Introductory probability theory. Principles of statistical methods. Problems of estimation and hypothesis testing in biology and related areas.

This course will focus on fundamental topics related to the ecological and evolutionary processes driving the transmission of pathogenic microbes among hosts including life-history strategies; evolution of pathogenic traits; the impacts of temporal, spatial and host-trait heterogeneity; and factors causing the emergence of an infectious pathogen. Examples will be drawn from human, wildlife, and plant pathogens to illustrate these ecological and evolutionary topics. Students will learn to develop and apply current ecological and evolutionary theory to infectious microbe research and gain practical experience accessing, interpreting and synthesizing the peer-reviewed scientific literature through a combination of popular and scientific readings, discussion, and lecture.

This course is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in molecular physiology of sensory signal transduction. The major topics to cover will be signal transduction mechanisms used by membrane ion channels and receptors that detect the sensory stimuli (light, sound, temperature, smell and taste, for example) and transmit the signals to the nervous system. Modern molecular, genetic and structural techniques (electrophysiology, protein structural determination/analysis, animal genetics, and human disease, for example) will be introduced along with each topic. References will be primary research articles. Students will critically evaluate research discoveries through analysis of research papers. Each student will deliver two presentations and write a 10-page research proposal.

This course will survey the discipline of molecular genetics. Two broad areas will be considered 1) Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and genomics and 2) Genetics: basic Mendelian & molecular genetics.

This course will survey the discipline of molecular genetics. Two broad areas will be considered 1) Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and genomics and 2) Genetics: basic Mendelian & molecular genetics.

This course will survey the discipline of molecular genetics. Two broad areas will be considered 1) Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and genomics and 2) Genetics: basic Mendelian & molecular genetics.

This course is designed for students in graduate level degree programs with an interest in developing a strong understanding of core concepts in cellular and molecular biology. 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 primarily explore areas of cell and molecular biology ranging from protein synthesis to cell signaling to immunology. This fast-paced course will provide both an overview of foundational principles, as well as modern applications and developments through literature review. 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 completing the course, students should feel empowered to enroll in any advanced molecular and cellular-based biology course at Penn.

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.

This course provides a thorough interdisciplinary overview of the modern drug discovery and development process. Building on foundational life sciences and molecular science courses, this course demonstrates how basic scientific concepts are applied to real-world challenges in drug discovery and development.
The course begins with a history of medicines in society and the evolution of the modern pharmaceutical and biotech industry. It then covers a wide range of topics, including the identification of novel therapeutic targets, the molecular design of safe and effective drugs, considerations related to the final clinical formulations, clinical trial design and execution, regulatory pathways for drug approval, and post-market safety and efficacy monitoring.
The curriculum is led by experienced researchers, biotech innovators, and professionals from both academia and the biopharmaceutical industry. It covers essential disciplines that are vital to drug discovery and development. In addition to core subjects such as physiology, cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, the course also explores related fields, including organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, materials science, and biotechnology. Students will also investigate in silico methodologies, explore applications of AI in drug discovery and development, and learn about advanced biomanufacturing processes. By the course's end, students will understand the various challenges, opportunities, and career paths available within drug discovery, the pharmaceutical sector, and the broader biotechnology industry.

Urban environments present unique challenges and opportunities for plant species. After a review of plant taxonomy and anatomy, this course will examine the ecological impacts of plants in urban settings. We will explore landscapes in and around Penn’s campus to understand how plant communities contribute to ecosystem services in these environments. The applied uses of plants in agriculture, medicine, bioremediation, and other aspects of community health will also be explored.