Updated June 22, 2021

Approved Courses for Masters in Biotechnology Students

Here is a list of required and pre-approved elective courses.  Even though our program will accept courses in the list to fulfill degree requirements, it does not mean that you automatically qualify to take them. Check with the professor and the department offering the courses to see if you meet the pre-requisites set forth by them.  Courses availability and time are tentative and will be updated as information becomes available. Always check Directory of Classes for official listing of actual offering time and location.

 

N.B.  No course taken for P/F or R credit may be counted towards the Academic Requirements of the program. 

 

Elective Keys

 

 

Core Biotechnology Courses (Required, 9 points)

v

F

 

 

BIOL
GU4034

3

MW

4:10-5:25

Biotechnology. D. Kalderon and L. Chasin
Prerequisite: genetics or molecular biology. Techniques currently used to explore and manipulate gene function. Topics include characterization of biochemical activities of gene products in vitro and in heterologous cells, and investigation of gene function in model genetic organisms and in humans. Study of human genetic disease is emphasized.  

F

 

 

BIOL
GU4300

3

MW
2:40-3:55

Drugs and Disease.  L. Yamasaki
Prerequisites: four semesters of biology with a firm foundation in molecular and cellular biology. Introduces students to the current understanding of human diseases, novel therapeutic approaches and drug development process. Selected topics will be covered in order to give students a feeling of the field of biotechnology in health science. This course also aims to strengthen students’ skills in literature comprehension and critical thinking.

 

Sp

 

 

BIOL
GU4305

3

W
2:10-4

Seminar in Biotechnology. L. Yamasaki
Prerequisites: BIOL W4300 or the instructor's permission. A weekly seminar and discussion course focusing on the most recent development in biotechnology. Professionals of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and related industries will be invited to present and lead discussions.

 

Approved Laboratory (minimum 6 points)

F

 

 

BIOL
GU4260

3

T
12:30-3:30

Proteomics Laboratory. L. Brown

This course deals with the proteome: the expressed protein complement of a cell, matrix, tissue, organ or organism. The study of the proteome (proteomics) is broadly applicable to life sciences research, and is increasing important in academic, government and industrial research through extension of the impact of advances in genomics. These techniques are being applied to basic research, exploratory studies of cancer and other diseases, drug discovery and many other topics. Techniques of protein extraction, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry will be covered. Emphasis will be on mastery of practical techniques of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and database searching for identification of proteins separated by gel electrophoresis as well as background tutorials and exercises covering other techniques used in descriptive and comparative proteomics. Open to students in M.A. in Biotechnology Program (points can be counted against laboratory requirement for that program), Ph.D. and advanced undergraduate students with background in genetics or molecular biology. Students should be comfortable with basic biotechnology laboratory techniques as well as being interested in doing computational work in a Windows environment.

 

Su

 

 

BIOL
S4515

6

MTWR
10-3

Summer Intensive Laboratory in Biotechnology. L. Yamasaki
Intense laboratory exercise where students meet 4 days a week for eight weeks in the summer term participating in experimental design, bench work, and data analysis. Grades depend on participation in the laboratory, reports, and practical exams. Class starts immediately following Spring final exams. Open to MA and Postbac Biotechnology students. This course is offered in the summer. Students from other schools or programs may enroll if space is available.

v

F
Sp

 

 

BIOT
GR5500

GR5501

3-6

 

Supervised Research. L. Yamasaki
Students conduct research related to biotechnology under the sponsorship of a mentor within or outside the University. Credits received from this course may be used to fulfill the laboratory requirement for the degree.  Students may work on a significant research problem related to their professional needs. The student and the mentor determine the nature and extent of this independent study. In some laboratories, the student may be assigned to work with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student or a senior member of the laboratory, who is in turn supervised by the mentor. The mentor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student’s progress and performance. web site



Su

 

 

BIOL
S4502
S4503

3-6

 

Supervised Research. L. Yamasaki
Students conduct research related to biotechnology under the sponsorship of a mentor within or outside the University. Credits received from this course may be used to fulfill the laboratory requirement for the degree.  Students may work on a significant research problem related to their professional needs. The student and the mentor determine the nature and extent of this independent study. In some laboratories, the student may be assigned to work with a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student or a senior member of the laboratory, who is in turn supervised by the mentor. The mentor is responsible for mentoring and evaluating the student’s progress and performance. web site

 

 

F

Su

 

 

BMEN
E6500

4

MWF
1:10-5:25

Tissue and Molecular Engineering Laboratory. C. Jacobs
Prerequisites: Biology BIOL C2005 and BIOL C2006 or permission of instructor. Hands on experiment in molecular and cellular techniques, including fabrication of living engineered tissues. Covers sterile technique, culture of mammalian cells, microscopy, basic subcloning and gel electrophoresis, creation of cell-seeded scaffolds, and the effects of mechanical loading on the metabolism of living cells or tissues.

 

Approved Program Electives (minimum 15 points)
Category A elective is indicated by a green triangle (). Category B elective is indicated by a pink square ().

At least 2 of the 5 electives taken must be category A () electives.

 

Applied Mathematics (bulletin listing)

Sp

 

 

APMA
E4001

3

TR
1:10-2:25

Principles of Applied Math.   A. Sagiv
Review of finite-dimensional vector spaces and elementary matrix theory. Linear transformations, change of basis, eigenspaces. Matrix representation of linear operators and diagonalization. Applications to difference equations, Markov processes, ordinary differential equations, and stability of nonlinear dynamical systems. Inner product spaces, projection operators, orthogonal bases, Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization. Least squares method, pseudo-inverses, singular value decomposition. Adjoint operators, Hermitian and unitary operators, Fredholm Alternative Theorem. Fourier series and eigenfunction expansions. Introduction to the theory of distributions and the Fourier Integral Transform. Green's functions. Application to Partial Differential Equations.

 

Biological Sciences (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

 

BIOL

GU4001

3

M

1:10-4:00

Advanced Genetic Analysis. M. Chalfie

Prerequisites: For undergrads: Introductory Genetics (W3031)and permission of the instructor. This seminar course provides a detailed presentation of areas in classical and molecular genetics for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students. Topics include transmission genetics, gain and loss of function mutations, genetic redundancy, suppressors, enhancers, epistasis, expression patterns, using transposons, and genome analysis. The course is a mixture of lectures, student presentations, seminar discussions, and readings from the original literature. Undergraduates wishing to take the course need to have taken Genetics W3031 or its equivalent and received the instructor's permission. Enrollment is limited to 25 students.

F

 

BIOL
GU4004

4

TR
10:10-11:25

Neurobiology I: Cellular and Molecular. J. Yang
Recitation: hours to be arranged. Prerequisite: one year of biology, and a course in physics is highly recommended. An introduction to the cellular and molecular aspects of nerve cell function. Topics include the cell biology and biochemistry of nerve cells, ionic and molecular bases of electrical signals, synaptic transmission and its modulation, and sensory receptors. Recitation emphasizes readings from the primary literature. 

 

 

F

 

BIOL
GR4011

3

F
9-11

Neural System - Circuits in the Brain.  R. Yuste  
This course will review current knowledge about the computation carried out by different microcircuits in the mammalian CNS. The levels of analysis covered by the course will span channel behavior, synaptic physiology, dendritic integration, neuro anatomy, and circuit studies.

 

F

 

BIOL
G4013

3

W
4:10-6

Advanced Seminar in Neurobiology. J. Yang
Sensory systems provide a window on the brain. From the primary events of signal transduction to the organization of receptive fields and higher order processing, the senses utilize mechanisms that are shared by all neural systems. This seminar stresses the general principles of signalling and the common neurobiological motifs typified in sensory systems. Results emerging from biophysical, molecular, physiological, and computational approaches are treated, utilizing both the current literature and classic papers in the field. 

Prerequisites: one year of introductory biology and W3004/W4004 "Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology" (or equivalent). Students will read and discuss classical as well as contemporary research papers on membrane excitability, ion channels and transporters, synaptic transmission and plasticity, and sensory receptors.  Focus will be on intellectual creativity, conceptual breakthroughs and technical advances.  A key goal of this course is to help students become a critical reader and thinker. 

v

F

 

BIOL
GU4022

3

TR
1:10-2:25

Developmental Biology.  A. Heicklen
Prerequisites:  BIOL C2005-C2006 or equivalent An introduction to developmental biology stressing the molecular mechanisms controlling development. Topics include sex determination, imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, gametogenesis, stem cells, cloning, fertilization, the Pill, early development, and aging.

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GU4035

3

T
2:10-4:00

Seminar in Epigenetics. S. Jia 
This is a combined lecture/seminar course designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The focus is on understanding the mechanisms underlying epigenetic phenomena: he heritable inheritance of genetic states without change in DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles during normal animal development and oncogenesis. It is an area under intensive scientific investigation and the course will focus on recent advances in understanding these phenomena. In each class, students will present and discuss in detail recent papers and background material concerning each individual topic, followed by an introductory lecture on the following week’s topic. This course will emphasize critical analysis of the scientific literature and help students understand how to identify important biological problems and how to address them experimentally. Prerequisites: Genetics or Molecular Biology, and the permission of the instructor.

 

Su

 

BIOL
GU4041

3

TBD

Cell Biology. E. Barnhart  
Prerequisite: one year of biology, normally BIOL C2005-C2006, or the equivalent. Recommended preparation or core requisite: organic chemistry and rudimentary physics. An introduction to cell biology stressing the relations of cell structure to physiology, biochemistry, and heredity, and the experimental and observational basis of current views of the cell. 

 

Su

 

BIOL

GU4075

3

TBD

 

Biology at Physical Extremes. O. Sahin

Prerequisites: One year each of biology and physics, or permission from the instructor. This is a combined lecture/seminar course designed for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. The course will cover a series of cases where biological systems take advantage of physical phenomena in counter intuitive and surprising ways to accomplish their functions. In each of these cases, we will discuss different physical mechanisms at work. We will limit our discussions to simple, qualitative arguments. We will also discuss experimental methods enabling the study of these biological systems. Overall, the course will expose students to a wide range of physical concepts involved in biological processes.

F

 

BIOT
GU4160

 

3

W

6:10-8

Biotechnology Law. A. J. Morrison

The term “biotechnology law” is used here to mean a collection of distinct areas of law that play a prominent role in the biotech industry.  There are many legal disciplines having at least some nexus with this industry, and they include such diverse specialties as corporate law, securities law, real estate law, employment law, tax law and healthcare law. 

          However, this course features the interrelated areas of intellectual property law, regulatory law and contract law, with a particular emphasis on patent law.  Patents and related agreements have become critical resources for universities and research institutes.  Similarly, patents, patent-related agreements and regulatory filings are the sine qua non of biopharmaceutical companies.  This course is designed to arm students with an understanding of these fields so that, during their biotech careers, they can productively work with counsel to manage their organization’s patent portfolio and litigations, negotiate and draft development and license agreements, and oversee regulatory affairs.  Since other courses in the Biotechnology MA Program thoroughly address biotech regulatory affairs, this course addresses only selected regulatory topics germane to patent protection, licensing, generic drugs and biosimilars.  

          The biotech, pharmaceutical and diagnostic sectors will be the course’s industrial focal point.  The course therefore requires familiarity with the science underlying these subjects.

          Lectures will include ample discussion time to reinforce concepts taught and ensure that lingering questions are dealt with immediately and in sufficient detail. 

Sp

 

BIOT
GU4161

 

3

W

6:10-8

Ethics in Biopharm Pat/Reg Law. A. J. Morrison

 

 

Sp

 

BIOT
GU4180

3

F
9-10:50

Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology. D. Sable

By instructor permission only
Success in biotechnology requires a combination of scientific expertise and knowledge of the unique business characteristics of biotechnology companies. Unlike most entrepreneurial ventures, biotechnology companies need to sustain themselves for as long as ten or more years prior to generating sufficient revenues to become self-sustaining.

This course is directed towards advanced students in biotechnology, other sciences or engineering. Its specific objectives are:

  • To familiarize students with the scope of issues and decisions that managers in biotechnology face as their companies progress from their earli
  • Test stages to self-sustainability, and give students the vocabulary to participate and contribute to the business side of scientific enterprises.To provide a procedural road map for biotechnology students who are interested in starting their own companies.

 

Sp

 

BIOT
GU4193

3

TR
10:10-11:25

Stem Cell Biology and Applications. D. Kalderon
Corequisites: Three semesters of Biology or Instructor’s permission. The course examines current knowledge and potential medical applications of pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells), direct conversions between cell types and adult, tissue-specific stem cells (concentrating mainly on hematopoietic and gut stem cells as leading paradigms). A basic lecture format will be supplemented by presentations and discussions of research papers. Recent reviews and research papers together with extensive instructor notes will be used in place of a textbook.

 

F

 

BIOT
GU4200

3

R
4:10-6

Biopharmaceutical Development and Regulation. R. Guido
The course aims to provide current life sciences students with an understanding of what drives the regulatory strategies that surround the development decision making process, and how the regulatory professional may best contribute to the goals of product development and approval.  To effect this we will examine operational, strategic and commercial aspects of the regulatory approval process for new drug, biologic and biotechnology products both in the United States and worldwide.  The topics are designed to provide a chronological review of the requirements needed to obtain marketing approval.  Regulatory strategic, operational, and marketing considerations will be addressed throughout the course. We will examine and analyze the regulatory process as a product candidates are advanced from Research and Development, through pre-clinical and clinical testing, to marketing approval, product launch and the post-marketing phase.  The goal of this course is to introduce and familiarize students with the terminology, timelines and actual steps followed by Regulatory Affairs professionals employed in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Worked examples will be explored to illustrate complex topics and illustrate interpretation of regulations. 

 

 

Sp

 

BIOT
GR4201

3

R
4:10-6

Seminar in Biotechnology Development and Regulation. R. Guido
This course will provide a practical definition of the current role of the Regulatory Professional in pharmaceutical development, approval and post-approval actions. This will be illustrated by exploration, and interactive discussion of regulatory history, its evolution, current standards and associated processes. The course will seek to clarify the role of Regulatory in development and lifecycle opportunities, demonstrating the value Regulatory adds by participation on research, development and commercial teams. The course will utilize weekly case studies and guest lecturers to provide color to current topical events related to the areas. Prerequisite: BIOT W4200.

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GU4290

3

TR 11:40am-12:55pm

Biological Microscopy. R. Tomer
Prerequisites: BIOL UN2005 or BIOL UN2401 or equivalent. This is an advanced microscopy course aimed at graduates and advanced undergraduate students, who are interested in learning about the foundational principles of microscopy approaches and their applications in life sciences. The course will introduce the fundamentals of optics, light-matter interaction and in-depth view of most commonly used advanced microscopy methods, explore important practical imaging parameters, and also introduce digital images and their analysis.

Sp

 

BIOL
GU4310

3

MW
4:10-5:25

Virology. V. Racaniello
Prerequisites: Two semesters of a rigorous, molecularly-oriented introductory biology course (such as C2005), or the instructor's permission. The course will emphasize the common reactions that must be completed by all viruses for successful reproduction within a host cell and survival and spread within a host population. The molecular basis of alternative reproductive cycles, the interactions of viruses with host organisms, and how these lead to disease are presented with examples drawn from a set of representative animal and human viruses, although selected bacterial viruses will be discussed. The Friday session each week will comprise discussion of original research papers in virology.

F

Sp

 

BIOL
GU4323

3

TR

1:10-2:25

Biophysical Chemistry I & II. J. Hunt and A. Palmer

v

F

 

BIOC
GU4501

4

TR
2:40-3:55 

Biochemistry I: Structure and Metabolism. B. Stockwell
Recitation: one hour to be arranged. Students wishing to cover the full range of modern biochemistry should take both BIOC W4501 and W4512. Prerequisites: BIOL W2001 or C2005 and one year of organic chemistry. Protein structure, protein folding, enzyme kinetics, allostery, membrane transport, biological membranes, and protein targeting. Chemistry and metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, purines, and pyrimidines.  Not for students taking or have taken Biochemistry G4021 

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GU4510

4

M
2:40-5:25

Genomics of Gene Regulation.  H. Bussemaker
Prerequisites: One year of Biology and one year of Chemistry (AP in High School and/or at Columbia) or permission from the instructor. This year-long, four-credits per semester, course will present a quantitative description of the molecular networks that underlie the myriad phenotypes in living cells. Topics covered include various high-throughput technologies (genome sequencing, DNA microarrays, proteomics, and phenotypic drug screening), transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory networks, synthetic biology, and neural networks. These will be integrated with introductory lectures on molecular and structural biology, thermodynamics, statistics, and machine learning. This course will be of interest to advanced undergraduates as well as beginning graduate students in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science. It is unapologetically quantitative, interdisciplinary, and rooted in the latest research areas with a soft focus on cancer. The course is taught by research scientists active in the various areas that integrate systems biology: from detecting and manipulating single molecules all the way up to the computational synthesis of molecular networks. In addition to the lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays there will be weekly tutorials designed to clarify the material of the lectures. 

 

Sp

 

CHBC
GU4511

4

TR
1:10-2:25

Molecular Systems Biology II.  R. Gonzalez
See above.

 

Sp

 

BIOC
GU4512

3

MW
2:40-3:55

Molecular Biology. A. Heicklin, J. Manley
Prerequisites: one year of biology. Recommended but not required: BIOC UN3501 This is a lecture course designed for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. The focus is on understanding at the molecular level how genetic information is stored within the cell and how it is regulated. Topics covered include genome organization, DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, and translation. This course will also emphasize the critical analysis of the scientific literature and help students understand how to identify important biological problems and how to address them experimentally. SCE and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar. http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment

F

 

BIOL
GU4560

4

MW
1:10-2:25


W
9-9:50

Evol Bio in the Age of Genomics. G. Sella and M. Przeworski
This graduate and upper division undergraduate course introduces basic concepts in evolutionary biology. While the course incorporates a historical perspective, the main goal is to familiarize students with questions and tools of evolutionary genetics as it is practiced today, in the era of genomics. In particular, the focus will be on population genetics and molecular evolution and exercises will assume a basic background in genetics and comfort with high school math and basic statistics.  

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GR4570

3

T
2:10-4

Topics in Human Genetics. G. Sella, M. Przeworski, and J. Pickrell
This course aims to cover a range of current topics in human genetics, with two main aims; to provide students with a basic toolbox with which to analyze human genetic data and to expose them to important, open questions in the field. Topics to be covered include sources of genetic variation, functional genomics, methods of analyses of pedigree and population data, strategies for trait mapping, the geographic structure of human genetic variation and natural selection in humans.

v

F

 

BIOL
GR4600

3

T
4:10-6

Cell Signaling. R. Prywes
Prerequisites: A strong background in molecular and cellular biology. Generally students with four or more courses are accepted. Cell Signaling is a graduate course for Ph.D. students open to advanced undergraduate and masters students. The basic molecular mechanism of signal transduction pathways will be discussed related to cell growth and stress systems. There will be an emphasis on specific categories of signaling components. Students will read the literature and give presentations. Topics include the pathways by which cells respond to extracellular signals such as growth factors and the mechanisms by which extracellular signals are translated into alterations in the cell cycle, morphology, differentiation state, and motility of the responding cells. For stress pathways we will discuss how cells respond to survive the stress or induce their own death. In many cases these pathways will be related to human diseases.

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GU4799

3

TR
2:40-3:55

Molecular Biology of Cancer. C. Prives
Prerequisite: three terms of biology (genetics and cell biology recommended). Lectures and discussion. Readings tracing the discovery of the role of DNA tumor viruses in cancerous transformation are discussed. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors are analyzed with respect to their function in normal cell cycle, growth control and human cancers.

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GU5031

3

TR
10:10-11:25

Genetics. I. Greenwald and M. Attner
Corequisites: Recommended: one term of organic chemistry. Students may receive credit for UN3031 or UN3032, but not both due to overlap in course content. General course in genetics dealing with principles of gene structure, function, and transmission. Historical development and experimental basis of current knowledge are stressed. SPS and TC students may register for this course, but they must first obtain the written permission of the instructor, by filling out a paper Registration Adjustment Form (Add/Drop form). The form can be downloaded at the URL below, but must be signed by the instructor and returned to the office of the registrar.  http://registrar.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/reg-adjustment.pdf

 

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GR5005

4

TR
10:10-11:25

Neurobiology II: Development and Systems. R. Yuste
Prerequisites: BIOL W4004, one year of biology, or the instructor's permission. This course is a graduate seminar in Developmental and Systems Neuroscience for students matriculated in a PhD program in Neuroscience. Undergraduate students should instead enroll in UN3005.

 

F

 

BIOL
GR5041

3

MW
10:10-11:25

Neurobiology II: Development and Systems. E. Barnhart

 

Sp

 

BIOL
GR5170

3

F
12:10-2:00

*NEW!*

 

 

Intro to Management Principles - Applications in Biopharma.

Students in the MA in Biotechnology Program at Columbia commonly go on to pursue careers in the biopharmaceutical industry. The departmental training focus is technical. However, a basic understanding of management principles can be highly beneficial for optimizing job performance as well as for job advancement, and is commonly a challenging new skill to be mastered by new technical hires in the biopharmaceutical industry. This course has two components: 1) a survey of the basic elements of management education and 2) a series of actual cases taken from the biopharmaceutical industry which will allow students to see how the basic management principles they have learned are applied. The cases cover a range of business areas with an emphasis on the effects of business decisions on R&D operations and productivity. Cases will involve strategies for R&D management, strategies for business operation/expansion, issues of licensing /acquisition versus in house discovery of new products, generics versus brand name proprietary drug businesses, managing mergers and acquisitions and entrepreneurship. Cases will be rigorously discussed and debated in class. There is no single route to good management practice or corporate success, so in many instances diametrically opposed opinions will both have merit. As some students will have had workplace exposure, students should bring such experience and knowledge to case discussions. The course will thus be in good part taught using the Socratic Method.

F
Sp

 

BIOL
GR6002

 2

TBD

Macromolecular Structural Interaction. J. Hunt
This course presents a rigorous introduction to solution thermodynamics and applies it to understanding the structural and functional features of proteins. After exploring the conceptual origins of thermodynamic theory, the standard equations describing solution equilibria are derived and applied to analyzing biochemical reactions, with a focus on those involved in protein folding and allosteric communication. The semester culminates with exploration of the energetic factors controlling the formation of protein secondary structures and the role of entropy-enthalpy compensation in determining the complex temperature-dependent thermodynamic properties of aqueous solutions. The course emphasizes both qualitative understanding of the thermodynamic forces controlling the evolution and function of living organisms as well as practical application of thermodynamic methods and structural insight in laboratory research. Tutorials cover the use of curve-fitting techniques to analyze biochemical equilibria as well as the use of molecular visualization software to understand protein structure and function. This is a half semester, 2-point course.

v

F

 

BIOL
GR6007

 3

MW
9:30-10:45

The Central Dogma: Mechanisms and Regulations. J. Manley, C. Prives, S. Jia, M. Jovanovic

 

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (bulletin listing)

 

F

 

BCHM
G4250

4.5

MWF
4-5:30

Molecular Biophysics.  B. Honig  
Methods and principles involved in studying the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, membranes and their macromolecular assemblies.  Noncovalent forces and conformational analysis; ultracentrifugation, viscometry, circular dichroism, fluorescence, magnetic resonance, conformational changes in proteins and nucleic acids, topological properties of macromolecules.  Prerequisite: Basic physical and organic chemistry and the instructor’s permission. 

 

Sp

 

BCHM
G6045

3

T
2-3:30

Membrane Receptor/Transport Proteins. A. Karlin
Molecular structure and function of membrane proteins; general principles and common threads.  Prerequisites and instructor's approval required.

 

Sp

 

BCHM
G6275

4.5

MWF
4-5:30

Diffraction Analysis of Macromolecules. W. Hendrickson
Prerequisite: Biophysical Chemistry G4170 or the instructors’ permission. Content: Diffraction theory and applications to protein, nucleic acid, and membrane structures. Topics include electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, protein crystallography, electron and neutron diffraction and electron microscopy.

F

 

BCHM
G6300

4.5

MW
2-4

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology I. S. Lomvardas 

Sp

 

BCHM
G6301

4.5

MWF

2-3:20

Biochemistry/Molecular Biology II. G. Gunderson, A. Yamamato

 

Bioethics (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

BIET
PS5320

3

M
7:00-9:00

W
11:45-1:45

(online)

 

Philosophy of Bioethics. A. Kuflik
In contemporary bioethics, we find ourselves grappling with practically important, and at the same time, philosophically fundamental questions such as: When does someone’s life begin and how should it end? What is the proper role of physicians, nurses and other health care providers and what are the rights of their patients? What is a just and fair way to provide access to health-care services and resources? Which potential uses of new genetic and reproductive technologies would represent a legitimate advance in medicine and which would signify the beginning of a humanly degrading "brave new world"? Indeed, in a society committed to protecting a diversity of lifestyles and opinions, how can citizens resolve significant policy controversies such as whether there should be public funding of human embryonic stem cell research, or a legally protected right to physician assistance in ending one’s life?

The aims of this course are to identify the fundamental ethical questions that underlie contemporary biomedical practice; develop skill in analyzing and clarifying key concepts such as autonomy, justice, health and disease; critically assess the healthcare implications of different ethical outlooks; explore how citizens can reasonably address controversial bioethical issues in a mutually respectful and constructive way.

 

Biomedical Engineering (bulletin listing)

 

F

Sp

 

BMEN
E4000

3

T
1:10-3:40

R
1:10-3:40

Special Topics in Biomedical Engineering. K. Reuther and A. Kyle
Additional current topics in biomedical engineering taught by regular or visiting faculty. The same subject matter is not usually considered in different years. Section 001: Global Health Innovation and Entrpreneurship; Section 002: Design for Bioelectronic Medicine.

 

F

 

BMEN
E4001

3

MW

8:40 - 9:55

Quantitative Physiology I. L. Kam
Prerequisites: (BIOL UN2005) and (BIOL UN2006) Corequisites: BMEN E3010,BMEN E3810 Physiological systems at the cellular and molecular level are examined in a highly quantitative context. Topics include chemical kinetics, molecular binding and enzymatic processes, molecular motors, biological membranes, and muscles.

 

Sp

 

BMEN
E4050

*NEW!*

3

M

1:10 - 3:40

Electrophysiology of Human Memory * Navigation. J. Jacobs

 

Sp

 

BMEN
E4010

2

MW
2:40-3:55

Ethics for Biomedical Engineers. J. Loike
Prerequisite: senior status in biomedical engineering or the instructor's permission.  Covers a wide range of issues expected to confront graduates as they enter the biotechnology industry, research, or medical careers. Ethical issues raised by animal research, experimental drugs and treatments, record keeping in research and medicine, authorship of publications, conflicts of interest, identification and reporting of scientific misconduct. Presentation of student-selected topics will occupy the second half of the course.

 v

F

 

BMEN
E4030

3

T
4:10-6:40

Neural Control Engineering. Q. Wang
Topics include: basic cell biophysics, active conductance and the Hodgkin-Huxley model, simple neuron models, ion channel models and synaptic models, statistical models of spike generation, Wilson-Cowan model of cortex, large-scale electrophysiological recording methods, sensorimotor integration and optimal state estimation, operant conditioning of neural activity, nonlinear modeling of neural systems, sensory systems: visual pathway and somatosensory pathway, neural encoding model: spike triggered average (STA) and spike triggered covariance (STC) analysis, neuronal response to electrical micro-stimulation, DBS for Parkinson's disease treatment, motor neural prostheses, and sensory neural prostheses.

F

 

BMEN
E4110

4

TR
11:40-12:55

Biostatistics for Engineers. J. Jacobs
Prerequisites: (MATH UN1202) and (APMA E2101) MATH V1202 and APMA E2101 Fundamental concepts of probability and statistics applied to biology and medicine. Probability distributions, hypothesis testing and inference, summarizing data and testing for trends. Signal detection theory and the receiver operator characteristic. Lectures accompanied by data analysis assignments using MATLAB as well as discussion of case studies in biomedicine.

Sp

 

BMEN
E4210

4

T
4:10-6:40

Driving Forces of Biological Systems. S. Sia
Prerequisites: (CHEM UN1404) and (MATH UN1202) Corequisites: BIOL UN2005 Introduction to the thermodynamics of biological systems, with a focus on connection microscopic molecular properties to macroscopic states. Both classical and statistical thermodynamics will be applied to biological systems; phase equilibria, chemical reactions, and colligative properties. Topics in modern biology, macromolecular behavior in solutions and interfaces, protein-ligand binding, and the hydrophobic effect.

v

F

 

BMEN
E4340

3

W
4:10-6:40

Biomechanics of Cells. C. Jacobs

v

F

 

BMEN
E4480

3

T
4:10-6:40

Statistical Machine Learning for Genomics. E. Azizi
Introduction to statistical machine learning methods using applications in genomic data and in particular high-dimensional single-cell data. Concepts of molecular biology relevant to genomic technologies, challenges of high-dimensional genomic data analysis, bioinformatics preprocessing pipelines, dimensionality reduction, unsupervised learning, clustering, probabilistic modeling, hidden Markov models, Gibbs sampling, deep neural networks, gene regulation. Programming assignments and final project will be required.

v

F

 

BMEN
E4510

3

MW
11:40-12:55

Tissue Engineering. C. Hung
An introduction to the strategies and fundamental bioengineering design criteria in the development of biomaterials and tissue engineered grafts. Material structural-functional relationships, biocompatibility in terms of material and host responses. Through discussions, readings, and a group design project, students acquire an understand of cell-material interactions and identify the parameters critical in the design and selection of biomaterials for biomedical applications.

v

F
Sp

 

BMEN
E4520

3

MW
4:10-6:40

Synthetic Biology: Prin Genetic Circuits. T. Danino

F

 

BMEN

E4530

3

M
1:10-3:40

Drug and Gene Delivery. K. Leong

Prerequisites: BME I (BMEN E3010) Prerequisites: BME I. The course covers the application of polymers and other materials in drug and gene delivery, with focus on recent advances in the field. It covers basics of polymer science, pharmacokinetics, and biomaterials, cell-substrate interactions, drug delivery system fabrication from nanoparticles to microparticles and electrospun fibrous membranes. Applications include cancer therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Course readings include textbook chapters and journal papers. Homework assignments take the format of an assay responding to an open-ended question. A term paper and a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation are required at the end of the semester.

 

Sp

 

BMEN

E4560

3

 

Dynamics of biological membranes

Prerequisites: BIOL C2005, BMEN E4001 or equivalent. The structure and dynamics of biological (cellular) membranes are discussed, with an emphasis on biophysical properties. Topics include membrane composition, fluidity, lipid asymmetry, lipid-protein interactions, membrane turnover, membrane fusion, transport, lipid phase behavior. In the second half of the semester, students will lead discussions of recent journal articles.

 

Sp

Su

 

BMEN

E4580

3

TR
1:10-2:25

Fundamentals of Nanobioscience and Nanobiotechnology H. Hess

BIOL C2005-C2006, BMEN E4001E4002 (Recommended) or with instructor permission. The purpose of this course is to introduce studentsto the emerging fields of nanobioscience and nanotechnology.  Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular and supramolecular scale, is an interdisciplinary field with potentially wide-ranging applications. Biological systems can be considered as a proof-of-principle of the feasibility of many nanotechnology concepts.

 

 v

F

Sp

 

BMEN

E4590

3

T

4:10 - 6:40

BioMems: Cellular and Molecular Applications. S. Sia

Prerequisites: Chemistry CHEM C3443 or CHEN C3545 or equivalent and MATH V1201 Corequisites: BIOL C2005 or equivalent Topics include biomicroelectromechanical, microfluidic, and lab-on-a-chip systems in biomedical engineering, with a focus on cellular and molecular applications. Microfabrication techniques, biocompatibility, miniaturization of analytical and diagnostic devices, high-throughput cellular studies, microfabrication for tissue engineering, and in vivo devices.

 

Sp

 

BMEN
E4740

3

W
10:10-11:25


F

1:10-3:55

Bioinstrumentation. A. Kyle

Prerequisites: (ELEN E1201) and (COMS W1005) Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing the various components of a benchtop cardiac pacemaker. Design instrumentation to measure biomedical signals as well as to actuate living tissues. Transducers, signal conditioning electronics, data acquisition boards, the Arduino microprocessor, and data acquisition and processing using MATLAB will be covered. Various devices will be discussed throughout the course, with laboratory work focusing on building an emulated version of a cardiac pacemaker.

 v

F

 

BMEN

E6001

3

T

2:30 - 5:00

Current Topics in Biomedical Nanotechnology. H. Hess

F

 

BMEN

E6005

3

MW

1:10 - 2:25

Biomedical Innovation I. K. Reuther

Prerequisites: Master's students only. Project-based design experience for graduate students. Elements of design process, including need identification, concept generation, concept selection, and implementation. Development of design prototype and introduction to entrepreneurship and implementation strategies. Real-world training in biomedical design and innovation.

 

Sp

 

BMEN

E6006

3

T

10:10 - 12:40

Biomedical Design II. K. Reuther

Second semester of project-based design experience for graduate students. Elements of design process, with focus on skills development, prototype development and testing, and business planning. Real-world training in biomedical design, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

 

Sp

 

BMEN

E6007

3

W

4:10 - 6:30

Lab-to-Market. K. Reuther and A. Nye

 

 

Sp

 

BMEN

E6510

3

R

1-3:00

Stem Cell, Genome Engineering, & Regenerative Medicine. S. Tsang, G. Vunjak-Novakovic, D. Egli

Prerequisites: (BMEN E4001) or (BMEN E4002) and Biology, Cell Biology The seminar course will include general lectures on stem cell biology followed by student presentations and discussion of the primary literature. The themes to be presented include 1. Basic stem cell concepts; 2. Basic cell and molecular biological characterization of endogenous stem cell populations; 3. Concepts related to reprogramming; 4. Directed differentiation of stem cell populations; 5. The use of stem cells in disease modeling or tissue replacement/repair; 6. Clinical translation of stem cell research. 

 

Sp

 

BMEN

E6505

3

T

10:10-12:40

Advanced Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. H. Lu

Prerequisites: (BMEN E4501) or BMEN E4501 or equivalent. Corequisites: BMEN E4001 or BMEN E4002 Advanced biomaterial selection and biomimetic scaffold design for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Formulation of bio-inspired design criteria, scaffold characterization and testing, and applications on forming complex tissues or organogenesis. Laboratory component includes basic scaffold fabrication, characterization and in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility. Group projects target the design of scaffolds for select tissue engineering applications.

 v

F

 

BMEN

E8001

 3

T

1:10-3:55

Current Topics in Nanobiotechnology and Synthetic Biology. H. Hess

Review and critical discussion of recent literature in nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology. Experimental and theoretical techniques, critical advances. Quality judgments of scientific impact and technical accuracy. Styles of written and graphical communication, the peer review process. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with recent advances in nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology, and practice critical reasoning skills and scientific techniques on the basis of recent literature. A central goal is to enable the students to arrive at well-founded judgments of technical and scientific quality of publications, in order to accelerate the growth of their ability to produce high-quality work themselves. The class will be conducted in seminar-format, with discussions moderated by the professor and anchored by student presentations evaluating assigned publications. The publications will treat both, theoretical and experimental work, and their selection will stress the important interplay between theoretical insights and experimental advances. The involved mathematical and computational approaches will be an integral part of the discussion. All students are required to read in detail each publication prior to its discussion in class. Each student will present two papers using a powerpoint presentation over the course of the class. All students will submit summaries of each discussion which briefly describe the goals, techniques, results and merits of each publication.

 

Biomedical Informatics (bulletin listing)

v

F

 

BINF
GU4000

 

3

TR
10:30 - 12:00

Acculturation to Prog & Stat K. Natarajan

F

 

BINF
G4001

 

3

MW
4:10-5:25

Introduction to Computer Applications in Health Care and Biomedicine. N.Tatonetti

An overview of the field of biomedical informatics, combining perspectives from medicine, computer science and social science. Use of computers and information in health care and the biomedical sciences, covering specific applications and general methods, current issues, capabilities and limitations of biomedical informatics. Biomedical Informatics studies the organization of medical information, the effective management of information using computer technology, and the impact of such technology on medical research, education, and patient care. The field explores techniques for assessing current information practices, determining the information needs of health care providers and patients, developing interventions using computer technology, and evaluating the impact of those interventions.

v

F Sp

 

BINF
G4011

3

F
9-1:00

Methods in Health Information Tech. V. Lorenzi
Overview of the field of medicine for informaticians.  Medical language and terminology, introduction to pathology and pathophysiology, the process of medical decision making, and an understanding of how information flows in the practice of medicine.

Sp

 

BINF
G4013

3

W
9-12

Biological Sequence Analysis. R. Friedman
This course is the same as course  CMBS G4020, except that a final exam is required. Letter grade. The course covers PC operation, basic Unix, web-site usage, sequence comparison, database searching, multiple sequence alignment, profile methods, secondary structure prediction, mapping, primer design, and genomic analysis. 

Note: Must be registered and attend the first class.

 

Sp

 

BINF
G4014

3

MR
11-12:30

Computational Biology. A. Rzhetsky

 

Sp

 

BINF
G4015

3

TR
2-4

Computational Biology: Proteins, Networks and Function. D. Vitkup

 

Sp

 

BINF
G4016

3

M
12:30 - 3:30

Quant/Comp Aspects of Infectious Diseases. R. Rabadan

 

Biostatistics (bulletin listing)

v

F

XR

BIST
P6100

1

MW
5:30-8

Introduction to Vital Statistics. M. Pavlicova 
Mass data of the health fields; the content of vital statistics; methods of collecting, tabulating, and graphing population data; A discussion of vital indices and the distinction between crude, specific and adjusted rates.  Direct standardization.  Life Table Analysis.

 

 

 

F
Sp
Su

XR

BIST
P6103

3

W
8:30-11:20

W
5:30-6:20

Introduction to Biostatistics. S. Lopez-Pintado
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor required for all non-Public Health students. Biostatistics is essential to ensuring that findings and practices in public health and biomedicine are supported by reliable evidence. This course covers the basic tools for the collection, analysis, and presentation of data in all areas of public health. Central to these skills is assessing the impact of chance and variability on the interpretation of research findings and subsequent recommendations for public health practice and policy. Topics covered include: general principles of study design; probability, hypothesis testing; review of methods for comparison of discrete and continuous data including ANOVA, t-test, correlation, and regression. This course is part of the core course requirement for the MPH and is a prerequisite for other courses in the Department of Biostatistics and throughout the Mailman School of Public Health.

v

F

Su

 

BIST
P6104

3

 

Introduction to Biostatistical Methods. S. Ayton

 

F
Sp

Su

 

BIST

P6110

3

R

5:30-8:20

Statistical Computing with SAS. J. Lee

This is a Public Health Course.  Public Health classes are offered on the Health Services Campus at 168th Street.For more detailed course information, please go to Mailman School of Public Health Courses website at http://www.mailman.hs.columbia.edu/academics/courses

 

Sp

XR

BIST

P6170

3

R

2:30-5:20

New Drug Development: Regulatory Overview. R. Mac Arthur

Prerequisites: P6104 or the quantitative module of the MPH Core. This course will provide an introduction to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the drug development and approval process, often referred to as the 'Critical Path'. The class will begin with a review of the history and organization of the FDA, and analysis of the principle steps along the critical path, including preclinical testing, clinical testing (drug development phase 0 thru IV), Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, Good Clinical Practices, and adverse event reporting. Different types of FDA submissions (IND, NDA, ANDA, SPA, eCTD), and FDA meetings will be examined, along with accelerated drug approval strategies, orphan drug development strategies, generic drug development, and post-marketing Sponsor commitments. Throughout the class we will study the related legislation and regulations that empower FDA, and the interrelated FDA guidance documents that define FDA expectations.

 v

F

XR

BIST

P8105

3

TR

10-11:20

Data Science. A. Goldsmith

 v

F

XR

BIST

P8130

3

TR

1:00-2:20

Biostatistical Methods. C. Chiuzan

 

Sp

XR

BIST

P8131

3

TR

9:00-10:20

Biostatistical Methods II. B. Cheng

 

Sp

XR

BIST

P8139

*NEW!*

3

T

1:00 - 3:50

Statistic Genetic Modeling. S. Wang

Prerequisites: At least one course each in probability and genetics and the instructors permission. The theoretical foundations underlying the models and techniques used in mathematical genetics and genetic epidemiology. Use and interpretation of likelihood methods; formulation of mathematical models; segregation analysis; ascertainment bias; linkage analysis; genetic heterogeneity; and complex genetic models. Lectures, discussions, homework problems, and a final examination.

v

F
Sp

 

BIST

P8140

3

W

1:00-3:50

Intro to Rand Clinical Trials. J. Thompson

Prerequisite: Public Health P6104 or the equivalent. Fundamental methods and concepts of the randomized clinical trial; protocol development, randomization, blindedness, patient recruitment, informed consent, compliance, sample size determination, cross-overs, collaborative trials. Each student prepares and submits the protocol for a real or hypothetical clinical trial.

 


Business School Courses
 Limited availability Cross registration application

v

F
Sp
Su

XR

FINC
B8306

3

various sections

Capital Markets and Investments.  A. Lines
NOTE: This course is required for enrollment in all upper-level finance courses (8300 and 9300) and must be taken prior to or concurrently with any upper-level finance course.  It is not required for upper-level economics courses (8200 and 9200). This course complements B6301(a core course) by introducing market and portfolio perspectives. The course starts with the discounted cash flow methodology, which ends B6301, and continues to the concept of term structure in the valuation of risk-free cash flows, including forward rates. Next, the general problem of valuing risky or uncertain cash flows is considered. This leads to the classical theoretical problems of portfolio diversification, the efficient frontier and two-fund separation. The capital asset pricing model (CAPM), arbitrage pricing theory (APT) and efficient market theory are explained. The Modigliani-Miller theory is presented as corporate-perspective application of asset valuation ideas. Rounding out the course is an introduction to the valuation of derivatives using binomial trees.

 

Sp

XR

BUEC 
B8221

-001

1.5

TR

2:15-3:45

Economics of Health Care & Pharmaceuticals.  F. Lichtenberg   
This course provides a basic overview of the health care industry that emphasizes the economic issues that affect medical care delivery and finance. It considers the efficiency of alternative health care delivery systems; analyzes incentives and organizational structure of the health care system; and assesses the roles of physicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical and device manufacturers, and HMOs and other contractual networks.

 

Sp

 

B8519

3

M

2:00-5:15

Launch Your Startup. J. McGourty, W. O'Farrell, O. E. Davis

 

Sp

XR

B8325

3

M

9:00-12:15

Mergers & Acquisitions. D. Hitscherich

 

Sp

XR

MGMT
B8536

1.5

TR

10:45-12:15

Strategy and Competition in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology. C. Cramer, R. Essner
This course examines the strategic, technology, competitive, organizational and political challenges impacting the global pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector.  Critical issues examined include: the strategies and process of discovering, developing, and getting new drugs approved; the impact of government oversight and regulation; R&D/product portfolio strategies; patent strategies and challenges; the design of prescription drug plans and role of PBMS; competition between branded, generic and OTC products; industry and growth prospects; restructuring strategies to address slowing top-line growth; external/ business developing strategies; related legislative and health policy initiatives; and unique challenges of managing early-stage biotechnology companies.

 

Sp

 

XR

MGMT
B8521

3

MTWRF

9:00-5

 

 

Lean Launchpad. S. Blank

This 3 credit block week class will run from August 27th through to August 31st. This is a team-based course. The Professor would like the course to be made up of students from schools across the university as well as students from the business school. Students who successfully secure a seat in the course must be part of a team of 3-5 students prior to the first day of class.

The Lang Center will be organizing several mixers where students can meet to organize themselves into teams. Additionally, students may enter their information using a database or online form as a means to find a team.

We will begin notifying students as to whether or not they have gotten a seat in the course beginning July 12th. We will however, continue to accept the cross-registration form after this date.

F

XR

MRKT B8692

1.5

W

5:45-9:00

Pharmaceutical Drug Commercialization: Strategy & Practice. B. Ellerin & M. Jamil

v

F

Sp

XR

BUSI B8731

1.5

M

5:45-9:00

Global Healthcare Strategy: Innovation in Global Healthcare. L. Marchand

 

v

F

XR

DROM
B8823

3

R

2:15-5:30

Healthcare Industry in the 21st Century. L. Green 
This course provides an overview of the health care industry, the major players involved in the payment, production, and delivery of health care and the key challenges and opportunities facing health care executives, investors and policymakers. Topics include strategies for addressing costs, quality and access, and the perspectives of consumers/patients, payers, providers/caregivers, and producers/suppliers. Emphasis is placed on challenges and opportunities afforded by new legislation, information technology, and new methods of health care delivery and payment. Though the focus is primarily on the U.S., comparison with health care systems in other countries is also discussed. 

 

Sp

XR

FINC 
B9399
-03

1.5

 

Healthcare Investment and DealmakingC. Cramer
This course analyzes the unique characteristics and strategies in the health care sector from the perspective of venture capital firms investing in early-stage health care enterprises, private equity firms seeking to build value-creating health care platforms, and entrepreneurs seeking capital from these and other sources. The course addresses how to source attractive investment opportunities in a health care system which is costly, fragmented and inefficient; how investors can assess, value and manage the inherent risks in investing in a highly regulated and politically-charged environment; the unique challenges of healthcare entrepreneurs in building a management team and developing and financing research & commercial infrastructure; and in-depth business development and "dealmaking" strategies (partnering, licensing and M&A) pursued by health care companies to enhance completive position.

v

F

XR

MRKT 
B9601

1.5

 

Health Care Marketing. M. Wosinska
This course covers marketing strategies for health care players, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies. It will focus on the environment and market dynamics that can have a significant impact on the success of these marketing strategies. Some of the issues addressed in this course include:  how to acquire and retain new patients; new product introduction and adoption; challenges and opportunities of value pricing; how marketing fits in early products development; how regulation and market structure affects availability of  physician and consumer data; customer segmentation strategies, effective use of advertising and public relations; information and market research; and sale force design and management.

 

Sp

XR

MRKT
B9601
-051

3

 

Seminar in Marketing; High Tech Marktng/Entreprnrshp. R. Kivetz 

 

Sp

XR

MRKT
B9601
-075

1.5

 

Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Workshop. C. Cramer and R. Essner

This course is designed for students with at least a basic understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. Students new to the industry are unlikely to benefit from the course, given the advanced class discussion.

 

Sp

XR

MRKT
B9601
-081

1.5

 

Healthcare Business and Investment in Emerging Markets. C. Cramer

 

             

 

Sp

XR

DROM

B8218
-081

1.5

MF 
12:40-3:45

Healthcare Investment and Entr. D. Tamburri

 

             

 

Cellular, Molecular, and Biophysical Studies (bulletin listing)

v

F

 

CMBS
G4150

4

MWF
1:30-3

Molecular Genetics. J. Dworkin
Prerequisite: basic biology and biochemistry; the instructor’s permission. Basic aspects of prokaryotic molecular biology and genetics. Regulation of gene expression, molecular genetics of bacterial viruses, plasmids and transposable elements. Modern molecular genetic approaches to complex biological phenomena. Format: four to five hours of lecture and discussion per week.  Instructor's approval required. syllabus

 

Sp

 

CMBS
G4350

4

MWF
10-11:30

Cellular Membrane and Organelle.  G. Gundersen
Introduction of eukaryotic cell biology; discussion of modern research approaches and current literature.  Format: 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of student presentation per week.

 

Sp

 

CMBS
G6301

4.5

MWF
2-3:30

Biochem, Cell/Molecular Biology II. G. Gundersen and Ali Yamamoto

For all first year Ph.D. students. Provides a unified curriculum that covers many of the topics that students need to know to successfully carry out research in biological sciences. Topics include basic biochemical principles, processes common to all eukaryotic cells such as transcription, translation and the cell cycle, and mechanism of cell-cell signaling.

 

Chemical Engineering (bulletin listing)

F

 

CHEN
E4020

3

M
7-9:30

Protection of Indut/Intell Prop.   K. Spall
To expose engineers, scientists and technology managers to areas of the law they are most likely to be in contact with during their career. Principles are illustrated with various case studies together with active student participation.

v

F

 

CHEN
E4700

3

M
7-9:30

Principles of Genomic Technology.   J. Ju
Chemical and physical aspects of genome structure and organization, genetic information flow from DNA to RNA to Protein. Nucleic acid hybridizationand sequence complexity of DNA and RNA. Genome mapping and sequencing methods. The engineering of DNA polymerase for DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction. Fluorescent DNA sequencing and high-throughput DNA sequence development. Construction of gene chip and microarray for gene expression analysis. Technology and biochemical approach for functional genomicsanalysis. Gene discovery and genetics database search method. The application of genetic database for new therapeutics discovery.  Department's approval required.

 

Sp

 

CHEN
E4750

3

TR
2:40-3:55

The Genome and the Cell.   E.F. Leonard

Prerequisites: BIOL C2005, MATH E1210 The utility of genomic information lies in its capacity to predict the behavior of living cells in physiological, developmental, and pathological situations. The effect of variations in genome structure between individuals within a species, including those deemed healthy or diseased, and among species, can be inferred statistically by comparisons of sequences with behaviors, and mechanistically, by studying the action of molecules whose structure is encoded within the genome. This course examines known mechanisms that elucidate the combined effect of environmental stimulation and genetic makeup on the behavior of cells in homeostasis, disease states, and during development, and includes assessments of the probable effect of these behaviors on the whole organism.  Quantitative models of gene translation and intracellular signal transduction will be used to illustrate switching of intracellular processes, transient and permanent gene activation, and cell commitment, development, and death.

 

Sp

 

CHEN

E4780

3

T

6:10-8:40

Quant Methods in Cell Biology. B. O'Shaughnessy

 

Chemistry (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

BIOC
GU4102

4.5

TR
10:10-11:25

Chemistry for the Brain. D. Sames
The study of the brain is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and medicine today.  Although neuroscience is by nature a multi-disciplinary effort, chemistry has played many critical roles in the development of modern neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and brain imaging.  Chemistry, and the chemical probes it generates, such as molecular modulators, therapeutics, imaging agents, sensors, or actuators, will continue to impact neuroscience on both preclinical and clinical levels.  In this course, two major themes will be discussed.  In the first one, titled "Imaging brain function with chemical tools," we will discuss molecular designs and functional parameters of widely used fluorescent sensors in neuroscience (calcium, voltage, and neurotransmitter sensors), their impact on neuroscience, pros and cons of genetically encoded sensors versus chemical probes, and translatability of these approaches to the human brain.  In the second major theme, titled "Perturbation of the brain function with chemical tools," we will examine psychoactive substances, the basics of medicinal chemistry, brain receptor activation mechanisms and coupled signaling pathways, and their effects on circuit and brain function.  We will also discuss recent approaches, failures and successes in the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.  Recent advances in precise brain function perturbation by light (optogenetics and photopharmacology) will also be introduced. In the context of both themes we will discuss the current and future possibilities for the design of novel materials, drawing on the wide molecular structural space (small molecules, proteins, polymers, nanomaterials), aimed at monitoring, modulating, and repairing human brain function.  This course is intended for students (undergraduate and graduate) from the science, engineering and medical departments.

 v

F

 

BIOC
GU4147

4.5

TR
10:10-11:25

Advanced Organic Chemistry I. J. Norton
Prerequisites: elementary organic and physical chemistry. The mechanisms of organic reactions, structure of organic molecules, and theories of reactivity. How reactive intermediates are recognized and mechanisms are deduced using kinetics, stereochemistry, isotopes, and physical measurements.

 

Sp

 

BIOC
G4170

4.5

TF
4:10-5:25

Biophysical Chemistry. R. Gonzalez
Includes laboratory exercises in molecular computer graphics and in structural biological and chemical informatics.

 

Sp

 

CHEM
G4172

4.5

TR
11:40-12:55

Bio-organic Topics. N. Berova and R. Breslow
Prerequisite: introductory organic chemistry. Recommended preparation: advanced organic chemistry. Various topics in bioactive molecules in the field centered on natural-products chemistry, metabolic transformations, and enzyme mechanisms. Biosynthesis of natural products and some other bioorganic topics.

F

 

CHEM
GU4312

4

MW
1:10-2:25

Chemical Biology. V. Cornish

Development and application of chemical methods for understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular processes. Review of the biosynthesis, chemical synthesis, and structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Application of chemical methods--including structural biology, enzymology, chemical genetics, and the synthesis of modified biological molecules--to the study of cellular processes--including transcription, translation, and signal transduction.

Course Objectives: In this course, we will cover subject matter in chemical biology. We will discuss approaches for discovering and optimizing chemical tools for measuring and perturbing biological systems. Topics covered will include high-throughput assay development, screening, chemical library creation, high-throughput chemistry, affinity purification of target proteins and target validation, protein microarrays, molecular evolution, protein engineering and synthetic biology. The course is intended to provide a foundation needed for advanced chemical biology research, i.e. the creation and use of chemical probes of biological processes and macromolecular function. The course will be of interest to students at the interface between chemistry and biology, and students interested in medicine, academic chemical biology and drug discovery efforts.

v

F

 

CHEM
GU4323

4

TR
1:10-2:25

Biophysical Chemistry I.  J. Hunt and A. Palmer

This course provides a rigorous introduction to the theory underlying widely used biophysical methods, which will be illustrated by practical applications to contemporary biomedical research problems. 

Prerequisites: At least one year of coursework in single-variable calculus and not being freaked-out by multivariable calculus.  Physics coursework through classical mechanics and electromagnetism (preferably calculus-based).  One year of general chemistry (either AP chemistry or a college course).  One year of college coursework in molecular/cellular biology and biochemistry equivalent to Biology C2005-2006 at Columbia.  The first semester of this course sequence (BIOC GU4323) is NOT a prerequisite for the second semester (BIOC GU4324).  However, thermodynamic models and data-analysis methods developed during the first semester will be employed in a significant number of assessments during the second semester.  A tutorial covering empirical application of these methods will be provided for students who enroll for the second semester without having taken the first.

 

Sp

 

CHEM
GU4324

4.5

TF
4:10-5:25

Biophysical Chemistry II. J. Hunt and A. Palmer

This course provides a rigorous introduction to the theory underlying widely used biophysical methods, which will be illustrated by practical applications to contemporary biomedical research problems. 

Prerequisites: At least one year of coursework in single-variable calculus and not being freaked-out by multivariable calculus.  Physics coursework through classical mechanics and electromagnetism (preferably calculus-based).  One year of general chemistry (either AP chemistry or a college course).  One year of college coursework in molecular/cellular biology and biochemistry equivalent to Biology C2005-2006 at Columbia.  The first semester of this course sequence (BIOC GU4323) is NOT a prerequisite for the second semester (BIOC GU4324).  However, thermodynamic models and data-analysis methods developed during the first semester will be employed in a significant number of assessments during the second semester.  A tutorial covering empirical application of these methods will be provided for students who enroll for the second semester without having taken the first.

 

 

 

Computer Science (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

 

CBMF
GU4761

3

MW
4:10-5:25

Computational Genomics.   I. Pe'er
Computational techniques for analyzing genomic data including DNA, RNA, protein and gene expression data. Basic concepts in molecular biology relevant to these analyses. Emphasis on techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning. String-matching algorithms, dynamic programming, hidden Markov models, expectation-maximization, neural networks, clustering algorithms, support vector machines. Students with life sciences backgrounds who satisfy the prerequisites are encouraged to enroll. 

Sp

 

 

COMS
W4771

3

TR
2:40-3:55

Machine Learning. N. Verma
Prerequisites: Any introductory course in linear algebra and any introductory course in statistics are both required. Highly recommended: COMS W4701 or knowledge of Artificial Intelligence. Topics from generative and discriminative machine learning including least squares methods, support vector machines, kernel methods, neural networks, Gaussian distributions, linear classification, linear regression, maximum likelihood, exponential family distributions, Bayesian networks, Bayesian inference, mixture models, the EM algorithm, graphical models and hidden Markov models. Algorithms implemented in MATLAB.

 

Sp

 

 

COMS
W4995

(Section 011)

3

MW
1:10-2:25

Topics in Computer Science. D. Bauer
Prerequisites: Instructor's permission. Special topics arranged as the need and availability arises. Topics are usually offered on a one-time basis. Since the content of this course changes each time it is offered, it may be repeated for credit. Consult the department for section assignment.

 

Earth and Environmental Engineering (bulletin listing)

v

F

 

EAEE
E4252

3

TR
2:40-3:55

Foundations of Environmental Engineering.   K. Chandran
Prerequisites: (CHEM UN1403) and (ENME E3161) or CHEM C1403, or the equivalent; ENME E3161 or the equivalent. Engineering aspects of problems involving human interaction with the natural environment. Review of fundamental principles that underlie the discipline of environmental engineering, i.e., constituent transport and transformation processes in environmental media such as water, air, and ecosystems. Engineering applications for addressing environmental problems such as water quality and treatment, air pollution emissions, and hazardous waste remediation. Presented in the context of current issues facing the practicing engineers and government agencies, including legal and regulatory framework, environmental impact assessments, and natural resource management.

 

Sp

 

EAEE
E4901

3

TR
2:40-3:55

Environmental Microbiology.   K. Chandran
Basic microbiological principles; microbial metabolism; identification and interactions of microbial populations responsible for the biotransformation of pollutants; mathematical modeling of microbially mediated processes; biotechnology and engineering applications using microbial systems for pollution control.

v

F

 

EAEE
E4950

3

TR
1:10-2:25

Environmental Biochemical Processes.  K. Chandran
Prerequisites: EAEE 4901 or CIEE E4252 or EAEE E4003 or the instructor's approval. Qualitative and quantitative considerations in engineered environmental biochemical processes. Characterization of multiple microbial reactions in a community and techniques for determining associated kinetic and stoichiometric parameters.
Engineering design of several bioreactor configurations employed for biochemical waste treatment. Mathematical modeling of engineered biological reactors using state-of-the-art simulation packages.

 

Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

EEEB
G4050

3

M
2:10-4

Program & Data Science Skills.   D. Eaton
Prerequisites: One year of introductory biology or permission from the instructor. Programming and Data Science Skills for Biologists will introduce students to computational tools and concepts that are fundamental to working with large biological datasets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sp

 

EEEB
GU4055

3

MW
1:10-2:25

Principles and Applications of Modern DNA Sequencing Technology.   A. Bendesky and D. Eaton

Genome sequencing, the technology used to translate DNA into data, is now a fundamental tool in biological and biomedical research, and is expected to revolutionize many related fields and industries in coming years as the technology becomes faster, smaller, and less expensive. Learning to use and interpret genomic information, however, remains challenging for many students, as it requires synthesizing knowledge from a range of disciplines, including genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Although genomics is of broad interest to many fields - such as ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, medicine, and computer science - students in these areas often lack sufficient background training to take a genomics course. This course bridges this gap, by teaching skills in modern genomic technologies that will allow students to innovate and effectively apply these tools in novel applications across disciplines. To achieve this, we implement an active learning approach to emphasize genomics as a data science, and use this organizing principle to structure the course around computational exercises, lab-based activities using state-of-the-art sequencing instruments, case studies, and field work. Together, this approach will introduce students to the principles of genomics by allowing them to generate, analyze, and interpret data hands-on while using the most cutting-edge genomic technologies of today in a stimulating and engaging learning experience.

 

Sp

 

EEEB
G4126

3

W
12:10-2

Introduction to Conservation Genetics.   D. Melnick

 v

F

 

EEEB
G4127

3

MW

11:40-12:55

Disease Ecology and Conservation.   M. Diuk-Wasser
Prerequisites: the instructor's permission. Introduction to the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases of humans and wildlife.

F

 

EEEB
G4165

3

W
6:10-8

Pathogen Evolution: Genes, Organisms, Populations and Ecosystems.   I. Brito
What roles do pathogens play in ecosystem stability? Do diseases evolve to be more virulent or benign over time? What allows certain diseases to emerge? How do disease control mechanisms affect pathogen evolution? These questions and others wil be discussed during the course. We will explore different selective pressures that affect the evolution of parasites, bacteria and viruses (and their hosts) at a variety of scales. We will touch upon different tools of analysis: genetic analysis, empirical evidence, phylogenetics, epidemiological modeling and landscape analysis needed to conceptually understand ecological, genetic and epidemiological drivers of host-pathogen evolution.

Topics to be discussed include: theories on the evolution of virulence; coevolution of host and pathogen; genetic variability of parasites, viruses and bacteria; roles of parasites in ecosystems; biodiversity and infectious disease; pathogen evolution over landscapes.

v

 

 

F

Sp

 

EEEB

GU4321

4

W

2:10-4

Human Nature: DNA, Race & Identity. M. Pollack and R. E. Pollack

This 4 point seminar on Human Identity is taught from the perspective of four different disciplines; Law, Religion, Science, and Medicine. The course focuses on human identity, beginning with the individual over the lifespan and progressing to communal and global viewpoints using a framework of perspectives from biology, genetics, medicine, public health, psychiatry, religion and the law.

v

F

Sp

 

 

EEEB

GR5005

3

TR

8:40-9:55

Intro-Stat-Ecology & Evol Biol. E. Eskew

Prerequisites: some background in ecology, evolutionary biology, and/or statistics is recommended. An introduction to the theoretical principles and practical application of statistical methods in ecology and evolutionary biology. The course will cover the conceptual basis for a range of statistical techniques through a series of lectures using examples from the primary literature. The application of these techniques will be taught through the use of statistical software in computer-based laboratory sessions.

v

F

 

EEEB
GR6110

3

MW
2:10-4

Fundamentals of Evolution D. Eaton
Prerequisites: Priority given to first-year students in EEB or Conservation Biology Certificate program. Lecture course covering principal topics of evolutionary biology from genetics, genome organization, population and quantitative genetics, the history of evolutionary theory, systematics, speciation and species concepts, co-evolution, and biogeography.

 

Electrical Engineering (bulletin listing)

F

 

BMEB
GU4020

3

T
7- 9:30

Computational Neuroscience: Circuits in the Brain. A. Lazar

Prerequisites ELEN E3801 or Biology W3004. The biophysics of computation: modeling biological neurons, the Hodgkin-Huxley neuron, modeling channel conductances and synapses as memristive systems, bursting neurons and central pattern generators, I/O equivalence and spiking neuron models. Information representation and neural encoding: stimulus representation with time encoding machines, the geometry of time encoding, encoding with neural circuits with feedback, population time encoding machines. Dendritic computation: elements of spike processing and neural computation, synaptic plasticity and learning algorithms, unsupervised learning and spike time-dependent plasticity, basic dendritic integration. Projects in Matlab.

v

F

 

ECBM
E4060

3

M
7-9:30

Introduction to Genomic Information Science and Technology.  D. Anastassiou  
This course introduces the "information system paradigm" of molecular biology and genetics, in which biomolecular sequences are viewed as elements of digital information systems and recombination and other biomolecular processes are viewed as mathematical operations with simulation and visualization using simple computer programming in MATLAB. All concepts and methods will be introduced. No previous computer or biology background is required for the course.  Electronic access for students who have time conflict with other courses.

 

Sp

 

MEIE
E4810

3

W
8:10-6:40

Intro to Human Space Flight.  M. Massimino  

Introduction to human spaceflight from a systems engineering perspective. Historical and current space programs and spacecraft. Motivation, cost and rationale for human space exploration. Overview of space environment needed to sustain human life and health, including physiological and psychological concerns in space habitat. Astronaut selection and training processes, spacewalking, robotics, mission operations, and future program directions. Systems integration for successful operation of a spacecraft. Highlights from current events and space research, Space Shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope, and International Space Station (ISS). Includes a design project to assist International Space Station astronauts. 

 

Sp

 

MEIE
E4830

3

R
10:10-12:40

Digital Image Processing. C. Hendon  

Introduction to the mathematical tools and algorithmic implementation for representation and processing of digital pictures, videos, and vidual sensory data. Image representation, filtering, transform, quality enhancement, restoration, feature extraction, object segmentation, motion analysis, classification, and coding for data compression. A series of programming assignments reinforces material from the lectures.

 

Sp

 

ELEN
E6010

 

4.5

T
4:10-6:40

Design Principles of Biological Circuits.  P. Jelenkovic  
Prerequisites: ECBM E4060 or the instructor's permission. Beyond bioinformatics, cells as systems. Metabolic networks, transcription regulatory networks, signaling networks. Deterministic and stochastic kinetics. Mathematical representation of reconstructed networks. Network motifs. Signal transduction and neuronal networks. Robustness. Bacterial chemotaxis and patterning in fruit fly development. Kinetic proofreading. Optimal gene circuit design. Rules for gene regulation. Random networks and multiple time scales. Biological information processing. Numerical and simulation techniques. Major project(s) in Matlab.

 v

F

 

EEBM
E6091

3

T
1:10-3:40

TPCS: Comput Neurosci/Neuroengi Brain/Computer Interfaces.  D. Khodagholy  
Prerequisites: The instructor's permission. Selected advanced topics in computational neuroscience and neuroengineering. Content varies from year to year, and different topics rotate through the course numbers 6090-6099.

 

Sp

 

EEBM

E6095

3

M

7:00-9:00

Topics in Computer Neurosci/Eng  A. Lazar 

 

Sp

 

EEBM

E6099

3

T

4:10-6:40

Topics in Computer Neurosci/Eng: Brain-Computer Interfaces P. Sajda 

 

Environmental Health Sciences (bulletin listing)

v

F

XR

EHSC
P6300

3

W
2:30-5:20

Environmental Health Sciences. G. Freyer
Environmental factors have a profound impact on the public’s health. Essential to understanding and addressing this impact is a focused study in basic and applied environmental health sciences. Environmental health problems intersect with health disparities, government policy, reproductive health, population shifts, and economic forces. Recognizing the need for a solid grounding in both environmental health sciences and the interconnections with other societal issues significantly improves the way we conduct public health research and professional practice. In this course, students will engage in scientific inquiry into environmental health issues and develop problem-solving skills for improving health at the local, regional and global levels.

 

 

 

Sp

 

EHSC
P6320

3

R
1:00-3:50

Fundamentals of Toxicology for Health. S. Guariglia

F

Sp

XR

EHSC

P6385

3

W

8:30-11:20

 

Principles of Genetics and the Environment. G. Freyer

This course will provide EHS students with a deeper knowledge of the biology that underlies environmental health sciences. The goal is to provide students with knowledge of how exposure leads to adverse health effects. The course will begin with a description of the molecular mechanisms that control cellular processes that are affected by environmental exposures. This will include molecular genetics, classical genetics, epigenetics and human genetics. Course material will cover the processes of the cell cycle, protein synthesis and modification, carcinogenesis and other diseases. Building on these fundamental concepts we will explore systems that are the targets of environmental exposure, the nervous system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and the immune system. Infectious diseases and problems arising from over population will be discussed. The format of the course will include didactic lectures, group work and reading assignments from primary papers.

 

Sp

XR

EHSC

P6386

3

 

Principles of Genetics and the Environment II.

This is the second semester of PGE. This course builds on the first semester and will focus on the human genetics and the role of the environment in human genetic disease. It should be of interest to students who want to pursue studies on human health that involve both genetics and environmental factors such as asthma, alcoholism, schizophrenia and cancer. The course will basically cover 3 areas of genetics, classical genetics including Mendelian and Population Genetics, molecular genetics including genetic engineering and genomics, and gene environment interactions. This course will require a large amount of work from the students, but active participation should be rewarding. Prerequisites: P6385

v

F

XR

EHSC

P8307

3

R

1-3:50  

Molecular Epidemiology. F. Perera
The only prerequisite for the course is prior/concurrent enrollment in Epidemiology I (P6400) or equivalent course.

 

 

 

Sp

 

EHSC

P8308

3

T
4-6:50

Molecular Toxicology. G. Freyer

 

 

 

Sp

 

EHSC

P8320

3

M
5:30-8:20

Applied Environmental and Industrial Hygiene. M. Pedone

 

 

 

 

Sp

 

EHSC

P8326

3

T
1-3:50

Public Health Epigenetics. A. Baccarelli, A. Kupsco

 

 

Epidemiology (bulletin listing)

v

F

XR

EPID
P6400

3

R
5:30- 7:20

 

Principles of Epidemiology I. S. Martins
Epidemiology is one of the pillars of public health. Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations; they also develop and test ways to prevent and control disease. The discipline covers the full range of disease occurrence, including genetic and environmental causes for both infectious and noninfectious diseases. Increasingly, epidemiologists view causation in the broadest sense, as extending from molecular factors at the one extreme, to social and cultural determinants at the other. This course introduces students to the theory, methods, and body of knowledge of epidemiology. Students taking P6400 MUST register for a section of P6402

Su

XR

EPID
P8401

3

TR
5:30-8:20

Evaluation of Drug Safety. J. Doyle and R. Gross
This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the methods and applications of pharmacoepidemiology (PE). Epidemiologic methods will be reviewed in the context of drug evaluation. Students will be exposed to the role of PE in the biopharmaceutical development process from the perspectives of regulators (i.e. FDA and EMEA), industry, and payers (e.g. managed care). The epidemiology core course is required as a prerequisite for this course.

 

Sp

XR

EPID
P8404

3

M

2:30-5:20

Epidemiology and Genetics of Aging. J. H. Lee
Prerequisite: Public Health P8438. Introduction to research in aging from both the epidemiologic and human genetics perspectives. Methodologic and substantive issues related to aging health profiles are discussed. Topics include study design, modeling of aging, active life expectancy, geriatric conditions, statistical genetics methods, gene mapping of aging phenotypes, human model system, and application to health policy. Required readings, three papers, and one problem set.

 v

F

XR

EPID
P8410

3

R
2:30-5:20

Psychiatric Epidemiology. E. Susser and K. Keyes
This semester-long course covers the highly distinctive historical development and the rapidly evolving current state of psychiatric epidemiology. The first part describes the historical and ongoing discrimination toward and maltreatment of people with severe psychiatric disorders and its implications for the purview of psychiatric epidemiology; the early origins of the field; the central challenge of defining and measuring psychiatric disorder/s; the ways in which landmark studies sought to address this central challenge; and the ways in which more recent studies have done so. The second part describes and debates the premises and the strategies that emerged as the basis for modern studies that have measured the incidence, course, and prevalence of psychiatric disorders, established their major contribution to the global burden of disease, and investigated their variation over time and place. The third part focuses on what we have learned about the causes and prevention of psychiatric disorders over the life course; the importance of social causation; the interplay of genomic and other “omic” discoveries with epidemiologic research; new epidemiologic designs being implemented that have the potential to transform this kind of research; and the anticipated yield from the exponential increase in global studies in psychiatric epidemiology. Throughout the course we discuss the uses of psychiatric epidemiology to improve mental health services and address global mental health.

 v

F

XR

EPID
P8414

3

W
1-3:50

Cancer Epidemiology. J. Mcdonald
Prerequisites: Public Health P6400. Molecular and cellular biology of cancer and basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Role of chemical, viral, radiation, and genetic factors in human cancer. Sources of cancer patient data, with emphasis on acquisition and management of data for clinical and epidemiologic research. Natural history of cancer with analysis of time trends in cancer incidence, mortality, survival, and geographic distribution. Role of environmental factors (ecological/industrial/ occupational) in cancer causation. Fundamental issues in cancer screening and applications to public health and medical practice. Lectures and discussions. Assigned readings and term paper.

v

F

XR

EPID
P8475

3

W
1-3:50

Emerging Infectious Diseases. S. Morse
Prerequisites: Public Health P6400 and some familiarity with molecular biology; Public Health P8406 recommended. Examines the concept of emerging infectious diseases and our current understanding of emergence. Methods of identifying and studying emerging pathogens, factors responsible for disease emergence, and methods of surveillance and intervention are discussed. Examples of pathogens are considered. As problems closely related to the natural examples of emerging infectious diseases, public health aspects of biowarfare and bioterrorism are also discussed. By the end of the course, the student should understand what constitutes an emerging infection, appreciate why and how infections emerge, understand what approaches are currently available to track, predict, and respond to emerging infections, recognize the strengths and limitations of current capabilities for surveillance and control, and be able to identify similarities and differences between natural outbreaks of disease and biowarfare/bioterrorism. Lectures, presentations by invited speakers, and discussions. Midterm and final exam or paper.

 

Genetics and Development (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

GEND
G4027

3

M
10-11:30

or
R
3-4:30

Principles of Developmental Biology. A. Tomlinson, K. Warren
Required for first-year Genetics and Development students. Open to students from all departments, but students from outside the Genetics Department should consult the instructor before registering. The course emphasizes the molecular control of vertebrate embryogenesis. Divided into three main areas: early embryogenesis, developmental neurobiology, and the development and differentiation of specialized organs or lineages. A combination of faculty lectures and presentations by participating students.

v

F

 

GEND
G4050

4

W
3-6

Advanced Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics. K. Warren
Required for second year Genetics and Development students. Prerequisite: at least one graduate-level biochemistry or molecular biology course, and the instructor’s permission. Advanced treatment of the principles and methods of the molecular biology of eukaryotes, emphasizing the organization, expression, and evolution of eukaryotic genes. Topics include reassociation and hybridization kinetics, gene numbers, genomic organization at the DNA level, mechanisms of recombination, transposable elements, DNA rearrangements, gene amplification, oncogenes, recombinant DNA techniques, transcription and RNA splicing. Students participate in discussions of problem sets on the current literature.  

v

F

 

GEND
G6210

3

T
1-4

Genetic Approaches to Biological Problems. 
Required for first year Genetics and Development students. Open to all students. Designed to illustrate how genetic systems have played a fundamental role in our understanding of basic biological problems: mitosis and meiosis, chromosomal linkage and mapping, consequences of chromosomal rearrangements, mechanisms of recombination and gene conversion, the use of mutants to study gene structure, regulation and the cell cycle, uses of recombinant DNA in genetic analysis, and the genetic analysis of development in Drosophila.

 

Sp

 

GEND
G6211

3

T
1-4

Genetic Approaches II. M. Shen, K. Warren, W. Frankel 
Required for first-year Genetics and Development students. Continuation of Genetics G6210. Basic principles and current areas of interest in mouse and human genetics. An introduction to mouse genetics; X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting; genetic manipulation of the mouse; genetics of mouse coat color; genetics of sex determination; the mouse T-complex; human linkage analysis; somatic cell genetics; physical mapping of the human genome; cytogenetics; Huntington’s disease; muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease; and gene therapy. 

 

 

History (bulletin listing)

F

 

HIST
GR8948

2-4

W
6:10-8:00

 

Scientific Pluralism in Practice. S. Firestein and A. Barwich

 

 

 

Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (bulletin listing)

v

F

 

SIEO
E4150

3

TR
5:40-6:55

 

Introduction to Probability and Statistics. A. Dieker

Prerequisite: a working knowledge of calculus. Fundamentals of probability theory and statistical inference. Probabilistic models, random variable, useful distributions, expectations, laws of large numbers, central limit theorem. Statistical inference: point and confidence interval estimation, hypothesis tests, linear regression. 

Sp

 

SIEO
E4510

3

W
7:10-9:40

 

Project Management. M. Rosenwein

Prerequisites: (IEOR E4004) or (IEOR E3608). Management of complex project and the tools that are available to assist managers with such projects. Topics include project selection, project teams and organizational issues, project monitoring and control, project risk management, project resource management, and managing multiple projects. 

 

 

Institute of Human Nutrition (bulletin listing)

 

 

Sp

 

NUTR
G4020

4

T

9-11:50

Molecular/ Cell Biology of Nutrients. L. Zeltzer

Sp

 

NUTR
M8207

3

M

2-4:50

Integrative Nutrition & Pathophysiology. M. Onge

Prerequisite: registration as a nutrition degree candidate or instructor’s permission.  Discussion of pathology, symptomatology, and clinical manifestations with case presentations when possible.  Laboratory assessments of each condition.  Principles of nutritional intervention for therapy and prevention.

 

International and Public Affairs

 v

F

XR

INAF
U6014

3

M
6:10-9

Accounting. L. Errickson
IPA Dept. approval required.

 

 

XR

PUAF
U6607

3

M
2:10-4

Science/Tech & Economic Growth.  R. Mazzoleni  

 

Sp

XR

PUAF
U8203
-001

3

M
6:10-8

Project Management. T. Quaranta
Project Management is an essential skill for all senior managers. Its successful implementation often determines whether an organization meets its objectives or not. Project management is defined as the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of the particular project. Project management knowledge and practices are best described in terms of their component processes: initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing. Knowledge areas include scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, risk management, and change management.

 

 

Mathematics (bulletin listing)

v

F
Sp

 

MATH
GR5010

3

MW
7:40-8:55

 

Intro to the Mathematics of Finance. M. Smirnov 

Prerequisites: MATH UN1102 and MATH UN1201 , or their equivalents. Introduction to mathematical methods in pricing of options, futures and other derivative securities, risk management, portfolio management and investment strategies with an emphasis of both theoretical and practical aspects. Topics include: Arithmetic and Geometric Brownian ,motion processes, Black-Scholes partial differential equation, Black-Scholes option pricing formula, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes, volatility models, risk models, value-at-risk and conditional value-at-risk, portfolio construction and optimization methods.

 

Medicine (bulletin listing)

Sp

Su

 

RSRH
M7208

3

 

 

Precision Medicine NG. W. Chung, S. Martinez, and A. Gharavi 

 

Microbiology& Immunology (bulletin listing)

 

 

Sp

 

MICR
G4020

4

TR
1:30-3

Graduate Immunology. C. Schindler
Survey of the major topics in basic immunology with an emphasis on the molecular basis for immune recognition and regulation.

v

F

 

MICR
G4120

1

M
12 - 1:30

Intro to Computational Biology. O. Jovanovic

Prerequisites: Graduate level coursework in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Basic computer literacy.

 

Sp

 

MICR
G4900

4

MW
2:30-4

Chromosome Dynamics and Genome Stability. L. Symington
A seminar course to discuss recent advances in chromosome replication, segregation and DNA repair, processes essential for the stable inheritance of the genome. Guest lecturers will be invited to give seminars as part of the weekly Microbiology seminar series and will meet with the students to discuss their work. Papers to be discussed will focus on the use of several model systems and will emphasize the use of genetic approaches to understand these processes. There will be two 90 min classes/week for 12 weeks.

 v

F

 

MICR
G6055

3

R
2-4

Advanced Topics in Microbiology & Immunology I & II. C. Schindler

 

Sp

 

MICR
G6056

3

R
2-4

Advanced Topics in Microbiology II. L. Symington

 

Neurobiology and Behavior (bulletin listing)

 

v

F

Sp

 

 

NBHV
G4007

3

W
3:30-5:30

Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity. C. Bailey, R. Bruno, A. MacDermott and C. Waites
A seminar on the cellular and molecular processes influencing synaptic transmission which will address the issue of how organelles and proteins localize to synapses by considering the transport and sorting of materials; the synthesis of proteins at synapses and mechanisms of retaining materials at synapses; the molecular mechanisms of exocytosis and endocytosis at the synapse; the physiology of synaptic transmission at excitatory and inhibitory synapses and how derangements of synaptic transmission give rise to neurological and psychiatric disorders. D.Goldberg, Bailey, MacDermott, and McCabe

F

 

NBHV
G4010

3

W
1-2

Responsible Conduct - Research/Policy. P. Spitalnik

 

 

Sp

 

NBHV
G4100

3

W
4-6

Biol-Neurol & Psych Disorders. R. Hen, S. Rayport, S. Small, A. Kerzhner

 

 

 

Sp

 

NBHV
G6001

1

W
12-1:30

Responsible Conduct - Research/Policy. K. Miller, A. Kerzhner, R. Yakub

 

Sp

 

NBHV
G6020

3

TBA

Systems Neuroscience. M. Goldberg, V. Ferrera, A. Kerzhner and J. Gottlieb

 

 

Sp

 

 

NBHV
G6040

3

W
10:00-11:30

Advance Topics in Theoretical Neuroscience. L. Abbott, K. Miller, A. Kerzhner, and S. Fusi

v

F

 

NBHV
G9002

3

M
1-4

Introduction to Neural Development. K. Miller, A. Kerzhner,L. Abbott, and S. Fusi
This course is open to graduate students in GSAS; previous coursework in Neuroscience required. Lecture and seminar presentations are restricted to students officially registered for the course.

 

Pathology and Cell Biology (bulletin listing)

 

Sp

 

PATH

G4001

3

M

10-12

Cellular Tissue & Architecture   R. Liem and L. Pon

v

F

 

PATH
G4500

3

MW

5-6:30

Cancer Biology I. R. Baer and A. Lasorella
Required for students on the cancer training grant. Open to all students. An integrated and critical review of cancer biology, emphasizing recent research. Topics discussed include: natural history and epidemiology of cancer; morphology and behavior of cancer cells; DNA and RNA tumor viruses; oncogenes; tumor suppressor genes; signal transduction; the genetics of cancer; cancer and cellular differentiation; cancer causation: physical and chemical agents; multistage carcinogenesis; hormones, nutrients, and growth factors in cancer. Readings are largely original research papers and review articles. One 2-hour seminar per week.

 

Sp

 

PATH

G4501

3

 

Cancer Biology II. E. Gelmann and A. Neugut.

No Pre-requisite.

  v

F

 

PATH
G6003

4.5

MWF
10-12

Mechanisms in Human Disease I. R. Lie
Preapproval required at the Biotech Program office.  Open only to graduate students in the basic and medical science departments. Prerequisite: course director’s permission; knowledge of biochemistry and cell biology. The molecular and cellular basis for human disease, with an emphasis on modern research in characterization and treatment. Lectures, conferences, assigned readings, written and oral presentations. syllabus

 

Sp

 

PATH

G6004

3

WF
10-12

Mechanisms in Human Disease II. R. Liem.

 

Sp

 

PATH

G6100

3

R
1:00-3

Stem Cells & Lineage Specific. S. Tsang and D. Egli

The lecture series will include general lectures, analyses and discussions of primary literature on stem cell biology, as well as student presentations. The themes to be presented include 1.  basic stem cell concepts; 2. basic cell and molecular biological characterization of endogenous stem cell populations from a number of model systems; 3. concepts related to reprogramming; 4.  directed differentiation of stem cell populations; 5. the use of stem cells in disease modeling or tissue replacement/repair; 6. ethical considerations of stem cell research.

 

Pharmacology (bulletin listing)

 

 

Sp

 

PHAR
G4600

3

TR
3:00-5

Structure and Function of Membrane Channels. K. Allis, H. Colecraft and N. Harrison 
Prerequisite: Neural Science M6106 or the equivalent. This course and Physiology G4001 are recommended for students concentrating in Biophysics. A detailed analysis of the biophysical and structural properties of ionic channels in biological membranes.

F

 

PHAR
G8001

3

TR
10-12

Principles of Systems Pharmacology. R. Kass, K. Allis, and N. Harrison

The course begins (mid September) with a section on basic principles involved in new drug development e.g. requirements for different routes of administration, how appropriate amounts of drugs get to their therapeutic targets (drug distribution and pharmacokinetics), and how drugs interact with their intended and unintended targets to cause therapeutic and toxic effects (drug receptor interactions). New approaches to drug design will also be discussed. The course then continues, examining effects of currently used drugs on different organ systems, providing an overview of mechanisms of therapeutic actions and toxicities and new directions in drug development based on recent genetic, molecular and biochemical research. Systems to be covered include central and autonomic nervous system including treatment of drug abuse, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and endocrine. Each session will involve a lecture and discussion with an expert preceptor. Prospective students should have some understanding of basic human physiology although an opportunity to expand this knowledge will be provided.  For more information, please contact the course director, Dr. Andrew L Wit (alw4@columbia.edu) or the course administrator, Ms. Karen Allis (kja7@columbia.edu)

 

Sp

 

PHAR
G9600

4

TR
10-12

Molecular Pharmacology: from Membrane to Nucleus. K. Allis and C. Kellendonk and J. Scholz
Required for all graduate students in pharmacology. Pre-requisite: familiarity with basic biochemistry and molecular biology. Introduction to molecular approaches to target identification and drug development and delivery for cellular and sub cellular processes that contribute to human disease. The principles of drug-receptor interactions; ion channels asmolecular targets of neurohormones and drugs; structure and function of G-protein coupled receptors; cytoplasmic signaling molecules including receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases and serine-threonine kinases; neuro-psychopharmacology;the pharmacology of inflammation; and novel approaches to gene-targeted pharmacology. Integration of molecular processes and human disease including cancer, neuro degenerative disease; cardiovascular disease, and psychiatric disorders is stressed.

 

Physiology and Cellular Biophysics (bulletin listing)

F

 

PSLG
G6001

4

TR
4:30-6:30

Principles of Physiology.  S. Lenhart and J. Loike  

 

Sp

 

PSLG
G6002

4

TR
4:30-6

Molecular Pathophysiology Cardiovascular System. A. Tall, J. Loike

 

Psychology (bulletin listing)

v

F

 

PSYC
GU4222

4

M
10:10-12

The Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging. Christian Habeck and Victoria Leavitt

Prerequisites: courses in introductory psychology and cognitive psychology; and the instructor's permission. Comprehensive overview of various conceptual and methodologic approaches to studying the cognitive neuroscience of aging. The course will emphasize the importance of combining information from cognitive experimental designs, epidemiologic studies, neuroimaging, and clinical neuropsychological approaches to understand individual differences in both healthy and pathological aging.

 

Sp

 

PSYC
GU4250

3

M
2:10-4

Evolution of Intelligence, Consciousness and Language. J. New

Prerequisites: W1001 or W1010 or the equivalent, based on instructor assessment, plus permission of one of the instructors. How did language evolve and why are human beings the only species to use language? How did the evolution of social intelligence, in particular, cooperation, set the stage for the origin of language and consciousness? We will explore how psychologists, philosophers, neuroscientists, anthropologists, biologists and computational scientists, among others, have collaborated during recent years to produce important insights in the evolution of intelligence, consciousness and language.

v

F

Sp

 

PSYC
GU4440

3

R
2:10-4

Topics in Neurobiology and Behavior. Y. Gazes

syllabus

Prerequisites: the instructor's permission. Examines current topics in neurobiology and behavior.

 v

F

 

PSYC
G4486

4

R
2:10-4

Developmental Affective Neuroscience. N. Tottenham

Prerequisites: Courses in developmental psychology, and either research methods or affective neuroscience, and instructor's permission. Introduction to leading theoretical perspectives employed by developmental psychologists in the study of affective neuroscience. Exploration of the developmental brain and behavior relationships in humans and animal models of typical and atypical emotional behavior, with a critical reading of recent research findings in the field.

 

Sp

 

PSYC
GR6050

4

MW
10:10-12

Psychophysiological Methods/Analysis. N. Bolger

 

 

 

Public Health (bulletin listing)

 

 

Sp

XR 

P8601

 

3

F

8:30-9:50

Public Health Program Planning. Bill Bowers, Therese J McGinn, Sara E Casey

Requires instructor permission.

 

Sp

 XR

P8625

 

3

W

8:30-11:20

 

Communicable Diseases in Complex Emergencies. R. Moresky
This is a Public Health course. Public Health classes are offered on the Health Services Campus at 168th Street. For more detailed course information, please go to the Mailman School of Public Health Courses website at http://www.mailman.hs.columbia.edu/academics/courses

 

Sp

XR

P8653

 

3

M

5:30-8:20

 

Vaccines: From Biology to Policy. P. Larussa

 

School of Professional Studies (bulletin listing)

v

F

Sp

 

SUMA
PS4145

3

F
4:10-6

 

Science of Sustainable Water. W. McGillis

The sustainability of water resources is a critical issue facing society over the coming decades. Water resources are affected by changes not only in climate but also in population, economic growth, technological change, and other socioeconomic factors. In addition, they serve a dual purpose; water resources are critical to both human society and natural ecosystems. The objective of this course is to first provide students with a fundamental understanding of key hydrological processes. Students will then use this understanding to explore various sustainable strategies for integrated water resources management. Numerous case studies will be highlighted throughout the course to illustrate real world, practical challenges faced by water managers. Students will be asked to think critically and to use basic quantitative and management skills to answer questions related to sustainable water development. Considering the importance of water to society the understanding that students obtain from this course will be an essential part of their training in sustainable management.

 

 

Sp

 

SUMA
PS5155

3

M
4:10-6

 

Energy Markets & Innovation. T. Bradford

 

 

 

Statistics (bulletin listing)

Sp

 

STAT
GU4001

3

MW
6:10-7:25

Introduction to Probability and Statistics. D. Rios
Prerequisite: a working knowledge of calculus. Fundamentals of probability theory and statistical inference. Probabilistic models, random variable, useful distributions, expectations, laws of large numbers, central limit theorem. Statistical inference: point and confidence interval estimation, hypothesis tests, linear regression.

v

F

Sp

 

STAT
GU4203

3

TR
6:10-7:25

Probability Theory. C. Pasarica
Prerequisite: a working knowledge of calculus. Fundamentals of probability theory and statistical inference. Probabilistic models, random variable, useful distributions, expectations, laws of large numbers, central limit theorem. Statistical inference: point and confidence interval estimation, hypothesis tests, linear regression.

v

F
Sp

 

STAT
GU4206

3

F
10:10-12:40

Statistical Computing and Introduction to Data Science. G. Young
Prerequisites: STAT GU4204 and GU4205 or the equivalent. Introduction to programming in the R statistical package: functions, objects, data structures, flow control, input and output, debugging, logical design, and abstraction.  Writing code for numerical and graphical statistical analyses. Writing maintainable code and testing, stochastic simulations, parallelizing data analyses, and working with large data sets. Examples from data science will be used for demonstration.