Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB)

Head of Department: Professor David Benson
Department Office: Room 104, Biology/Physics Building

For major requirements, see the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog.

1401. Honors Core: Computational Molecular Biology

(120) (Also offered as BME 1401 and CSE 1401.) Either semester. Three credits.

Introduction to research in computational biology through lectures, computer lab exercises, and mentored research projects. Topics include gene and genome structure, gene regulation, mechanisms of inheritance, biological databases, sequence alignment, motif finding, human genetics, forensic genetics, stem cell development, comparative genomics, early evolution, and modeling complex systems. CA 3.

1405. Honors Core: The Genetics Revolution in Contemporary Culture

(125) Second semester. Three credits. Open only to freshmen and sophomores in the Honors Program.

Exploration of the use of genetics concepts in popular culture. Topics include genetic analysis, genetic engineering, cloning and DNA forensics as represented in media including news, film, literature and art. Discussion includes influence on society, attitudes towards science, domestic and foreign policy as well as medical practice and law.

2000. Introduction to Biochemistry

(203) Either semester. Four credits. Three class periods and one 3-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 2241 or 2444. (CHEM 2444 may also be corequisite.) Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB 3010. 

The structure, chemistry, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Enzyme function and kinetics, energy metabolism, and structure and function of nucleic acids. A survey course for students of agriculture, general biology, medical technology, nursing, and pharmacy. Molecular and Cell Biology majors, biophysics majors, and other students desiring a more intensive introduction or considering advanced course work in biochemistry or molecular biology should take MCB 3010. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

2210. Cell Biology

(210) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 1107. This course is intended to be taken before MCB 2000 or 3010.

Structural organization of cells and the molecular basis of dynamic cellular processes, with emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include protein targeting, vesicle trafficking, cytoskeleton, cell-cell interactions in tissues, and the molecular basis of related human diseases.

2211. Gene Expression

(201) First semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: MCB 2210 or 2410 or 2610.

Basic mechanisms of genetic information transfer in eukaryotic cells from DNA to folded and assembled proteins. Regulation of transcription, translation, DNA replication, and the cell cycle.

2225W. Advanced Cell Biology Laboratory

(225W) Second semester. Four credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 4-hour laboratories. Prerequisite or corequisite: MCB 2210. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. Open to honors students. Open to non-honors students with instructor consent.

Research techniques that investigate processes in live cells including DNA transfection, GFP-fusion protein dynamics, confocal fluorescence microscopy, time-lapse video microscopy, and flow cytometry. Students will pursue independent research projects.

2400. Heredity and Society

(218) Either semester. Three credits. Two lectures and one problem session. Prerequisite: BIOL 1107. May not be counted toward the majors or minors in Biological Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Physiological and Neurobiology, or Structural Biology and Biophysics. Not open to students who have passed MCB 2410.

Principles of genetics as applied to humans. Focus on modern methods of molecular genetics.

2410. Human Genetics

(200) Either semester. Three credits. Two lectures and one problem session. Not open to students who have passed MCB 2400. Prerequisite: BIOL 1107.

Principles of genetics as applied to humans. Focus on modern methods of molecular genetics.

2413. Concepts of Genetic Analysis

(213) Second semester. Four credits. Three class periods and 2-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: BIOL 1108 or 1110, or MCB 2410 or equivalent, and CHEM 1128.

Survey of genetic theory and applications of genetic analysis. Model genetic systems in animals, plants, and microbes. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

2610. Fundamentals of Microbiology

(229) Either semester. Four credits. Three lecture periods and one 2-1/2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 2241 or 2443. Recommended preparation: BIOL 1107 or equivalent.

Biology of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Cellular structure, physiology, genetics, and interactions with higher forms of life. Laboratory familiarizes students with methodology of microbiology and aseptic techniques. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

3006. Fundamentals of Strucutural Biology

(206) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 1107 or CHEM 1128, or consent of instructor.

An introduction to principles underlying the structure and function of the molecules guiding life processes. These principles will be applied to proteins, DNA/RNA and membranes as well as to the energetics of life processes.

3007. Introduction to Biophysical Chemistry

(207) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CHEM 2443; MATH 1122 or 1132; PHYS 1202, 1402 or 1602; or instructor consent.

Energetics and kinetics of metabolic reactions. Interactions of electromagnetic radiation and biological macromolecules. Formation and energetics of supramolecular structures. The basis of selected techniques of molecular biology, such as DNA hybridization, radioimmune assays. DNA melting and thermal transitions in polymers, thermodynamics, analysis of reactions, binding theory, cooperative interactions.

3010. Biochemistry

(204) First semester. Five credits. Four class periods and one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 2444. Recommended preparation: MCB 2210 or MCB 2610. Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB 2000.

The structure and function of biological macromolecules. The metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. The regulation of metabolism and biosynthesis of biological macromolecules. An in-depth introduction intended for students planning to take advanced course work in biochemistry, biophysics, or other areas of molecular biology. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

3011. Human Metabolism and Disease

(205) First semester, alternate years. Two credits. Prerequisite: MCB 2000 or 3010, or instructor consent.

A thorough analysis of the inter-relationships of metabolic pathways in connection with human health and disease, including inherited metabolic diseases and the role of hormones in metabolic pathways.

3022W. Human Disease and the Development of Therapeutic Agents

(222W) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. Recommended preparation: One 2000-level course in MCB.

Molecular basis of human disease and strategies for developing therapeutic treatments. Applications of genetic, cellular, and biochemical information in treating disease states. Especially appropriate for students interested in biomedical research and the health profession.

3212. Basic Immunology

(211) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 1107. Recommended preparation: MCB 2210. Lynes

An introduction to the genetic, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms of the immune system. This course will address basic aspects of immune function, and will examine abnormal immune function associated with cancer, autoimmune disease, AIDS, and other immunological abnormalities.

3220. Laboratory in Developmental Biology

(220) Second semester. Three credits. Two 3-hour laboratory periods and a discussion/recitation period. Prerequisite or corequisite: MCB 4219, or six credits of college biology and consent of instructor. Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB 223. 

Analysis of principles of morphogenesis and differentiation.

3246. Virology

(246) Second semester. Three credits. Three lecture periods. Prerequisite: MCB 2610. Recommended preparation: MCB 2210 or 3010.

Biological, biochemical, physical, and genetic characteristics of viruses, with an emphasis on molecular and quantitative aspects of virus-cell interactions.

3412. Genetic Engineering and Functional Genomics

(212) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MCB 2410 or 2413. Recommended preparation: MCB 2000 or 3010.

Methods and applications of genetic engineering, including gene manipulation and transfer techniques in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Emphasis on applications of recombinant DNA technology in the elucidation of gene function. Consideration of recent technological developments in molecular genetics, such as cloning, gene therapy, the patenting and release of genetically engineered organisms, and societal issues related to these developments.

3414. Experiments in DNA Identification

(214) Second semester. Two credits. One fifty minute lecture period and one three hour laboratory session. Prerequisite:  MCB 2410 or 2413.

An introductory laboratory course in principles and techniques of DNA manipulation and identification. Course simulates independent research, using modern molecular genetics techniques. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

3416. Forensic Application of DNA Science

(290) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MCB 2410 or 2413.

DNA analysis in forensic science, with emphasis on molecular genetic technology in criminal investigations and issues surrounding the use of DNA evidence. Team-taught with forensic practitioners.

3421. Introduction to Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics

(221) First semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: At least one 2000-level course in MCB.

Evolution of biomolecules, and application to molecular data analysis and the design of new molecules. Topics include prebiotic chemistry, origin of cells, selfish genes, molecular innovations, data bank searches, alignment of sequence and 3-D protein structures. Course includes lectures, discussions and computer lab exercises.

3617. Molecular Biology and Genetics of Prokaryotes

(217) First semester. Four credits. Three lecture periods and one 2-hour discussion. Prerequisite: MCB 2610.

Molecular genetics of bacteria, archaebacteria, and their viruses. Transcription and replication of DNA, transformation, transduction, conjugation, genetic mapping, mutagenesis, regulation of gene expression, genome organization.

3633. Pathogenic Microbiology

(233) First semester. Four credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour, 45 minute laboratory period. Prerequisite: MCB 2610.

Descriptions of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoans in relation to the affected human organ systems and discussions of the underlying virulence factors, molecular mechanisms, and epidemiological data. Modern techniques are used in the laboratory to identify and characterize pathogenic bacteria.

3635. Applied Microbiology

(235) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MCB 2610. Recommended preparation: MCB 2000 or 3010.

A study of the biology, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms useful in industry, agriculture, and selected environmental processes. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

3636. Marine Microbiology

(236) (Also offered as MARN 3016.) First semester (Avery Point) second semester (Storrs). Three credits. Two lecture-discussion class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period for which field trips may be substituted. Prerequisite: MCB 2610, or instructor consent.

A general survey of the taxonomy, physiology, and ecology of marine microorganisms.

3640W. Bacterial Diversity and Ecology

(240W) First semester. Four credits. Two lecture periods and two 3-hour laboratory/discussion periods. Prerequisite: MCB 2610 or instructor consent; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. Recommended preparation: MCB 2000 or 3010.

A study of the ecophysiology of diverse bacterial types with particular emphasis on the activities of bacteria in situ. Investigative laboratory includes individual projects. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

3832C. Microcomputer Applications in Molecular and Cell Biology

(232C) First semester. Three credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 3-hour laboratories. Recommended preparation: MCB 2210 or 2410 or 2413 or 2610 or 3010.

Introduction to the use of microcomputers in molecular biology, emphasizing commercially available applications software, both general (spreadsheet, word processing, database, graphics) and specialized (DNA and protein sequence database manipulation, molecular modeling, data acquisition, others).

3841W. Research Literature in Molecular and Cell Biology

(241W) Either semester. Three credits. Open only with consent of instructor. Prerequisite:ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. Recommended preparation: one 2000-level course in MCB. With a change in content, may be repeated for credit.

Discussion of current research in molecular and cell biology.

3895. Special Topics

(298) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. With a change in content, may be repeated for credit. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary.

3898. Variable Topics

(289) Either semester. Three credits. With a change of topic, may be repeated for credit. Prequisites and recommended preparation vary.

3899. Independent Study

(299) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with change in topic. 

Designed for the advanced undergraduate student who is pursuing a special problem as an introduction to independent investigation. 

3989. Introduction to Research

(291) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with change in topic.

Laboratory research project carried on by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. The student is required to submit a brief report on the research findings at the end of the semester.

3996W. Research Thesis in Molecular and Cell Biology

Either semester. Three credits. Hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: At least three credits of MCB 3989 or 4989, which may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open with consent of instructor.

Writing of a thesis based upon the student's independent laboratory research project.

4008. Techniques of Biophysical Chemistry

(208) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: MCB 3007, or CHEM 3563, or instructor consent.

The characterization of biological macromolecules (i.e. proteins and nucleic acids) in solution is important to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. This course deals with hydrodynamic techniques (i.e. diffusion, electrophoresis, sedimentation, light scattering, and viscosity) for molecular size and shape, and spectroscopic methods (such as circular dichroism) for more detailed structure.

4009. Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules

(209) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite or corequisite: MCB 2000 or 3010 or instructor consent.

Fundamentals of protein structure and the forces that stabilize structure. Topics include recurrent structural motifs, molecular ancestry/homology, evolution of protein structure, structure-function correlations, and the structural basis of regulation. Discussion of the techniques used to investigate structure, including X-ray diffraction, NMR, TEM, AFM, structure prediction, and computational simulations. Advanced topics may include chaperones, structural genomics and the roles of misfolded proteins in disease.

4026W. Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory

(226W) Second semester. Four credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 4-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: Either MCB 2000 or 3010 with instructor consent; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800.

Theory and application of modern techniques for separation and characterization of biological macromolecules, including several types of liquid chromatography, liquid scintillation spectro-photometry, and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Instruction in writing a scientific paper. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

4219. Developmental Biology

(219) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: BIOL 1107. Recommended preparation: MCB 2210 and 2410 or 2413, which may be taken concurrently.

Principles of embryogenesis, pattern formation, and cell differentiation. The focus will be on molecular and cellular aspects of development in several experimental systems, including the mouse, fruit fly, amphibians, and marine invertebrates. Regeneration and stem cell biology will be discussed. Relevance to human development and disease will be emphasized.

4415. Experiments in Molecular Genetics

(215) First semester. Three credits. One 1-hour lecture and two 3-hour laboratory periods. Open only with consent of instructor. Recommended preparation: MCB 3010; MCB 3412 or 3617. Not open for credit to students who have passed MCB 230.

Modern methods in molecular genetics arranged to meet a research goal. Use of polymerase chain reaction, bacteriophage library screening, molecular cloning, nucleic acid hybridizations, and DNA sequence determinations to isolate and characterize a eukaryotic gene. A fee of $20 is charged for this course.

4624. Experiments in Bacterial Genetics

(224) Second semester. Three credits. Two 3 1/2 hour laboratory/lecture periods. Prerequisite: MCB 2610.  Recommended preparation: MCB 3617. Open only with instructor consent.

Experiments in bacterial genetics, emphasizing genetic manipulations and analyses using modern biological techniques including transposon mutagenesis, DNA isolation, PCR, DNA sequencing and phenotypic analysis.

4894. Undergraduate Seminar

(297) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with a change of topic.

4989. Introduction to Honors Research

(293) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Open only to honors students with consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with change in topic.

Laboratory research project carried on by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. The student is required to submit a brief report on the research findings at the end of the semester.

4994W Honors Undergraduate Seminar

Either semester. Two credits. Open to honors students; non-honors students require consent of instructor. Prerequisite: At least one 2000-level MCB course; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. May be taken for W credit once and may not be repeated.

Students will attend six to eight research seminars and write papers about the topics presented in each seminar. Students will be introduced to electronic journal databases and their uses.

4997W. Senior Research Thesis in Molecular and Cell Biology

(292W) Either semester. Three credits. Hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Three credits of MCB 3899, which may be taken concurrently; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800. Open only with consent of instructor and department honors commitee. Not limited to honors students. 

Designed for the advanced undergraduate who is pursuing a special problem as an introduction to independent investigation. Research and writing of a thesis.