Weill Medical College of Cornell University · Courses
BIOMG
67 courses with the subject BIOMG, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
BIOMG 1035Academic Support for BIOMG 1350: Cell and Developmental Biology1
This course reviews material presented in BIOMG 1350 and provides problem-solving strategies and additional practice with material. BIOMG 1035 support is recommended for students who want to maximize their understanding of Cell and Developmental Biology and enhance their learning skills. BIOMG 1035 is not a substitute for BIOMG 1350.
BIOMG 1160Biotechnology: How It Works and Why It Matters3
Biotechnology uses living things and their components to make products, treat disease, and address global challenges — but how does it work, and what are its consequences? This course for non-majors introduces the molecular tools behind genetic engineering, genome editing, mRNA vaccines, protein design, and AI-driven drug discovery, and examines their real-world applications — from engineering microorganisms to produce biofuels and bioplastics to developing precision therapies for individual patients. Monday and Wednesday lectures build core scientific knowledge in biotechnology, and Friday discussions delve into controversies, ethical dilemmas, and policy debates drawn from current events. No prior college science required. Students from any major will leave better equipped to evaluate biotechnology claims, weigh tradeoffs, and form informed positions on the technologies reshaping our world.
BIOMG 1290Personal Genomics and Medicine: Why Should You Care About What's in Your Genes3
Do you have allergies to milk or wheat? Curious about your family ancestry? Does a relative suffer from a genetic disease, and you wonder if you might also be at risk? How will medicine be impacted by DNA testing? How will your own future, your quality of life, your decisions regarding children be impacted? What are the ethical, legal, and social challenges we all face as this genetic technology becomes rapidly available to anyone with as little as $99 and a saliva sample? This course is not just for those interested in science, it is a topic we all need to have a basic understanding of to ensure we are prepared for what is rapidly becoming part of all of our futures. This course is suitable for life sciences majors.
BIOMG 1350Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology3
The course introduces molecular mechanisms that underlie the organization, division, and growth of individual cells; how they organize during embryonic development to form functional tissues and organs in multicellular organisms; and how their misbehavior contributes to disease. Students seeking additional help with the material taught in BIOMG 1350 should consider the active learning supplemental class BIOMG 1035 (see course catalog for details). The learning outcomes below indicate the topics and skills that students should master upon completion of the course.
General introduction to the fundamental principles of genetics. Topics include transmission of genetic information, genetic linkage, recombination, mutations, and DNA structure and manipulation, as well as analysis of genomes in individuals and populations.
General introduction to laboratory experimental genetics. Topics include gene transmission, linkage, recombination, gene structure, mutations, and manipulation.
BIOMG 3300Principles of Biochemistry, Individualized Instruction4
Thirteen units that cover protein structure and function, enzymes, basic metabolic pathways, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and an introduction to recombinant DNA techniques. No formal lectures, auto-tutorial format.
BIOMG 3310Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism3
The chemical reactions important to biology, and the enzymes that catalyze these reactions, are discussed in an integrated format. Topics include: protein folding, enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, and key reactions of synthesis and catabolism.
BIOMG 3320Principles of Biochemistry: Molecular Biology2
Comprehensive course in molecular biology that covers the structure and properties of DNA, DNA replication and repair, synthesis and processing of RNA and proteins, the regulation of gene expression, and the principles and applications of recombinant DNA technologies, genomics, and proteomics.
BIOMG 3350Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins, Metabolism, and Molecular Biology4
Comprehensive introduction to biologically important molecules and polymers. Topics include: protein structure and function, enzyme catalysis, metabolic regulatory pathways, DNA and RNA structure, DNA replication and repair, modern DNA technologies, gene expression, and protein synthesis.
Why does one mutation lead to a disease state in some individuals but not others? To solve this mystery, we must look beyond single genes and into the interactions between alleles. In this course, students will analyze how systematic mutant collections can reveal essential aspects of eukaryotic biology. Through primary literature, small group discussions, and problem solving, students will integrate classic tools like complementation and genetic mapping with modern strategies like whole genome sequencing and CRISPR-based genome editing to explain the complex relationship between genotype and phenotype.
This course examines how a fertilized egg becomes an animal, emphasizing the causal basis of developmental events. Topics include embryonic organization, gene regulatory networks, inductive interactions, morphogenesis, and pattern formation, with attention to how classical and modern experiments revealed these principles. We will introduce development at organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels and explore how disruptions in these processes cause human disorders. Students will examine the genetic and mechanistic basis of congenital and developmental disorders, focusing on conditions affecting the heart, brain, limb, and other organ systems. Case studies will connect fundamental developmental mechanisms to human genetic variation and disease phenotypes, highlighting how basic research in developmental biology informs diagnosis, risk prediction, and emerging therapeutic strategies in both pediatric and adult patients across the lifespan.
BIOMG 4000Genomics: Technology, Data, and Applications3
This course introduces omics approaches, which profile genome-wide molecular information across multiple biological layers, including the genome, transcriptome (gene expression), epigenome (e.g., chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding), and proteome. Students will learn about major omics technologies such as DNA-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics, and their applications in areas including genomic medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. The course also introduces foundational computational tools used in genomic data analysis. Students will develop core skills in accessing genomic datasets, visualizing genome-wide information, and performing basic data manipulation and analysis, while learning how biological information is encoded, regulated, and interpreted across genome-wide molecular layers.
Overview of current research in biophysics at Cornell by faculty from different departments across the university. Designed for undergraduates considering a career in biophysics and for graduate students interested in biophysics research opportunities at Cornell.
BIOMG 4311Proteins: Structure, Function and Evolution3
Students in this course will discover the complex behavior of proteins and how they impact biology. The course is divided into three different sections. The first section is a classic protein structure-function section incorporating advanced enzyme kinetics. The second section of this course will review how proteins evolve and how this can be practically analyzed. After the course's final section, students will be able to integrate the theory behind purifying and analyzing proteins with modern spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.
Survey of a wide array of topics focusing on the general properties of eukaryotic cells. Topics include methods used for studying cells, the structure and function of the major cellular organelles, and analyses of cellular processes such as mitosis, endocytosis, cell motility, secretion, cell-to-cell communication, gene expression, and oncogenesis. Some of the material is covered in greater depth in BIOMG 4370, BIOMG 4380, BIOMG 6360, and BIOMG 6390.
BIOMG 4331 covers the mechanisms that underlie different aspects of DNA metabolism. Topics include DNA replication, genetic recombination, DNA repair, DNA damage checkpoints, DNA transposition, somatic hypermutation, and DNA editing technologies. Students will become familiar with these topics by reading papers in a journal club format that include genetic, biochemical, structural, and computational biology methodologies. A course in biochemistry is required, and some familiarity in genetics is recommended. It is important that students arrive on time to class to promote productive discussions of the material in lecture and in the journal club.
This course primarily focuses on the genetic, molecular and cellular basis of aging biology, with an emphasis on how experimental insights obtained from animal and cell models inform our understanding of the aging process. We will also learn about the evolutionary aspect of aging based on comparative studies. Subject matter will include not only what we know about the molecular basis of aging biology but also how we learned it. The course is designed to introduce the conserved pathways and processes that influence aging biology.
BIOMG 4380RNA World: RNAinBiology, Medicine & Origin of Life3
RNA is central to all existing life forms and was proposed to be the first form of life on earth. RNA serves as an information carrier to guide biological processes and adopts complex structures to promote molecular recognition and catalysis. This course explores the “‘RNA World" starting from structure of RNA to its interaction with other life molecules and its various functions in biological systems. It also explores the role of RNA in the origin of life on earth and applications of RNA in medicine. Both classical experiments and recent advances are covered in this class, with a portion of the course devoted to student presentations and discussion.
BIOMG 4390Molecular and Cellular Basis of Human Disease3
How do we go from identifying human pathologies to understanding the origin of the disease? Cells are the basic unit of life and the ultimate patient. Understanding normal cellular processes at the molecular level, and how they go awry, is essential to determining the pathogenesis of disease and developing effective therapies to improve human health. In this course, we will discuss the fundamental concepts and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to the functional organization of human cells and tissues and how disruption of these pathways due to genetic mutations or environmental factors leads to human diseases. We will also discuss methods and experimental approaches used to identify the underlying biochemical and genetic bases of diseases, as well as pharmaceutical and genetic therapies for treating the diseases.
BIOMG 4400Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
Students in this course will carry out experiments in protein biochemistry and molecular biology in an engaging laboratory environment. The protein biochemistry projects include protein purification (salt fractionation, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and immunoprecipitation), protein analysis (SDS PAGE, BN PAGE, immunoblotting, and activity assays), and determination of enzyme kinetic parameters (Vmax, KM, and kcat). The molecular biology projects include CRISPR-mediated genome editing, nucleic acid purifications (plasmid DNA and RNA), gene expression analysis (RT-PCR and splicing), agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease digestion, PCR, DNA cloning, transformation, and DNA sequence analysis. The course is organized around interesting projects that illustrate how different techniques are uniquely suited to answer a scientific question.
This course will cover basic aspects of tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis with emphasis on embryonic and adult stem cell function and related clinical applications. The focus will be placed on mouse and human stem cells. The discussion will be structured around relevant research papers that allow more in-depth analysis of the material taught during lectures.
This course explores the molecular and genetic pathways and mechanisms that regulate animal development, and how they are modified through evolution to result in the dazzling array of forms and functions seen in the animal kingdom. The recent and exciting combining of developmental biology with evolutionary perspectives has prompted rethinking of many biological concepts. We will explore these in detail by considering the results and implications of the latest EvoDevo research.
BIOMG 4770Tricks of the Trade in Molecular Genetic Research3
Genetic methods including CRISPR-based genome editing provide elegant tools with which to dissect the pathways that mediate cell function, the development of multicellular organisms, and other processes. This course examines these approaches, illustrated with examples showing how they have been used to address important biological problems, including time, place, and nature of gene/pathway action. We focus primarily (but not exclusively) on multicellular organisms, including fruit flies, nematodes, and mice. Lectures, class discussion, and problem sets are based on important papers in the current and classical scientific literature.
This course will describe how genes and genomes are organized and evolve across the tree of life. It will provide a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of genomes and fostering the emergence of genetic novelties across timescales. Emphasis will be placed on how technological and methodological advances to decipher the content and activity of genomes have led to paradigm changes in the field. The course will integrate formal lectures with student-led presentations and critical discussions of selected literature.
Population genetics studies the genetic composition of biological populations and how allele frequencies change over time and space. It serves as the theoretical foundation for understanding evolution. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts and methods of population genetics, with a focus on linking observed patterns of genetic variation to the underlying evolutionary processes that generate them. Throughout the course, we emphasize the interplay between analytical theory, computer simulations, and the analysis of genetic data from both natural and experimental populations. We will also explore current efforts to connect genotype to phenotype and, ultimately, to fitness. Case studies will include the evolution of drug resistance, genetic ancestry inference, experimental evolution, and the genetic structure and demographic history of human populations.
Applies fundamental concepts of transmission, population, and molecular genetics to the problem of determining the degree to which familial clustering of diseases in humans has a genetic basis. Emphasizes the role of full genome knowledge in expediting this process of gene discovery. Stresses the role of statistical inference in interpreting genomic information. Population genetics, and the central role of understanding variation in the human genome in mediating variation in disease risk, are explored in depth. Methods such as homozygosity mapping, linkage disequilibrium mapping, and admixture mapping are examined. The format is a series of lectures with classroom discussion. Assignments include a series of problem sets and a term paper.
Cancer is a global health problem often associated with high mortality due to therapeutic resistance. Metastasis, uncontrolled growth, metabolic reprogramming and oncogenic alterations are major features of most cancers and contribute to poor survival outcome in patients. Late diagnosis, cancer disparity and limited understanding of how cancers arise are also problems. We are in a modern era of multi-omics technologies including genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and metabolomics, which are enabling unprecedented insights into the biology of cancer. This course will provide an overview on the fundamentals of cancer biology such as cancer hallmarks, signal transduction, genetics/gene mutations, therapeutic concepts such as synthetic lethality, cancer models, research methods and data analytical tools. Further, the course will introduce metabolism and metabolomics techniques.
Designed to give qualified undergraduate students teaching experience through actual involvement in planning and assisting in biology courses. This experience may include supervised participation in a discussion group, assisting in a biology laboratory, assisting in field biology, or tutoring.
BIOMG 4981Teaching Experience in Principles of Biochemistry, Indv1-4
BIOMG 4981 offers training and experience for undergraduate teaching assistants in BIOMG 3300 (Introductory Biochemistry: Individualized Instruction). Teaching assistants are required to complete a weekly written assignment, attend a weekly two-hour TA training meeting and to spend six hours per week in the Biochemistry Study Center answering student questions, grading written quizzes, and administering oral quizzes. Teaching Assistants are evaluated based on the quality of written work submitted, observations at the weekly meetings and Study Center shifts, as well as on the mid-term and end-of-semester course evaluations.
BIOMG 4982Teaching Leadership in Principles of Biochemistry, Indv1-4
BIOMG 4982 gives students who have successfully served as a BIOMG 3300 Teaching Assistant (as part of BIOMG 4981) a second opportunity at teaching the class and the added privilege of assisting the course instructor in leading and mentoring the incoming teaching assistant group. In addition to the required leadership responsibilities, students in BIOMG 4982 are required to review the material on a weekly basis and to spend six hours per week in the Biochemistry Study Center. Teaching Leaders are evaluated based on observations made during their Study Center shifts, as well as on the mid-term and end-of-semester course evaluations.
BIOMG 5350Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology3
The course introduces molecular mechanisms that underlie the organization, division, and growth of individual cells; how they organize during embryonic development to form functional tissues and organs in multicellular organisms; and how their misbehavior contributes to disease. The learning outcomes below indicate the topics and skills that students should master upon completion of the course.
BIOMG 6000Genomics: Technology, Data, and Applications3
This course introduces omics approaches, which profile genome-wide molecular information across multiple biological layers, including the genome, transcriptome (gene expression), epigenome (e.g., chromatin accessibility and transcription factor binding), and proteome. Students will learn about major omics technologies such as DNA-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics, and their applications in areas including genomic medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. The course also introduces foundational computational tools used in genomic data analysis. Students will develop core skills in accessing genomic datasets, visualizing genome-wide information, and performing basic data manipulation and analysis, while learning how biological information is encoded, regulated, and interpreted across genome-wide molecular layers.
BIOMG 6300Principles of Biochemistry, Individualized Instruction4
Thirteen units that cover protein structure and function, enzymes, basic metabolic pathways, DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and an introduction to recombinant DNA techniques. No formal lectures, auto-tutorial format.
BIOMG 6310Proteins: Structure, Function and Evolution3
Students in this course will discover the complex behavior of proteins and how they impact biology. The course is divided into three different sections. The first section is a classic protein structure-function section incorporating advanced enzyme kinetics. The second section of this course will review how proteins evolve and how this can be practically analyzed. After the course's final section, students will be able to integrate the theory behind purifying and analyzing proteins with modern spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.
BIOMG 6311Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins and Metabolism3
The chemical reactions important to biology, and the enzymes that catalyze these reactions, are discussed in an integrated format. Topics include: protein folding, enzyme catalysis, bioenergetics, and key reactions of synthesis and catabolism.
Overview of current research in biophysics at Cornell by faculty from different departments across the university. Designed for undergraduates considering a career in biophysics and for graduate students interested in biophysics research opportunities at Cornell.
This course will cover basic aspects of tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis with emphasis on embryonic and adult stem cell function and related clinical applications. The focus will be placed on mouse and human stem cells. The discussion will be structured around relevant research papers that allow more in-depth analysis of the material taught during lectures.
BIOMG 6321Principles of Biochemistry: Molecular Biology2
Comprehensive course in molecular biology that covers the structure and properties of DNA, DNA replication and repair, synthesis and processing of RNA and proteins, the regulation of gene expression, and the principles and applications of recombinant DNA technologies, genomics, and proteomics.
BIOMG 6330 covers the mechanisms that underlie different aspects of DNA metabolism. Topics include DNA replication, genetic recombination, DNA repair, DNA damage checkpoints, DNA transposition, somatic hypermutation, and DNA editing technologies. Students will become familiar with these topics by reading papers in a journal club format that include genetic, biochemical, structural, and computational biology methodologies. A course in biochemistry is required, and some familiarity in genetics is recommended. It is important that students arrive on time to class to promote productive discussions of the material in lecture and in the journal club
BIOMG 6350Principles of Biochemistry: Proteins, Metabolism, and Molecular Biology4
Comprehensive introduction to biologically important molecules and polymers. Topics include: protein structure and function, enzyme catalysis, metabolic regulatory pathways, DNA and RNA structure, DNA replication and repair, modern DNA technologies, gene expression, and protein synthesis.
BIOMG 6360Functional Organization of Eukaryotic Cells3
This course will cover the fundamental concepts and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to the functional organization of eukaryotic cells as well as key experimental approaches in cell and molecular biology. The students are also expected to present how the major discoveries in cell biology were made and critically evaluate recent literature on cell biology.
This course primarily focuses on the genetic, molecular and cellular basis of aging biology, with an emphasis on how experimental insights obtained from animal and cell models inform our understanding of the aging process. We will also learn about the evolutionary aspect of aging based on comparative studies. Subject matter will include not only what we know about the molecular basis of aging biology but also how we learned it. The course is designed to introduce the conserved pathways and processes that influence aging biology.
BIOMG 6380RNA World: RNAinBiology, Medicine & Origin of Life3
RNA is central to all existing life forms and was proposed to be the first form of life on earth. RNA serves as an information carrier to guide biological processes and adopts complex structures to promote molecular recognition and catalysis. This course explores the “‘RNA World" starting from structure of RNA to its interaction with other life molecules and its various functions in biological systems. It also explores the role of RNA in the origin of life on earth and applications of RNA in medicine. Both classical experiments and recent advances are covered in this class, with a portion of the course devoted to student presentations and discussion.
Lectures on topics of eukaryotic genomics, chromatin structure, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, micro-RNA regulation, the structure and movement of chromosomes, long range regulatory interactions, and nuclear export and import. Covers the structure and function of the nucleus at the molecular and cell biological levels.
BIOMG 6391Molecular and Cellular Basis of Human Disease3
How do we go from identifying human pathologies to understanding the origin of the disease? Cells are the basic unit of life and the ultimate patient. Understanding normal cellular processes at the molecular level, and how they go awry, is essential to determining the pathogenesis of disease and developing effective therapies to improve human health. In this course, we will discuss the fundamental concepts and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to the functional organization of human cells and tissues and how disruption of these pathways due to genetic mutations or environmental factors leads to human diseases. We will also discuss methods and experimental approaches used to identify the underlying biochemical and genetic bases of diseases, as well as pharmaceutical and genetic therapies for treating the diseases.
BIOMG 6400Laboratory in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology4
Students in this course will carry out experiments in protein biochemistry and molecular biology in an engaging laboratory environment. The protein biochemistry projects include protein purification (salt fractionation, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and immunoprecipitation), protein analysis (SDS PAGE, BN PAGE, immunoblotting, and activity assays), and determination of enzyme kinetic parameters (Vmax, KM, and kcat). The molecular biology projects include CRISPR-mediated genome editing, nucleic acid purifications (plasmid DNA and RNA), gene expression analysis (RT-PCR and splicing), agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction endonuclease digestion, PCR, DNA cloning, transformation, and DNA sequence analysis. The course is organized around interesting projects that illustrate how different techniques are uniquely suited to answer a scientific question.
This course explores the molecular and genetic pathways and mechanisms that regulate animal development, and how they are modified through evolution to result in the dazzling array of forms and functions seen in the animal kingdom. The recent and exciting combining of developmental biology with evolutionary perspectives has prompted rethinking of many biological concepts. We will explore these in detail by considering the results and implications of the latest EvoDevo research.
This course will describe how genes and genomes are organized and evolve across the tree of life. It will provide a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of genomes and fostering the emergence of genetic novelties across timescales. Emphasis will be placed on how technological and methodological advances to decipher the content and activity of genomes have led to paradigm changes in the field. The course will integrate formal lectures with student-led presentations and critical discussions of selected literature.
Population genetics studies the genetic composition of biological populations and how allele frequencies change over time and space. It serves as the theoretical foundation for understanding evolution. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts and methods of population genetics, with a focus on linking observed patterns of genetic variation to the underlying evolutionary processes that generate them. Throughout the course, we emphasize the interplay between analytical theory, computer simulations, and the analysis of genetic data from both natural and experimental populations. We will also explore current efforts to connect genotype to phenotype and, ultimately, to fitness. Case studies will include the evolution of drug resistance, genetic ancestry inference, experimental evolution, and the genetic structure and demographic history of human populations.
This course is primarily concerned with the causal basis of developmental events, mainly focusing on animal development. We will be learning how a fertilized egg becomes an animal. Topics covered will include embryonic organization, role of genes in development, inductive interactions, morphogenesis and pattern formation. Subject matter will include not only what we know about development but also how we learned it. The course is designed to introduce the principles of development at the organ, tissue, cell, and molecular level. Due to time limitations, however, it will not be possible to explore every topic. Advanced instruction in development can be obtained through the following courses: Stem Cell Biology (BIOMG 4450), Developmental Genetics (BIOMG 6870), as well as Development and Evolution (BIOMG 4610).
BIOMG 6870Tricks of the Trade in Molecular Genetic Research3
Genetic methods including CRISPR-based genome editing provide elegant tools with which to dissect the pathways that mediate cell function, the development of multicellular organisms, and other processes. This course examines these approaches, illustrated with examples showing how they have been used to address important biological problems, including time, place, and nature of gene/pathway action. We focus primarily (but not exclusively) on multicellular organisms, including fruit flies, nematodes, and mice. Lectures, class discussion, and problem sets are based on important papers in the current and classical scientific literature.
Applies fundamental concepts of transmission, population, and molecular genetics to the problem of determining the degree to which familial clustering of diseases in humans has a genetic basis. Emphasizes the role of full genome knowledge in expediting this process of gene discovery. Stresses the role of statistical inference in interpreting genomic information. Population genetics, and the central role of understanding variation in the human genome in mediating variation in disease risk, are explored in depth. Methods such as homozygosity mapping, linkage disequilibrium mapping, and admixture mapping are examined. The format is a series of lectures with classroom discussion. Assignments include a series of problem sets and a term paper.
Cancer is a global health problem often associated with high mortality due to therapeutic resistance. Metastasis, uncontrolled growth, metabolic reprogramming and oncogenic alterations are major features of most cancers and contribute to poor survival outcome in patients. Late diagnosis, cancer disparity and limited understanding of how cancers arise are also problems. We are in a modern era of multi-omics technologies including genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and metabolomics, which are enabling unprecedented insights into the biology of cancer. This course will provide an overview on the fundamentals of cancer biology such as cancer hallmarks, signal transduction, genetics/gene mutations, therapeutic concepts such as synthetic lethality, cancer models, research methods and data analytical tools. Further, the course will introduce metabolism and metabolomics techniques.
BIOMG 6980Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Experience in Molecular Biology and Genetics3-5
This course is designed for graduate students in Graduate Fields of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology (BMCB) and Genetics, Genomics, and Development (GGD) who will serve as teaching assistants (TA) in undergraduate courses offered in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG). BMCB and GGD teaching assistants will take this course concurrently with their first TA assignment. The goal of the course is to provide teaching assistants with pedagogical skills in active learning, assessing student learning, leading discussions, grading, and best teaching practices for TA'ing MBG courses. Students will discuss their teaching experiences with their peers and gain feedback on their teaching effectiveness. An initial class meeting will help prepare students for the first day of class and provide tips for working with a teaching team. Throughout the semester, semi-weekly milestone meetings will focus on issues pertaining to graduate TAs, such as balancing research with teaching, interacting with students and course instructor, and special circumstances that may arise throughout the semester. Students will be encouraged to meet with their course instructor to gain feedback and to share their experiences with members of the course.
BIOMG 7510Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibilities1
Ethical issues in research and the professional responsibilities of scientists are discussed based on readings and occasional lectures. The topics are intended to cover the requirements for ethical training of graduate students on training grants and follow the recommendations of the Office of Research Integrity.
BIOMG 7810Critical Thinking Molecular Biology and Genetics4
This course will combine didactic lectures with student-led presentations and critical analysis of recent literature on topical issues in molecular biology and genetics.
BIOMG 7860Research Seminar in Genetics and Development1
Each graduate student presents one seminar per year based on his or her thesis research. The student then meets with the thesis committee members for an evaluation of the presentation.
BIOMG 7940Current Topics in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology0.5-1
Lectures and seminars on specialized topics. Topics for fall and spring to be announced in the course and time roster published at the beginning of each semester.
BIOMG 7941Preparing for the A-exam: Skills Development for Scientific Proposal Writing1
This seven-week course will provide graduate students in the life sciences with training in advanced science writing skills, preparing written scientific arguments, and providing constructive review of written material. At course completion, students will have completed a draft of the written portion of the A exam and will have received feedback on this draft from their classmates, senior graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in related fields. Enrolled students are expected to be in their second year of the Ph.D. program or higher and in the process of preparing for their A-exams. We highly encourage students to have performed a thorough literature review of their research topic prior to the course beginning. This course will be focused on the writing of an A-exam proposal, so prior completion of a literature review will give students the best chance of success at completing a full proposal draft by the end of the course.
BIOMG 8369Foundational Skills for Graduate School and Beyond2
The course will focus on helping students successfully navigate the graduate experience, covering diverse topics relevant to the broader experience and realities of graduate school. Occasional guest lectures and panels will be included. Topics will include:1. Strategies and priorities in picking rotations, and selecting a thesis lab2. Work-life balance during graduate school; time-management3. Forging effective mentor-mentee relationships; selecting a thesis committee4. Navigating the scientific literature5. Scientific communication6. Scientific writing; publishing your research7. Funding and funding opportunities8. Data management9. Scientific and Research resources at Cornell10. Collaboration and Networking11. Career paths, and resources at CornellClasses will consist of lectures, discussion including breakout sessions and short format scientific presentations by students. There will be a single written assignment.
BIOMG 8375Scientific Communication: Research Proposal Writing1
This is a tri-field course that is required of all second-year graduate students in the Fields of BMCB, GGD and Biophysics. The overall goal of this course is to help students develop scientific writing skills and to become familiar with the scientific peer review process, each of which will be achieved through active learning experiences. Students will learn to develop research ideas and communicate them effectively in the context of a written research proposal, using the format of an NSF Predoctoral Fellowship application.
