Graduate Course Descriptions

The following directory lists the graduate courses which the University expects to offer, although the University in no way guarantees that all such courses will be offered in any given academic year, and reserves the right to alter the list if conditions warrant. Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

5001. Principles of Physiology and Neurobiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Molecular foundations of physiology and neurobiology. Discussion of classic and emerging literature, experimental design, and research technologies. Topics may include genetics, protein biology, cell structure and function, and neurophysiology.

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5002. Principles of Physiology and Neurobiology II

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Foundations of physiology and neurobiology. Discussion of classic and emerging literature, experimental design, and research technologies. Emphasis on systems physiology.

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5101. Anatomy and Physiology for Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: course background in biology.

Grading Basis: Graded

Anatomy and physiology of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

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5102. Fundamentals of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Overview of intraoperative neuromonitoring. Basics underlying recording of signals and discussion of main neuromonitoring modalities, common surgeries employing neuromonitoring, operating room protocols and procedures.

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5103. Applied Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

2.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Experience working with the intraoperative neuromonitoring recording machines. Practice writing protocols for different modalities, and use of simulator programs to observe examples of signal acquisition.

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5104. Clinical Practicum in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: PNB 5101, 5102 and 5103 with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher in these classes, and instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Direct student involvement in intraoperative neuromonitoring of various surgical procedures, observing live signals obtained in a clinical setting, interaction with patients, surgeons and operating room staff, and review of operating room protocols and procedures.

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5105. Seminar in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

2.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 4 credits.

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Presentations of clinical and nonclinical topics affecting the daily job of an intraoperative neuromonitoring clinician. Topics may include the sterile field; infection control; needle, electrical, radiation and fire safety; patient privacy laws (HIPAA); professional conduct and communication; and diversity in the workplace.

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5106. Advanced Modalities in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

4.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Comprehensive didactic and laboratory training on advanced neuromonitoring modalities (tests) such as Phase Reversal, Motor Mapping, D-Wave, Nerve Action Potential and H-Reflex.

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5107. Clinical Research Methods in Intraoperative Neuromonitoring

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: PNB 5101, 5102 and 5103. Recommended preparation: PNB 5104 and 5105.

Grading Basis: Graded

Research methods and experimental design in a clinical setting. Common and advanced neurodiagnostic modalities, effects of anesthesia on neurophysiological data, and evaluation of multimodality monitoring. Discussion and critique of published literature, and development of a student generated research proposal.

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5250. Physiological Signal Transduction: Principles, Pathways, and Applications

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Signal transduction and regulation of development in physiological systems. Emphasis on genetic, molecular, and cellular methods; designing and interpreting experiments based upon research developments in current literature.

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5270. Molecular Endocrinology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Molecular mechanism(s) of hormone action in vertebrates and invertebrates. Molecular and genetic characterization of hormones, receptors, and signal transduction, and hormone actions at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Includes student presentations on selected papers.

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5302. Fundamentals of Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to integrative biology. Associations of molecules, cells and tissues and their integrated functions across all organizational levels. Application of language and basic concepts of physiology to the development of problem-solving skills.

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5347. Electron Microscopy

1.00 - 3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Lectures and laboratory exercises on the principles and practice of biological electron microscopy.

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5350. Membrane Transport in Health and Disease

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Fundamental mechanisms by which water and small molecules are transported across biological membranes. Biophysical and biochemical analysis of transport by diffusion, osmosis, channels, carriers and pumps in health and disease.

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5351. Projects in Electron Microscopy

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Electron microscopy as a research method in biological sciences.

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5395. Investigation of Special Topics in Physiology and Neurobiology

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 24 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Advanced study within Physiology and Neurobiology.

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5396. Research in Physiology and Neurobiology

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 60 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Research in Physiology and Neurobiology in pursuit of a graduate degree.

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5399. Independent Study

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Independent investigation of topics in Physiology and Neurobiology.

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5700. Sensory Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Cellular and molecular mechanisms supporting the detection of sensory stimuli in vertebrates, invertebrates and other organisms. Detection of chemicals, touch, temperature, pain, sound, light, heat, magnetic fields, and electricity.

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6250. Signal Transduction: Principles, Pathways, and Applications in Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Signal transduction and regulation of development in physiological systems. Emphasis on genetic, molecular, and cellular methods; designing and interpreting experiments based upon research developments in current literature.

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6400. Seminar in Neurobiology

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

An in-depth study of selected topics in the molecular, cellular, and central aspects of neurobiology.

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6402. Seminar in Comparative Physiology

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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6403. Seminar in Endocrinology

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

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6405. Seminar in Research and Journal Presentations in Physiology and Neurobiology

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Provides the opportunity for graduate students to present journal articles and their laboratory research in physiology and neurobiology to the department.

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6415. Ion Channels and Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: PNB 5001 and 5002.

Grading Basis: Graded

Exploration of major classes of ion channels, including ligand-gated, voltage-gated, mechanosensitive, thermosensitive and light-sensitive channels and their roles in physiology. Discussions of research approaches and emerging technologies in ion channel physiology.

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6417. Developmental Neurobiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopment. Neural induction, cell fate determination, neurogenesis, axon targeting, neuronal migration, synapse formation and activity-dependent synaptic remodeling.

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6418. Integrative Neurobiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Physiology of the central nervous system: information processing and central mechanisms in vertebrates and invertebrates; physiological aspects of behavior.

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6420. Physiological Proteomics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Current experimental and computational techniques available to study the proteome and its role in cellular and organismal physiology.

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6423. Human Reproduction

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

The physiology of human reproduction.

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6426. Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to PNB grad students or seniors who have passed PNB 3251, PNB 3275, and one of MCB 2000, 2210, or MCB 3010. Consent of instructor required for non-PNB graduate students.

Grading Basis: Graded

Molecular and cellular aspects of modern neurobiology including the analysis of neuronal proteins and their post-translational modifications, the dynamics of cellular substructures, and various signaling mechanisms in nerve cells including synaptic transmission. Molecular and cellular biology of selected neurological disorders.

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