Course Descriptions

• Basic and Translational Cancer Biology
  Course Detail

  GS04 1235 (5 credits)
  Spring

  The Cancer Biology Core course will synthesize knowledge of critical aspects in human cancer biology for understanding disease development, multidimensional molecular signatures, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Auditing this is permitted with Course Directors' approval.     

  >> Curriculum Committee commended course for Academic Year 2020-2021 <<

• Current Methods in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
  Course Detail

  GS03 1023 (3 credits)
  Fall

  The goal of this course is to instruct students in cutting edge methodologies that relate to both structural and molecular biology. The class will consists of 43 1-hour lectures held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Individual lecturers are chosen from multiple GSBS Graduate Programs based on their expertise in the relevant technologies.  The lectures will provide a sound foundation in the principles, appropriate applications, and limitations of a repertoire of techniques ranging from qRT-PCR to metabolomic profiling to basic recombinant protein expression and analysis.  The course is designed to act synergistically with techniques covered in the Core Course.

• Fundamental Immunology
  Course Detail

  GS06 1013 (3 credits)
  Spring

  Topics covered in this lecture series include anatomy and development of the immune system; structure, function and genetics of antibodies; T-cell antigen receptors; functions and cooperative interactions of lymphoid cells; structure and function of molecules encoded by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC); lymphokines and their receptors; cellular interaction molecules; and specific immunological tolerance.  Medically-related subjects that will be covered from a basic science perspective include immunopathology, immunodeficiency, allergy and other hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, organ transplantation, tumor immunology, and AIDS.  

• Introduction to Bioinformatics
  Course Detail

  GS01 1143 (3 credits)
  Spring

  This course is intended to be an introduction to concepts and methods in bioinformatics with a focus on analyzing data merging from high throughput experimental pipelines such as next-gen sequencing. Students will be exposed to algorithms and software tools involved in various aspects of data processing and biological interpretation. Though some prior programming experience is highly recommended, it is not a requirement.

• Introduction to Biostatistics and Clinical Trials
  Course Detail

  GS01 1033 (3 credits)
  Spring

  This course is a one-semester overview of statistical concepts most often used in the design and analysis of biomedical studies. It provides an introduction to the analysis of biomedical and epidemiological data. The focus is on non-model-based solutions to one sample and two sample problems. The course also includes an overview of statistical genetics and bioinformatics concepts. Because this course is primarily for statistics majors, the applied methods will be related to theory whenever practical. Students will gain experience in the general approach to data analysis and in the application of appropriate statistical methods. Emphasis will be on the similarity between various forms of analysis and reporting results in terms of measures of effect or association. Emphasis will also be given to identifying statistical assumptions and performing analyses to verify these assumptions. Because effective communication is essential to effective collaboration, students will gain experience in presenting results for statistically naive readers.

• Mechanisms in Cancer Therapeutics
  Course Detail

  GS04 1213 (3 credits)
  Fall

  This course will establish a foundation of the principles of cancer therapy, including pharmacologic rationales, consideration of biological targets, and mechanism-based approaches to combinations. A major emphasis will be placed on agents that damage DNA, and the response of tumor cells to such insults. In-depth presentations will consider all classes of chemotherapeutic agents, their metabolism, and mechanisms of action, and the resistance mechanisms of tumor cells. Mechanistic rationales for other therapeutic modalities used for cancer treatment such as radiotherapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy will also be covered. Students will have the opportunity to learn to identify novel therapeutic targets, and the procedures used to develop new agents for clinical evaluation.

• Molecular Basis of Cell Signaling
  Course Detail

  GS13 1024 (4 credits)
  Spring

  This course provides a detailed exploration of the molecular basis of cell signaling with emphasis on recent developments, structure-function, and quantitation.  The course will include both the regulation of second messenger systems (GPCRs, G proteins, cAMP, IP3 and lipid), ion channels, growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinases, small G proteins (ras, GEFs, Gaps), kinase/phosphatase pathways, steroid hormones/transcription, and the modeling of these systems. 

• Principles of Therapeutics
  Course Detail

  GS04 1103 (3 credits)
  Spring

  The course establishes a foundation of therapeutic principles from understanding disease pathophysiology to the whole pipeline of drug discovery and moving a drug from laboratory to regulatory filing and clinical implementation. This course includes didactic lectures from >35 experts including 1/3 basic research faculty, 1/3 clinical faculty, and 1/3 pharma/biotech industry veterans. It starts with discussions on disease processes, through therapy development, then to clinical translation.

  The course is grouped into a series of general topics. The first topic includes disease mechanisms in microbial, viral, fungal, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, aging, and malignant settings to better understand the nature of the problems. The second topic focuses on the development of lead molecules and drug design, including x-ray crystallography, molecular modeling, hit identification, lead optimization, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies. The third topic puts emphasis on drug screening methodologies, including high-throughput/content technologies and molecular imaging as well as in vitro and in vivo preclinical model systems. The fourth topic covers different therapeutic modalities and improved drug delivery systems. It also describes the latest development in immunotherapy, cell therapy, gene therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The fifth topic focuses on the identification of novel molecular targeting strategies and efforts toward individualization of therapy with state-of-the-art –omics technologies and biomarker development. The final topic group focuses on translating therapeutic strategies to the clinic, including the phases of preclinical studies, clinical trial design and execution, and regulatory considerations.

  >> Curriculum Committee Commended Course for Academic Year 2020-2021 <<

• Toxicology I Principles of Toxicology
  Course Detail

  GS13 1063 (3 credits)
  Fall

  This course presents basic principles of toxicology and their applications to the understanding of xenobiotic-induced target organ toxicity. Topics covered include toxicant disposition, mechanisms of toxicity and target organ responses to toxic agents. A broad overview of various classes of toxic agents will be presented in the context of their exposure routes, disposition, toxicologic sequelae, and mechanisms of toxicity.  This course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding the complex interactions between toxicants and biologic systems. The course is cross-listed at UT School of Public Health (PH 2175).  The venue of the course will be at the SPH.

• Translational Sciences: From Bedside to Bench and Back
  Course Detail

  GS21 1232 (2 credits)
  Fall

  This is an integrated, multidisciplinary course designed to provide students the necessary tools to devise, fund, implement, and publish exemplary research involving patients or materials obtained from a human source. Students participating in this course will gain an understanding of the depth, complexity, and limitations of integrating laboratory and clinical research into investigations of human disease. After completion of the course, students will understand the importance of translational research: using laboratory findings to benefit human patients (bench to bedside) and investigating clinical observations in the laboratory (bedside to bench). This course is distinct from Human Protocol Research (GS211132); this course focuses on the interrelationship between laboratory-based and clinical research. A culture that fosters translational research of the highest quality requires laboratory and clinical investigators appreciate the scientific complexity of patient-oriented translational research.