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2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Biology |
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BIOL 514 Developmental Biology
This course studies plant function with emphasis on nutrition, translocation, metabolism, signal transduction and gene expression, photosynthesis and respiration, hormonal controls during vegetative and reproductive growth, and responses to environmental signals and stresses.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 518 Neurobiology Lecture
This course examines the nervous system, beginning at the membrane and cellular level and then moving on to the organization of sensory and motor systems. Special topics include the biological basis of various neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 519 Endocrinology Lecture
This course studies hormone physiology and biochemistry in the context of organismal regulation and coordination. Topics include hormone chemistry, control and regulation of hormone production, and the cellular and biochemical nature of hormone action. Emphasis is placed on mammalian systems and on laboratory and clinical investigations of the endocrine system.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 523 Plant Physiology (Lecture only)
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Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 527 Melecular Biology
Intercampus exchange course
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 529 Plant Life Lecture
This course is an advanced survey of plant diversity, the major groups, their organization and reproduction, the elements of taxonomy and economic botany of vascular plants, and the major issues of conservation biology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 533 Marine Invertebrates Lecture
This course provides and essential background for those planning to concentrate in organismic biology, evolution, ecology, or applied environmental science. The course covers life histories, ecological roles, adaptations, morphologies, evolution, and classification of marine invertebrate animals.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 534 Microbiology
This course focuses on the study of viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa, to include their characterization, classification, and relationship to humans and the environment. Lecture topics include microbial biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, pathogenic bacteriology, food and industrial microbiology, and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes aseptic techniques to isolate, culture, observe, and identify bacteria.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
4 Credit(s)
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BIOL 538 Insect Life
This course considers physiological and other adaptations that account for the survival and success of insect life. The laboratory deals primarily with the diversity of insects. Brief consideration is also given to the relationship of insects to humans.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
4 Credit(s)
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BIOL 539 Comparative Animal Physiology
This course considers physiological principles and problems in a phylogenetic perspective. An integrated view of physiological solutions from the cellular to organismal level is used to discuss adaptations to environments and constraints on life history. Major topics to be considered include temperature responses, biological clocks, allometry, respiration, circulation, energetics, locomotion, and salt and water balance.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 540 Marine Mammal Biology
This upper-level course covers the biologic ecology of marine mammals (Pinnipeds, Cetaceans, Sirenians) with emphasis on applied populations population ecology and conservation issues. Topics include adaptations to marine environments, effects of human exploitation, case studies of population recovery, and multispecies interactions. Many topics make use of mathematical equations.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 542 Ecology Lecture
This course studies population and community ecology. Topics include theory and case studies of population dynamics, competition, predation, niche concepts, life history strategies, behavioral interactions, energetics and productivity, community structure and organization, and biogeography.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 545L Biology in Society: Critical Thinking
Current and historical cases are used to examine the political, ethical, and other social dimensions of the life sciences. Close examination of developments in the life sciences can lead to questions about the social influences shaping scientists’ work or its application. This, in turn, can lead to new questions and alternative approaches for educators, biologists, health professionals, and concerned citizens. The specific thematic emphasis each semester is publicized by the Program. BIOL 545L and CRCRTH 645L are the same course.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 552 Evolution (Lecture only)
This course focuses on evolution as the unifying concept of biology. Topics include population genetics, adaptive strategies, sex and breeding systems, speciation and population differentiation, fossil histories, and the evolution of man.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 559 Caribbean Tropical Ecology, and Conservation Biology
This field-based course, conducted in Puerto Rico, will introduce students to the basics of tropical ecology, evolution, and conservation biology through a mixture of lectures, field excursions, and independent projects.
4 Credit(s)
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BIOL 560 Bioinformatics
This course provides a fundamental overview of bioinformatics, which is the collection, organization, and analysis of biological information. Topics include data searches and sequence alignments, substitution patterns, phylogenetics, genomics, protein, and RNA structure prediction, and proteomics.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 572 Molecular Biology (Lecture only)
This course studies the molecular biology and biochemistry of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics include DNA structure/physical biochemistry, recombinant DNA technology, techniques in research, DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, protein synthesis, operons, chromatin structure and gene regulation, oncogenes, hormones and growth factors and signal transductions, transposons, mutagenesis and repair, flowering, photosynthesis, development, circadian rhythms.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 580 Intro to Immunology Lecture
This course is an introduction to the principles of immunology, including definition of antigens and antibodies, specificity of the immune response, immunoglobulin synthesis, cellular cooperation in the immune response, mechanism of inflammation, transplantation, and diseases associated with responsiveness of the immune system.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 597 Special Topics
This course addresses a specific topic within this subject discipline. Courses under this title are offered as one-time supplements to the sponsoring department’s curriculum.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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BIOL 606 Freshwater Ecology
This course investigates freshwater ecosystems from a physical, chemical, biological, and ecological prospective. In lecture students will be exposed to concepts and environmental applications of freshwaters such as properties of water, movement of light, heat, and chemicals, physiography of flowing and non-flowing freshwater, redox and oxygen, hydrologic, carbon, iron, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfer cycling, biodiversity, behavior, predation, competition, food webs, nutrient use and mineralization, disturbance, succession, production, and trophic state and eutrophication. In the laboratory students will learn techniques to collect, analyze, interpret, and report on physical chemical, biological, and ecological parameters of freshwater ecosystems. Some laboratory exercises will require outside of the classroom activities such as collecting ore measuring parameters in local streams, lakes, and ponds.
4 Credit(s)
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BIOL 607 An Introduction to Computational Data Analysis for Biology
This course will cover the basic statistical knowledge necessary for students in biology to design, execute, and analyze a basic research project. The course aims to have students focus on thinking about the biological processes that they are studying in their research and how to translate them into statistical models. The course will take a hands-on computational approach, teaching students the statistical programming language R. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of data analysis, we will emphasize several key concepts of efficient computer programming that students can use in a variety of other areas outside of data analysis.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 612 Advanced Cell Biology
The analysis of gene transfer and expression at the cellular level, including the nature of metabolic systems and the factors governing their regulation.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 615 Immunology
Selected topics in immunology are studied in depth, using the current literature. Topics are chosen for relevance and current interest, or for their challenging, even controversial nature.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 625 Genomics and Biotechnology
This course provides an overview of genomics and covers topics such as mapping genomes, acquiring genomes and annotating genomes. Students will critically assess the genome projects from various organisms. Special emphasis will be given to technologies that contribute to and stem from the advances in genome sciences, including principles of sequencing, computational tools for gene annotation, functional genomic tolls for systems genetics, and technologies for massively parallel analyses of gene function. The applications of these techniques to various areas of biology will also be presented.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 626 Molecular Genetics of Bacteria
In-depth examination of genetic and molecular processes in bacteria and their associated viruses. Coverage of classical bacterial genetics as well as modern molecular genetic analysis. Topics include genetic transfer processes, gene regulation, mutagenesis and repair, plasmids, transposons, gene fusion methodologies, and protein secretion. Emphasis is given to current experimental approaches and research design. (Course offered in the spring only.)
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 627 Bacterial Physiology and Functional/Comparative Genomics
The objective of this course is to survey bacterial and archaeal structures, physiology, and underlying mechanisms. Key topics include bacterial cell composition and organization, the structure and function of bacterial cell components, assembly and polymerization of the bacterial cell, biosynthesis and energetics, bacterial cell growth, bacterial population growth, effect of key environmental parameters on cell growth, cell communication, the bacterial genome and its plasticity, coordination of metabolic reactions, regulation of gene expression at the operon and global levels, the bacterial cell cycle, control of bacterial growth rate, cellular differentiation, and physiological ecology of bacteria. The understanding of these bacterial properties is based in large part on functional and comparative microbial genomics; i.e., comparison of gene sets as the sequences become available, as well as recent biochemical, genetic, microscopic and physiological research advances.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 334
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 628 Microbial Ecology
The functions, roles, and ecology of microorganisms in the environment, emphasizing biogeochemical cycling of elements. Topics for special concentration are chosen from the following: microbial diversity, evolution, interactions, aquatic or soil microbiology, and sewage microbiology. The course focuses on relating molecular and biochemical mechanisms to ecological principles. Readings are assigned from classical and current scientific literature for class discussion. An in-depth review paper on a special topic is required.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 629 Host Microbe Interactions
This is a new Biology graduate course that will introduce students to the field of host-microbe interactions. Topics will include the molecular genetics of model symbioses and the impact of evolution and ecology in shaping these interactions. Students will read primary literature and current review articles, and these readings will serve as discussion topics during the class period.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 629
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 631 Microbial Genome Evolution: Gene Establishment, Survival, and Exchange
This course examines the genetic and molecular processes that underlie microbial genome evolution. Topics will include processes involved in generating genetic diversity: for example, spontaneous mutagenesis, horizontal gene transfer, and transposition. These molecular events will be discussed within the context of ecological and lifestyle pressure that help shape genome content and architecture. Students will read one primary literature article with a current book chapter or review article, and these readings will serve as the discussion focus during the class period.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 629
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 634 Methods in Phylogenetics and Macroevolutionary Analysis
Evolutionary biology is unique in the biological sciences because it is, to a large extent, a historical discipline. In the absence of direct paleontological data one of the best resources we have for studying evolutionary history over very long timescales I phylogenetic biology. In the first part of this course, students will survey the theory and application of modern phylogeny inferences. In the second part of this course, students will learn the important theory and practical methods of phylogenetic comparative biology ¿ the use of inferred trees in evolutionary inferences. This course will consist of a combined weekly lecture & computer lab; regular computer exercises; and two independent projects in which the students may use their own dataset or one obtained from an online data repository.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 638 Advanced Ecology
Concepts of population and community ecology. Topics covered may include population dynamics, life history strategies, theory of r- and K-selection, competition, predation, community organization, and species diversity. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between theoretical and empirical ecology. A weekly tutorial provides the opportunity for greater discussion of material covered in lecture. Emphasis changes from year to year.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 639 Conservation Biology
The principles of conservation biology are drawn from such various subdisciplines of biology as ecology, genetics, evolution, and biogeography. The course begins with an analysis of the distribution of biodiversity, proceeds to examine the patterns of biodiversity loss at all levels, from genes to ecosystems, and finishes with a discussion of the causes, consequences, and solutions of the crisis. Topics include assessment and monitoring of species diversity, conservation genetics, the theory of island biogeography, habitat loss and forest fragmentation, human impacts on biodiversity, the design of nature reserves, economic valuation of biodiversity, and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 641 Quantitative Population Modeling
Fundamentals of mathematical models of population dynamics. The course examines single-species models, including stability analysis, life tables, and analysis of matrix models, as well as competition and predation model forms. More advanced topics include spatial structure, stochasticity, harvesting models, individual-based models, and population viability analysis. The course combines lectures, discussions, and hands-on model development.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 642 Biogeography
A study of the distribution of organisms in space and time. Includes comparative and experimental tests of island biogeographic theory; the significance of spatial and temporal scale; the roles of dispersal and vicariance; phylogenetic implications; geographic patterns of species diversity in marine and terrestrial ecosystems; contemporary analytical methods; mass extinctions and the fossil record; historical biogeography; macroecology; and the importance of biogeography for understanding conservation strategies and the global biodiversity crisis. Conducted in seminar format with student discussions.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 648 Invasive Species: Evolution, Ecology and Management
This course is designed to provide students with an up-to-date perspective on invasive species. The first half of the course will cover characteristics of successful invaders and the ecological processes that occur when a non-native species is introduced into a new habitat. There will also be an extensive review of the pathways that lead to the introduction, evolution and spread of invasives from both the past and present. The second half of the course will cover invasive species impacts and the issues of invasive species control and management. Course literature will be a mix of recent peer-reviewed articles, reports and landmark papers.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 650 Scientific Communication
Required of all master’s and doctoral students; usually taken in the second year. The course covers the storage and retrieval of scientific information (including searching of computerized data bases), the design of tables, figures, and other graphics, the writing of technical reports and papers, and the preparation of posters and publications. Writing, oral presentations and other assignments, and attendance at the weekly departmental seminar, are required.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 652 Biological Diversity and Evolution
This course is an inquiry into the origin and evolution of patterns of biological diversity. It begins with an overview of the biogeochemical history of the Earth, theories of origin of life, diversification of metazoans during the Panerozoic, and the nature and causes of periodic mass extinction events. Biological diversity is considered at molecular, population, and community levels. This course counts toward the required core in the Environmental Sciences/Environmental Biology PhD track. (Course offered in the fall only.)
Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or permission of instructor.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 653 Current Literature in Biology
A series of one-credit seminar courses focusing on subfields of environmental biology, to help students develop the habit of keeping up with recent developments through reading scientific journals. The seminars also provide a forum for oral presentations where students can get comment and critique on their scientific progress. Students must take a minimum of five seminars, for a total of five credits. This course is part of the required core in both the Environmental Sciences/Environmental Biology and MCOB PhD tracks.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
1 Credit(s)
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BIOL 654 Sustainability Science: Environment, Economy and Equity
Sustainability science is an emerging field combining tools from biology, ecology, evolution, economics and sociology (as well as political science, history and philosophy) to address complex problems of society’s relationship with the natural world and natural resources. This course gives an overview of key issues in sustainability science, including oncoming climate change, economic globalization, population growth and movement, biodiversity loss and homogenization, fossil fuel use and alternative energy sources. It models a ‘problem-based’ approach to scientific research, in contrast to a more traditional ‘tool-based’ approach. It explicitly explores the interface between research and a policy action. Drawing on our own research and that of others, we focus particularly on the relationships among ecosystem services, economics, and equity across social groups, gender, and geography. At the end of the semester, UMB will hold an inter-departmental, public mini-symposium featuring 3-4 eminent speakers on sustainability science , along with opportunities for student interaction.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 660L Coastal Ecological Processes
Coastal ecosystems form a critical boundary between watersheds and the oceans and as such are influenced by processes in both habitats. From local scale impacts associated with urbanization of near shore watersheds and local fisheries to global scale impacts due to increasing acidification of the oceans and long-range transport of atmospheric pollutants, many coastal waters are under siege from numerous anthropogenic influences. Considering the vast number of ecosystem services provided by coastal waters, understanding the functioning of coastal ecosystems is a critical first step toward developing sustainable management practices. This course will study the basic functioning of coastal ecosystems and the role that human perturbations play in altering these functions. In particular we will focus on understanding the scientific aspects of coastal ecology that underlie areas of interest to coastal managers, including the science behind coastal eutrophication, ocean acidification, food web structure and function (including food web/fisheries interactions), and wetland protection and restoration. BIOL 660L and EEOS 660L are the same course.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 664 Bioinformatics for Molecular Biologists
The research of molecular biologists is facilitated by the numerous bioinformatics tools available on the Internet. The topics include DNA and protein sequence databases, sequence alignment, searching databases, gene structure, protein-function prediction, molecular evolution and whole genome sequences. The laboratory emphasizes hands-on experience and problem solving, and how to avoid being misled by errors in databases and improper use of computer programs.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 665L Ecological Risk Assessment
Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) is formal practice used by regulatory agencies worldwide to define the scope of environmental problems. The ERA framework was developed over several decades in response to inconsistencies in how risk assessments were conducted. This framework now provides a systematic method for approaching environmental problems associated with chemical contamination, and other ecological stressors. This course will use the risk assessment documents and guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to train students in the basic methods of ERA. Students will be tasked with performing a Stressor Identification and ERA at impaired sites to demonstrate competency in these methods. In addition, this course will explore emerging topics in ERA including the broadening field of Ecological Exposure Assessment and incorporation of nonchemical stressors into ERAs.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 666 Mammalian Toxicology
This course provides a background in principles of toxicology in mammalian systems. It is an alternative to Environmental Toxicology, EEOS 635, as a core requirement for the Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Biology doctoral track. Coverage includes: basic concepts of poisons and their commonalities with drugs and hormones ;toxicant exposure routes, uptake, sites and mechanisms of action, storage, metabolism, activation, and clearance; toxicant roles in carcinogenesis, development, endocrine, and reproductive functions; roles of diet, lifestyle, and concurrent exposures; methods of toxicant evaluation emphasizing multi-generation and high-throughput testing; and environmental and medical implications of toxicant/toxin expores on individual health. Students taking this course should have already completed general chemistry and organic chemistry, general biology and one advanced course in cell biology, biochemistry, or physiology.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 672 Directed Readings in Biology
Selected readings in advanced areas of biology with guidance and regular discussion.
1 - 3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 673 Directed Readings
This course provides selected readings in advanced areas of biology with guidance and regular discussion.
1 - 3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 674 Cell Signaling
This course will systematically investigate cell communication mechanisms, with an emphasis on developmental examples of cell signaling. General properties of signaling cascades will be discussed, followed by specific examples of conserved signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, TGF/BMP, JAK/STAT, nuclear receptors; and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Normal and aberrant receptor signaling will be examined using experimental evidence obtained in model genetic organisms. Implications of disrupting cell communication pathways in human disease will be discussed. The course will emphasize readings from the current literature. Upon completion of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the molecular mechanisms and control principles of cellular communication in normal and pathological conditions.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 675 Advanced Molecular Biology
A lecture and laboratory course covering the biosynthesis and regulation of RNA, DNA, and proteins in eukaryotic organisms. The course examines the importance of gene regulation in oncogenesis, levels of gene expression, and development; as well as regulation by structure and function (chromosome structure and translational regulation); basic research techniques; and current recombinant DNA methodology. Please note: Labs meet every other week, for a total of seven hours every two weeks.
4 Credit(s)
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BIOL 676 Advanced Molecular Biology Lecture
A lecture-only course covering the same material as BIOL 675; no lab work is required.
Prerequisite(s): BiOL 370 or 372 or equivalent or Permission of Instructor
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 677 Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics
A broad spectrum of readings in plant, animal, and fungal genetics on such topics as segregation distortion, the control of sex determination, modes of asexual reproduction, inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes, self-incompatibility systems, transposable elements, and genetic mapping.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 678 Protein Chemistry and Enzymology
A lecture and laboratory course on various aspects of protein chemistry and enzymology. Emphasis is on purification, characterization, structure, function, mechanism of action, kinetics, and regulatory aspects of enzymes. Topics also include the practical and theoretical aspects of affinity chromatography and other separation techniques, immobilization of enzymes and other biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and the analytical and industrial use of soluble and insoluble enzymes.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
5 Credit(s)
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BIOL 679 Protein Chemistry and Enzymology Lecture
A lecture-only course covering the same material as BIOL 678; no lab work is required.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 680L Physical Biochemistry
This course serves as an introduction to analytical methods and instrumentation available to the interdisciplinary scientist. While no course can be comprehensive in this field, this course will examine a broad base of analytical methods through introductory theory and will highlight applications and recent developments in these methods through current primary literature. BIOL 680L and CHEM 680L are the same course.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 681 Network Biology
This graduate course introduces the students to an emerging field of Network Biology. The course covers general properties of biological networks, and continues with an in-depth treatment of the properties of the transcriptional, metabolic, protein-protein interaction, and signaling networks. Special emphasis is given to the technical advances in collection and analysis of high throughput data and to the associated information repositories. Reading assignments are largely based on the current literature in the field, through two texts will be recommended as additional resources. Exercises in a computer lab will give students hands-on experience with biological network analysis. The course is intended primarily for Ph.D. and master¿s students but is open to advanced undergraduates by permission of instructor.
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 685 Biomedical Tracers
A seminar and laboratory course describing the types and uses of physical tracers in the biomedical sciences. Covers theory and application of various tracers (immunoglobins, radioisotopes, lectins, enzymes, chromogen labels, spin labels, heavy isotopes, and particles), instrumentation for their detection, and general methods. The laboratory includes demonstrations and short projects chosen by the students and the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
4 Credit(s)
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BIOL 691 Seminar in Developmental Biology
Current problems in developmental biology. Topics include molecular and cellular differentiation, and pattern determination.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 693 Seminar in Neurobiology
Discussion of current literature in neuropharmacology and drug and behavior interactions. Combination of lectures and student presentations.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL GRAD
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 694 Research Experimentation in Biology
This independent study provides students with sustained experience in a research laboratory. Each student pursues a specific research project, which may originate in a public or private sector laboratory or at the University. Each student’s project should involve the student in ideas and laboratory skills and should permit the student to produce work of publishable quality.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 342 and 343, or equivalent
3 Credit(s)
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BIOL 697 Special Topics in Biology
A field of current interest in biology is examined in detail.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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BIOL 698 Projects in Biology
A substantial written report based on library research or an original project such as curriculum design, design of teaching aids and exercises, or critique of a book or theory. No more than 6 credits of this course may be applied to the master’s degree. The credits may be applied over more than one semester. BIOL 698 and BIOL 699 are mutually exclusive.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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BIOL 699 Thesis Research
Substantial laboratory or field research resulting in a master’s thesis. No more than 10 credits of this course may be applied to the master’s degree. The credit may be applied over more than one semester. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 698 and BIOL 699.
1 - 10 Credit(s)
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BIOL 899 Dissertation Research
These are course credits for research conducted under the supervision of members of the faculty within the Biology Department and leading to the presentation of a doctoral dissertation within one of the PhD programs housed within the Biology department.
1 - 99 Credit(s)
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Business Administration |
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BUSADM 700 Business in Context: Markets, Technologies, Societies
This is the introductory core course for the PhD program in Business Administration and its goal is to establish a common experience with a foundational array of theories, perspectives, and topical issues for all the PhD tracks. The course provides a broad review, across business disciplines, of major contemporary management and organizational trends at the interface with technology, economics, policy, and social issues.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 710 Accounting for Finance I
This course teaches financial accounting theory and techniques that are useful to finance research., especially corporate finance area. Doing research on corporate finance requires intensive use of accounting data disclosed in financial statements. A better understanding of how the accounting numbers are measured and presented will enhance the research design and power of the tests.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 711 Accounting for Finance II
The course will focus on capital market studies, i.e., that portion of the empirical accounting research literature that focuses on the role that accounting information plays in the formation of capital market prices. The course will cover “classic” papers in the major research areas within the field and methodological issues in financial accounting.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 720 Quantitative Financial Analysis I
The objective of this course is to introduce students to analytical skills of microeconomics that are important for advanced analysis in areas of finance and business administration. This course emphasizes decision-making at the micro level - how consumers choose consumption and firms make production decisions given resource and financing constraints. The theory behind such actions is integrated to develop and economic equilibrium that is both predictable and can be validated by data.
Prerequisite(s): BUSADM 720
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 721 Quantitative Financial Analysis II
The emphasis in this course is to capture the dynamics of the economic system at an aggregate level. It covers mathematical tools and econometrics techniques required to analyze and forecast the dynamics of important economy-wide measurements such as long-run growth, inflation, unemployment, balance of trade and exchange rates. The underlying emphasis is also to understand how these macro level variables affect business decision-making and relate to financial markets.
Prerequisite(s): BUSADM 721
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 722 Cross-Section Analysis of Financial Data
This course is a PhD level introduction to econometrics. The objective of the course is to provide a rigorous treatment of basic econometric techniques and the body of theory underlying their applications.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 723 Time Series Analysis of Financial Data
The emphasis of this course will be to introduce students to time series data in financial accounting and finance. The course introduces the students to a variety of econometric techniques and the latest developments in the area of financial econometrics and quantitative finance. Topics include maximum likelihood, generalized method of moments, extremum estimators, selected topics in time series analysis, limited dependent variable model, nonparametric kernel estimators, predictability of asset returns, univariate and multivariate volatility modeling, estimation of dynamic equilibrium models, estimation and inference in continuous-time models, and Value at Risk models.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 730 Seminar in Investment & Asset Valuation
This is an advanced course in asset pricing. In this course we will study the theoretical foundations of modern financial economics. The course will cover the central themes of modern finance including individual investment decisions under uncertainty, capital market equilibrium an asset valuation, arbitrage pricing theory, option pricing. The emphasis on class presentation will enhance the ability to summarize the essential ingredients of a paper in a concise way, and to put them in perspective. Participation in presentation seminars should encourage critical thinking in terms of to asking the right questions about the research piece, assumptions made by the authors and to isolate key strengths and weaknesses of a research paper.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 731 Seminar in Financial Economics
This course is intended for individuals planning to pursue careers in “applied” finance. The objective of this course is for students to gain a working understanding of the major elements in the theory of capital markets and how they might be applied to common problems in professional money management. It also provides a broad array of topics in which these tools are used for research in both academia and money management. This course is required for PhD in Business Administration Finance track students.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 732 Seminar in Corporate Finance
This is an advanced course in corporate finance. The objective of this course is to gain a working understanding firm’s contractual nature. The course begins with the classic Modigliani/Miller arguments, focus on the implications of violations of MM assumptions and then study the traditional corporate finance issues, including financial distress, corporate payout policy, and the capital acquisition process. In this course we will also review some topics that have become prominent in the literature in recent years: interactions between product and capital markets, corporate governance/control, special issues in governance/control raised by international differences, and finally, internal capital markets and the logic of diversification.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 740 Information Systems Theory I: Behavioral and Group Perspectives
This course is the first part of two-course series of Ph.D seminars on classic literature of information systems. It is designed to provide doctoral students a broad introduction to various research issues and challenges in topics of information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) management. As the first one of this series, this course is focused on theories at the behavioral and group levels. Typical topics covered in the course include, but are not limited to, technology adoption and diffusion, IT-enabled communication, decision support, virtual teams, online community, cultural and power issues in IT activities, and other emerging topics in the research field.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 741 Information Systems Theory II: Organizational and Economic Perspectives
This course is the second part of two-course series of Ph.D seminars on classic literature of information systems. It is designed to provide doctoral student specialized in information systems and business analytics a broad introduction to various research issues and challenges in topics of information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) management. As the second one of this series, this course is focused on theories at the organizational and economic levels. Topics covered include strategic IT planning, business value of IT, IT strategies, IT governance and controls, IT sourcing models, electronic marketplaces, economics of digital products, data science and business analytic, and other emerging topics in the research field.
0 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 742 Regression Analysis
This course will introduce the fundamental concepts and applications of linear regressions, such as simple linear regression, multiple regression, model fit, transformations, variable selection and logistic regression etc., and also various issues that we might face during those applications. This course will be the foundation for applied quantitative research.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 743 Decision and Risk Analysis
Decision and risk analysis combine elements of probability, economics, logic, psychology and domain knowledge to characterize and analyze complex decision problems. Researchers in this scholarly discipline develop theoretical mathematical results, develop computational decision support tools grounded in formal theory, methods for populating models, as well as a large number of applied models for different real world problems or problem classes. Students will gain familiarity with the basic theory and methods from classic and recent texts, and will examine some real world applications from recent journal publications. There will be particular focus on connections between the approaches covered and developments in information systems and in analytics. The course will involve portions of problem sets, student led discussions. Students emerging from the class will be prepared to incorporate decision analysis into research involving applications or IS/Analytics, or to further investigate decision analysis in order to research in the methods of the field itself. Students will also keep a journal of ideas one of which will be the basis for a project or research paper that has the potential for expansion into publishable results.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 744 Quantitative Research Methods in Information Systems
This course focuses on understanding, evaluating, and designing quantitative methods and methodologies for information systems research. Through this course, students will review and exercise the basic skills required for quantitative research at the post-graduate level, including literature review, research design, data collection and analysis, and report writing. To gain hands-on experience, students will work on an original research project during the semester and will be expected to submit a research outcome to an IS journal or conference. This course will be especially helpful to students who wish to use the quantitative research methods (e.g., survey, experimental and/or quasi-experimental methods) in their dissertations and subsequent research endeavors.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 745 Multivariate Statistics
The goal of this course is to develop skills necessary in analyzing problems in which multiple variables are simultaneously present, without knowing beforehand which once are playing important roles and hence are of interest, and which ones are not. Our main goal is to identify the signal or key features of the data. The course will cover the major techniques in this field. The focus will be on practical issues such as selecting the appropriate approach and how to prepare the data.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 750 Foundations of Organization Theory
This course considers classic readings in social theory that inform the main traditions in organization theory. It addresses central questions about how groups, organizations, and fields of organizations are created, patterned, and reproduced. Its objectives are to understand the historical and philosophical context of contemporary organization theory, to trace the genealogy of concepts in organization studies, and to understand the main concepts and ideas in the major publication outlets.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 754 Introduction to Organizations & Social Change
Organizations are at the heart of markets and societies. Profit-seeking corporations transform economic resources into outputs via organizations; governmental agencies delivered services and regulate other organizations; and numerous non-governmental organizations, from unions to churches to advocacy groups, constitute the realm of civil society. Organizations shape how a society functions. They are the vehicles through which societal-level interests and agendas are channeled. They represent a form a structural power; some groups systematically benefit relative to others as a result of how organizations operate. Organizations are frequently the target of public policy, as they are sites of both societal aspirations (productivity, innovation, opportunities for advancement) and societal challenges (inequality, discrimination, pollution, deception). Organizations can also be arenas of resistance and change, advancing new ideas and addressing old problems. An understanding of organizations ¿ their sources of power, their role in governance, and their structures and processes ¿ is therefore highly relevant for future researchers who wish to conduct studies of use for policy analysts, activists, and managers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 760 Global and Political Economy Dimensions of Organization
This course is designed to deepen students¿ knowledge about the embeddedness and dynamics of business activities in global economic, political, organizational, social, and institutional structures, and their impact on business strategy and regional development. As part of the course, students will become familiar with the history and current dimensions of globalization, the multinational enterprise, theories of internationalization and economic development, varieties of capitalism, transnational institution-building, the concept of regional cluster, global value chains and production networks, and recent phenomena, such as global services sourcing.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 770 Introduction to Research Methods for the Social Sciences
This course will train students in selecting appropriate methods for investigation a research question. We will explore a range of approaches to data, including positivist, interpretive, and critical. Students will learn to read research papers through the eyes of reviewers and note where improvements can be made to tighten the flow from theory to research to conclusions.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 775 Professional Development Workshop - Doctoral Teaching
This course is designed for advanced doctoral students (e.g., end of second year), across the three tracks of the PhD in Business Administration (Organizations and Social Change, Finance, and Management Information Systems). The course is taken at this juncture to prepare you to teach sections of undergraduate courses at the College of Management, and more broadly, to develop a well-grounded approach to the skills and goals of teaching. In addition, this course prepares you to make presentations to a wide variety of audiences, including professional colleagues, business practitioners, policy makers, and other key stakeholders with an interest in their research findings. At this point in your career, you will increasingly be presented at research conferences, and ultimately, preparing your oral dissertation defense and your ¿job talk.¿
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 780 Advanced Data Mining and Predictive Modeling
One of premiere challenges businesses face today is how to take advantage of the vast amounts of data they can easily collect. Data mining is used to find patterns and relationships in data, and is integral to business analytics and fact-based decision-making. This course covers current data mining and predictive modeling techniques including algorithms for classification, association, and clustering; the course also covers text mining techniques such as Latent Semantic Analysis and Latent Dirichlet allocation. Current software tools will be introduced to apply data mining techniques with approaches used for building effective models, such as sampling strategies, data transformation, feature selection and ensemble methods, will be incorporated. The techniques and approaches covered int his course will be examined in the context of current research and methodological use in the field of Information Systems.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 782 Optimization for Data Science
This course teaches optimization theory and techniques that are powerful and important tools for conduction research in Data Science area. Optimization techniques can be used for mining and analytics of complex systems in Data Science field, which can greatly impact the decision making process in this area. This course covers linear and discrete optimization techniques including linear programming, integer programming, and network optimization; and emphasizes on how they can be applied to research problems. It focuses on effective formulation, techniques, basic mathematical and algorithmic concepts, and software solution of large-scale problems arising in Data Science applications.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 785 Big Data: Management, Analytics, and Applications
This course covers a new and increasingly popular method of conduction research using large scale data analysis. The advent of the Internet, Social Media and subsequently machine generated data has enabled social scientists to have access to extremely large datasets about the behavior of millions (or billions) of people or objects. However, collecting, storing, and analyzing this data isn’t straightforward and requires specific skills. The goal of this course is to help students gain the skills required for this type of research while exposing them to tools and big data research streams. The course will help students understand both both the challenges and the opportunities and assist them to appreciate research related to the Big Data.
3 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 797 Special Topics
This course offers study of selected topics within this subject. Course content and credits vary according to topic and are announced prior to the registration period.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 895 Independent Study
Independent study credit is granted only for academic work not normally offered in advanced courses. A student must find a faculty sponsor for his or her independent study project and then file a proposal for the project. The proposal should be signed by both the student and the faculty sponsor.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 896 Independent Study
Independent study credit is granted only for academic work not normally offered in advanced courses. A student must find a faculty sponsor for his or her independent study project and then file a proposal for the project. The proposal should be signed by both the student and the faculty sponsor.
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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BUSADM 897 Special Topics
Special topics in Susiness Administration
1 - 6 Credit(s)
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Chemistry |
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CHEM 601 Thermodynamics & Kinetics
Advanced physical chemistry with an emphasis on thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and statistical mechanics with applications to problems in chemistry.
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 602 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy
Advanced physical chemistry with an emphasis on modern theories of the structure of matter, including the principles of quantum mechanics, the electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, and atomic and molecular spectra.
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 611 Inorganic Chemistry: Synthesis and Analysis
Study of the determination of chemical structures by various methods such as UV-Vis, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 612 Inorganic Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity
Study of structural aspects of modern chemistry based bond and molecular orbital theories. Group theoretical principles are used to understand structural and spectroscopic properties of molecules. Topics include: Walsh diagrams, projection operators, ligand field theory, angular overlap model, and symmetry controlled reactions. Examples are taken from representative and transition metal compounds.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate student in CHEM or permission of instructor
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 621 Organic Synthesis & Mechanisms
Discussion of the mechanisms of fundamental reactions used in organic synthesis. Critical analysis of the tactics and strategy of the use of these reactions for the construction of organic compounds.
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 622 Physical Organic Chemistry
Modern theories of organic reaction mechanisms, particularly the use of physical-chemical principles to predict the effect of changing reaction variables, especially reactant structures, on reactivity. The structure, stability, and reactivity of carbanions and carbocations, as well as SN1 and SN2 reactions, are discussed. Molecular orbital theory and symmetry as applied to organic reactions is also a focus.
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 631 Chemical Toxicology
Designing safer chemicals requires a comprehensive and systematic approach based on the contribution of multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary investigators. This course focuses on understanding the structure-hazard relationship, and on minimizing the intrinsic toxicity of new drug candidates before synthesis even begins.
Prerequisite(s): Graduate student in Chemistry
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 641 Chemistry and Biochemistry Education Research on Learning, Learning Environments, and Teaching
This course is a survey of research in chemistry and biochemistry education on learning, learning environments, and instructional approaches. Students will learn from major research studies in each of the three areas, and will focus on implications for the practice of teaching chemistry and biochemistry in undergraduate courses, and also high school courses where appropriate. Topics on learning include cognitive models of reasoning in problem solving, visuo-spatial abilities and visualization in chemistry and biochemistry, conceptual change theories underlying learning progressions, and metacognition. Topics on learning environments include social discourse models applied to laboratory learning environments and online course/web-based environments. Topics on instructional approaches include studies on student impacts of popular and widespread pedagogical approaches, such as clickers, peer-tutoring, problem-based learning, and Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). The overarching theoretical paradigm on learning, learning environments, and teaching that will be analyzed critically through all topics studied is constructivism. The course provides a basic introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods as used in papers that are studied for each topic. Each student will conduct a mini-experiment, and will collect and analyze pilot data either in an undergraduate or high school chemistry or biology class, and then compare to the results or implications of one of the research papers studied in the course.
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 654 Biological Chemistry
This course is offered as an elective for Master¿s and Ph.D. students in Chemistry with the objectives of understanding the chemical concepts of life processes. It is designed for those graduate students conducting research in the area of bioorganic/medicinal, bioanalytical, bioinorganic or biological chemistry who did not take biochemistry before or wish to update their previous knowledge. Completing this intense one-semester survey of biological chemistry is especially recommended before taking Medicinal Chemistry (Chem 658), Medical Biochemistry (Chem 658) or Physical Biochemistry (Biol/Chem 680).
4 Credit(s)
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CHEM 658 Medicinal Chemistry
This graduate and upper-level professional course presents the principles of medicinal chemistry. Organized along pharmacological lines, the course considers the development and design of drugs, those a) acting on the central and peripheral nervous system; b) acting on the cardiovascular, hematopoietic and renal systems; and c) acting as chemotherapeutic agents, vitamins, and hormones. Special emphasis is given to drugs used in emergencies and to drugs described in the United States Pharmacopoeia and the National Formulary. Syntheses of important compounds in the various categories are presented.
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 254 or equivalent
3 Credit(s)
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CHEM 661 Analytical Instrumentation
Chem 661is the graduate version of our undergraduate Analytical Instrumentation course, Chem 361. This course provides a survey of the different types of instrumentation that is in the chemist¿s tool box. The advantages and disadvantages will be stressed in effort to develop the insight necessary to choose the right tool for the problem at hand. We will use several of these tools in the laboratory portion of the course.
4 Credit(s)
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