MCIBS

Subject

MCIBS

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The study of molecular and biochemical events that influence immune responses and define current questions in immunology. BMMB 511 / MCIBS 511 / VBSC 511 Molecular Immunology (2) The goals of the course are to integrate the current questions of immunology with other disciplines, in particular cell biology and biochemistry, and to provide Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 1289 training in critical thinking and evaluation of data and experiments. The course will be approximately 2/3 lecture by the instructor and 1/3 student presentations of papers related to the material. In addition, written critical reviews of recently published papers and a short research proposal will be assigned. By focusing on the mechanisms involved in immunity and disease, this course complements several existing courses on immunology, virology, and biochemistry. The prerequisites of MICRB 410 and BMB 400 assure that the students enrolling in the course have a general understanding of immunology and biochemistry. This course is projected as an elective for the Molecular Medicine and Immunobiology focus areas in the MCIBS graduate program and for the Pathobiology and BMMB graduate programs. The course will be offered in the fall semester with an enrollment limit of 20 students Cross-listed with: BMMB 511, VBSC 511

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

B M B400 , MICRB410

The course examines mechanisms by which foreign chemicals alter gene expression and techniques used to analyze these effects. MCIBS (VB SC) 530 Regulation of Gene Expression By Xenobiotics (3) The goals of the present course are to enhance the students' ability to read, design, implement and discuss studies focusing on how chemicals regulate gene expression. Through the use of current research articles, the students will understand the principles of experimental design. They will learn critical reading skills as well as enhance their own research and problem solving abilities. In addition, an emphasis will be placed on presentation clarity and ability to defend scientific inquiry from peers. Thus students will develop critical communication skills. Each student will give several presentations during the semester (depending on the number of students enrolled), each based on a current journal article. All students are expected to read the article and participate in in-class discussions. This course requires a good understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course is required for graduate students in the MCIBS program who are in the Cancer Biology Emphasis Area. It is designed to give students who are studying cancer at a molecular, reductive level experience with the clinical aspects of the disease. The course will be held at Mt. Nittany Medical Center once a week for 3 hrs, in both patient-oriented, hands-on and didactic settings to understand how cancer is diagnosed, imaged, g and treated, how patient care and side effects of therapy are managed, and the importance of clinical trials in developing new treatments for cancer. For each subject area students will spend 2 hours engaged in a clinical experience related to cancer under the supervision of course directors or additional clinicians at Mt. Nittany, followed by a 1 hour lecture/didactic session on a related topic. In addition to broad learning objectives, this course will make students aware of critical issues in cancer biology and treatment that may serve as a springboard for future research. Cross-listed with: VBSC 535

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

MCIBS 503, MCIBS 590, BIOL 416; VBSC 534

This course will deal with the structure and function of genomes including the use of some current web-based tools and resources for studies and research in genomics. The overall objective is to learn current information about the structure and function of genomes, to develop facility in the many web-based tools and resources for further studies and research in genomics, and to appreciate the power and limitations of current resources and knowledge. Cross-listed with: BGEN 551, BMMB 551

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Choose one of the following: 3

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Statistical Analysis of High Throughput Biology Experiments. Cross-listed with: BIOL 555, STAT 555

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

RNAseq is one of the most widely used technologies for understanding biology. However, due to a lack of bioinformatic skillset, students are still limited in applying this technology to their research. This course offers an end-to-end understanding of RNAseq analysis for biologists. The target audience is experimental biologists with little experience in bioinformatics. Hence, no prior experience in data analysis is required. The course consists of lectures/discussions and significant hands-on elements with individualized instructor support, covering both theory and tools associated with RNA-seq data analysis. Students will explore experimental design, technology usage, cost estimation, data generation, and data analysis (using command-line and R) of RNAseq data generated from the Illumina sequencing platform. The course is in a 2-week hands- on workshop format with line-by-line code provided, giving students the tools to plan and execute successful RNAseq experiments in their research. Cross-listed with: ANSC 567

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Lecture-discussion series by academic and industry experts on the cutting-edge of science, business, intellectual property, legal, social, and ethical issues in biotechnology. The course also requires a group project, involving case studies or market research on various areas of biotechnology. MCIBS 571 Current Issues in Biotechnology (2) Lecture- discussion series by academic and industry experts on the cutting-edge of science, business, intellectual property, legal, social, and ethical issues in biotechnology. The course also requires a group project, involving case studies or market research on various areas of biotechnology.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 Continuing seminars that consist of a series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Research in the Life Sciences

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course uses a weekly biological seminar as a springboard for discussion of a research topic of high current interest.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Select 3-4 credits from the following: ENT/VBSC Biology of Animal Parasites 402W

Subject

MCIBS

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

These courses are chosen from offerings in various academic departments based on students' interest or track and career objectives. These also include MCIBS 595 (Internship) and any 596 (Individual Studies) course under a faculty member whose research relates to a student’s area of interest. A list of approved elective courses is maintained by the graduate program office. Integrated Undergrad-Grad Programs Integrated B.S. in Biotechnology and M.BIOT. in

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

6

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction, including field experiences, practicums, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

MCIBS/BIOL/ Critical Elements of Genetics and Molecular and 4 BMMB/VBSC 503 Cellular Biology

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Total Credits 31 Master’s students must complete at least 6 credits of MCIBS 600, and up to 6 of the MCIBS 600 credits may be assigned a quality grade (A-F) with the exceptions listed in GCAC-401 Grading System. In consultation with the adviser, the student must select a thesis committee of at least three members (including the adviser), write a thesis, and defend the thesis. The thesis must be accepted by the advisers and/or committee members, the head of the graduate program, and the Fox Graduate School, and the student must pass the thesis defense. If all course credits and requirements are met, a student does not have to be registered for Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 539 classes while writing and/or defending the thesis. Students must present their thesis in accordance with Graduate Council and Fox Graduate School guidelines as described in the Thesis and Dissertation Guide: Requirements and Guidelines for the Preparation of Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations (https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-program- resources/faculty-and-staff/). (https://gradschool.psu.edu/completing- your-degree/thesis-and-dissertation-information/thesis-and-dissertation- guide)

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

0 Credits/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

MCIBS

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Supervised experience in teaching and orientation to other selected aspects of the profession at The Pennsylvania State University.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

MCIBS

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

15

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

0 Credits/Maximum of 999 No description.

Subject

MCIBS

Type

course

Edition

graduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu