Cell and molecular biology is advanced course that introduces students to the dynamic relationships between cell structure and the biochemical reactions that are necessary for cell growth, differentiation, survival and death with an emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Precisely, it is designed to introduce the concepts and underlying principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular and molecular biology. It also discusses the relationship of structure and functions of the different components of the cell at the molecular level. The course also provides students a background in contemporary biotechnology techniques currently utilized in biological science laboratories.The format of the course will consist of class lectures, in-class discussion of topics related to the lecture material, and analysis of assigned research articles, with each student preparing a written synopsis/critique of one research paper (or, for a few volunteers, prepare an oral presentation as part of a small team—see description of this later in the syllabus). It is estimated that 2-3 hours will be required outside of class to prepare for each lecture, although some students might need to commit more time, and each research paper will require additional hours of study/preparation.

Introduces the basic features of Microsoft Office, Windows basics, and file management. Develops familiarity with Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, email, and Internet basics. Provides an overview of the MyPCC Portal website. Covers components of the Internet and Computing Core (IC3) program content.

This course will provide an opportunity for participants to establish or advance their understanding of research through critical exploration of research language, ethics, and approaches. The course introduces the language of research, ethical principles and challenges, and the elements of the research process within quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Participants will use these theoretical underpinnings to begin to critically review literature relevant to their field or interests and determine how research findings are useful in forming their understanding of their work, social, local and global environment .

Chromosomes are macromolecular polymers that undergo continuous alterations in structure and organization, which can influence gene expression. These physical variations can be attributed to DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling complexes, and the association of non-coding RNA molecules. Irregular patterns of inheritance that cannot be accounted for by changes in DNA sequence are often caused by epigenetic mechanisms. This course begins with a discussion of the histone code, chromatin associated proteins, the formation and maintenance of heterochromatin, experimental methods, and model organisms. This is followed by discussions of the role of epigenetics in biological phenomena such as imprinting, X-inactivation, cellular identity, cellular reprogramming, tumorigenesis, and the onset of certain types of neurological disorders.

Introduction to Biology of Cancer covers current concepts and knowledge of cancer, including cancer research and cancer treatment; it will educate students on various genetic and molecular changes normal cells undergo during transformation into malignant cancer cells.

This course is an introduction to the application of computational methods to biological data analysis and for discovery. The focus will be on computational methods in Genomics and Proteomics. In Genomics, computational methods will include DNA sequencing and fragment assembly, identification of genes in DNA, gene regulation, expression, large data arrays, and methods to study genetic diversity. In Proteomics, computational methods will embrace similarity, homology and analogy, protein folding and protein structure.

This course is designed to prepare students to function in the highly complex arena of a histotechnology laboratory. It is the job of the histotechnician to prepare sections of human tissue from biopsy or autopsy for microscopic examination by processing and cutting tissues, mounting them on slides, and staining them with special dyes for microscopic examination by a pathologist for the diagnosis of disease.

Introduction to methods and concepts of statistical analysis and sampling, with special attention to those occurring in biological sciences. Topics include descriptive measures, probability and distributions, estimation, tests of hypotheses, types of error, significance, confidence levels, sample size and power.

This course is designed to provide an overview of clinical human genetic concepts and clinical disorders that have a genetic component. The course seeks to teach the students to apply their knowledge of the principles of clinical genetics to a variety of clinical problems. It surveys many clinical areas including cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, population genetics and clinical genetics. The course is organized roughly according to genetic etiology and pathophysiology.

This course provides an over view on cell and tissue methodologies for the proliferation and differentiation of cells, acquiring the appropriate source of cells such as autologous cells, allogeneic cells, xenogeneic cells, stem cells, genetically engineered cells, and immunological manipulation; Biomolecules, including growth/differentiation and morphogenic factors; Biomaterials, including biopolymers that are designed to direct the organization, growth, and differentiation of cells in the process of forming functional tissues; and Engineering design, including in vitro cell and tissue expansion, 3D-tissue growth and bioreactors; organ and tissue modeling.

The classes of this course emphasize pattern recognition of normal tissue and organ structure (histology), correlation of tissue architecture with normal physiologic function, and comparison to microscopic processes and lesions observed in the diseased state (histopathology). Laboratories will focus on recognition of diseased tissue as compared to normal tissue structure, as well as application of appropriate terminology and light microscopic techniques used in histologic and histopathologic analysis. Comparative microscopic analysis across human and animal tissues and across fundamental disease processes (inflammation, necrosis, neoplasia, etc.) will be emphasized.

This course provides knowledge of and expertise in animal tissue culture theory and practice. This course has a vocational focus and introduces you to the theory and practice of animal tissue culture with their role and applications in biotechnology and biochemical research. The topics covered in this course include media preparation, sterile techniques, aseptic handling, initiation and routine maintenance of cells in culture, common contaminants of plant and animal cell culture, and understanding of some of the applications of cell culture technology.

This course introduce a Teaching Tip Index to student with numerous tips, for example: Preparing a course syllabus, Preparing a lesson plan, Teaching techniques, Course design, Communication, Assessment, Getting organized as a teacher, Motivating students, Feel good about teaching.