Biology & Biotechnology
BB 501. Seminar
1 credit per semester
BB 502. Techniques in Electron Microscopy
This course presents the theory of operation, applications and use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy in biology. Recent original articles from the biological literature illustrate the applications of these techniques to research. Students prepare specimens for both kinds of electron microscopes and employ the standard preparative techniques including fixation, dehydration, staining, critical point drying, vacuum evaporation, embedding and sectioning. Associated photographic methods are also introduced.
Material in this course focuses on biological (especially microbiological) systems by which materials and energy can be interconverted (e.g., waste products into useful chemicals or fuels). The processes are dealt with at the physiological and the system level, with emphasis on the means by which useful conversions can be harnessed in a biologically intelligent way. The laboratory focuses on measurements of microbial physiology and on bench-scale process design.
This course will focus on the field of bioinformatics. After providing an overview of biological data such as DNA and protein sequences and genetic markers, and providing a summary of population genetics concepts, the course will cover various methods of computational genetic analysis. Students will learn about DNA and protein sequence analysis, gene mapping, evolutionary analysis, molecular biology databases, analysis of expression data and microarray analysis.
BB 560. Methods of Protein Purification and Downstream Processing
This course provides a detailed hands-on survey of state-of-the-art methods employed by the biotechnology industry for the purification of products, proteins in particular, from fermentation processes. Focus is on methods which offer the best potential for scale-up. Included are the theory of the design as well as the operation of these methods both at the laboratory scale as well as scaled up. It is intended for biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering and biochemistry students. (Prerequisite: A knowledge of basic biochemistry is assumed.)
This advanced level course uses a seminar format based on research articles to discuss current topics related to the molecular/cell biology of viral structure, function, and evolution. Particular emphasis is placed on pathological mechanisms of various human disorders, especially emerging disease, and the use of viruses in research.
Specialty subject courses are offered based on the expertise of the department faculty. Content and format varies to suit the interest and needs of the faculty and students. This course may be repeated for different topics covered. See the supplement section of the on-line catalog for descriptions of courses to be offered in this academic year.
BB 575. Advanced Genetics and Cellular Biology
Topics in this course focus on the basic building blocks of life: molecules, genes and cells. The course will address areas of the organization, structure, function and analysis of the genome and of cells. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with fundamentals of recombinant DNA and molecular biological techniques as well as cell biology.)
BB 576. Advanced Integrative Bioscience
This course concentrates on the organization of cells into biological systems and into individual organisms. Discussion will center on the development and function of specific model systems such as the nervous and immune systems. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with fundamentals of developmental biology, genetics and cell biology.)
BB 577. Advanced Ecological and Evolutionary Bioscience
This course will explore the organization of individuals into communities, and the evolution of individual traits and behaviors. Problems discussed will range from those of population harvesting and the effect humans have on the environment to the evolution of disadvantageous traits. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with fundamentals of population interactions, evolution, and animal behavior.)
BB 578. Advanced Applied Biology
This course examines the use of biotechnological advances toward solving real-world problems. Students will discuss problem-solving strategies from the current literature in the areas of medicine, agriculture, environmental protection/ restoration and industrial biotechnology. (Prerequisite: A familiarity with biochemistry, microbiology, and plant and animal physiology.)
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: