BIOC 503, 504 - (4) (S)
General Biochemistry
Prerequisites: Calculus, organic chemistry, physical chemistry.
Some introductory knowledge assumed.
This integrated two-semester course provides the necessary background
at the professional level for careers in a variety of biological
and physical sciences.
BIOC 505, 506 - (2-6) (S)
Biochemical Projects
Open only to graduate students in the Department of Biochemistry
An introduction to biochemical research. During the year the student
carries out two or more research projects of limited scope under
the direction of staff members.
BIOC 508 - (3) (SI)
Computer Analysis of DNA and Protein Sequences
Prerequisite: MICR 811 or permission of instructor
A survey of computer methods for analyzing DNA and protein sequences.
Discussion of analytical methods includes: DNA and protein sequence
comparisons; recognition of patterns in DNA and protein sequences;
finding genes; protein structure prediction; analysis of protein
3-D structure; and construction of evolutionary trees.
BIOC 510 - (2) (SI)
DNA Replication
Prerequisites: BIOC 503 or permission of instructor
An examination of the process of DNA replication in prokaryotic,
eukaryotic and viral systems. Topics include: DNA structure and
function; origins of DNA replication; inhibitors of DNA replication;
enzymes of DNA replication and protein-nucleic acid interactions.
BIOC 701, 702 - (2) (S)
Introduction to Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry
Prerequisites: One year of undergraduate physical chemistry
plus either BIOC 503/504 or CHEM 743/744; these prerequisites
may be waived by permission of instructor
An overview of physical approaches for examining the detailed
structure and dynamics of biological molecules. First semester
concentrates on the thermodynamics and kinetics of biochemical
interactions, with a view towards describing phenomena such as
ligand binding, cooperativity, conformational changes of proteins
and nucleic acids, and biochemical regulation. In the second semester
the major emphasis is on spectroscopy, including optical as well
as magnetic resonance methods. X-ray, electron, and neutron diffraction
methods will also be introduced, as will direct imaging techniques
such as electron and scanning tunneling microscopy.
BIOC 703, 704 - (1) (S)
Advanced Concepts in Biophysical Chemistry
Prerequisites: BIOC 701, 702 must be taken concurrently
with 703, 704 (corequisite), prerequisites for 701, 702 are applicable
as well to 703, 704
Indepth treatment of selected topics presented in BIOC 701, 702.
Course will emphasize the use of more quantitative tools (such
as partition functions, statistical calculus, elementary group
theory, quantum mechanical operators, and matrix algebra) to explain
the phenomena presented in the introductory course.
BIOC 801, 802 - (3) (SI)
Physical Chemistry of Biopolymers
A consideration of the physicochemical principles and
technical approaches current in the study of biopolymers. Emphasis
is placed on thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Multiple
equilibria including subunit interactions, ligand binding, structure
and function are discussed in detail. Offered as required.
BIOC 808 - (3) (SI)
Advanced Topics in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Prerequisites: BIOC 503/504, BIOC 701/702 or permission
of instructor
A thorough study of nuclear magnetic resonance principles and
practices. Topics include: basic quantum mechanics; Fourier transformations;
principles of nuclear magnetism; classical description of NMR;
Practical aspects of NMR; density matrix description of NMR; rotation
operators; multi-dimensional homo- and hetero-nuclear NMR; relaxation
theory; and application of NMR to biopolymers.
BIOC 813, 814 - (1) (S)
Colloquium
Research seminars by invited guests and research personnel
within the department. Attendance is required of all graduate
students in biochemistry.
BIOC 815, 816 - (1) (S)
Biochemical Literature
A continuing seminar based on papers in the current literature.
Required participation by departmental staff, fellows, and graduate
students.
BIOC 817 - (3) (O)
Structure and Function of Proteins
Prerequisite: BIOC 503 or permission of instructor
A variety of topics are discussed. Topics generally include: molecular
modeling, protein/receptor interactions; cytoskeletal communication
with matrix; supramolecular assembly of proteins; regulation of
enzymatic activity; protein/DNA interactions; regulation via covalent
modification of proteins; protein/membrane interactions; protein
evolution; protein processing; and proteins in molecular motion.
BIOC 820 - (3) (O)
Biological Membranes
Prerequisite: BIOC 503 or its equivalent
A consideration of the functional role of various classes of lipids
in modulating and mediating functional aspects of biological membranes.
Topics discussed include: lipid organization and dynamics, intermolecular
signaling, cell surface glycolipids as receptors, and lipid-linked
proteins and their functional consequences.
BIOC 901, 902 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research in Biochemistry of Connective Tissue
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 905, 906 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Biophysical Aspects of Biological Membranes
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 909, 910 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, the Molecular Biology of Microbial
Transport Processes
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 913, 914 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, the "Stimulus-Response" Sequence
in Blood Platelet Activation
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 917, 918 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, DNA Replication and Amplification inMammalian
Cells
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 921, 922 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research in Membrane Proteins
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 925, 926 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Biophysical Chemistry of PhospholipidAssemblies
and Protein Kinase Function
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 933, 934 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research in Biophysical and Enzymological Aspects
of Visual Transduction and Membrane Function
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 937, 938 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Molecular Biology of Mammalian Hormone
Action
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 945, 946 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research in Mammalian Gene Expression
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 949, 950 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Biophysical and Immunological Studies
of Immune Complex Mediated Diseases
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 953, 954 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research on Bilayers and Biological Membranes
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 955, 956 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Volume Change and Viscosity Measurements
on Micromolecules
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 957, 958 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, DNA Replication and Protein Nucleic Acid
Interactions
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 959, 960 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Topical Research, Research Proteinases and Proteinase Inhibitors
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 961, 962 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Membrane Protein Mechanisms
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 963, 964 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Protein Structure
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 997 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOC 999 - (3-12) (S-SS)
Non-Topical Research
For Doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision
of a dissertation director.
Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Biochemistry usually have a baccalaureate degree in chemistry, biochemistry or biology, and have taken courses in introductory biochemistry, calculus, physical and organic chemistry, and physics. If you have not completed these courses, they must be completed within the year after your admission to graduate study. GRE test scores are required of all applicants.
A curriculum for formal study by each student is developed by conference with a committee of three faculty members. You must satisfy requirements in the areas of biochemistry, advanced chemistry, cell biology, gene expression, and mathematics, in addition to electives in areas of special interest. You will submit and orally defend a written research proposal at the end of the second year of residence. Formal course study other than seminars will usually be completed within the first two years. Formal demonstration of knowledge of a foreign language is not required for graduate degrees in biochemistry.
The thesis advisor is chosen after completion of rotations in two or more laboratories, normally at the end of the first year. A new research committee, including the advisor, is formed at this time. Research for the dissertation is regarded as the major training of the candidate. The final examination for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is devoted entirely to a defense of the dissertation by the candidate. Generally the Ph.D. program is completed in either four or five years.
Biology 201, 202, 203, 204 or equivalent is prerequisite for all advanced courses.
BIOL 501 - (4) (Y)
Biochemistry
Prerequisite: CHEM 241, 242 or permission of instructor
The structure and function of the major chemical constituents
of cells-proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates- and
their relationship to cellular metabolism and self-replication.
Lectures and discussion.
BIOL 504 - (4) (Y)
Advanced Cell Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or BIOL 501 and permission of
instructor
The structure, development, and function of plant and animal cells
as demonstrated by modern studies in molecular biology, cell fine
structure, and genetics. Lectures and discussion.
BIOL 505 - (3) (Y)
Temporal Organization of Living Systems
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Examines time as a dimension indispensable to the understanding
of much of biology. It focuses on biological cycles, particularly,
but not exclusively, those periods of which are an evolved match
to environmental cycles. Emphasis on the ubiquity and diversity
of cyclic events in biological systems and those aspects of cyclicity
that are common to many different kinds of cycles. Explores both
the adaptive significance of biological cycles and the mechanisms
that generate them, with emphasis on unanswered questions and
unresolved issues.
BIOL 509 - (2) (SI)
Current Topics in Plant Molecular Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor
A discussion of current literature and selected topics on the
biochemical and molecular genetic basis for plant cellular growth
and differentiation. Weekly readings and student presentations.
BIOL 512 - (3) (Y)
Comparative Biochemistry
Prerequisites: Organic chemistry, BIOL 301, and permission
of instructor
Examination of the biochemical adaptations which have arisen in
organisms in response to physiological demands. Topics will be
drawn from recent advances made in elucidating molecular mechanisms
of metabolic regulation.
BIOL 517 - (3) (SI)
Electronics for Biologists
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Consideration of electronics and electronic design for the biologist.
Both analog and digital circuits will be covered with emphasis
placed on the design of equipment useful for the biological laboratory.
One class hour, five laboratory hours.
BIOL 536 - (3) (Y)
Techniques in Light and Electron Microscopy
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Topics include elementary theory of light and electron optics,
theory and practice of specimen preparation, interpretation of
micrographs, scientific photography, and use of specialized techniques
such as tracer methods, immunocytochemistry, morphometric analysis,
and image enhancement techniques. Laboratory sessions demonstrate
techniques and instruments available in the department.
BIOL 540 - (3) (O)
Sensory Neurobiology
Prerequisite: BIOL 417/817, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
or the equivalent
In depth examination of the organization and physiology of the
diverse sensory systems found in vertebrate and non-vertebrate
animals. The philosophical thrust of the course will focus upon
the functional rationale for receptor organization and the manner
in which the central nervous system processes incoming sensory
information. Visual, auditory, somatosensory, and electrosensory
information processing, primarily in vertebrates, will be stressed.
BIOL 711, 712 - (1-4) (Y)
Independent Study in Biology
A member of the faculty of Biology must supervise and
approve all components of this course. The student will take and
pass one or more courses offered by the Department of Biology
at the 300 level or above. In addition, for each course taken,
the student will write at least a 10-page paper on a topic relevant
to the course. Prior approval of the topic will be obtained from
the faculty advisor. The number of credits to be earned will be
designated by the faculty advisor prior to enrollment.
BIOL 714 - (4) (Y)
Plant Cell Physiology
Prerequisites: BIOL 301 or permission of instructor
An in-depth analysis of cell structure and metabolic activity
during plant cell growth and differentiation. Emphasis is placed
on an understanding of the biochemical and molecular genetic factors
regulating important plant and cellular physiological activities.
BIOL 723 - (3) (Y)
Animal Physiology
A diversity of examples will be used to identify general
principles in physiological adaptation of animals to environmental
challenges.
BIOL 747 - (3) (Y)
Light in Biological Systems
Advanced laboratory course providing upper level undergraduate
and beginning graduate students with an intensive examination
of the role light plays in controlling diverse biological activities.
Through a series of laboratory exercises students receive instruction
on the theories and principles underlying the detection and measurement
of light quality and quantity and the analytical instruments and
procedures used to probe structure-function relationships in macromolecules,
the effects of light on cellular physiology, and light as a stimulus
in controlling behavior. Among the topics covered are absorption
and difference spectroscopy, structure and biology of mammalian
photoreceptors, action spectra of photoreceptors, UV sensitivity
and repair mechanisms, and chromatic adaptation. In addition to
preset laboratory exercises, students are required to design and
implement their own experiments examining some aspect of photobiology.
Additional reading and papers are required for the graduate level
course.
BIOL 801 - (2) (Y)
Colloquium in Developmental Biology
Prerequisite: Permission of staff
Student reports covering various aspects of development will be
presented for discussion. The direction taken by the course will
change each year so that this course may be taken repeatedly for
credit. Conference one day a week.
BIOL 802 - (2) (Y)
Colloquium in Physiology
Prerequisite: Permission of staff
Student reports covering various aspects of physiology will be
presented for discussion. The direction taken by the course will
change each year so that this course may be taken repeatedly for
credit. Conference one day a week.
BIOL 803 _ (2) (Y)
Colloquium in Genetics
Prerequisite: Permission of staff
Student reports covering various aspects of genetics will be presented
for discussion. The direction taken by the course will change
each year so that this course may be taken repeatedly for credit.
Conference one day a week.
BIOL 804 - (2) (Y)
Colloquium in Biology
Prerequisite: Permission of staff
In this interdisciplinary course student reports covering various
topics that cross development, genetics, and physiology will be
presented for discussion. The direction taken by this course will
change each year so that this course may be taken repeatedly for
credit. Conference one day a week.
BIOL 805 - (4) (Y)
General and Molecular Genetics
Organization, transmission, function, and regulation of
prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes. (This course is cross-listed
as Microbiology 805 and is cooperatively taught with Microbiology
staff members.)
BIOL 806 - (2) (IR)
Colloquium in Neurobiology
Prerequisite: BIOL 817 or permission of instructor
Readings and student seminar preparations in neurobiology, usually
organized around one coherent topic, which will change from year
to year. Course will examine topics of timely experimental and
theoretical importance in the areas of membrane physiology, synaptology,
simpler neuronal networks, cellular basis of behavior, sensory
physiology, and developmental neurobiology. Two hours of seminar
presentations.
BIOL 807 - (2) (IR)
Colloquium in Population Biology
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
The colloquium will be arranged around a current topic in population
biology. The direction taken by this course will change each year
so that this course may be taken repeatedly for credit. Conference
one day a week.
BIOL 808 - (4) (Y)
Developmental Biology
Prerequisites: BIOL 501, BIOL 503 or BIOL 811, and permission
of instructor
An analysis of the cellular and molecular basis of developmental
phenomena, reviewing the classical foundations and current status
of investigations. Lectures and discussion.
BIOL 811 - (5) (Y)
Gene Structure, Expression, and Regulation
A course on the molecular biology of bacterial and eukaryotic
cells, with emphasis on the application of recombinant DNA for
elucidation of gene structure, the mechanism of gene expression,
and its regulation. (Course is cross-listed as Microbiology 811
and is cooperatively taught with Microbiology staff members.)
BIOL 814 - (2) (SI)
Developmental Genetics
An analysis of the role of genes in development and an
examination of the idea of differential gene action during development.
Discussion sessions.
BIOL 817 - (4) (Y)
Neurophysiology
Analysis of nerve and muscle function; Nernst and Goldman
theories of biological membrane potentials; Hodgkin-Huxley theory
of the nerve impulse; passive electrical properties of nerve and
muscle membranes; analysis of function in restricted neural networks;
mechanisms in neuronal development. Lectures and discussions.
BIOL 820 - (3) (Y)
Structure and Regulation of Eukaryotic Genes
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An in-depth discussion of the structure, regulation, and evolution
of eukaryotic genes including a review of current literature and
ideas in this field.
BIOL 825, 826 - (1) (Y)
Analysis of Current Biological Literature
Oral presentation and analysis of research articles. Required
of all first-year graduate students in biology. Presentations.
BIOL 841 - (4) (Y)
Molecular Biology of the Gene
Prerequisite: BIOL 311
The structure and regulation of prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral
genes are examined at the molecular level. Experimental approaches
in molecular biology that address mechanisms of replication, transcription,
RNA processing and translation are emphasized. Discussion of current
advances in genetic research. Three lecture hours and one hour
discussion section.
BIOL 849 - (2) (IR)
Advanced Drosophila Genetics
Prerequisite: BIOL 311 or equivalent
Examines the repertoire of sophisticated genetic techniques available
in Drosophila. Topics covered include: segregation and use of
translocation heterozygotes in the generation of segmental anueploids;
segregation and use of compound chromosomes including their use
in the half-tetrad analysis of gene conversion events; a survey
of the large variety of methods for making mosaics; methods for
P-element induced mutagenesis including site directed mutagenesis;
P-element mediated transformation; the use of enhancer traps.
BIOL 880 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Genetics
Reports from the recent literature on the nature of the
gene and gene action. Conference one day a week.
BIOL 881 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Evolution
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A study of current problems in the evolution of living organisms
with reviews of the recent literature. Conference one day a week.
BIOL 882 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Developmental Biology
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A discussion of current problems.
BIOL 884 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Physiology
A discussion of current problems.
BIOL 885 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Molecular Genetics
A seminar on current problems in molecular genetics with
reports from the recent literature. Conference one day a week.
BIOL 886 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Cell Biology
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A discussion of current problems.
BIOL 887 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Developmental Genetics
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A discussion of current problems.
BIOL 888 - (2) (SI)
Selected Topics in Biochemistry
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A discussion of current problems.
BIOL 890 - (3) (SI)
Selected Topics in Developmental Botany
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A discussion of current problems.
BIOL 897 - (3-12) (S)
Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research
For Master's research, taken before a thesis director
has been selected.
BIOL 898 - (3-12) (S)
Non-Topical Research
For Master's thesis, taken under the supervision of a
thesis director.
BIOL 901, 902 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Genetic Development
BIOL 903, 904 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Yeast Genetics
BIOL 905, 906 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Population Studies
BIOL 907, 908 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Genetics
BIOL 909, 910 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Developmental Biology
BIOL 911, 912 - (1-12) (S)
Research on Protein Structure
BIOL 913, 914 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Bacteriophage Biochemistry
BIOL 915, 916 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Molecular Aspects of Metabolic Regulation
BIOL 917, 918 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Genetics
BIOL 923, 924 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Neuroethology of Electric Fish
BIOL 925, 926 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Population Biology
BIOL 927, 928 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Plant Anatomy
BIOL 929, 930 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Plant Cell Biology
BIOL 933, 934 - (1-12) (S)
Research in the Circadian Organization of Vertebrates
BIOL 935, 936 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Circadian Systems
BIOL 937, 938 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Gene Expression During Development
BIOL 939, 940 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Behavior Neuroendocrinology
BIOL 943, 944 - (1-12) (S)
Research in General Physiology
BIOL 945, 946 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Evolutionary Biology
BIOL 947, 948 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Neurophysiology and Developmental Neurobiology
BIOL 951, 952 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Cell Structure and Function
BIOL 955, 956 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Invertebrate Development
BIOL 961, 962 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Cell Biology
BIOL 963, 964 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Drosophila Neurobiology
BIOL 965, 966 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Plant Molecular Biology
BIOL 967, 968 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Animal Cell Growth
BIOL 973, 974 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Animal Behavior
BIOL 975, 976 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Human Genetics
BIOL 977, 978 - (1-12) (S)
Molecular Aspects of Development
BIOL 979, 980 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Development and Function of Neuronal Networks
BIOL 981, 982 - (1-12) (S)
Research in Developmental Genetics and Morphogenesis
BIOL 983, 984 - (1-12) (S)
Research in the Neurophysiological Basis of Circadian Rhythms
BIOL 991, 992 - (4) (Y)
Rotation Research
Required of all first-year graduate students in biology.
BIOL 996 - (1-12) (S)
Research
BIOL 997 - (1-12) (S)
Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research
For Doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director
has been selected.
BIOL 999 - (1-12) (S)
Non-Topical Research
For Doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision
of a dissertation director.
Mountain Lake Additional graduate courses are offered during the summer session at the Mountain Lake Biological Station. There is also a Mountain Lake Master's Degree program. Further information may be obtained from the Director, Mountain Lake Biological Station, Department of Biology, Gilmer Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 2290l, or from the Director of the Summer Session, Garrett Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Master of Arts and Master of Science The minimum residence requirement is one session and one full summer at this University, or three full summers. A Master's degree candidate must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credits of coursework at the graduate level, exclusive of 800-level and 900-level research courses. There is no foreign language requirement for the Master's degree.
Doctor of Philosophy Students who select biology as their major subject, in addition to meeting the regular University requirements, must have a general knowledge of related sciences, such as chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and a comprehensive knowledge of the various aspects of biology, as attested by the completion of prescribed courses and such examinations as may be imposed. The Biology Department has additional requirements, including the successful completion of a minimum of 20 credits of graduate level lecture or laboratory course work and involvement by students in a program of seminar courses. These requirements are subject to change from year to year, but a list of the current ones may be obtained from the Biology Department upon request. The completion of residence requirements and class work does not guarantee a degree to any student; the preeminent qualifications are thoroughness in work, resourcefulness, initiative, creative ability, and intellectual drive.