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GEBS Course Catalog

GEBS 500 - Introduction to Epidemiology (3 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course provides students with knowledge of patterns of disease occurrence in human populations and factors that influence these patterns. This course is designed to enable students to identify and use systematic procedures that are helpful in determining epidemiological relationships. Principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation, both of infectious and non-infectious diseases are discussed. Prerequisites: GEBS 524 Fundamentals of Biostatistics, enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade, Course Director: Lee Caplan, PhD

GEBS 501 – Introduction to Medical Informatics (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
The course will address using data from clinical information systems in performing clinical research including the strengths and limitations of these data. Topics include: overview of medical informatics, discussion of the nature of computer-based data including medical vocabularies, large databases, the web, and confidentiality-related issues. Prerequisites: enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Alexander Quarshie, MBChB, M.S.

GEBS 502 – Introduction to Principles of Clinical Research (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course is offered in collaboration with NIH, and delivered through video-conferencing. This course provides an overview and introduction to the various types of clinical research including patient-oriented research, epidemiology, behavioral sciences and health services research, and introduction to evidence-based medicine for clinical researchers. The course introduces protocol design, mentoring development, and gathering of evidence, including decision analysis. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade, Course Director: Alexander Quarshie, MBChB, M.S.

GEBS 503-508 – Seminar in Biomedical Sciences I-VI (1 credit hour each; PhD, MSBR, and MSBT core)
Students attend a minimum of 6 research seminars per semester, document their attendance, and write and submit a summary for each. Graduate faculty signatures on the seminar form and on a 250-word summary of each seminar are required for credit. Prerequisite: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Danita Eatman, Ph.D.

GEBS 509 and 510 Biomedical Science Presentation I and II (1 credit hour each; PhD, MSBR, and MSBT core)
The objective of these courses is to provide students with experience organizing and delivering a research seminar. Ph.D. students are required to complete two qualified presentations, and M.S. students one presentation during their tenure as graduate students. Qualified presentations include: One student research day platform presentation, any one-hour seminar advertised to the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ community and open to the public., and a platform or poster presentation at a national scientific conference accompanied by a first-author published abstract. This requirement is explicitly in addition to the student’s dissertation proposal and defense presentations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Doug Paulsen, Ph.D.

GEBS 511 – Clinical Research Seminar (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course features local, regional, and national cutting edge research topics relevant to health disparities, and allows trainees to hear from leading experts on clinical and translational research. The research seminars are presented by Ï㽶ÊÓƵ faculty, Georgia CTSA faculty, and visiting scientists and provide a forum to explore collaborative research and mentoring opportunities. MSCR trainees are featured in a special session where they present their work for critical review and comments. This format exposes the trainees to contemporary critical thinking on health disparities to generate new ideas and to foster research collaboration within Morehouse School of Medicine as well as with collaborating Georgia CTSA institutions. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Directors: Alexander Quarshie, MBChB, M.S. and Rigobert Lapu Bula, M.D., Ph.D.

GEBS 512 - Ethics of Clinical and Translational Research in Vulnerable Populations (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course challenges trainees to incorporate social science and behavior theory concepts in understanding health disparities. This multidisciplinary course will provide social, cultural, and historical perspectives on the development of ethical standards for clinical research among special, at-risk populations. Student appreciation of culture as a predominant force in shaping behavior and values will be enhanced. The course will help develop behaviors and skills for effectively recruiting and engaging patients from diverse cultural backgrounds into health care research. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Julian Menter, Ph.D.

GEBS 513 and 514 - Laboratory Rotation I and II (1 credit hour each; PhD, MSBR, and MSBT core)
The objective of these rotations is to provide students with experiences that will allow them to make an informed choice with respect to the focus of their research or technical apprenticeship and their research or technical advisor. A second objective is for the student to practice proper methods for logging research methods and results in a laboratory notebook. Each PhD student must complete two 6-week rotations and each MS student must complete two 4-week rotations. Prerequisite: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Doug Paulsen, Ph.D.

GEBS 515 - Introduction to Neuroscience Laboratory Techniques (2 credit hours; MSNS core)
This is a two-week intensive laboratory course for MSNS students and a part of the BS/MS in Neuroscience program. The course is designed to expose students to laboratory techniques commonly used in today's biological laboratories. It will combine both lecture and practical laboratory experiences and include compulsory biohazard safety and animal handling and care components. Techniques will include laboratory calculations, DNA, RNA, and PCR analyses, electrophoresis, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, microscopy, and neurophysiology. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the BS/MS in Neuroscience or MSNS program or permission of course and program director. Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Shobu Namura, M.D., Ph.D. 

GEBS 516 – Mentored Research Project (Total of 12 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course provides an opportunity for students to synthesize and integrate the knowledge base and competencies acquired in course work, learn how to write a research proposal, develop a research design, analyze data for presentation at a national scientific meeting and generate a scientific manuscript. Four major outcomes of the mentored project that must be satisfied prior to receiving the MSCR degree include: 1) submission and presentation of an abstract at a regional or national scientific meeting, 2) submission of a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal, 3) submission of a grant to a funding agency, and 4) final presentation of the student's mentored research. Mentor evaluation forms must be signed by the student's lead mentor indicating that all of the above requirements have been satisfied. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Fall and Spring. Year 1, Pass/Fail; Year 2, Letter Grade. Course Director: Alexander Quarshie, MBChB, M.S.

GEBS 517 - Graduate Biochemistry (3 credit hours; PhD, MSBR, and MSBT Core)
The overall goal of this course is to provide information in different formats that will aid in the student's  understanding of biochemical principles and enhance problem-solving abilities. Students are expected to be competent, reliable, self-directed and to do extensive critical reading and analysis of information available through internet resources and in original publications. Understanding biochemical principles, key concepts and current research is a necessity since biochemistry provides a foundation for many other components in the graduate curriculum. Prerequisite: PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Jacquelyn Hibbert, Ph.D.

GEBS 517L - Biochemistry Laboratory (3 credit hours; PhD, MSBR, and MSBT Core)
This is an integrated lecture and lab course covering basic theories and techniques used in the experimental life sciences. The students will have an opportunity to experience a broad range of biochemical and molecular techniques that are currently used in the fast-paced modern biomedical research laboratory. The goal is to introduce students to basic research techniques through laboratory exercises designed to provide experiences with the equipment and techniques that are the foundation for modern biomedical research: Prerequisite: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Jacquelyn Hibbert, Ph.D.

GEBS 518 - Principles of Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS Core)
This is a team-taught course that provides an overview of cellular structure and function, levels of tissue organization, early embryology, as well as the morphology and function of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and immune systems. The course integrates laboratory exposure with didactic anatomy and physiology presentations to further emphasize the principles of organization as related to major clinical and functional themes. This segment of the two-semester course deals with cell and tissue structure and function and begins coverage of the organ systems. The course composition will include a virtual histology lab, selected gross anatomy prosections and radiological anatomy. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Rita Finley, Ph.D.

GEBS 519 - Principles of Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS Core)
This is a team-taught course that provides an understanding of the morphology and function of the skin and the nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems of the human body, as well as an overview of fetal development. This course integrates laboratory exposure with didactic anatomy and physiology presentations to further emphasize the principles of organization related to major clinical and functional themes. This segment of the two-semester course focuses on completing the coverage of organ system structure and function. The course composition will include a virtual histology lab, selected gross anatomy prosections, and radiological anatomy. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade, Course Director: Rita Finley, Ph.D.

GEBS 520 – Analysis of Frequency Data (3 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course is intended to provide a more detailed approach to the analysis of categorical data in clinical and translational research. Topics covered include tests and measures of association for contingency table analysis; goodness of fit, and the odds ratio. Estimation and hypothesis testing within the context of general linear models (analysis of variance, multiple regression, logistic regression, and survival analysis) are addressed. Prerequisites: GEBS 524 and enrollment in MSCR program or permission of the course and program director, Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Fengxia Yan, M.D., M.S. 

GEBS 521 - Laboratory Rotation in Neuroscience (4 credit hours; MSNS core)
This course is an eight week laboratory rotation for MSNS students and part of the BS/MS in Neuroscience program. The rotation will introduce the student to mentored research within the Neuroscience Institute. Students will select a mentor based on interest, availability of space, and approval of the course director. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of GEBS 515 Introduction to Neuroscience Laboratory Techniques, enrollment in the MSNS program or permission of the course and program director. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Morris Benveniste, Ph.D.

GEBS 522 - Clinical Trials (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
Principles for the design and conduct of clinical trials are discussed. Emphasis will be given to protocol preparation, randomization, sample size, trial monitoring, ethical issues and data analysis. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Priscilla Pemu, M.D., M.S.C.R. 

GEBS 523 - Scientific Writing and Proposal Development (3 credit hours; MSCR core)
The objectives of this course are to develop: 1) the ability to evaluate a variety of funding sources, write concept papers and letters of intent in biomedical sciences, 2) an approach to writing a competitive research proposal, and 3) an understanding of the NIH review process. The course provides an overview of these processes in a series of didactic discussions and take-home assignments. Students are required to design a study for specific disease and prepare a scientific protocol and a grant application using Public Health Service Form 398 including the development of a consent form and budget. Emphasis will be placed on grantsmanship and scientific writing, the Institutional Review Board and NIH review process. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Lilly Immergluck, M.D.

GEBS 524 - Fundamentals of Biostatistics (3 credit hours;  MSCR core)
This course introduces various statistical methods used in clinical and translational research and public health management. Students are trained in probability theory, data management and interpretation of results. The standard statistical package SPSS is used with hands-on demonstrations. Topics include: Probability distributions and conditional probability; descriptive statistics; hypothesis testing, statistical inference; parametric and nonparametric statistical methodology. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR or Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Fengxia Yan, M.D., M.S.

GEBS 525 - Laboratory Rotation III (1 credit hour; Elective)
This is an elective lab rotation. Students may receive credit for a maximum of 3 lab rotations (2 core and 1 elective). The objective of the core rotations is to help students make an informed choice with respect to their research focus their major research advisor. This 8-week elective rotation requires students to work in a laboratory other than that of the major advisor to develop additional skills and experience that may be helpful in their dissertation project. Rotation sites may include laboratories of Ï㽶ÊÓƵ graduate faculty, or off-campus sites with the permission of the GEBS Office.
Prerequisites: Completion of GEBS 513 and 514, permission of the student's research advisor, permission of the supervisor of the laboratory in which the rotation is to be carried out, Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ PhD or MSBR program. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Doug Paulsen, PhD.

GEBS 528 - Biomedical Genetics (3 credit hours; PhD and Ï㽶ÊÓƵS Core, MSBR, and MSBT Elective)
This course covers chromosome and gene structure and function, molecular and population genetics, model organisms for genetic studies, as well as molecular pathology, disease susceptibility, and genetic testing. Students will explore the relationships between animal models and human biology and disease, as well as the role of human variation in experimental design, and the value of including all genders, ages, and ethnicities in their studies. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517 and 517L or permission of the course and program director. Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, MSBT, or Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring, Letter Grade. Course Director:  Gale Newman, PhD.

GEBS 528L - Biomedical Genetics Laboratory (3 credit hours; PhD Core, MSBR, and MSBT Elective)
The objective of these laboratory exercises is to provide hands-on experience in the detection of mutations and disease genes. The goal of the course is to instruct trainees on when and where to use appropriate techniques for the detection of genetic mutations and to introduce related aspects of bioinformatics. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517 and 517L or the permission of the course director, GEBS 528, enrollment PhD, MSBR or MSBT program or permission of the course and program director. Fall, Letter Grade. Course Director: Robert Meller, D. Phil. 

GEBS 531 – Clinical Core Laboratories (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course is designed to provide trainees with hands-on exposure to existing core units at the Clinical Research Center and how they support clinical and translational research. These cores are - Noninvasive Cardiovascular and Hemodynamics, Analytical and Protein Profiling, Bionutrition, Nursing, Recruitment/Retention, Biostatistical and Data Management, Clinical Trials, Research Subject Advocate and Data Safety Monitoring Cores. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Alexander Quarshie, MBChB, M.S.

GEBS 532 – Community Engagement and Health Disparities in Clinical and Translational Research (2 credit hours; MSCR core)
This course introduces key issues in health disparities and community engaged research. The focus is on ways to assess and address health disparities, with an emphasis on inner-city and African-American populations. Approaches to community engagement and community-centered research are addressed. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Rakale Quarells, Ph.D.

GEBS 533 - Critical Thinking and Scientific Communication I (2 Credit hours; PhD, MSBR, MSBT core)
The main objective of this course is to develop scientific writing and critical thinking skills necessary for scientific research. Students will learn skills to improve their ability to write clearly and logically and to critically analyze and communicate their opinions by both oral and written presentations. Students will be evaluated by a series of written exercises. A critical thinking pre- and post- test will be given to assess progress. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, MSBT, or MSNS program or permission of course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Gale Newman, Ph.D.

GEBS 534 - Scientific Integrity (2 credit hours, PhD, MSBR, MSBT core)                                                                                     This course is designed to cover contemporary ethical issues at the interface of science and ethics and the professional expectations of scientists in the responsible conduct of scientific research. Topics include Methods & Mandates, Scientific Records, Authorship and Peer Review, Intellectual Property, Conflicting Interests, Human and Animal Experimentation, and Genetic Technology. Didactic tasks involve student exercises, discussion leadership, analyses of cases, case presentation, and report writing. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, MSBT, or MSNS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Jonathan Stiles, Ph.D.

GEBS 535 - Human Biology (3 credit hours, PhD, MSBR, MSBT core)
Human Biology is a team-taught course that provides a broad overview of major cellular components, basic tissue types, organs, and organ systems. It is designed to introduce the student to the structural and functional organization of the major organ systems by working from the single cell level to the organ system level, emphasizing the relationship of structure and function. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of the course and program director. Fall Letter Grade. Course Director: Rajagopala Sridaran, Ph.D. 

GEBS 535L - Human Biology Laboratory (2 credit hours, PhD, MSBR, MSBT core)
This course complements the content of the Human Biology lecture course by covering microscopic structure and approaches to studying the function of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. It includes study of the relationship between structure and function of major cellular organelles, cells associated with the four basic tissue types, organs and organ systems through histological and microscopic methods as well as functional studies. Prerequisites: Enrollment in an PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Brenda Klement, Ph.D.

GEBS 537 - Integrated Biomedical Science (4 credit hours, PhD core; MSBR, MSBT elective)
This course is intended to provide students a strong understanding of current and future research objectives in four fields of biomedical science. Each field, Cancer Biology, HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease, Neuroscience, and Cardiovascular Research, will be taught in successive 4 1/2 - week modules by research faculty from those fields. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517, 517L, 535, and 535L or permission of course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Coordinator: Doug Paulsen, Ph.D.; Cancer Component Directors: Shailesh Singh, Ph.D. and Ward Kirlin, Ph.D.; Cardiovascular Component Director: Leonard Anderson, Ph.D.; Neuroscience Component Director: Morris Benveniste, Ph.D.; HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Component Director: Vincent Bond, Ph.D.

GEBS 537-01 - Integrated Biomedical Science: Cancer Component (1 credit hour; Elective)
This component of the Integrated Biomedical Science course will provide students with a critical look at specific areas of cancer biology, providing an assessment of what constitutes the science of cancer and where the field may be going in the future. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517, 517L, 535, and 535L or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Directors: Shailesh Singh, Ph.D. and Ward Kirlin, Ph.D.

GEBS 537-02 - Integrated Biomedical Science: Neuroscience Component (1 credit hour; Elective)
This component of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences course will provide student with critical concepts in the field of Neuroscience. Lectures will include discussion of seminal experiments leading to key discoveries that serve as part of the foundation of the field. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517, 517L, 535, and 535L or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Morris Benveniste, Ph.D.

GEBS 537-03 - Integrated Biomedical Science: Cardiovascular Component (1 credit hour; Elective)
The cardiovascular component of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences course will provide graduate students with a fundamental knowledge base in the principles of cardiovascular biology at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. In addition to providing introductory didactic instruction in the field of cardiovascular biology, this component will also integrate leading-edge vascular biology lectures with new developments that emerge at the interface with other interdisciplinary fields (e.g., stem-cell biology, epigenetics, systems biology, and genomic science). Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517, 517L, 535, and 535L or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Leonard Anderson, Ph.D.

GEBS 537-04 - Integrated Biomedical Science: HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Component (1 credit hour, Elective)
This component of the Integrated Biomedical Sciences course will provide students with critical concepts in HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Multidrug-resistant Bacteria. Lectures will include discussion of seminal experiments leading to key discoveries that serve as part of the foundation of the field. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517, 517L, 535, and 535L or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Vincent Bond, Ph.D.

GEBS 539 - Introduction to Health Professions (2 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
In this seminar and clinical experience course, students will develop an understanding from practitioners in various medical specialties and other health professions, the academics and personal responsibilities required to become a well-functioning health professional. Professions explored will include, but are not limited to, medicine, public health, clinical and translational research, community-based participatory research, and other related areas. Students will also participate in a variety of diverse clinical experiences. Personal statements, interviewing strategies, and similar topics will be addressed in workshops and skills sessions. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Rita Finley, Ph.D.

GEBS 540 - Critical Thinking in Neuroscience (2 credit hours, MSNS core)
This course is required for MSNS students and as a part of the B.S./M.S. in Neuroscience program and is offered as an elective for other graduate students. It exposes students to the vast literature of Neuroscience, including a focus on experimental design and critical analysis. The course takes place in a discussion format. Grading is based on students' preparation for each discussion as well as on submitted critiques of journal articles. Prerequisites: GEBS 533 or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Morris Benveniste, Ph.D.

GEBS 541 - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving I (4 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
Students will be introduced to several problem-solving techniques that will be useful in their preparation for the MCAT exam. Students will work within small discussion groups where they will have the opportunity to analyze, discuss and exchange ideas. From these discussions, students will improve their abilities to comprehend, evaluate, and apply knowledge in order to score successfully on the MCAT. The primary goal of this course is to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be beneficial for successful performance on the MCAT. Therefore, the course objectives are to critically analyze information, clearly express thoughts in a written and verbal manner, evaluate information provided in a standardized test format and to participate in group discussions strengthening problem-solving skills. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Brandi Knight, Ph.D.

GEBS 542 - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving II (3 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
Through readings, online lectures, and group discussions, basic concepts of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and verbal reasoning and test-taking strategies will be addressed. Group problem-solving and critical thinking skills will be addressed in workshops and ongoing in-class problem-solving sessions. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Brandi Knight, Ph.D.

GEBS 544 - Survey of Medical Terminology (2 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
Medical Terminology is offered to introduce aspiring healthcare professionals to the new language of medicine - a language that they will use throughout their careers. The course is offered in an online, self-directed format to allow students to cover required material efficiently, while also completing other required courses in the program. Students will be introduced to vocabulary for human body structures, functions, and diseases. The online course is divided into sections that emphasize etymology, definition, pronunciation, and correct utilization of medical terms. With the use of an audio-visual approach to anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostics, and treatment regimens, students will be well prepared for future courses pursued in any healthcare field. In addition, the format of instruction offers content information and language comprehension skills useful in any career. This course is a product of Caduceus International Publishing. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Rita Finley, Ph.D.

GEBS 545 - Introduction to Public Health (3 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
This is a core course for the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program, available as an elective for other GEBS students. It is designed to introduce the complexities of public health and how it impacts individuals and communities. Students will begin the mastery of core competencies through the integration of principles of public health with practical experience working with communities using Tier 1 level core competencies including skills in analytic assessments, policy development and program planning, communication, cultural competency, basic public health sciences, financial planning and management, and leadership and systems thinking. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director Mary Langley, Ph.D., M.P.H.

GEBS 546 - Critical Thinking and Scientific Communication II (2 credit hours; PhD, MSBR, MSBT core)
This is a continuation of GEBS 533. The main objective of this course is to develop scientific writing and critical thinking skills necessary for scientific research. Students will learn to critically analyze and communicate their opinions by both oral and written presentation. In addition, students will receive training and produce oral and written reports to enhance their scientific communication skills. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Leonard Anderson, Ph.D.

GEBS 547 - Research Data Analysis (3 credit hours; PhD, MSBR, MSBT core)
This course guides graduate students through the application of statistical and graphical methods for biomedical data analysis and presentation based on their projected needs for graduate research. Readily available statistical and graphical software (GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Excel) will be used for data analysis. The course involves a blend of didactic lectures and practical application sessions to apply appropriate techniques to research data from student projects. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, MSBT, or MSNS program or permission of the course directors and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Directors: Ward Kirlin, Ph.D. and Gale Newman, Ph.D.

GEBS 548 - Community Assessment and Health Promotion (3 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to assess and organize communities for health promotion interventions. Further, this course will provide integrated material on three areas of program development - planning, implementing, and evaluating. Students work as teams in select communities and engage in fact-finding activities that lead to a presentation of recommendations for improved community health to community stakeholders and policy makers. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director.  Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Mary Langley, Ph.D., M.P.H.

GEBS 549 - Survey of Core Technologies (3 credit hours, MSBT core)
This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of basic lab procedures in core research laboratories and to provide basic training to prepare students to work in a core service lab environment. This is a core course for the MSBT program, but can be taken as an elective in other degree programs. Students will gain understanding of major technologies used in core research labs, gain experience in basic core lab procedures, learn how to keep a laboratory notebook, learn the principles behind each core technology, and gain basic understanding of the regulatory environment associated with core service laboratories. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of the course directors and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Michael Powell, Ph.D.; Co-Director: William Roth, Ph.D.

GEBS 550 - Practical Skills Workshop Series (1 credit hour, MSCR core)
This series is designed to help trainees begin work on their mentored projects. Topics covered include, introduction to clinical research, obtaining research support and grant funding mechanisms, proposal development, study design, analysis of secondary data, cultural competency, career development, human subject advocacy, and introduction to medical informatics. Introduction to translational research and health disparities and research and grants administration will be addressed. Prerequisites: Enrollment in MSCR program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Alexander Quarshie, MBChB, M.S.

GEBS 551 - Introduction to Medical Pharmacology (3 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
This course is intended to orient graduate students and those who are improving their credentials to compete for admission to a medical school within the general scope of pharmacologic science. The course is designed to introduce students to the concepts of the interactions of chemical agents with living tissue. It will also provide an overall perspective onpharmacology, emphasizing basic principles and mechanisms involved in drug interactions. Specific categories of drugs will be presented and discussed based on the basic mechanism of action of the drug group. Specific drug classes to be discussed include those with actions on the autonomic and central nervous systems and the cardiovascular system. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Karen Randall, Ph.D.

GEBS 552 - Introduction to Neurobiology (4 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
This lecture course is designed to be an introduction to neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. It provides a survey of the basic functional organization and anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS). The topics include the external and internal morphology of the cerebral cortex, diencephalon, brain stem, and spinal cord. The blood supply to the major components of the CNS will be presented. The student will also be introduced to the connectivity within the CNS and the corresponding functional significance in the study of the following: ascending sensory system, descending motor systems, spinal reflexes, auditory and vestibular systems, and visual system. The higher integrative function of the CNS will be presented in the study of the hypothalamus, limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: John Patrickson, Ph.D.

GEBS 552L - Introduction to Neurobiology Lab (2 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
The laboratory section is designed to reinforce the information presented in the Neurobiology lecture course (GEBS 552). Students will have hands-on collaborative laboratory exercises utilizing brain specimens, models, and histological slides of the CNS in conjunction with the laboratory manual. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: John Patrickson, Ph.D.

GEBS 553 - Introduction to Medical Microbiology and Immunology (2 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
Upon completion of this course, the student will have a basic understanding of the various microorganisms that can cause disease, their structure, nomenclature, and scientific names. The student will be introduced to the principles of the standard methods for detection and identification of infectious agents. Further, the student will become familiar with standard methods of disinfection and sterilization and the mechanism of action  of common antimicrobial drugs used in the treatment of infectious diseases. At the end of the course, the student will be introduced to the basic functions of the immune system as it relates to infectious diseases. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Michael Powell, Ph.D.

GEBS 554 - Basic Biochemistry (3 credit hours; Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
This core course for the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program is designed to provide a foundation in biochemistry that will enable the student to succeed in medical curricula. The broad areas to be cover include structural biochemistry, energy generation, basic intermediary metabolism, molecular biology, and gene expression. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: William Roth, Ph.D.

GEBS 561 - Methods in Neuroscience (2 credit hours; MSNS core)
The course is a semester-long laboratory course for students in the Master of Science in Neuroscience two-year degree program. It is designed to expose students to a variety of laboratory techniques commonly used in today's biological laboratories . This will combine lecture and practical laboratory experience and include compulsory components for biohazard safety and animal handling and care. Techniques will include working with DNA, RNA, PCR, and running gels, western blotting and immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, calculations for making solutions, and microscopy. In addition, students will be exposed to techniques specific to neurobiology such as electrophysiological recording, simulations of electrical signaling, pharmacologic effects of agonists and antagonists, and practical exposure to human brain anatomy. Course content is similar to GEBS 515, a 2-week intensive course for students in the BS/MS program in Neuroscience. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the BS/MS in Neuroscience or MSNS program or permission of the course and program director, concurrent enrollment or passing grade in GEBS 703. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Directors: Shobu Namura, M.D., Ph.D. and Morris Benveniste, Ph.D.

GEBS 600 - Advanced Molecular Biology (3 credit hours; Elective)
The objective of this course is to provide graduate students with an understanding of contemporary molecular biology concepts, their application to basic biomedical research and to disease processes. Faculty members present an overview of areas that may include DNA replication/repair, transcription and chromatin remodeling, post-translational modification, protein stability and folding, along with selected signal transduction pathways. The format includes direct student participation in which each student is required to present assigned research papers, as well as to submit summary reports on discussed papers. Prerequisites: Grade of B or better in GEBS 517 and 517L  Enrollment in the PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Deborah Lyn, Ph.D. 

GEBS 601 - Biology of Disease (3 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
This course will introduce Ï㽶ÊÓƵS students to key clinically relevant topics in Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Infectious Diseases while providing an opportunity for the students to engage in critical thinking and active learning. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program and satisfactory completion of GEBS 518 and GEBS 519 or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Minerva Garcia-Barrio, Ph.D.

GEBS 610 - Preparing a Research Proposal (2 credit hours; PhD core)
The objective of the course is to guide PhD students through grant proposal development and assist them in preparing a predoctoral fellowship proposal which will serve as their dissertation proposal in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Program. A further objective of this course is for students to work with their research advisors to submit their proposal when complete to the NIH for consideration for NRSA predoctoral fellowship funding. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ PhD in Biomedical Sciences program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Michael Powell, Ph.D.

GEBS 620 - Bridges to Health Equity (3 credit hours; Elective)
The course provides learners with knowledge of the ways through which diverse personal, socio-cultural, and institutional factors impact health disparities. It will provide instruction in concepts, methods, key issues, and research tools necessary for conducting health equity research, with an emphasis on the determinants of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and environment, and the research frameworks that are applicable to understanding the social determinants of health and intervening to help address or eliminate health disparities. Prerequisites: GEBS 524 and GEBS 500, or MPH 500 and MPH 502, or other graduate level epidemiology and statistics courses, or permission of the course co-directors and program director. Spring. Course Co-Directors: Robina Josiah Willock, Ph.D. and Desiree Rivers, Ph.D.

GEBS 625-630 - Technical Apprenticeship, Minimum of four 8-week internships, 4.5 credit hours each; MSBT core)
These 8-week apprenticeships involve full time work in service laboratories. MSBT students are required to complete GEBS 625-628. Three of these internships must be in Ï㽶ÊÓƵ core research laboratories. The fourth or even a fifth (GEBS 629) or sixth (GEBS 630) may be offsite at another institution or company. Each apprenticeship must culminate in a written summary including detailed experimental protocols for the work performed. Prerequisites: Completion of the MSBT core curriculum, approval of the student's Technical Advisor, the host laboratory supervisor, and course director. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Michael Powell, Ph.D. 

GEBS 650 - Culminating Project (3 credit hours, Ï㽶ÊÓƵS core)
Students will complete a mentored health-related service-learning project and develop a health science education product for credit. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Ï㽶ÊÓƵS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Rita Finley, Ph.D.

GEBS 675 -Thesis Research (Maximum 10 credit hours per semester, Minimum of 12 credit hours required for graduation; MSBR core)
MSBR students must accumulate a minimum of 12 credit hours of Thesis Research in order to graduate. This course allows students to receive course credit as they collect data for their thesis project as well as while writing their thesis. MSBR students in their second year of training and beyond register for a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 10 credit hours total per semester. Thesis research hours reflect the number of hours remaining after any other course credits for that semester are subtracted from the maximum. To receive credit for Thesis Research, student must submit forms signed by their thesis committee indicating that they have made adequate progress on their thesis research. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MSBR program. Completion of required lab rotations and selection of a research advisor. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Ward Kirlin, Ph.D. 

GEBS 700 - Cell and Developmental Biology (3 credit hours; Elective)
This course will introduce students to the dynamics of embryonic development. Lectures, student presentations, and discussions will familiarize students with one of the most incredible processes in the living world: embryonic development. Lectures will focus on a variety of well-characterized developmental models and processes. 
Prerequisites: Successful completion of GEBS 517 and 535, enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Leonard Anderson, Ph.D. 

GEBS 702 - Advances in Reproductive Biology (3 credit hours; Elective)
Selected current areas of reproductive biology of interest to the students and faculty will be reviewed by the faculty and selected research papers will be assigned for student presentation and class discussion. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Fall or Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Kelwyn Thomas, Ph.D.

GEBS 703 - Essential Neuroscience I: Neurophysiology & Neuropharmacology (4 credit hours, MSNS Core)
This course consists of two concurrent blocks of coordinated lectures (Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology). This course is strongly suggested for students focusing on Neuroscience Research and may be required by the research advisor. The goal of the course is to impart to the student a basic, but in-depth, understanding of the major concepts of signal transduction within the nervous system. Coverage will include how ionotropic and metabotropic mechanisms mediate changes in the potential of excitable membranes. Subjects will be taught with a didactic emphasis on experimental design to test hypotheses of critical concepts in the field of Neuroscience. Lectures will include discussion of seminal experiments leading to the key discoveries that serve as a part of the foundation of the field. Prerequisites: GEBS 537 or 537-02, enrollment in the PhD. MSBR, or MSNS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Directors: Morris Benveniste, Ph.D. and Robert Meller, D. Phil.

GEBS 704 - Essential Neuroscience II: systems Anatomy, Function, and Neurodevelopment (3 credit hours, MSNS core)
The course consists of two concurrent blocks of lectures (Systems Structure and Function and Anatomy and Neurodevelopment). This course is strongly suggested for students focusing on Neuroscience Research and may be required by the research advisor. This course will impart to the student a basic, but in-depth, understanding of the anatomical and functional connections in several parts of the nervous system with a focus on input, modulation, and output of local circuits. Subjects will be taught with didactic emphasis on experimental design to test hypotheses of critical experiments in the field of Neuroscience. Lectures will include discussion of seminal experiments leading to the key discoveries that serve as a part of the foundation for the field. Prerequisites: GEBS 537 or 537-02, GEBS 703, enrollment in PhD, MSBR, or MSNS program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade, Course Director: Morris Benveniste, Ph.D.

GEBS 705 - Essential Neuroscience III: Neurobiology of Disease (2 credit hours; MSNS core)
The course covers neurological diseases and the mechanisms by which they are manifested. There will be a focus on how experiments have elucidated pathogenic mechanisms and/or the pharmacology of disease reversal or symptom reduction. This course is strongly advised as a part of the 3-course sequence for Neuroscience Research students. The emphasis is on experimental design to test hypothesis of critical concepts. Lectures will include discussion of seminal experiments leading to foundational discoveries in neuroscience. Prerequisites: GEBS 703, GEBS 704, enrollment in the PhD, MSBR, or MSNS program or permission of the course and program director. Fall Letter Grade. Course Director: Robert Meller, D. Phil.; Co-Director: Roger Simon, M.D., Ph.D.

GEBS 706 - Molecular Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Science (3 credit hours; Elective)
The course will provide students with an understanding of the cellular, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms involved in the field of cardiovascular science. Special emphasis will be placed on reading and interpreting the original literature, integrating information to develop new approaches, and organizing research literature to develop an understanding of the complex issues in cardiovascular science. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Phd or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Dong Liu, M.D., Ph.D. 

GEBS 708 - Cancer Biology (3 credit hours; Elective)
This course is designed to provide the background for understanding a number of genetic, cellular, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms involved in different aspects of cancer biochemistry. This course will also emphasize reading and interpreting the original literature, integrating information to develop new approaches, and organizing research literature to develop an understanding of a complex field. Active participation and targeted reports on topics covered in the reading will be emphasized. In the end, students should have an improved understanding of cellular, molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the field of cancer biology. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Ward Kirlin, Ph.D.

GEBS 709 - Essentials of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms (2 credit hours; Elective)
During this course the student will learn the basic principles of sleep and circadian regulation with an emphasis on relationships to cardiovascular function and disease. On weeks that rhythms and sleep are covered separately, the first class will focus more on rhythms while the second will be geared more towards sleep. Topics will consist of students analyzing seminal, groundbreaking, and contemporary reports on the subject for that week. Reports will be assigned by the faculty.  Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Christopher Ehlen, Ph.D.

GEBS 710 - Basic Bioinformatics (2 credit hours; Elective)
This course will introduce the basic concepts of bioinformatics. The goal of this course is to help the students to better 1) understand the basic concepts of bioinformatics, 2) access bioinformatics data, 3) communicate with bioinformaticians and computer programmers, and 4) apply bioinformatics in their research. Prerequisites, enrollment in the PhD, MSBR, or MSBT program or permission of the course and program director. Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Qing Song, Ph.D.

GEBS 749 - Supervised Research (Maximum 9 credit hours per semester)
This course allows PhD students who have not yet achieved candidacy to receive course credit as they learn methods and collect preliminary data for their dissertation project, as well as while writing their dissertation proposal. Ph.D. students in their second year of study and beyond register for 9-10 credit hours total per semester. Supervised Research hours reflect the number of hour remaining after any other course credits for that semester are subtracted from the maximum. Credits awarded for this course do not count toward the minimum requirement for elective credit. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the Phd or MSBR program, successful completion of the laboratory rotation requirment and selection of a research advisor, approval of advisor and/or lab director, and permission of the course director. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Doug Paulsen, Ph.D.

GEBS 752-01 - Special Topics in Bioinformatics: Pathways Studio© Software (2 credit hours; Elective)
This course is designed to train potential Ariadne Genetics Pathways Studio© users how to effectively navigate and utilize the software. This software analyzes signaling, metabolic, and disease pathways from gene-expression or proteomic data input. Using the software provided, the instructor will cover specific aspects of the software in class and assist students during class to understand these steps. An assignment will be given for each class to be turned in for the next class session. Students will submit a final project that covers all the software features. Prerequisites: Passing grade in GEBS 528 and 528L or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Gale Newman, Ph.D.

GEBS 753-01 - Special Topics in Cardiovascular Research: Population/Evolutionary Genetics (2 credit hours; Elective)
This course is intended to be a narrow survey of genetic aspects of evolution including traditional empirical and theoretical population genetics, medical genetics, ecological genetics and the relationship between microenvironment and macroenvironment. The goal of this course is to help students to understand the current state, course of development and likely future directions of population, medical, and ecological/evolutionary genetics. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Fall and Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Felix Aikhionbare, Ph.D.

GEBS 757 - Special Topics in Immunology (2 credit hours; Elective)
This is an introductory course in immunology where the students will first learn about basic human host responses. The second half of the course focuses on inflammation, immune function or dysfunction in the areas of interest to the students such as infectious and cardiovascular disease, neurobiology, and cancer. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Spring and Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Gale Newman, Ph.D.

GEBS 758 - Special Topics in Microbiology: Bacterial Pathogenesis (2 credit hours; Elective)
The course will provide students with a current vision of the strategies bacterial pathogens exploit to a) gain entrance to the human body, b) adhere and colonize specific anatomical sites, c) spread within the body, d) evade innate and adaptive defense mechanisms, and e) become resistant to antibiotics. The course will focus on themes of bacterial pathogenesis at the molecular level and the use of animal models in infectious disease research. The course format includes weekly lectures followed by discussion of research articles illustration translation of basic research to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Fall and Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Anisia Silva-Benitez, Ph.D.

GEBS 762-01 - Special Topics in Physiology: Biophotonics (2 credit hours; Elective)
Biophotonics is the science of generating and harnessing light (photons) to image, detect, and manipulate biologic materials. In modern biomedical sciences molecular imaging offers the basis for extraordinary, non-invasive and quantitative analytical tools useful in the laboratory environment to interrogate biological pathways relevant to systems biology as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the clinics. Imaging specific molecules and their interactions in space and time is essential to understand how genomes create cells, how cells constitute organisms and how errant cells cause disease. The excitement and challenge for the next generation of biomedical research is to be able to employ biophotonic strategies to solve complex biomedical problems. This elective course will facilitate thesis research program development. Prerequisites: GEBS 535 and 535L, enrollment in PhD or MSBR program or permission of the course and program director. Fall and Spring. Letter Grade. Course Director: Xuebiao Yao, Ph.D.

GEBS 764-01 - Special Topics in Science Education: Biomedical Genetics Laboratory (2 credit hours; Elective)
This special topics course allows students to earn credit functioning as laboratory teaching assistants (TA's) where they will be involved in assisting students enrolled in the Biomedical Genetics Laboratory Course. Student laboratory TA's will enhance their understanding of the use of genetic technologies by having the responsibility of instructing and assisting graduate students with laboratory exercises that include DNA isolation, detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertion deletions and gene expression. Prerequisites: Enrollment in the PhD or MSBR program. Grade of B or better in GEBS 528 and 528L and overall B average in Ï㽶ÊÓƵ degree program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Gale Newman, Ph.D.

GEBS 764-02 - Special Topics in Science Education: Human Biology Laboratory (2 credit hours; Elective)
This special topics course allows students to earn credit functioning as laboratory teaching assistants (TA's) where they will be involved in assisting students enrolled in the Human Biology Laboratory course. Student laboratory TA's will enhance their understanding of the structure and function of human cells, tissues, and organs by having the responsibility of instructing and assisting graduate students with laboratory exercises designed to provide experiences with microscopy, physiology, and educational technology. They will also assist faculty with setting up laboratory examinations and quizzes. Prerequisites: Enrollment in PhD or MSBR program, grade of B or better in GEBS 535 and 535L and overall B average in Ï㽶ÊÓƵ degree program or permission of the course  and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Brenda Klement, Ph.D.

GEBS 764-03 - Special Topics in Science Education: Graduate Biochemistry Laboratory (2 credit hours; Elective)
This special topics course allows students to earn credit functioning as laboratory teaching assistants (TA's) where they will be involved in assisting students enrolled in the Graduate Biochemistry Laboratory course. Student laboratory TA's will enhance their understanding of the basic theories and techniques of a broad range of biochemical and molecular techniques that are currently used in the fast-paced modern biomedical research laboratory by having the responsibility of instructing and assisting graduate students with laboratory exercises designed to provide experiences with the equipment and techniques that are the foundations for modern biomedical research. The TA's will have an opportunity to gain practical teaching and tutoring experiences. Additionally, TA's will gain experience in organizing and preparing for laboratory exercises and assessing protocols prior to the actual student lab. Prerequisites: Enrollment in Phd or MSBR program, grade of B or better in GEBS 517 and 517L and overall B average in an Ï㽶ÊÓƵ degree program or permission of the course and program director. Fall. Letter Grade. Course Director: Jacquelyn Hibbert, Ph.D.

GEBS 800 - Dissertation Research (Maximum 10 credit hours per semester, Minimum of 25 credit hours required for graduation; PhD core)
Ph.D. students must accumulate a minimum of 25 credit hours of Dissertation Research in order to graduate. This course allows students to receive course credit as they collect data for their dissertation project as well as while writing their dissertation. Ph.D. candidates in the dissertation phase of their studies register for 9-10 credit hours total per semester. Dissertation research hours reflect the number of hours remaining after any other course credits for that semester are subtracted from the maximum. To receive credit for Dissertation Research, students must submit forms signed by their dissertation committee indicating that they have made adequate progress on their dissertation research. Prerequisite: Ph.D. Candidacy. Fall and Spring. Pass/Fail. Course Director: Ward Kirlin, Ph.D.