Biology

Bi 1. The Biology and Biophysics of Viruses. 9 units (4-0-5); third term. This course introduces nonbiologists to recent advances in our understanding of how HIV and other viruses infect and cause damage to their hosts. Because understanding and treating HIV infection involves a basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology, virology, and immunology, the course will cover fundamental concepts in these areas from a quantitative, molecular, chemical, and biophysical perspective. Instructors: Bjorkman, Phillips.

Bi 2. Current Research in Biology. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. Intended for students considering the biology option; open to freshmen. Current research in biology will be discussed, on the basis of reading assigned in advance of the discussions, with members of the divisional faculty. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Elowitz.

BE/Bi 5. Introduction to Biomechanics. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Bioengineering.

Bi 8. Introduction to Molecular Biology; Organization and Expression of Genetic Information. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. This course and its sequel, Bi 9, cover biology at the cellular level. After introducing basic concepts necessary for understanding biological systems at the molecular level, Bi 8 emphasizes cellular processes involved in the organization and expression of genetic information, including what is commonly called molecular biology, and introduces topics in developmental biology and immunology. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Stathopoulos.

Bi 9. Cell Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Continues coverage of biology at the cellular level, begun in Bi 8. Topics: cytoplasmic structure, membrane structure and function, cell motility, and cell-cell recognition. Emphasis on both the ultrastructural and biochemical approaches to these topics. Instructors: Rothenberg, staff.

Bi 10. Cell Biology Laboratory. 6 units (1-3-2); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 8; designed to be taken concurrently with Bi 9. Introduction to basic methods in cell and molecular biological research, including polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, expression and purification of recombinant fusion proteins in bacteria, enzymology, and gel electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids. Instructor: Deshaies.

Bi 22. Undergraduate Research. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Special problems involving laboratory research in biology; to be arranged with instructors before registration. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Staff.

Bi 23. Biology Tutorial. Units to be arranged; maximum of 6 units per term; second, third terms. Study and discussion of special problems in biology, usually involving regular tutorial sessions with instructors. To be arranged through the instructor before registration. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Staff.

Bi 24. Technical Communication for Biologists. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. This course offers instruction and practice in writing and speaking relevant to professional biologists working in research, teaching, and/or medical careers. Students may write a paper for a scientific journal, based on their previous research and mentored by a faculty member. Alternatively, students may produce a variety of brief writing assignments with a range of audiences and purposes. Oral presentations will be based on writing produced in the course, with feedback from instructors and peers. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement. Instructors: Jensen, Youra, Marsen.

Bi 90 abc. Undergraduate Thesis. 12 or more units per term; first, second, third terms. Prerequisites: 18 units of Bi 22 (or equivalent research experience) in the research area proposed for the thesis, and instructor’s permission. Intended to extend opportunities for research provided by Bi 22 into a coherent individual research project, carried out under the supervision of a member of the biology faculty. Normally involves three or more consecutive terms of work in the junior and senior years. The student will formulate a research problem based in part on work already carried out, evaluate previously published work in the field, and present new results in a thesis format. First two terms graded pass/fail; final term graded by letter on the basis of the completed thesis. Instructor: Lester.

CNS/SS/Psy/Bi 102 ab. Brains, Minds, and Society. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Ph/Bi 103 b. Neuroscience for Physicists and Engineers. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Physics.

Bi/Ch 110. Introduction to Biochemistry. 12 units (4-0-8); first term. Prerequisite: Ch 41 abc or instructor’s permission. Lectures and recitation introducing the molecular basis of life processes, with emphasis on the structure and function of proteins. Topics will include the derivation of protein structure from the information inherent in a genome, biological catalysis, the intermediary metabolism that provides energy to an organism, and the use of DNA manipulations, cloning, and expression of proteins in foreign hosts to study protein structure and function. Instructors: Richards, Campbell.

Bi/Ch 111. Biochemistry of Gene Expression. 12 units (4-0-8); second term. Prerequisites: Bi/Ch 110; Bi 8 and Bi 122 recommended. Lectures and recitation on the molecular basis of biological structure and function. Emphasizes the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information in cells. Specific topics include DNA replication, recombination, repair and mutagenesis, transcription, RNA processing, and protein synthesis. Instructors: Campbell, Parker.

Bi/Ch 113. Biochemistry of the Cell. 12 units (4-0-8); third term. Prerequisites: Bi/Ch 110; Bi 9 recommended. Lectures and recitation on the biochemistry of basic cellular processes in the cytosol and at the cell surface, with emphasis on signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and control of cell division. Specific topics include cell-cell signaling, control of gene expression by cell surface molecules, tumorigenesis, endocytosis, exocytosis, viral entry, and cell cycle regulation. Instructors: Chan, Shan.

Bi 114. Immunology. 12 units (4-0-8); second term. Prerequisites: Bi 8, Bi 9, Bi 122 or equivalent, and Bi/Ch 110 recommended. The course will cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate recognition and response in the mammalian immune system. Topics include cellular and humoral immunity, the structural basis of immune recognition, antigen presentation and processing, developmental regulation of gene rearrangement, biochemistry of lymphocyte activation, lymphokines and the regulation of cellular responses, T and B cell development, and mechanisms of tolerance. Instructor: Mazmanian.

Bi 115. Virology. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisites: Bi 8, Bi 9. Introduction to the chemistry and biology of viruses. Emphasis on replication strategies of animal viruses, with consideration also given to epidemiology of viruses, nature and control of virus diseases, evolution of viruses, and some aspects of bacterial and plant virus replication. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi 117. Developmental Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisites: Bi 8 and Bi 9. A survey of the development of multicellular organisms. Topics will include the beginning of a new organism (fertilization), the creation of multicellularity (cellularization, cleavage), reorganization into germ layers (gastrulation), induction of the nervous system (neurulation), and creation of specific organs (organogenesis). Emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying morphogenetic movements, differentiation, and interactions during development, covering both classical and modern approaches to studying these processes. Instructor: Bronner-Fraser.

CNS/Bi/Psy 120. The Neuronal Basis of Consciousness. 9 units (4-0-5). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 122. Genetics. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 8 or Bi 9, or instructor’s permission. Lecture and discussion course covering basic principles of genetics. Instructor: Hay.

Bi 123. Genetics Laboratory. 12 units (2-8-2); second term. Prerequisite: Bi 122. Laboratory exercises illustrating the principles of genetics, with emphasis on Mendelian inheritance in multicellular eukaryotes, including Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Instructors: Hay, staff.

Bi 125. Principles and Methods of Gene Transfer and Gene Manipulation in Eukaryotic Cells. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Prerequisite: Bi/Ch 110. Lecture and discussion course dealing with modern approaches to “genetic intervention’’ in eukaryotic cells. Topics: mutagenesis of cultured animal cells and selection schemes; gene transfer into cultured cells mediated by naked DNA, chromosomes, and viruses; transformation of yeast by chromosomal DNA and plasmids; neoplastic transformation of plant cells by Agrobacteria plasmids; nuclear transplantation and gene injection into amphibian eggs and oocytes; selective drug-induced gene amplification in cultured animal cells; somatic cell hybridization. Instructor: Attardi. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Bi 129. Advanced Cell Biology of the Neuron. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 9 or instructor’s permission. Topics to be covered include protein trafficking to dendrites and axons, local synaptic protein synthesis, neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics, protein degradation, calcium signaling, and signal transduction cascades in synapses. Instructors: Schuman, Zinn.

CNS/Psy/Bi 131. The Psychology of Learning and Motivation. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi/Ch 132. Biophysics of Macromolecules. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Recommended prerequisite: Bi/Ch 110. Structural and functional aspects of nucleic acids and proteins, including hybridization; electrophoretic behavior of nucleic acids; principles and energetics of folding of polypeptide chains in proteins; allostery and cooperativity in protein action; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; and methods of structure determination, such as X-ray diffraction and magnetic resonance. Structure and function of metalloenzymes. Instructors: Barton, Beauchamp.

Bi/CNS/Psy 133. Neurobiology and Evolution of Emotion: Do Flies Have Feelings? 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: Bi/CNS 150 or instructor’s permission. Recommended Bi 156 and SS/Psy/Bi/CNS 140. Fundamental issues in emotion research at multiple levels of experimental analysis, and in species ranging from humans to mice to flies. Psychological theories and data from studies in humans will be presented to clarify the relationship between emotional behavior, affect, feelings, and moods, which in turn will form the basis for exploring whether and how different animal models can be used to investigate the neural circuit and molecular bases of emotion. Can genetically tractable model organisms such as flies show “emotional behavior,” or have “feelings”? What have we learned from animal models about the neural circuit and genetic bases of emotional behavior, and how does it relate to what we know from human studies? Disorders of emotion will also be discussed, including affective disorders in humans, and their potential animal models. Instructors: Anderson, Adolphs.

SS/Psy/Bi/CNS 140. Social Neuroscience. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Social Science.

Bi 145 ab. Tissue and Organ Physiology. 9 units (4-0-5); first, second terms. Prerequisites: Bi 8, 9, 110, 117. Bi 110 may be taken concurrently. Reviews of embryology, anatomy, and histology, as well as in-depth discussion of cellular physiology (from a control and digital logic perspective). Topics will include building from cell function to tissues, hematologic, connective tissue, musculoskeletal physiology, and integration of these tissue functions into the function of the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular system in an organ-based fashion, with pulmonary, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, neuroendocrine, and reproductive physiology. Specific topics in advanced physiology, including cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, exercise, nutrition, congenital abnormalities, selected topics in pathophysiology. Instructors: Fraser, Pierce.

Bi/CNS 150. Introduction to Neuroscience. 10 units (4-0-6); first term. Prerequisites: Bi 8, 9, or instructors’ permission. General principles of the function and organization of nervous systems, providing both an overview of the subject and a foundation for advanced courses. Topics include the physical and chemical bases for action potentials, synaptic transmission, and sensory transduction; anatomy; development; sensory and motor pathways; memory and learning at the molecular, cellular, and systems level; and the neuroscience of brain diseases. Instructors: Adolphs, Kennedy, Lester.

Bi 152. Introduction to Neuroethology. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Introduction to the neurobiological study of natural behavior of animals. Topics include such questions as how animals recognize and localize signals in their natural environments, how animals move, how behavior develops, what and how animals learn, and how natural selection shapes the evolution of brain and behavior. Instructor: Konishi.

Bi 156. Molecular Basis of Behavior. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: Bi 150 or instructor’s permission. A lecture and discussion course on the neurobiology of behavior. Topics may include biological clocks, eating behavior, sexual behavior, addiction, mental illness, and neurodegenerative diseases. Instructor: Patterson. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Bi/CNS 157. Comparative Nervous Systems. 9 units (2-3-4); third term. An introduction to the comparative study of the gross and microscopic structure of nervous systems. Emphasis on the vertebrate nervous system; also, the highly developed central nervous systems found in arthropods and cephalopods. Variation in nervous system structure with function and with behavioral and ecological specializations and the evolution of the vertebrate brain. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi/CNS 158. Vertebrate Evolution. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. An integrative approach to the study of vertebrate evolution combining comparative anatomical, behavioral, embryological, genetic, paleontological, and physiological findings. Special emphasis will be given to: (1) the modification of developmental programs in evolution; (2) homeostatic systems for temperature regulation; (3) changes in the life cycle governing longevity and death; (4) the evolution of brain and behavior. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Bi/CNS 162. Cellular and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory. 12 units (2-7-3); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 150 or instructor’s permission. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used for electrophysiological studies of the central nervous system. Through the term, students investigate the physiological response properties of neurons in insect and mammalian brains, using extra- and intracellular recording techniques. Students are instructed in all aspects of experimental procedures, including proper surgical techniques, electrode fabrication, stimulus presentation, and computer-based data analysis. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Laurent, Schuman. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

ESE/Bi 166. Microbial Physiology. 9 units (3-1-5). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

ESE/Bi 168. Microbial Metabolic Diversity. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

BMB/Bi/Ch 170. Principles of Three-Dimensional Protein Structure. 9 units (3-3-3). For course description, see Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

BMB/Bi/Ch 174. Biophysical Chemistry. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

CNS/Bi 176. Cognition. 12 units (6-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 177. Principles of Modern Microscopy. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Lectures and discussions on the underlying principles behind digital, video, differential interference contrast, phase contrast, confocal, and two-photon microscopy. The course will begin with basic geometric optics, characteristics of lenses and microscopes, and principles of accurate imaging. Specific attention will be given to how different imaging elements such as filters, detectors, and objective lenses contribute to the final image. Course work will include critical evaluation of published images and design strategies for simple optical systems. Emphasis in the second half of the course will be placed on the analysis and presentation of two- and three-dimensional images. No prior knowledge of microscopy will be assumed. Instructor: Fraser.

CNS/Bi/BE/Ph 178. Evolution and Biocomplexity. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 180. Methods in Molecular Genetics. 12 units (2-8-2); first term. Prerequisites: Bi 122, Bi 10, or instructor’s permission. An introduction to current molecular genetic techniques including basic microbiological procedures, transposon and UV mutagenesis, gene transfer, preparation of DNA, restriction, ligation, electrophoresis (including pulsed-field), electroporation, Southern blotting, PCR, gene cloning, sequencing, and computer searches for homologies. The first half of the course involves structured experiments designed to demonstrate the various techniques. The second half is devoted to individual research projects in which the techniques are applied to original studies on an interesting, but not well studied, organism. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Bertani.

Bi 182. Developmental Gene Regulation and Evolution of Animals. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Prerequisites: Bi 8 and at least one of the following: Bi 111, Bi 114, or Bi 122 (or equivalents). Lectures on and discussion of the regulatory genome; phylogenetic relationships in animals and the fossil record; how developmental gene regulation works; regulatory basis of development in the simplest systems; making parts of the adult animal body plan; pattern formation and deep regulatory networks; the Precambrian world and a gene-regulatory view of the evolutionary origin of animal forms; processes of cis-regulatory evolution; diversification in the arthropods; and the special character of vertebrate evolution. Instructor: Davidson.

CNS/Bi/EE 186. Vision: From Computational Theory to Neuronal Mechanisms. 12 units (4-4-4). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

CNS/Bi/Ph/CS 187. Neural Computation. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 188. Human Genetics and Genomics. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 122; or graduate standing and instructor’s permission. Introduction to the genetics of humans. Subjects covered include human genome structure, genetic diseases and predispositions, the human genome project, forensic use of human genetic markers, human variability, and human evolution. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi 190. Advanced Genetics. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 122. Lectures and discussions covering advanced principles of genetic analysis. Emphasis on genetic approaches to the study of development in Saccharomyces, Caenorhabditis, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis. Instructor: Sternberg. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

CS/CNS/Bi 191 ab. Biomolecular Computation. 9 units (3-0-6) second term; (2-4-3) third term. For course description, see Computer Science.

Bi 202. Neurobiology of Disease. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 150 or instructor’s permission. This course will cover the cellular and molecular basis of diseases of the nervous system, as well as current and future therapeutic approaches. These diseases include disorders of abnormal protein structure (Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, prion), autoimmunity (multiple sclerosis), and developmental disorders of cognition and social communication (schizophrenia, autism). Genetic and environmental etiologies will be explored, and animal models will be compared to the human condition. The role of the reward system in addiction will also be discussed. Instructor: Patterson. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi 204. Developmental Gene Regulatory Networks: Theory and Practice. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 182 or equivalent, or instructor’s permission. A seminar about developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs). It is specifically directed at the gene regulatory networks that control animal development as distinct from any prokaryote or yeast gene networks, or reversible physiological networks of complex organisms. Instructor: Davidson. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi 205. Regulation by Degradation: The Ubiquitin System and Other Pathways. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. In-depth reviews of the current understanding of the ubiquitin system, a large set of regulatory pathways that mediate a remarkably broad range of cellular and metacellular (organismal) functions. Both proteolytic and nonproteolytic roles of the ubiquitin system will be addressed. Other proteolytic pathways, such as the autophagy, the blood clotting cascade, and the complement system will also be reviewed. Instructor: Varshavsky.

Bi 211. Topics in Membrane and Synaptic Physiology. 6 units (3-0-3); first term. Graduate seminar discussing the original literature on the biophysics and molecular biology of ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, transporters, and other molecules underlying the excitability of cell membranes. Instructor: Lester. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Bi 214. Hematopoiesis: A Developmental System. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 114, or Bi 182, or Bi 117 plus Bi/Ch 111, or graduate standing. An advanced course with lectures and seminar presentations, based on reading from the current literature. The characteristics of blood cells offer unique insights into the molecular basis of lineage commitment and the mechanisms that control the production of diverse cell types from pluripotent precursors. The course will cover the nature of stem cells, the lineage relationships among differentiated cell types, the role of cytokines and cytokine receptors, apoptosis and lineage-specific proliferation, and how differentiation works at the level of gene regulation and regulatory networks. Roles of prominent regulatory molecules in hematopoietic development will be compared with their roles in other developmental systems. Emphasis will be on explanation of cellular and system-level phenomena in terms of molecular mechanisms. Instructor: Rothenberg. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Bi 215. Stem Cell Biology and Medicine. 9 units (4-0-5); second term.Prerequisite: cell and molecular biology courses or instructor’s permission. Topics include early embryonic development in various organisms, culture of embryonic stem cells (SCs) as well as adult SCs from various tissues, the therapeutic uses of SCs and current clinical trials, tissue engineering, gene therapy for SC modification, imaging techniques, and SCs in cancer and aging. Instructor: Patterson.

Bi/CNS 216. Behavior of Mammals. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. A course of lectures, readings, and discussions focused on the genetic, physiological, and ecological bases of behavior in mammals. A basic knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is desirable. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

Bi/CNS 217. Central Mechanisms in Perception. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. Reading and discussions of behavioral and electrophysiological studies of the systems for the processing of sensory information in the brain. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi 218. Molecular Neurobiology Graduate Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Topics to be announced. Instructor: Anderson. Given in alternate years; offered 2007–08.

CNS/Bi 221. Computational Neuroscience. 9 units (4-0-5). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 225. Topics in Cellular and Molecular Genetics. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Reading and discussion of current papers on the theory and practice of “genetic intervention’’ in higher eukaryotic cells. Approaches will include DNA and chromosome-mediated transformation of cells in culture, gene amplification, cell fusion, gene injection into eggs, and use of somatic cell genetics techniques for gene cloning. Emphasis on the use of these approaches to study problems in areas such as cell differentiation, cell cycle control, cell compartmentation, and membrane physiology and assembly. Instructor: Attardi. Given in alternate years; not offered 2007–08.

Bi 227. Methods in Modern Microscopy. 12 units (2-6-4); first term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Discussion and laboratory-based course covering the practical use of the confocal microscope, with special attention to the dynamic analysis of living cells and embryos. Course will begin with basic optics, microscope design, Koehler illumination, and the principles of confocal microscopy. After introductory period, the course will consist of semi-independent weeklong modules organized around different imaging challenges. Early modules will focus on three-dimensional reconstruction of fixed cells and tissues, with particular attention being paid to accurately imaging very dim samples. Later modules will include time-lapse confocal analysis of living cells and embryos, including Drosophila, zebra fish, chicken, and s embryos. Dynamic analysis will emphasize the use of fluorescent proteins. No prior experience with confocal microscopy will be assumed; however, a basic working knowledge of microscopes is highly recommended. Preference is given to graduate students who will be using confocal microscopy in their research. Instructor: Fraser.

Ch/Bi 231. Advanced Topics in Biochemistry. 6 units (2-0-4). For course description, see Chemistry.

Ge/Bi 244. Paleobiology Seminar. 5 units (3-0-2). For course description, see Geological and Planetary Sciences.

Ge/Bi 246. Molecular Geobiology Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4). For course description, see Geological and Planetary Sciences.

CNS/Bi 247. Cerebral Cortex. 6 units (2-0-4). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 250 a. Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lectures and discussion covering research methods, logic, techniques and strategies, fundamental and general principles of modern biology, and unsolved problems. Students will learn to critique papers on molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. Instructors: Deshaies, staff.

Bi/CNS 250 b. Topics in Systems Neuroscience. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: graduate standing. The class focuses on quantitative studies of problems in systems neuroscience. Students will study classical work such as Hodgkin and Huxley’s landmark papers on the ionic basis of the action potential, and will move from the study of interacting currents within neurons to the study of systems of interacting neurons. Topics will include lateral inhibition, mechanisms of motion tuning, local learning rules and their consequences for network structure and dynamics, oscillatory dynamics and synchronization across brain circuits, and formation and computational properties of topographic neural maps. The course will combine lectures and discussions, in which students and faculty will examine papers on systems neuroscience, usually combining experimental and theoretical/modeling components. Instructors: Laurent, Siapas.

Bi 250 c. Topics in Systems Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: graduate standing. The class will focus on quantitative studies of cellular and developmental systems in biology. It will examine the architecture of specific genetic circuits controlling microbial behaviors and multicellular development in model organisms. The course will approach most topics from both experimental and theoretical/computational perspectives. Specific topics include chemotaxis, multistability and differentiation, biological oscillations, stochastic effects in circuit operation, as well as higher-level circuit properties such as robustness. The course will also consider the organization of transcriptional and protein-protein interaction networks at the genomic scale. Instructors: Elowitz, Sternberg.

Bi/BMB 251 abc. Current Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology. 1 unit. Prerequisite: graduate standing. Presentations and discussion of research at Caltech in biology and chemistry. Discussions of responsible conduct of research are included. Instructors: Sternberg, Deshaies, Hay.

Bi 252. Responsible Conduct of Research. 4 units (2-0-2); third term. This lecture and discussion course covers relevant aspects of the responsible conduct of biomedical and biological research. Topics include guidelines and regulations, ethical and moral issues, research misconduct, data management and analysis, research with animal or human subjects, publication, conflicts of interest, mentoring, and professional advancement. This course is required of all trainees supported on the NIH training grants in cellular and molecular biology and neuroscience, and is recommended for other graduate students in biology division labs. Undergraduate students require advance instructor’s permission. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Meyerowitz, Sternberg, staff.

SS/Psy/Bi/CNS 255. Topics in Emotion and Social Cognition. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Social Science.

Bi 270. Special Topics in Biology. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Students may register with permission of the responsible faculty member.

CNS/Bi 286 abc. Special Topics in Computation and Neural Systems. Units to be arranged. For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 299. Graduate Research. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Students may register for research units after consultation with their adviser.