each issue.  We’ll emphasize the nature of science as a process of inquiry rather than a fixed body of terminology and facts.  The course is not intended to be a comprehensive survey of biology.   SC  0 Course cr
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MCDB 2020a, Genetics  Staff

An introduction to classical, molecular, and population genetics of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and their central importance in biological sciences. Emphasis on analytical approaches and techniques of genetics used to investigate mechanisms of heredity and variation. Topics include transmission genetics, cytogenetics, DNA structure and function, recombination, gene mutation, selection, and recombinant DNA technology. Prerequisite: BIOL 103 or equivalent performance on the corresponding biological sciences placement examination.  SC  0 Course cr
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* MCDB 2030La, Laboratory for Genetics  Staff

Introduction to laboratory techniques used in genetic analysis. Genetic model organisms—bacteria, yeast, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis—are used to provide practical experience with various classical and molecular genetic techniques including cytogenetics; complementation, epistasis, and genetic suppressors; mutagenesis and mutant analysis, recombination and gene mapping, isolation and manipulation of DNA, and transformation of model organisms. Concurrently with or after MCDB 202.  SC  0 Course cr
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MCDB 2050b, Cell Biology  Staff

A comprehensive introductory course in cell biology. Emphasis on the general principles that explain the molecular mechanisms of cellular function. Prerequisites: BIOL 101 and 102, or equivalent performance on the corresponding biological sciences placement examinations, or a score of 5 on the Advanced Placement test in Biology, or a score of 710 or above on the SAT Biology M test, or MCDB 200.  SC  0 Course cr
TTh 9am-10:15am

MCDB 2100b, Developmental Biology  Scott Holley, Jacob Musser, Josien van Wolfswinkel, and Douglas Kankel

A survey of the molecular and genetic control of embryonic development, cell-cell communication, and cell differentiation. Emphasis on mechanistic investigation in model organisms that reveal fundamental concepts explaining human birth defects and disease. Topics include gastrulation; neural and mesoderm induction; limb development; heart and vascular development; craniofacial development; adult and embryonic stem cells; regeneration; evolution and development. Introductory biology (BIOL 101, 102, 103) is recommended but not required. Students who have not taken the BIOL series should nonetheless have a good understanding of Mendelian genetics to be prepared for this course.  SC
TTh 2:35pm-3:50pm

MCDB 2210La, Laboratory for Foundations of Biology  Staff

This lab complements the BIOL 101-103 series. An introduction to research and common methodologies in the biological sciences, with emphasis on the utility of model organisms. Techniques and methods commonly used in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and molecular and developmental biology; experimental design; data analysis and display; scientific writing. With permission of instructor or concurrently with or after BIOL 101, 102 or 103.  WR, SC  0 Course cr
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MCDB 2310La, RNAseq Analysis/Intro to Bioinformatics  Josien van Wolfswinkel and Jacob Musser

This course is about learning to analyze High-throughput sequencing data. This requires insight in what the data represents, as well as the ability to perform basic computational analysis. We approach this by using various scripting languages, to organize and modify the data for further analysis, and use the High Performance Computing Cluster and R to obtain new insights. No prior experience with coding is required, but access to a laptop and an internet connection is essential. Prerequisites: BIOL 101-104, and one 200 level course, or instructor permission.  SC
W 2pm-5pm

* MCDB 2910Lb, Laboratory for Microbiology  Staff

Practical approaches used when working with microbes, primarily bacteria. Topics include microscopy, culture techniques, biochemical/metabolic assays, and basic environmental and medical microbiology. Concurrently with or after MCDB 290. Electronic permission key required; students should contact the instructor prior to the first class meeting.  SC  0 Course cr
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* MCDB 3000a / MB&B 2000a, Biochemistry  Sigrid Nachtergaele, Gregory Craven, and Ronald Breaker

An introduction to the biochemistry of animals, plants, and microorganisms, emphasizing the relations of chemical principles and structure to the evolution and regulation of living systems. Introductory biology coursework (BIOL 101, BIOL 102, BIOL 103) or equivalent performance on the corresponding biological sciences placement examination; one term of organic chemistry (CHEM 174 or CHEM 220); or with permission of instructor. Note for MB&B majors: this course does not substitute for MB&B 300 and MB&B 301.  SC  0 Course cr
MWF 9:25am-10:15am

MCDB 3200a / NSCI 3200a, Neurobiology  Haig Keshishian and Harry McNamara

The excitability of the nerve cell membrane as a starting point for the study of molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms underlying the generation and control of behavior. At least 1 semester of college chemistry is strongly recommended.  SC  0 Course cr
MWF 11:35am-12:25pm

MCDB 3210La / NSCI 3210La, Laboratory for Neurobiology  Haig Keshishian

Introduction to the neurosciences. Projects include the study of neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, CNS function, synaptic physiology, and neuroanatomy. Concurrently with or after MCDB 320.  SC  ½ Course cr
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MCDB 3290a / NSCI 3290a, Sensory Neuroscience Through Illusions  Damon Clark and Michael O'Donnell

Animals use sensory systems to obtain and process information about the environment around them. Sensory illusions occur when our sensory systems provide us with surprising or unexpected percepts of the world. The goal of this course is to introduce students to sensory neuroscience at the levels of sensor physiology and of the neural circuits that process information from sensors. The course is centered around sensory illusions, which are special cases of sensory processing that can be especially illustrative, as well as delightful. These special cases are used to learn about the general principles that organize sensation across modalities and species. Prerequisites: BIOL 101-104; NSCI 160 or NSCI 320 or permission of instructor.  SC
MW 1:05pm-2:20pm

MCDB 3310a / BENG 3230a / MB&B 3300a and MB&B 3310a / MB&B 3310a / NSCI 3245a, Modeling Biological Systems I  Thierry Emonet and Kathryn Miller-Jensen

Biological systems make sophisticated decisions at many levels. This course explores the molecular and computational underpinnings of how these decisions are made, with a focus on modeling static and dynamic processes in example biological systems. This course is aimed at biology students and teaches the analytic and computational methods needed to model genetic networks and protein signaling pathways. Students present and discuss original papers in class. They learn to model using MatLab in a series of in-class hackathons that illustrate the biological examples discussed in the lectures. Biological systems and processes that are modeled include: (i) gene expression, including the kinetics of RNA and protein synthesis and degradation; (ii) activators and repressors; (iii) the lysogeny/lysis switch of lambda phage; (iv) network motifs and how they shape response dynamics; (v) cell signaling, MAP kinase networks and cell fate decisions; and (vi) noise in gene expression. Prerequisites: MATH 115 or 116. BIOL 101-104,  or with permission of instructors. This course also benefits students who have taken more advanced biology courses (e.g. MCDB 200, MCDB 310, MB&B 300/301).  QR, SC  0 Course cr
TTh 2:35pm-3:50pm

* MCDB 3420La, Laboratory in Nucleic Acids I  Freya Wencker

A project revolving around molecular biology and microbiology, using techniques such as molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, and RNA-protein interaction reporter assays. Project will focus on regulatory RNAs in bacteria and will be based on research from a laboratory within the MCDB department. Laboratory meets once a week. Concurrently with or after MCDB 2000, 2020, 2050, or 3000. Enrollment limited. Special registration procedures apply; students should contact the instructor before intending to register for the course.  SC  0 Course cr
TTh 1:30pm-5:30pm

* MCDB 3430La, Laboratory in Nucleic Acids II  Freya Wencker

Continuation of MCDB 3420L to more advanced projects in molecular biology and microbiology, using techniques such as molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, and RNA-protein interaction reporter assays. Project will be based on research from a laboratory within the MCDB department. Laboratory meets twice a week for the second half of the term. Enrollment limited. Special registration procedures apply; students should contact the instructor before intending to register for the course. Prerequisite; MCDB 3420L or permission of instructor.  SC  0 Course cr
TTh 1:30pm-5:30pm

* MCDB 3500a, Epigenetics  Josien van Wolfswinkel, Yannick Jacob, and Nadya Dimitrova

Study of epigenetic states and the various mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including histone modification, DNA methylation, nuclear organization, and regulation by non-coding RNAs. Detailed critique of papers from primary literature and discussion of novel technologies, with specific attention to the impact of epigenetics on human health. Introductory courses (BIOL 101-104) and two MCDB 200-level courses (strongly recommended: MCDB 202 and MCDB 200 or MCDB 210) or instructor permission.  SC  0 Course cr
WF 11:35am-12:50pm

* MCDB 3520b / MB&B 3520b / S&DS 3520b, Biomedical Data Science, Mining and Modeling  Staff

Techniques in data mining and simulation applied to bioinformatics, the computational analysis of gene sequences, macromolecular structures, and functional genomics data on a large scale. Sequence alignment, comparative genomics and phylogenetics, biological databases, geometric analysis of protein structure, molecular-dynamics simulation, biological networks, microarray normalization, and machine-learning approaches to data integration. Prerequisites: MB&B 301 and MATH 115, or permission of instructor.  SC  0 Course cr
MW 1:05pm-2:20pm

* MCDB 3550a, The Cytoskeleton, Associated Proteins, and Disease  Surjit Chandhoke

In-depth discussion of the cytoskeleton, proteins associated with the cytoskeleton, and diseases that implicate members of these protein families. Preference given to seniors in the MCDB major. Prerequisites: BIOL 101-104 and at least one MCDB 200-level course. ​  SC
W 9:25am-11:20am

MCDB 3620b / BENG 4261b / MB&B 3620b / NSCI 3250b, Modeling Biological Systems II  Thierry Emonet and Harry McNamara

Advanced topics related to dynamical processes in biological systems. Processes by which cells compute, count, tell time, oscillate, and generate spatial patterns. Time-dependent dynamics in regulatory, signal-transduction, and neuronal networks; fluctuations, growth, and form. Comparisons between models and experimental data. Dynamical models applied to neurons, neural systems, and cellular biophysical processes. Use of MATLAB to create models. Prerequisite: MCDB 3310 (formerly MCDB 330) or equivalent, or a 2000-level biology course, or with permission of instructor.  QR
TTh 2:35pm-3:50pm

* MCDB 3640a / MB&B 3640a, Light Microscopy: Techniques and Image Analysis  Joseph Wolenski and Jonathon Howard

A rigorous study of principles and pertinent modalities involved in modern light microscopy. The overall course learning objective is to develop competencies involving advanced light microscopy applications common to multidisciplinary research. Laboratory modules coupled with critical analysis of pertinent research papers cover all major light microscope methods—from the basics (principles of optics, image contrast, detector types, fluorescence, 1P and 2P excitation, widefield, confocal principle, TIRF), to more recent advances, including: superresolution, lightsheet, FLIM/FRET, motion analysis and force measurements. This course is capped at 8 students to promote interactions and ensure a favorable hands-on experience. Priority for enrollment is given to students who are planning on using these techniques in their independent research. Prerequisites: MCDB 205, PHYS 170/171 or above, either CHEM 161/165 or above; with CHEM 134L, 136L or permission from the instructor.  SC
MW 1:30pm-4:30pm

* MCDB 3800a, Advances in Plant Molecular Biology  Yannick Jacob, Josh Gendron, Vivian Irish, and Alex Canto-Pastor

The study of basic processes in plant growth and development to provide a foundation for addressing critical agricultural needs in response to a changing climate. Topics include the latest breakthroughs in plant sciences with emphasis on molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; biotic and abiotic plant interactions; development, genomics, proteomics, epigenetics and chemical biology in the context of plant biology; and the current societal debates about agrobiotechnology.  Prerequisites: BIOL 101-104 and two MCDB 200-level courses, or permission of instructor.  SC
F 9:25am-11:20am

* MCDB 4250a / MB&B 4250a, Basic Concepts of Genetic Analysis  Jun Lu

The universal principles of genetic analysis in eukaryotes. Reading and analysis of primary papers that illustrate the best of genetic analysis in the study of various biological issues. Focus on the concepts and logic underlying modern genetic analysis. Prerequisite: MCDB 202 or pre-approval of instructor.  SC
TTh 11:35am-12:50pm

* MCDB 4300a, Biology of the Immune System  Staff

The development of the immune system. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune recognition. Effector responses against pathogens. Immunologic memory and vaccines. Human diseases including allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and HIV/AIDS. After MCDB 300.  SC  0 Course cr
MWF 9:25am-10:15am

* MCDB 4350b, Landmark Papers in Cell Biology  Mark Mooseker

This seminar involves discussion and critical evaluation of selected research papers (1-2/week) that were important in determining the directions of modern cell biological research. Emphasis is on the nature of the problem, evaluation of the experimental approaches and results, and the authors' interpretation of the results. The format is round table discussion of the paper, method by method, figure by figure. All are expected to be actively engaged in these discussions which require a thorough reading of the papers as well as further background reading particularly with respect to key methods used in the paper (e.g. how is EM autoradiography performed).   Prerequisites: Foundations in Biology 101-104, although MCDB 205 (Cell Biology) would be highly beneficial. For background purposes, several copies of various cell biology texts will be placed on closed reserve at Bass. Permission of instructor required.  Enrollment preference is given to seniors.   SC
F 1:30pm-3:25pm

* MCDB 4700a, Tutorial in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology  Stephen Dellaporta

Individual or small-group study for qualified students who wish to investigate a broad area of experimental biology not presently covered by regular courses. A student must be sponsored by a Yale faculty member, who sets the requirements. The course must include one or more written examinations and/or a term paper. Intended to be a supplementary course and, therefore, to have weekly or biweekly discussion meetings between the student and the sponsoring faculty member. To register, the student must prepare a form available in Canvas as well as on the MCDB Undergraduate Forms site, and a written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the faculty research adviser. The form and proposal must be uploaded to Canvas by the end of add/drop period. The final paper is due in the hands of the sponsoring faculty member, with a copy to the course instructor, by the last day of classes. In special cases, with approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, this course may be elected for more than one term, but only one term may count as an elective toward the major. Fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree in MCDB if taken in the senior year.
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* MCDB 4710a, Senior Seminar in Biology  Staff

This course instructs students in developing effective writing and speaking skills required for preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentations, and communicating in the scientific world. Students will be required to prepare and present oral presentations and to submit a literature review and written grant proposal by the end of the semester.  SC  0 Course cr
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* MCDB 4740a, Independent Research  Joseph Wolenski

Research project under faculty supervision taken Pass/Fail. This is the only independent research course available to underclassmen. Students are expected to spend approximately ten hours per week in the laboratory. To register, the student must submit a form, which is available from the course site on Canvas@Yale, and a written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the faculty research adviser. The form and proposal must be uploaded to Canvas@Yale by the end of the second week of classes. A final research report is required at the end of the term. Students who take this course more than once must reapply each term. Guidelines for the course should be obtained from the office of the director of undergraduate studies or downloaded from the Canvas@Yale server.
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* MCDB 4750a, Senior Independent Research  Joseph Wolenski

Research project under faculty supervision, ordinarily taken to fulfill the senior requirement. This course is only available to MCDB seniors and they are awarded a letter grade. Students are expected to spend approximately ten hours per week in the laboratory. To register, the student must prepare a form, which is available from the course site on Canvas@Yale, and a written plan of study with bibliography, approved by the faculty research adviser. The form and proposal must be uploaded to Canvas@Yale by the end of the second week of classes. The final research paper is due in the hands of the sponsoring faculty member, with a copy uploaded to Canvas@Yale, by the last day of classes. Students who take this course more than once must reapply each term; students planning to conduct two terms of research should consider enrolling in MCDB 485, 486. Students should line up a research laboratory during the term preceding the research. Fulfills the senior requirement for the B.A. degree if taken in the senior year. Two consecutive terms of this course fulfill the senior requirement for the B.S. degree if at least one term is taken in the senior year.
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* MCDB 4850a, Senior Research  Joseph Wolenski

Individual two-term laboratory research projects under the supervision of a faculty member. For MCDB seniors only. Students are expected to spend ten to twelve hours per week in the laboratory, and to make presentations to students and advisers. Written assignments include a short research proposal summary due at the beginning of the first term, a grant proposal due at the end of the first term, and a research report summarizing experimental results due at the end of the second term. Students are also required to present their research in either the fall or the spring term. A poster session is held at the end of the spring term. Students should line up a research laboratory during the term preceding the research. Guidelines for the course may be obtained on the course site on Canvas@Yale. Written proposals are due by the end of the second week of classes. Fulfills the senior requirement for the B.S. degree if taken in the senior year.
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* MCDB 4950a, Senior Research Intensive  Joseph Wolenski

Individual two-term directed research projects in the field of biology under the supervision of a faculty member. For MCDB seniors only. Before registering, the student must be accepted by a Yale faculty member with a research program in experimental biology and obtain the approval of the instructor in charge of the course. Students spend approximately twenty hours per week in the laboratory, and make written and oral presentations of their research to students and advisers. Written assignments include a short research proposal summary due at the beginning of the first term, a grant proposal due at the end of the first term, and a research report summarizing experimental results due at the end of the second term. Students must attend a minimum of three research seminar sessions (including their own) per term. Students are also required to present their research during both the fall and spring terms. A poster session is held at the end of the spring term. Guidelines for the course may be obtained from the course site on Canvas@Yale. Written proposals are due by the end of the second week of classes. Fulfills the senior requirement for the B.S. degree with an intensive major.  2 Course cr
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