Course Descriptions

Biomedical Data Science and Informatics (BDSI)
Biomedical Imaging (BIOMI)
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB)
Department of Public Health (BMTRY)
Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences (DDBS)
First Year Curriculum and other Graduate Studies Courses (CGS)
Master of Science in Medical Science courses (BSC)
Microbiology and Immunology (MBIM)
Molecular & Cellular Biology & Pathobiology (MCBP)
Neuroscience (PHYSO)
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (PATH)
Pharmacology & Experimental Sciences (PCOL)

Biomedical Data Science and Informations

BDSI 700 – BDSI Seminar. This course is mandatory for students in Clemson-MUSC Biomedical Data Science and Informatics students. The overall goal of the course is to expose students to a broad range of concepts, theories, methods, and practices in biomedical data science and informatics, and the specific research topics pursued by the faculty in the program. The students will learn to comprehend and present scientific literature in this field.

BDSI 701 – Introduction to Biomedical Informatics. This ls an introductory course to provide students an overview of the biomedical informatics field. The course will provide an overview. Students will learn fundamental theories and concepts of bioinformatics, clinical research informatics, health informatics, consumer health informatics, and public health informatics. Students will learn how informatics tools, techniques, and approaches are used to support research and health care. The course consists of lectures and presentations taught by a variety of informatics experts. The course is intended as the first step in a informatics PhD as well as other students who want to broaden their understanding of biomedical informatics. No previous informatics or computer science experience is required.

BDSI 702 – Data Standards and Terminology. Use of standards and terminologies is critical for interoperability and is required for meaningful use of data, both for primary use as well as secondary use for quality monitoring, public health reporting, decision support, research and analysis. This course fulfills a core requirement in the BDSI training program by providing foundational knowledge and introducing students to the skills, resources, and concepts that will allow them to be a life-ling learner and work in this evolving field.

BDSI 711 – Precision Medicine Informatics. This course will provide an overview of precision medicine informatics with a focus on cancer. We will cover current initiatives and efforts to use health informatics to individualize care. The integration of heterogeneous data sets from different measurements such as the exposome, metabolome, genome, proteome, and other laboratory measurements is central to the goal of treating each patient as an individual in regard to precision treatment. The use of next generation sequencing, transcriptomic and other detailed data sets will move us to more precise characterizations of patients and ultimately more precise treatments. To get there we will need to understand the informatics of big data and learning from high dimensional data sets. As a use case, we will do a detailed examination of precision medicine clinical trials in cancer. We will also examine publicly available data to understand how high throughput measurement techniques are used and the methods that are applied to them to more precisely characterize cohorts of patients. Lastly, we will examine the challenges of precision medicine to explore ways to integrate the approaches into clinical healthcare systems.

BDSI 712 - Translational Informatics. This course will provide an over view of clinical and translational research informatics. Students taking this course will learn about research data management, relational database design, modern research data capture tools, best practices, clinical data warehousing, security risks and mitigations, privacy issues in electronic data, data standards, data mining and other related topics. Students will get hands-on experience with using modern translational research informatics tools such as REDCap, i2b2 and others.

BDSI 721 - Applied Machine Learning. This course will provide an introduction to methods in statistical learning that are commonly used to extract important patterns and information from biomedical data. Topics include, linear methods for regression and classification, regularization, kernel smoothing methods, statistical model assessment and selection, and support vector machines. Unsupervised learning techniques such as principal component analysis and generalized principal component analysis will also be discussed. Time permitting overview of emerging topics in machine learning will be provided. The topics and their applications will be illustrated using the statistical programing language R.

BDSI 731 – Microbiome Informatics. This course is concerned with analysis of microbiome data enabled by high-throughput sequencing technologies. We will briefly cover foundational concepts in microbial ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and DNA sequencing. The main focus of the course will be on developing an understanding of multivariate analysis of microbiome data. Practical skills to be developed in this course include managing high-dimensional and structured data in metagenomics, visualization and representation of high-dimensional data, normalization, filtering, and mixture-model noise modeling of count data, as well as clustering and predictive model building. The topics in this course are developed only as far as to enable the users to understand the merits of these analyses. The main goal is to give the students an intuition about when certain analyses are applicable and practical ways to implement these analyses. A deeper understanding of these methods can be achieved by taking additional classes in statistics such as 'Statistical Methods for Bioinformatics' and 'Multivariate Analysis', which cover a much broader range of topics in more rigorous detail. Familiarity with R will be readily acquired during the course.

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Biomedical Imaging

BIOMI 810 – Math Methods in Med Imaging – The purpose of this course is to provide basic mathematical knowledge and skills necessary to understand the fundamentals of image formation, image processing, and image analysis. The necessary mathematical knowledge includes linear algebra, complex numbers, Fourier transform theory, numerical methods, and differential equations. MATLAB, a powerful problem-solving tool and programming language, will be introduced and will be used to illustrate important concepts.

BIOMI 816 – Quantitative Human Physiology – This course is essential for graduate students to gain a fundamental understanding ot the relationship between biophysical properties of cells, tissue, organs and their systems in order to properly use and interpret data from different biomedical imaging techniques. This course will focus on teaching students to identify the strengths and weakness of specific imaging modalities depending upon specific medical or research question, the function and structure of the organ system, and/or disease state.

BIOMI 818 – Biomedical Imaging Journal Club – The Center for Biomedical Imaging has several multidisciplinary journal clubs that meet one per month to discuss scientific topics in a specific area of imaging. Students should register and attend relevant journal club offered through the Center for Biomedical imaging in consultation with their dissertation mentor. 1 credit hour.

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Biochemistry

BMB 730 – Seminar in Biochemistry Research & Methods - In this series, students give a seminar based on their own research to their fellow students, graduate training committee, thesis committee, faculty and post-doctoral fellows in the Department of Biochemistry. This is a great opportunity for the students to present their work in an informal setting and to receive feedback on his/her studies from a large audience with different scientific backgrounds. Students are required to give at least two seminars during their training. Every Fall & Spring.

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DPHS – Department of Public Health Science

BMTRY 700 – Introduction to Clinical Biostatistics. This course introduces basic applied descriptive and inferential statistics. Basic data management and analysis techniques will be introduced using the SAS system for personal computers.

BMTRY 701 – Biostatistical Methods II. The course is intended to focus on biostatistical applications by providing a broad coverage of critical biostatistical applications topics. The primary audience for the sequence is M.S. students (or first-year PhD students that do not have a prior M.S. degree) in biostatistics, but the course will be delivered at a level that it may be taken by graduate students in related scientific fields such as bioinformatics and epidemiology.

BMTRY 702 – Advanced ANOVA and Regression. The course emphasizes advanced experimental designs employed in biological and medical research. It covers a variety of advanced ANOVA and regression topics such as advanced diagnostics, mixed models and repeated measurements and shows how these techniques can be applied to the analysis of a variety of experimental designs. Students should be familiar with the basic notions of random variables, statistical inference, multiple linear regression modeling, ANOVA and matrix algebra. We will make use of matrix notation throughout. The focus of this course is on both the underlying statistical theory and applications. It is also assumed that the student has familiarity with a statistical package such as SAS, STATA, or S-PLUS.

BMTRY 706 – Theoretical Foundation of Statistics. This course covers basic probability theory, random variables, transformation of random variables, expectation, moments and moment generating functions, discrete and continuous probability distribution functions; joint, marginal, and conditional distribution functions, multivariate distributions, and inequalities. Hypothesis testing and maximum likelihood estimation are also introduced.

BMTRY 707 – Theoretical Foundations of Statistics II. This course is the continuation of Theoretical Foundations of Statistics I. Topics covered are order statistics, stochastic convergence, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, evaluation of estimators and tests, and asymptotic theory.

BMTRY 711 – Analysis of Categorical Data. This course offers a short review of standard measures of association and chi-square methods for binomial and multinomial distributions, followed by several special-purpose two-dimensional techniques. Other areas covered include the development of maximum likelihood-based inference (unconditional and conditional) for categorical data using generalized linear models. Models for binomial, multinomial and count data will be examined. In addition, topics including log-linear models, analysis of three-dimensional and higher tables, model selection strategies, regression model diagnostics, analysis of correlated or matched data, and generalized estimating equations will be covered. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 701, 706

BMTRY 713 – Infectious Disease Epidemiology. The overall purpose of this course is to introduce students to epidemiological approaches in the study of infectious disease. After completing this course, students should be able to understand the epidemiologic characteristics of various infectious diseases and how epidemiologic methods are applied to study these diseases.

BMTRY 714 – Linear Models in Biology & Medicine. The matrix representation of the general linear statistical model is studied through the implication, distribution, and partitioning of quadratic forms and their probability distributions. Estimation of parameters in the linear model by methods of maximum likelihood and least squares will be presented along with the accuracy and precision of these estimators. Estimability in both the full rank and less than full rank models is introduced. The test statistic for the general linear hypothesis is derived, and its distribution is determined under an assumption of normally distributed errors for both the null and a general alternative hypothesis. Sufficient examples are given to show its application to tests on means as well as in ANOVA and ANOCOVA. Students prepared in basic statistical methods and theory, and matrix algebra are eligible to take this course.

BMTRY 717 – Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials. This course is intended mainly for MS and PhD students interested in the statistical methods and issues arising in a variety of clinical trials. The course will include topics in adaptive/flexible study design, adaptive randomization, sample size estimation, missing data handling, interim analysis methods, and issues in data analysis. The course will also cover topics related to the statistician's role in clinical trials, including the presentation of statistical information and statistical monitoring of safety data. At the completion of the course, students will have the tools to collaborate with clinicians in the design and implementation of clinical trials as well as analysis of study data, and will have developed their skills in being more critical readers of the medical literature. PREREQUITES AND OFFERINGS BMTRY 700, 724

BMTRY 719 – Bayesian Biostatistics. It is a graduate course on effective and sophisticated approaches to Bayesian modeling and computation in biostatistics and related fields. The course begins with a gentle introduction of Bayesian inference starting from first principle, but it intends to cover the philosophical backgrounds, logical developments and computational tools associated with Bayesian

BMTRY 721 – Fundamentals of Statistical & Epidemiological Collaboration. Required for all students prior to obtaining a Master's degree. This course teaches students how to participate in collaboratiove research including methods for sample size estimation, preparation of plans for statistical analysis and analytic reports. Those students in the PhD program who do not have previous collaborative working experience and/or training would also be required to take this course.PREREQUISITES AND OFFERINGS
BMTRY 700, 701, 736. Typically offered every other summer.

BMTRY 722 – Analysis of Survival Data. This is an introductory course in theory and application of analytic methods for time-to-event data. The methods covered include nonparametric, parametric, and semi-parametric (Cox model) approaches. The topics covered will also include types of censoring and truncation, sample size and power estimation, and a brief introduction to counting process method. Extensive use of SAS procedures for survival analysis is incorporated into the course. PREREQUISITES AND OFFERINGS
BMTRY 701, 706, and working knowledge of SAS

BMTRY 724 – Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials. This is a comprehensive course providing an overview in the design and conduct of clinical trials. The course covers the types of clinical trials; study design (including sample size estimation); randomization methods and implementation; project and data management; ethics; and issues in data analysis (e.g., intent-to-treat; handling of missing data; interim analyses). This course is designed primarily for the students in the Department of Public Health Sciences; however, both clinical and basic science investigators can benefit from the course provided they have the required background in basic statistics. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 700 or instructor consent

BMTRY 725 – Grant Development for Clinical Research. The objective of the course is to prepare the student to develop a draft grant application by teaching them about grantsmanship, helping them to develop the sections of a grant (aims, background, preliminary studies, methods), teaching them about IRB regulations and procedures, about ethics, and about developing a research budget. Students will be given examples of successful grants and grants that have not been funded to discuss and critique. PREREQUISITES Instructor consent

BMTRY 726 – Multivariate Methods in Biology and Medicine. This course will consist of multivariate techniques in biology and medicine including multivariate tests of mean vectors and covariance matrices, multivariate analysis of variance and regression, repeated measures analysis, random and mixed effects models, generalized estimating equations, generalized linear mixed models, canonical correlation, factor analysis, principal components analysis, discriminant analysis. Directed to biostatistics students; useful for epidemiology students. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 701, 706, knowledge of matrix algebra and SAS

BMTRY 734 – Cancer Epidemiology. This course will provide students with an overview of the occurrence of cancer in human populations and an overview of the major causes of cancer. In addition to the etiology of cancer, emphasis will be placed on cancer prevention, early detection, cancer survivorship, and cancer disparities. The student will achieve an understanding of the major causes of cancer in humans and strategies for reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates. The student will gain skills in assessing epidemiological evidence and become proficient in evaluating the merit of cancer prevention and control strategies. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 736 or consent of instructor

BMTRY 736 – Foundations of Epidemiology I. This course provides an introduction to basic epidemiologic principles including measurements of disease occurrence, study designs (cohort, case-control, randomized clinical trials) and calculation of risk. Lecture material is supplemented with exercises and discussion of examples from the epidemiologic literature and presentations of epidemiologic studies by guest speakers.

BMTRY 737 – Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases. This is an advanced course designed to acquaint students with the use of epidemiology in the study and investigation of cardiovascular diseases. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 736 or consent of instructor

BMTRY 738 – Field Epidemiology. This class introduces students to the field epidemiology tools that can be used in public health practice with a focus on the many types of population health assessments which are used by public health practitioners. The focus of this class will be on the practical applications of health assessments of populations exposed to infectious, communicable, and environmental contaminants rather that research or clinical applications. The health assessments taught are all tools currently used in public health epidemiology practice and are rarely used in epidemiology research. After completion of this course students will be sufficiently prepared to use public health population assessment tools in entry-level regulatory and professional practice careers. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 736 or consent of instructor

BMTRY 745 – Environmental Epidemiology. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the research methods, and the basic physiological, toxicological, and physical components that are involved in the study of environmental epidemiology. Such an analytical approach provides students the means to address the varied and complex problems that arise in assessing the human impact of environmental stressors. Students will critically evaluate epidemiological and scientific literature to apply the concepts emphasized in the course. This course is intended for graduate students interested in epidemiology, environmental risk assessment, or environmental health. Prerequisites: BMTRY 736 or permission of instructor.

BMTRY 747 – Foundations of Epidemiology II. This course will provide a comprehensive and quantitative view of the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological studies and use of EGRET software. There is a more in-depth coverage of topics than in Epi I.

BMTRY 748 – Foundations of Epidemiology III. This course will provide an in-depth quantitative view of advanced statistical analysis of epidemiological studies. The use of epidemiological analysis software (Epicure) will be taught. Builds on techniques developed in Epi II.

BMTRY 757 – Molecular Epidemiology. This course introduces students to the principles and practices of molecular epidemiology and provides an overview of the application of biologic markers of exposure, disease or susceptibility to epidemiologic investigations of exposure-disease relationships. Students will be guided through general principles that draw on issues of validity and reliability, technical variability and control, biologic specimen banks with a strong emphasis on study design and how to incorporate biomarker studies into epidemiology practice. PREREQUISITES BMTRY 747or instructor consent

BMTRY 766 – Methods & Outcomes in Cancer Population Studies. The objectives of the Methods and Outcomes in Cancer Population Sciences is to increase the knowledge and skills of early stage clinicians and basic science researchers in conducting patient oriented and translational cancer research. 3 s.h.

For a complete list of courses and descriptions in the Department of Public Health, please visit the following link. http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/phs/academics/students/courses/courses.htm

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First Year Curriculum and other Graduate Studies Courses (CGS)

CGS-621 - Gross & Neuroanatomy - Emphasizes normal human gross anatomy from the functional point of view. Special emphasis is given to the head and neck. The material is presented in a number of ways: by regional dissections, by study of normal radiograms, and by lectures, outside readings, and textbook assignments. Presents basic concepts of central nervous system orL 621

CGS-700 - Introduction to Biostatistics - This course provides a descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in biomedical research. Topics include elementary probability theory, and introduction to statistical distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlations. The course is intended for graduate students in the basic and clinical sciences, clinical residents/fellows, and medical and dental students who seek a working knowledge of biostatistical methods and their applications. 4 s.h.

CGS 714 – Core Clinical Research Training – The course prepares participants to coordinate cost-effective health care research which protects the rights and safety of human subjects. The course is offered on-line and is required of all TL1 trainees. TL1 trainees will be required to take the course sometime during their first year in the program.



CGS-720/721 - Laboratory Rotations - First Year Curriculum students are required to enroll in three 8 week laboratory rotations spanning the fall and spring semesters. All students will rotate through three different laboratories to maximize their exposure to a diversity of mentors, scientific experiences and technologies.

CGS-723 - Summer Health Professions Research Experiences - This is a 10 week summer course that provides professional students with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a funded research project and acquaints the students with an area of specialized research currently under investigation in the faculty member's lab. The course will provide hands on experience with many research skills, which may include subject recruitment, outcome testing, data entry, analysis, cell and molecular biology techniques, to name just a few.

CGS-725 - Teaching Techniques - The primary objective of this class is to provide an opportunity for graduate and post-graduate students to learn basic teaching and evaluation techniques, as well as presentation skills. Whether presenting research at national or international meetings, or teaching in a formal classroom, teaching and presentation skills are necessary for most professional careers.
 
CGS 732 - Cancer: Invasion & Metastasis - This course highlights central mechanisms contributing to tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Although cancer is a complex, multi-faceted process, tumor cells possessing invasive and metastatic properties are thought to play a major role in disease progression, morbidity and mortality. This course highlights some of the cell¬ autonomous molecular mechanisms known to support this behavior, as well as contributions from the extracellular matrix. Important topics also include tumor cell homing to specific sites, tumor cell heterogeneity, and the myriad changes within the tumor microenvironment that may enhance tumor progression.

CGS 737 - The Human Microbiome in Health and Disease - Imagine if there were an organ in your body that weighed as much as your brain and affected your health, your weight, and even your behavior. Wouldn't you want to know more about it? There is such an organ - the collection of microbes in and on your body, your human microbiome. The microbial ecosystems in different parts of your body are radially different from one another and supply a wide range of functions that affect many aspects of human health. This course will explore how the human microbiome is formed, how it is influenced by external factors, and how the gut microbiota influences our health. This course will also provide an introduction to the methods used to study microbial communities and explore how gut microbiome data are analyzed.

CGS 743 – Cancer Cell Signaling. The basic "Hallmarks of Cancer" defined as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resisting cell death. avoiding Immune destruction. enabling immortality. invasion and metastasis. and deregulation of cellular energetics are all driven by protein-to-protein signaling. This course will discuss broad discoveries that have shaped the field of cancer cell signaling and provide an overview for how these signaling processes pertain to modem cancer research.

CGS-745 - Graduate Teaching Internship - MUSC graduate students (max 3/term) will intern with The College of Charleston or Citadel Dept of Biology faculty over 12 sessions: to include 7-9 mentor directed sessions with student assistance followed by 3-5 student directed sessions. Students will plan, execute and evaluate each session, prepare a reflective report and plan the next term's syllabus.

CGS 752 - Frontiers in Stem Cells - This 1 credit hour course will be given over a period of 5 weeks. 4 topics will be led by 3 instructors as detailed below (each will present 3 sessions). Each class will be 1.5 hours in length and will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Fall Semester. The instructors will, at the beginning of their specific section, provide an overview of the topic. Students will be asked to give feedback to two questions at the end of each lecture: What is your take home message from the lecture? And what questions do you have pertaining to the lecture? The main objective of the lecture will be to lay the foundation for active discussion of journal articles related to stem cell biology research. The sessions following the introductory lecture will be based on faculty approved current or historical manuscripts that shaped the particular field. All students should come prepared to present all aspects of the paper under discussion.

CGS 756 – Integrated Interprofessional Studies - Integrated Interprofessional Studies is a 3 credit hr course designed to give students an appreciation for the translational relevance of their dissertation studies through hands-on interprofessional experiences in a clinical setting. Students will select the department that best matches theirdissertation work and attend available grand rounds, fellows conferences, departmental seminars, clinical discussion groups (boards), and other available small group conferences or settings within the selected department. Experiences in these activities will be discussed in class. Midway through the semester students will also have the opportunity to attend rounding with the corrresponding departmental healthcare team as they visit patients. Students reconvene weekly as a class, with the course instructor, to review and discuss cases they have heard and share their experiences.

CGS 760 - Important Unanswered Questions - Important Unanswered Questions in the Biomedical Sciences is a two-semester 1 credit hr seminar series which meets once per week, and features invited research seminars by biomedical investigators featuring translational research. The course grade is derived from written mini-proposals based on the information provided at the seminar and the literature.

CGS 761 - Summer Laboratory Observation - Acquaints students with an area of specialized research currently under investigation in a faculty member's laboratory. This course is for students enrolled in the summer undergraduate research program.

CGS 762 - Scientific Writing for MBS - This course will assist Master's in Biomedical Sciences students in writing their research proposal and/or thesis in the summer between their first and second year. The course is designed to synthesize the knowledge and skills developed in research courses and apply them to the masters thesis process. Students learn about all aspects of the process of developing and carrying out masters theses, and they gain an understanding of standards and expectations that students need to meet to be successful in completing the thesis writing process. Throughout the course, students are required to work closely with their major advisors, and committee as appropriate. The course will be taught in a seminar style with extensive dialogue among the students  and instructors.

CGS 764 - Science Writing as Persuasion - This nine-week, interdisciplinary course prepares students to move their ideas persuasively from pipette to pen. Students encounter a variety of scholarship on science and persuasion, focusing on the fundamentals of audience (who you write for), genre (what patterns you write from), and style (how you work with words), and develop rhetorical competencies for both professional and public contexts. To these ends, the instructors deploy an array of teaching techniques that include interactive lectures, group discussions, on-the-spot quizzes, and small-scale projects. Each week students can reasonably expect to write between 500 and 1,500 words outside of class. That number may vary according to the assignment and the instructor.

CGS 765 - Proteins: Dynamic Structure and Functions - The 18 sessions of this 5-week, 3 credit hour course present fundamental principles of protein structure and function. Proteins, the most abundant and diverse family of macromolecules within the cell, play a myriad of essential catalytic and structural roles within the cell. They undergo multiple post-translational modifications and interact with numerous partners, including other proteins, RNA, DNA and membranes. These topics will be considered within the context of health and disease, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying fundamental cellular processes and underscoring the impact of mutant proteins on cell behavior and the importance of proteins as therapeutic targets.

CGS 766 - Genes: Inheritance and Expression - The 25 sessions of this 7-week, 4 credit hour course present the fundamental principles of inheritance, maintenance and expression of the genetic material. The first 6 sessions focus on the principles and practice of classical and molecular genetics, and the next 7 focus on the replication, repair and transmission of the DNA genome within the context of the mammalian mitotic and meiotic cell cycles. The final 11 sessions focus on the expression of the genome, incorporating discussions of transcription, epigenetic modifications of DNA and histones, nucleolus and rRNA synthesis and maturation, mRNA processing, nuclear export and translation, and regulation by non-coding RNAs.

CGS 767 - Cells: Organization and Communication - The 18 sessions of this 5-week, 3 credit hour course address the fundamental principles of cell structure, compartmentalization, and function. The first 10 sessions focus on the structure, function and dynamics of the endomembrane systems of the cell, the cytoskeleton, major organelles and programmed cell death. The final 7 sessions address cell:cell and cell:matrix interactions and the complex process of signal transduction. The overarching principles involved in the process of signal transduction, which most often involves the transduction of a signal from an extracellular ligand to a nuclear response, will bring together the principles discussed in the initial part of this course and those discussed in modules I and II.

CGS 768 - Techniques and Experimental Design (TED) - TED represents a unique and timely approach to learning. The topics covered in TED synch with the fundamental concepts covered within the Core Curriculum course (CGS 765-767). TED highlights essential tools and approaches required to achieve a high level of competency in biomedical research. Students will be equipped with the knowledge necessary to tackle protein biochemical studies such as protein isolation, understand the basics of genetics, including the use of cutting edge gene editing strategies and execution of genetic screens, and gain exposure to central concepts and approaches highly relevant to cell biology. Collectively, this training is expected to provide students with foundational knowledge and an invaluable toolkit that will collectively prepare students to successfully embark on their thesis research.

CGS 770 - Principles, Practices and Professionalism - This semester-long course introduces graduate students to essential concepts in the practice of biomedical science, such as critical thinking, responsible conduct of research, reproducibility of data, transparency in communication, rigor in experimental design and analysis, and professional development. The course utilizes didactic lectures, group activities based on hypothesis development, student discussion of case studies, and a range of skills focused on optimal development of career options.

CGS 772 - Learning from the Literature - The LFTL course is one of the key elements of the redesigned first-year curriculum, and emerged from the work of the First Year Task Force. The Fall curriculum is focused on providing a solid foundation in the basics of cell structure and function from biochemical, genetic, molecular and cell biological perspectives. In addition, the students receive a complementary course in techniques and experimental design. In the Spring semester, the students will take three consecutive courses (chosen from a pool of 6) that introduce them to such disciplines as cancer biology, human genetics/genomics, physiology and pharmacology, metabolism and bioenergetics.

CGS 790-01 - Metabolism and Bioenergetics - Although the basic biochemistry and physiology of bioenergetics metabolism (i.e., glycolysis, mitochondria, etc) had their heydays in the 1950-1960s, it is common for many biomedical researchers to assume that we now know it all and it can be summarized in 1-2 chapters of a good biochemistry textbook. In contrast, even a brief perusal of current literature demonstrates about 2000 bioenergetics-related primary journal publications per year in nearly all fields of biomedical sciences. Indeed, with recent technological advances there has been a resurgence in research of bioenergetics metabolism with an emphasis on integration, regulation, and disease. The proposed course assumes a basic knowledge of bioenergetics metabolism and weaves this into a detailed exposure to the most current knowledge of how cytosolic and mitochondrial metabolism are integrated via cell signaling pathways, intracellular ultrastructure and redox physiology. The course incorporates new technologies in metabolomics and cellular imaging to illustrate how they contribute to ongoing studies of how dysfunction of bioenergetics metabolism contributes to diseases ranging from metabolic disorders, cancer, and degenerative pathologies.

CGS 790-02 - Immunobiology - This mini-course is composed of fifteen sessions over a period of five weeks (M, W, F, 9:00- 11:00 am) focused on a specific component of immunobiology.

Two sessions are designated as THINK sessions prior to in-class assignments and engage the student in immune system experimental design exercises in the form of literature-based lectures from the course.

CGS 790-03 - Fundamentals of Cancer Biology - This course will begin with a discussion of what cancer looks like, at the gross and histological levels, and a demonstration of the basic aspects of cancer as a latent, and progressive disease that culminates in pathological processes that result in death. Next, the course will provide an understanding of how research into the causes of cancer has elucidated in molecular detail the biology of this disease. The lectures in carcinogenesis will also educate the students on the fundamental environmental causes of cancer and how that translates into public health policies that influence cancer mortality. Then, the course will turn to molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis by discussing the discovery and characterization of viral carcinogens, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and how that is connected to genetic susceptibility of cancer. We will then use that understanding of the genetic and genomic causes of cancer to link the action of these genes to the key phenotypes expressed by cancer cells, such as growth factor independence, immortalization, dysregulated cell death, dysregulated cell cycle progression, and discuss how these phenotypes mediate disease. The course will then progress to discussion of host effects of cancer and how the tumor microenvironment influences cancer progression, leading to discussions on invasion and metastasis, the proximate cause of death in the majority of cancer cases. Having laid this fundamental ground work on the basic biology of cancer, the course will end with a discussion of conventional forms of cancer therapy and how they work, or don't work, and then end with lectures on the future of cancer therapy based on genomically targeted drugs and immunotherapy.

CGS 790-04 - Integrated Physiology and Pharmacology of the Cardiovascular System - The course has 4 thematic focuses of Cardiovascular System: 1) Cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology: neuromuscular transmission and excitation¬ contraction coupling; 2) Electrical activity of the heart; 3) Cardiac output and its alterations during exercise and failure; and 4) Circulation and vascular hemodynamics. The class will minimize lectures, didactic discourses, and have no simple regurgitation of ufacts". The first few minutes of each Theme we will give abroad overview of the subject area tying in the clinical significance. Offered every other year

CGS 790-05 - Basic Principles in Drug Discovery and Development - Graduate students in the biomedical sciences routinely use pharmacologic agents in their research, but they do not always understand how and why these agents were discovered, or the mechanism by which they produce an effect. Every therapeutic agent was discovered and developed through research involving multiple scientific disciplines. Successful drug discovery research in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry is, by nature, a highly collaborative enterprise. To be sure, young scientists who aspire to a career in drug discovery should be well-trained experts in their chosen area of research. However, they must also have an understanding of basic principles used routinely by collaborators in related research areas in drug discovery. Such knowledge will ensure that they can effectively communicate with scientists in other disciplines, and thereby facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. This course will cover basic principles of drug discovery research, including the early discovery phase (target identification and validation, medicinal chemistry, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and protection of intellectual property), mid-stage considerations (pharmacokinetics, ADME, toxicology and metabolism, formulation) and will briefly cover late stage discovery (clinical trials and marketing). While some element of traditional instruction is required, each topic will be introduced in large part through in-class discussion and analysis of examples from the primary literature.

CGS 790-06 - Human Genetics and Genomics - This course is being developed as one of six mini·courses that will be offered to 1st year PhD students in the Biomedical Sciences in the spring of their 1st year. These courses are intended to introduce students to contemporary areas of science that are not covered in depth in the Fall foundational curriculum. These courses should also involve discussions and activities that engage the students in active learning; judicious use of the primary literature is also encouraged. Faculty in these courses are chosen for their expertise in the area. This course can and will also be taken by students in their 2nd year (and beyond) who are interested in the topic of human genetics and genomics. This course is intended to cover hereditary and molecular genetics as it applies to humans.1. Develop an appreciation for the power and limitations of genetics and genomics.2. Develop skills to address questions in genetic/genomic research and clinical practice.

CGS 790-07 - Host and Microbe: Partners & Pathogens - This is a new two-credit graduate level course designed to introduce students to the basic principles and concepts of microbiology, virology, and mycobiology. It presents an opportunity for students (preferably first-year graduate students} without/or with a minimum microbiology background to obtain a solid foundation in the referenced disciplines from which they can subsequently build a more rigorous familiarity to the field of microbiology. The overall goal of the course is to help students to learn fundamental aspects of microbes that co-habit with and/or surround us. 

CGS 815 – Translational Research Journal Club - This course introduces TL1 trainees to translational research via discussion of papers that exemplify translational research. The Journal Club will meet once a week at a time to be determined based on the schedules of the trainees and course facilitators. The journal club will be limited to a 1 hour discussion. Each week a trainee will be responsible for presenting a translational research paper and leading the discussion along with a faculty member. A faculty member will serve as a facilitator and also as an advisor to the trainee prior to the meeting of the journal club.

CGS 817 - Designing a Rigorous Extramural Fellowship Application

CGS 820 – MSTP Translational Medicine Seminar - Trainees will present a clinical case that will be followed by a research discussion by a physician-scientist. These are 1 hour sessions and in the past were held at 5:00pm for the MSTP students. It is most likely that this tie will be kept. TL1 trainees and dual degree students will be expected to present 1 case.

MDCOR 832 (CGS 832 no longer used) – A Month in the Research Nexus - Trainees spend a month in the Research Nexus learning the principles and concept for writing and managing a research grant. The trainees, working with an advisor, are required to write an R21 clinical/translational research grant. Prerequisite: Translational Sciences Clinic or permission of the instructor.”

MDCOR 871 (CGS 871 no longer used)- Translational Sciences Clinic - Trainees spend a half day a week in a clinic that compliments their dissertation research. TL1 trainees will be expected to shadow the attending physician and also perform a literature search about the patient's medical problem and discuss it with the attending physician.

CGS 888 - Drug Discovery - From Target to Therapeutic - This course presents a wide variety of information in the broad area of drug discovery, including the early discovery phase (target development, in vitro and in vivo assay development, screening, lead optimization, structure-based drug discovery), mid-stage considerations (in vivo studies, ADME, toxicology and metabolism, advanced preclinical trials) and late stage discovery (clinical trials and marketing). The various phases of the drug discovery process will be introduced in the context of 3 successful drug discovery efforts, presented in a discussion format.

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Master of Science in Medical Sciences (BSC)

BSC 700 - Histology - This is an online course in histology that involves learning the microscopic architecture and function of cells, tissues and organs of the human body. The course content is presented via interactive lectures and virtual labs. A unique feature of this course is the use of virtual microscopy to examine specimens over the Internet using a browser interface instead of a microscope. Learning is facilitated by practice quizzes and assessed by both open- and closed-book examinations. 4 credit hours.

BSC 702 – Anatomy - This intensive gross anatomy course is designed to prepare students for entry in the field of health professions in general, with a focus and emphasis on medical and dental curricula in particular. The course provides students with a detailed examination of all structural aspects of the human body with a special emphasis on the anatomy and anatomical relationships significant to common clinical medicine topics and surgical procedures. It is presented by regions through lectures and matching online laboratories. The material is organized in units and presented in a logical fashion, i.e. Superficial Back and Upper Limb, Thorax, Abdomen and Pelvis, Lower Limb and finally Head and Neck. Throughout the course, imaging techniques including CT scans and x-ray radiography are used to introduce the student to the clinician's perspective. The course content is also designed to correlate with important clinical problems that students may encounter as practitioners, and additional reading assignments are included in the material to be studied by the students. The students also have the opportunity to further their knowledge of anatomy by using online resources that will be made available to them through a course management system.

BSC 706 - Professional Development - Students attend weekly 1 hour workshops led by various faculty members on writing personal statement for applications, writing resumes and CVs, interviewing skills, professional etiquette, and how to get the most out of clinical shadowing experiences. Mock interviews and critiques of draft resumes and personal statements will be provided. Students will develop a professional portfolio that can serve as the basis for applications to professional schools. Assessment will be based on attendance and participation.

BSC 708 - Grand Rounds - Students will be required to attend 1 grand round a week. They may choose from Medicine, Surgery or Pediatrics. However, during the course of the semester they must attend each one at least once. After attending the grand rounds they have one week to turn in a paper detailing what they learned. The report should be approximately one page. The report will be graded pass/fail/honors.

BSC 710 - Clinical Exposures - Students will have the opportunity to shadow a physician working in the CARES clinic, the Emergency Department and/or the autopsy service. The students will attend the clinic several times during the semester and write up the history of the patient and the diagnosis and treatment plan.

BSC 712 – Comprehensive Biochemistry - An in-depth course emphasizing the basic metabolic reactions of living systems. Topics which are emphasized include, structure-function relationship of hemoglobin, myoglobin and enzymes, pH considerations, enzymatic activity and factors such as allosteric effectors and conversion of proenzymes to active enzymes, which affect enzymatic activity the biosynthesis (anabolism) and degradation (catabolism) of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, polysaccharides and nucleic acids. Topics which are covered in depth include pH and buffers, glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycogen metabolism,regulation of metabolism, the nature of genetic material and the relationship of the genetic code to protein synthesis. An introduction to genetic engineering, genetic diseases and chemotherapy is also presented.

BSC 714 - Oral Immunobiology - This course will be a modification of CFSB 624- Oral Biology and Immunology. Certificate students will attend lectures given to the Dental students, and will have access to recorded lectures as well. The course grade will be based on 4 multiple choice question exams, which will be identical to the exams taken by the dental students. In place of the evidence-based dentistry literature reports required of dental students, certificate students will complete online patient-oriented problem solving exercises on immunoprophylaxis, cancers of the immune system, and autoimmune diseases.

BSC 716 - Medical Microbiology - This course will be a modification of MBIM 623- Dental Microbiology. Certificate students will have access to lectures given in both the Dental and Medical Microbiology courses, either live or recorded. They will take part in small group problem-based exercises with other certificate students in sessions proctored by Dr. Kasman. The course grade will be based on 3 multiple choice question exams, which will be identical to the exams taken by the dental students. This course will foster a knowledge base and understanding of the fundamentals of bacterial physiology and genetics; clinical bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology; antimicrobial therapy; aspesis in health care; and infection control. The primary goals of the course are to explore the relationship between the physiology of medically important microbes to the pathobiological sequelae of human-microbial interactions, with particular reference to the role of microbes in human disease. In addition to lecture, instruction includes problem based, small group exercises in microbiology with clinical case scenarios.

BSC 718 - Special Topics in Health Care - This course introduces pre-professional students to the analytical methods, resources, and approaches to quality improvement analyses in health care using a realistic case-based study.

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DDBS – Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences

DDBS 712 – Drug Discovery & Molecular Pharmacology - This elective explores the scientific principles underlying targeted drug design. Medicinal chemistry is integrated with molecular biology in the context of identifying tomorrow's best-in-class drugs. The interdependence of pharacodynamic and pharmacokinetic structure-activity relationships will be discussed as a feature of drug discovery. 3 s.h. Spring. Patrick

DDBS 715 – Environmental Stress Signaling - This course will provide advanced knowledge on the mechanisms of cell responses to a wide range of environmental stresses including chemical, physical, anoxia/reperfusion and other pathogens. The course focuses on the signal transduction pathways leading to cell injury, carcinogenesis, necrosis, apoptosis, repair, regeneration, adaptation, and cytoprotection. We will cover the events at system, cellular and protection levels; however, emphasis is given to the interactions among intracellular signaling pathways. This course is useful for all biomedical students and, in particular, for students who completed the course "Cellular Defense Against Foreign Chemicals" and want to continue their understanding of the effects of environmental stress at cellular and molecular levels. 4 s.h. Spring.

DDBS 741 – Organ Systems Toxicology - A minimum of three lectures hours will be devoted to each organ system. A brief review of each organ system will be given at the beginning of the topic session. One or two examples of toxic agents for each organ system will be discussed, including proposed mechanisms of action and possible therapeutic interventions in the case of intoxication. Selected manuscripts from the literature illustrating toxic response to the organ system will be given out at the beginning of each organ system topic. The papers will be discussed in the final hour of the topic session. 3 s.h. Fall.

DDBS 780 – Drug Discovery & Biomedical Science Seminar - A general research and journal club seminar mandatory for all graduate students in pharmaceutical sciences. Guest speakers, faculty, and students participate. 1 s.h. All. Faculty

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Microbiology and Immunology

MBIM 623 – Microbiology for Dental Students - Microbiology is a core course in the dental curriculum that is intended to foster a knowledge base and understanding of the fundamentals of bacterial physiology and genetics; clinical bacteriology, virology, parasitology and mycology; antimicrobial therapy; asepsis in dentistry; and infection control. The primary goals of the course are to explore the relationship between the physiology of medically important microbes to the pathobiological sequelae of human-microbial interactions, with particular reference to the role of oral microbes in human disease. Emphasis is placed on the study of oral ecology, dental caries, periodontal disease, hepatitis and AIDS. Laboratory instruction includes problem based, small group exercises in microbiology, with specific sections on oral flora and aseptic techniques. 4 hr.

MBIM 735 – Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation and Immunity - This course represents an intensive and in-depth study of the areas of cellular immunology, immunogenetics, clinical immunology, and the immunobiology of tumor development. Each area will be presented with the intent of developing a sound understanding of experimental and theoretical observations. Emphasis will be placed on the most current research involving sophisticated methodology. 4 s.h.

MBIM 738 – Intro Micro Immuno Methods - This is an introductory research methods course with three goals:(1) to provide students with the planning and mathematical skills to correctly and confidently perform common microbiological and immunological laboratory techniques and collect the results, (2) to present adequate theoretical information about the techniques to enable students to critically appraise results presented in published articles, (3) to teach students how to interpret a methods section a published article such that they can write an adequate protocol for themselves and anyone wishing to repeat their work. There is no wet lab associated with this course. Class time will include approximately 1/3 lecture and 2/3 group active-learning activities. 4 s.h.

MBIM 770 – Seminar - Participation of graduate students in this course is mandatory. Guest speakers supplement the regular program. Each graduate student gives at least one seminar yearly. Pass/Fail 1 s.h.

MBIM 772 – Environmental Microbiology - The course emphasizes fundamental microbiological principles as they apply to the environment. Its main goal is to introduce the student to the concepts of microbial diversity and evolution, microbial metabolism and catalysis in the biodegradation and synthesis of natural and man-made compounds, the microbial role in biogeochemical cycling, and the interactions of microbes with the physical environment and with other organisms related to the application of microbiological approaches to problems which exist in today’s environment. The course should prepare the student interested in environmental problems and issues with the necessary practical information to make sound judgements in assessing meaningful solutions and the role microorganisms play in those processes. 3 s.h.

MBIM 775 – Special Topics in Microbiology and Immunology - This elective course will provide continuous update in immunology to those students who have completed Basic and Advanced Immunology and taken their qualifying examination. It will be a seminar course during which the students will meet with the instructors for two hours a week over a semester to discuss the most recent publications and the new insights they give. To ensure a broad coverage, any faculty in Immunology and Microbiology may suggest a topic to be discussed. Prerequisite: MBIM-735 or permission of instructor. 2 s.h.

MBIM 786 –Cancer Immunotherapy - (K12 Scholars Program.) This course will combine didactic lectures with participation in mock study sections. The first 3 weeks of class will be lecture and the remaining 12 weeks will be used to review and critique past grant proposals related to cancer immunotherapy recently submitted by principal investigators at MUSC. Students will also attend the monthly meetings of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy (CII) program faculty (4 meetings during the semester) and submit a 1 page written summary and response for each. 2 s.h

MBIM 788 – Spring Selective Immunobiology - Intensive 7-week introductory immunology course for graduate students in lecture format, utilizing Janeway’s Immunobiology as a textbook. Emphasis is on understanding molecular mechanisms resulting in immunity, and experimental methods for testing and discovering these mechanisms. **(not for advanced credit if taken as part of the PhD first year curriculum). 3 hr.

MBIM 856 – Critical Literature Review in Inflammation & Immunity - Course is a formalized, refereed Journal Club focused on topics of general interest in Microbiology and Immunology. Mandatory for PhD candidates in Microbiology and Immunology. 1 s.h.

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Molecular & Cellular Biology & Pathobiology (MCBP)

MCBP 724 – Seminar in Molecular & Cellular - Thursday MCBP Seminar Series. students give a short seminar based on their own research to their peers and to their graduate committee members. Students are required to give at least two formal seminars during their training. The Thursday 4:00 pm MCBP External Seminar Series invites leading scientists from the United States and foreign countries to present their work to both students and faculty in the MCBP Program. These seminars are on a broad range of topics representing each of the six divisions within the MCBP Program. 1 s.h. Fall/Spring Menick

MCBP 739 – Molecular Basis of Cardiovascular Disease - The course is designed to highlight the advances in cardiovascular science and medicine, which will soon form the foundation for novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches to treating heart disease. Over the past decade a growing number of genes, receptors, channels and signaling factors have been shown to play a role in cardiovascular disorders. The course will examine the new approaches and technology that are being utilized to identify the molecular mechanism that these factors play in cardiovascular function and disease. We will discuss the power of utilizing molecular genetics to unravel heart diseases. We will also look at advances in our understanding of cardiovascular development, and electrophysiology. We will also discuss how new breakthroughs in tissue engineering may allow for the replacement of diseased myocardium. The course will also include sections on vascular biology and atherogenesis. This Course will be taught every other year in the spring. 3 s.h. Offered in Fall Semester of alternate years.

MCBP 743 – Cellular Signaling Development - This course is designed to build on the Regulation of Gene Expression, Biomembranes, Receptors and Signaling and Systems Biology units of the first year curriculum for Ph.D and complement ongoing Department-specific seminars and journal clubs. Cellular Signaling during development will provide the students with an indepth look at ongoing research in the field of developmental biology with a strong focus on the signaling networks that control these important processes. It will allow for a broad scope of understanding of the techniques, theories and practices involved in the delineation of cellular signaling in complex systems.

MCBP 745 – Topic in Craniofacial Biology - Current and emerging topics in craniofacial biology will be presented and discussed in a Journal Club style format. Initially, a faculty member will introduce and direct all students in the discussion of literature concerning oral-related research topics. Subsequently, students will present topics using faculty-approved papers from top-tiered journals. Students will be expected to participate in active class discussion with other graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty.

MCBP 746 - Environment, Oceans and Health - This course introduces the concept of environmental health and the role ocean and wetlands play in that phenomenon. We discuss topics in the fields of environmental health, ecotoxicology and try to understand the complex underlying biological mechanisms associated with these processes. Students will be required to read chapters from a textbook as well as basic science articles from the popular or scientific literature.

MCBP 747 – Craniofacial Biology Seminar Series - In this series, students give a seminar based on their own research to their fellow students, advisory committee, faculty and post-doctoral fellows in the College of Dental Medicine. This is a great opportunity for the students to present their work in an informal setting and to receive constructive feedback on his/her studies from a large audience with different scientific backgrounds. Each graduate student will give at least one seminar yearly. Lectures will be supplemented with local as well as invited external speakers, whose research focus is on craniofacial biology.

MCBP 748 – Lipids in Pathobiology - This multidisciplinary course addresses biochemical, applied, and translational approaches to the study of lipids. The course is composed of three main sections: lipid biosynthesis, lipid signaling, and lipids and disease. The first section is a comprehensive treatment of nomenclature and synthesis of major lipid classes including glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterols, as well as methodology for lipid study. The second section addresses roles of bioactive members of these lipid classes in regulation of cell signaling and downstream events. The third section is largely translational, with many lectures on human diseases that involve the lipids and signaling pathways discussed. This course contains a brief hands-on laboratory segment. This course is open this to graduate students, residents, postdocs, and third and fourth medical students. 3 cr. Hrs.

MCBP 749 – Marine Organismal & Environmental Health - Current and emerging topics in marine organismal and environmental health will be presented and discussed in a journal club-style format. Students will be present topics related to the topic of marine organismal and environmental health using faculty-approved articles from peer-reviewed journals, and will be expected to actively participate in the discussion with other students, post doctoral fellows and faculty members.

MCBP 753 – Cell Biology and Cancer Journal Club. This is a journal club counting for 1 credit hour which will meet 2X per month during the fall and spring semesters. Each student will be required to lead a discussion (2 hours) on at least one article which has been recently published on a broad range of topics including basic cellular mechanisms, cancer biology and disease. All students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions. Student presentations will be augmented by the addition of interested postdoctoral fellows and faculty.

MCBP 762 - Mechanisms of Development: Developmental Biology and Animal Models This course will provide a general overview of the fundamental developmental mechanisms and central concepts of development. This 5-week course covers early and intermediate developmental events. Comparative systems discussed include drosophila, zebrafish, Xenopus, chick and mouse models. This course is intended for graduate student training in any aspect of biomedical research. Syllabus

MCBP 780 – Vision & Ocular Diseases - Current and emerging topics in vision and ocular diseases will be presented and discussed in a journal club-style format. Students will present topics related to vision and ocular diseases using faculty-approved articles from peer-reviewed journals, and will be expected to actively participate in the discussion with other students, post doctoral fellows, and faculty members. Some presentation will be made by visiting and MUSC faculty members.

MCBP 782 – Cardiovascular Biology Journal Club - The Cardiovascular Biology Journal Club course is designed to highlight the advances in cardiovascular science and medicine that will soon form the foundation for novel diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches to treating heart disease. Publications will be presented by the students weekly, which address current concepts of the cell and molecular biology bases of cardiovascular function, dysfunction and responsiveness to therapeutic interventions. Students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty who will take part in the weekly discussion include investigators from adult cardiology, adult Endocrinology, Cell Biology and Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Surgery.

MCBP 801 – Cell & Molecular Biology of Minneralized Tissues - This course will cover the biologic principles and cellular/molecular processes of mineralized tissue development, composition and regulation in health and disease. The objectives of this course are: 1) To further understanding of the biologic principles of mineralized tissue development, composition and regulation in health and disease. 2) To develop the ability to read and critique literature in the mineralized tissue field that pertains to craniofacial biology. 3) To achieve a high level of expertise in at least one topic area of mineralized tissues via presentation for education and peer review.

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Neuroscience

NSCS 621 – Human Physiology – This course offered to both Dental and Pharmacy students is designed to present, in detail, the basic principles of human physiology. The core lectures are organized around a systems approach to the study of physiology, concentrating on each basic structural and functional unit of the human body. Emphasis is on understanding how cellular and organ systems function and how they are integrated and regulated by the body to maintain homeostasis. The course is primarily lecture-based and is supplemented with laboratory experimentation, clinical correlations and pathophysiology conferences. The Dental and Pharmacy students attend separate conference and laboratory sessions designed to reinforce and expand upon basic physiologic concepts with reference to their particular professions. 7 s.h. spring. Soltis

NSCS 730 – Fundamentals of Neurosciences - This course is the first component of the introductory graduate sequence designed to provide an overview of the fundamental concepts in the field of neuroscience. This course covers the anatomy of the nervous system, the electrical properties of neurons, synaptic transmission, as well as an overview of sensory and motor systems. The class is primarily taught in lecture format but also includes a human brain dissection laboratory. A background in basic biology or permission of the instructor is required.

NSCS 735 – Clinical Systems Neurosciences – This course is the second component of the introductory graduate sequence designed to provide an overview of the fundamental concepts in the field of neuroscience. Building upon the anatomy and physiology covered in Fundamentals of Neuroscience, this course covers the development and plasticity of the nervous system, higher brain functions such as memory and language, and clinical neuroscience. The class is taught in lecture format. A background in basic biology or permission of the instructor is required.

NSCS 737 – Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory - A laboratory offered to graduate students in neuroscience and bioimaging to study human neuroanatomy.

NSCS 775- ST: Physio/Neuro Struc Mech - Physiology/Neuroscience faculty mentor selected students in a research experience. Topics are those of current interest in the discipline.

NSCS*775*01 - ST: Cognitive Neuroscience, Jane Joseph, PhD
The elective will focus on a number of topics in Cognitive Neuroscience including language, memory, attention, imagery, theory of mind and decision making. The course will explore the neural basis and systems-level brain organization for these varied cognitive processes, drawing on evidence from a wide range of methodological tools including functional MRI, EEG, MEG, PET, brain stimulation, pharmacological manipulation, surgical intervention, lesion studies and modeling. The course format will include some lectures, journal article discussions, and a required oral presentation.

NSCS*775*02 - ST: Psychopharmacology - Carmela Reichel, PhD
Psychopharmacology is the study of the effects of drugs (illicit and prescribed) on mood, sensation, thinking, and overall behavior. Psychopharmacology encompasses a wide range of substances with multiple psychoactive properties, focusing primarily on chemical interactions in the brain. This course will provide coverage on the classification, application, and mechanisms of psychotherapeutic drugs. The purpose of this course is to define pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties of multiple drug classes used to treat a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders.

NSCS*775*03 - Neurodegeneration, Brain Injury, & Recovery, Kumar Sambamurti, PhD
With increasing maturity and longevity, age-associated dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases decrease quality of life and strain industrialized societies' healthcare systems. This course focuses on the molecular, cellular, and systems-based mechanisms of age-related neurodegeneration and explores approaches and targets to prevent and treat them.

NSCS*775*05 - Principles of Imaging and Physics, Truman Brown, PhD and Jens Jensen, PhD
This course surveys the principles and applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neuroscience. Lectures will cover the basic physics of nuclear magnetic resonance, the hardware components of MRI scanners, the concepts underlying image formation, and several specific MRI techniques useful in neuroscience including BOLD fMRI and diffusion MRI. Relevant mathematical methods, such as Fourier transforms, will be reviewed. Prior knowledge of calculus-based introductory physics is assumed. 

NSCS*775*06 - Computational Neuroscience, Takashi Sato, MD, PhD
Deep learning is becoming a critical tool in the study of biomedicine including neuroscience. This course will cover the basics of deep learning together with some programming in Python. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to write a program for handwritten digit recognition.

NSCS*775*07 - Data and Signal Processing Methods in Neuroscience, Thomas Jhou, PhD

NSCS*775*08 - Systems Neuroscience, Jim Otis, PhD
Systems Neuroscience is the study of neural structures and circuits underlying behavior. Systems Neuroscience encompasses a wide range of neural driven processes in an organism. This course will focus on a subset of behaviorally relevant circuits in greater detail than discussed in the core curriculum. The purpose of this course is to extend students’ knowledge on integrated circuit level perspectives on the nervous system. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to describe in detail the systems discussed, develop strategies to understand additional brain systems, and understand techniques for identifying and describing circuits mediating behavior.

NSCS*775*09 - Advanced Techniques in Neuroscience
Class pulled due to interest

NSCS*775*10 - Ion Channels and Synaptic Transmission, John Woodward, PhD and L. J. Chandler, PhD
This course will explore ion channels, methods to analyze their activity and how changes in expression/function underlie forms of neuronal plasticity. Students will learn the fundamentals of patch-clamping and brain slice recordings, major voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels expressed in neurons, how plasticity of intrinsic excitability modulates neuronal output, and the major forms of glutamatergic synaptic plasticity

NSCS*775*11 - Neurobiology of SUDs, Peter Kalivas, PhD
This is a course where we will examine the recent literature for emerging concepts on the neurobiology of substance use.  The course is in part tailored to the career goals of the students who can partake in choosing which research directions we will discuss in detail.  Areas to be covered can range from the actions of specific drugs of abuse to the changes in brain produced by drug use that may lead to novel therapeutic interventions.  By completing this course students will have specific knowledge on some of the leading experimental issues in the study of substance abuse and develop perspectives on where the field is headed, both in terms of elucidating novel brain mechanisms and developing novel therapeutics.

NSCS*775*12 - Neurodevelopment and its Disorders, Jane Joseph, PhD and Chris Cowan, PhD

NSCS*775*13 - Neurobiology of Mental Illness, Makoto Taniguchi, PhD
The Neurobiology of Mental Illness is the study of neural structures and circuits underlying different classes of neuropsychiatric disorders. This course will describe in detail the illness’s discussed and study strategies to understand brain systems involved in mental illness.

NSCS*775*14 - Grant Writing, Patrick Mullholland, PhD
This course will provide a complete overview for creating and submitting an F30/F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award to the National Institutes of Health. The faculty will discuss all components of the grant proposal and explain how to develop a competitive grant application. Students will have an opportunity to draft and receive feedback from faculty and peers on components of the grant application. Grades will be determined from class participation and quality of grant components. The learning objectives of the course are to understand the elements of an F31 grant proposal, learn how to develop a competitive grant application, understand how to submit and resubmit grant proposals, and gain insight into the review process through a mock study section. A passing grade in Fundamentals of Neuroscience or faculty permission is a prerequisite for this course.

NSCS 780 – Seminar/Journal Club - All students in the Physiology/Neuroscience graduate program will participate in this course which involves seminars by invited outside speakers, MUSC faculty, postdoctoral fellows, as well as students. Each seminar is preceded by a critical evaluation of literature relevant to the topic of the seminar speaker, often recent papers published by the speaker.

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Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PATH)

PATH 700 – Seminar in Pathobiology - This seminar course encompasses scientific presentations primarily from the two research foci of the department-cancer biology and neurobiology-in addition to other closely related research areas of interest. The seminar course serves several purposes: 1). To allow students in the department to gain experience in developing and enhancing their presentation skills, 2). To keep the department abreast of the scientific progress of the students' research, and 3). To enrich the progression of the students' research by receiving helpful comments from members of the department (fellow students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members). Furthermore, the students and postdoctoral fellows are able to choose a total of 5 outside speakers per school year (Two are selected by the graduate students, two are selected by postdoctoral fellows, and one is selected by the graduate students with the assistance of the postdoctoral fellows to be a Dean's Seminar Series Speaker). In addition, the seminare series also includes presentations from departmental junior faculty and MUSC faculty from other departments whose research interests overlap with those of the Pathology & Laboratory of Medicine department. Graduate students are required to anonymously critique the presentations of their pears for class credit.

PATH 730 – Princ of Targeted Cancer Drug - As we enter the age of "personalized medicine" strategic choices for therapies can be made based on the identification of the molecular parameters determined by profiling a patient's tumor. This course seeks to explain this principle.

PATH 789 – Grad Histology & Intro to Histopathology - This course will provide the graduate student with the opportunity to learn to visualize the microscopic architecture of the human/animal body. A main goal is to teach basic and organ histology as a prerequisite for graduate student participation in a general pathology course. For graduate students in fields other than pathology the course will provide a practical understanding of histology. The primary resource for this course is WebMic, a Virtual Microscope and a Companion Manual of Histology Exercises. WebMic mimics the use of the microscope in learning histology. Emphasis will be placed on guided self-directed learning with ample opportunity for interaction with the instructors. Interaction with instructors is possible through direct viewing of specimens with microscopes, the use of dual viewing microscopes, and TV microscopy. This course is planned to be managed and administrated online via WebCT. Examinations will be both oral, written and practical questions administered by computer via WebCt. 3 s.h. Spring Selective

PATH 792 – Anatomy, Histology & Histopathology of Lab Mouse - The anatomy, histology, and histopathology of the laboratory mouse will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on differences between human and mouse so future investigators who may use a mouse model of a human disease will understand approaches to developing new models as well as limitations of a given model. Lectures will present how to conduct a necropsy, anatomy, histology, basic principles of pathology and examples of unique pathology of the mouse. Lab sessions will provide hands on execution of the necropsy of a mouse and interactive tutorial/discussion of histology and histopathology using specimens on glass slides and virtual slides. Due to the brevity of the course, only a limited number of pathological entities will be included. Two Genetically Engineered Mouse (GEM) models will be presented during the third week to reinforce the significance of understanding differences between mouse and human anatomy, histology, ad pathology. Postdocs and research technicians are welcome with prior approval from the course director.

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Cell & Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (PCOL)

PCOL 621 – Pharmacology - Teaches the fundamental principles and concepts of pharmacology. In the broad sense, this course is a study of the selective biologic activity of chemical substances on living matter. It presents the principles of drug absorption, distribution, and metabolism, the concepts of drug-receptor interaction, and the therapeutic uses and mechanisms of action of prototype drugs in each major drug group. 4 s.h. Spring

PCOL 625 – Human Physiology - his course in human physiology is designed to utilize basic physiologic concepts towards understanding the integrative nature of organ and whole body function. The fall semester presents integrated concepts of 1) Cell membrane structure and function including transport processes, receptors/signaling and electrophysiology; 2) muscle types emphasizing excitation and contractile processes; 3) autonomic nervous system organization and function; 4) regulation and maintenance of cardiovascular and respiratory function; 5) laboratory exercises on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulmonary function testing (PFT)

PCOL 721 – Principles of Pharmacology - This course develops an understanding of the principles required for conducting research studies involving the use of pharmacological agents as tools for understanding basic biological processes. The course covers basic principles of receptor theory, analysis of dose-response relationships, data interpretation, and the relationship between the chemistry of biological molecules and their cellular actions. These principles are developed in relation to departmental research tracks in signal transduction/cancer biology, functional genomics, cardiovascular biology and drug metabolism/toxicology. The course will impart an essential understanding of how pharmacological agents interact with living systems and how such actions are examined from an experimental point of view. 4 s.h.

PCOL 724 – Pharmacology & Medicine - Using a topical approach, weekly sessions will go from didactic introduction to in-depth discussion of the pharmacologic principles necessary for understanding and studying the areas covered. Spring Selective cross-listed with DDBS 712

PCOL 726 – Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics - This course will examine basic principles of mass spectrometry as well as instrumentation and applications with an emphasis on the analysis of biomolecules. In addition, the course will provide detailed coverage of proteomics analysis including techniques, quantitative strategies, applications and bioinformatics analysis approaches.

PCOL 731 – Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Journal Club - This will be a journal club counting for 1 credit hour. Each student will be required to lead a discussion (approx. 45 min.) on at least one journal article published within the last calendar year covering one or more of the following topics: 1) protein mass spectrometry or large-scale proteomic studies; 2) advances in instrumentation, methodology, or software employed for protein characterization and analysis; 3) quantitative "-omic" strategies; 4) computational proteomics; 5) bioinformatic analysis. The presentation will be followed by a 15 min. question and answer session, and all journal club members will be encouraged to ask questions during the presentation as well. It is expected that, through this format, the student will gain an understanding of traditional proteomics methodology and recent technological advances which are driving the field of proteomics-based biology. This will be assessed by evaluating the student's written critique (through provided journal article worksheets) of the proteomics methodology applied in the relevant studies reviewed weekly.

PCOL 735 – Advanced Biochemistry - A number of fundamental biochemical concepts and approaches provide the basis of all biomedical research. This course is designed to help students master these key techniques and associated theories to study the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids at the molecular level. The overarching goal is that students will be equipped to undertake such approaches during their graduate research. Spring Selective – cross-listed with BMB 735

PCOL 744 – Topics in Cell Signaling - Current and emerging topics in cellular signaling will be presented and discussed in a journal club-style format. Students will present topics related to cellular signaling using faculty-approved articles from peer-reviewed journals, and will be expected to actively participate in the discussion with other students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty members.

PCOL 751 – Research in Pharmacology - Students work with faculty investigators participating in research projects in basic and/or clinical pharmacology. Depending on the stage of advancement and desire of the individual, the student chooses their own project or participates in a project already in progress. In either case, the student has close supervision from one or more faculty members. Arrangements for a research elective must be made with the individual faculty member under whom the student wishes to study. The student receives a grade on the basis of faculty observation of performance and a written paper on the research project.

PCOL 753 – Redox Regulation Oxidative Stress & Selenoproteins - This is a specialized course in the field of redox biology. Organized by MUSC with the support of the SC COBRE program, the course also features faculty and students from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Medical Center.

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