This course uses a biological foundation to explore general issues at the interface of biology and society. We will use both historical and contemporary reading materials, with an emphasis on the primary scientific literature, to inform discussions on often controversial issues in biology as well as the social responsibility of scientists to respond to these issues. The course will cover how science has shaped social and political opinions on such topics as race, ethnicity, and gender, as well as how society and politics are influenced by and impact science. This course will provide a background and context in which to consider, anticipate, and respond to biology's present and future ethical and social implications.

Cytoskeleton and cell motility plays a crucial role in many aspects of normal and pathological physiology of individual cells, tissues, and whole organisms, including morphogenesis, immune response, wound healing, oncogenesis, and infection. This course will cover current topics in cell biology with emphasis on cytoskeleton and cell motility and their roles in these processes. Lectures, student presentations, and discussions in the class will be based on primary scientific literature.

This course is designed for students in graduate level degree programs with an interest in developing a strong understanding of core concepts in genetics and omics technologies. It is assumed that students either have familiarity with undergraduate level biology topics, or can quickly catch up to keep pace with the course. We will focus on genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics topics ranging from transcriptomics to transgenic organisms to epigenetics. This fast-paced course will cover both foundational principles, as well as modern applications and developments, offering hands-on active learning opportunities where possible. Students will be expected to engage deeply with the material, and will have the opportunity to develop scientific skills in critical thinking, reading, and communication, culminating in a final group presentation at the end of the semester. Upon completion of the course, students should feel empowered to enroll in any advanced genetics/genomics-based biology course at Penn.

Integrative seminar on current biological research for first-year PhD students.

This course will cover various mathematical models and tools that are used to study modern biological problems. Mathematical models may be drawn from cell biology, physiology, population genetics, or ecology. Tools in dynamical systems or stochastic processes will be introduced as necessary. No prior knowledge of biology is needed to take this course, but some familiarity with differential equations and probability will be assumed.

Intensive laboratory class where open-ended, interesting biological problems are explored using modern lab techniques. Topics may include protein structure/function studies; genetic screens, genomics and gene expression studies; proteomics and protein purification techniques; and molecular cloning and DNA manipulation. The course emphasizes developing scientific communication and independent research skills. Course topics reflect the interests of individual Biology faculty members. This course is recommended for students considering independent research.

Designed for graduate students with an interest in exploring important discoveries in the biological sciences through the lens of literature discussion. We will emphasize work that has won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and its relevance to modern research. It is assumed that students have familiarity with undergraduate biology topics, or can catch up, to keep pace with discussions. In addition to instructor-guided exploration of course material, students will be expected to lead journal club-style discussions on papers of their choosing. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have both a greater appreciation for major discoveries in the biological sciences, and a greater ability to discuss and apply these discoveries to their own scientific questions.