Contact: Megan Leung in the CBMG Undergraduate Office at mleung3@umd.edu or 301-405-2766.
For a full list of BSCI courses, visit the Schedule of Classes.
BSCI-Sponsored Introductory Courses
BSCI160 Principles of Ecology and Evolution (3 Credits)
Basic principles of biology with special emphasis on ecological and evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH120 or higher.
Recommended: For Science majors.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI106 or BSCI160.
Formerly: BSCI106.
BSCI161 Principles of Ecology and Evolution Lab (1 Credit)
Basic laboratory principles of biology with special emphasis on ecological and evolutionary biology. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH120 or higher.
Corequisite: BSCI160.
Recommended: For Science majors.
BSCI170 Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology (3 Credits)
Basic principles of biology with special emphasis on cellular and molecular biology.
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH120 or higher.
Recommended: For Science majors.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI105 or BSCI170.
Formerly: BSCI105.
BSCI171 Principles of Molecular & Cellular Biology Laboratory (1 Credit)
Basic laboratory principles of biology with special emphasis on cellular and molecular biology. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH120 or higher.
Corequisite: BSCI170.
Recommended: For Science majors.
BSCI207 Principles of Biology III - Organismal Biology (3 Credits)
The diversity, structure and function of organisms as understood from the perspective of their common physicochemical principles and unique evolutionary histories.
Prerequisite: BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106. And BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105. And must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in CHEM131.
BSCI222 Principles of Genetics (4 Credits)
Principles and mechanisms of heredity and gene expression. Considers plant, animal, and microbial organisms.
Prerequisite: CHEM131 and CHEM132; and (BSCI160 and BSCI161; or BSCI106); and (BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105). Or must have completed BSCI105 or (BSCI170 and BSCI171); and two semesters of chemistry.
BSCI-Sponsored Research/Internship
BSCI289 Off-Campus Internship (1-3 Credits)
Provides credit for off-campus research internships. This credit counts as elective toward graduation, but does not satisfy any Biological Sciences degree requirements (For information about research credit that does count toward Biological Sciences contact the Biological Sciences Program, room 1322 Symons Hall). The off-campus internship credit requires that a contract form be filed with the Assistant Dean for Science Education Initiatives, Room 1313 Symons Hall, prior to the internship. The contract must be finalized and signed by the research supervisor at the end of the semester before credit will be awarded. Click here for more information.
CBMG-Sponsored Introductory Courses
BSCI124 Plant Biology for Non-Science Students (3 Credits)
A basic course in plant biology specifically designed for the non-science student. Emphasis is placed on an evolutionary and ecological approach to studying fundamental concepts and processes of plants, their place in the biosphere, the importance of plants to man, and the manner in which humans impact on plants and their environment. This course will not count toward graduation requirements for any student in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Restriction: For non-science majors only; and must not have completed BSCI105; and must not have completed BSCI170 or BSCI171.
Additional Information: CORE Life Sciences Lab (LL) Course only when taken concurrently with BSCI 125.
BSCI125 Plant Biology Laboratory (1 Credit)
An introduction to the biology of plants with emphasis on the processes by which plants function, the diversity of plants, and the importance of plants to humans. This course will not count toward graduation requirements for any student in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. CORE Lab Science.
Corequisite: BSCI124.
Restriction: For non-science majors only; and must not have completed BSCI105; and must not have completed BSCI170 or BSCI171.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI105, BSCI170, or BSCI125.
Additional Information: CORE Life Sciences Lab (LL) Course only when taken concurrently with BSCI 124. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
BSCI135 Amazing Green: Plants that Transformed the World (4 Credits)
An interactive way to learn about plants and science, focusing on how plants have changed human history, the biology of their growth, and the science behind their use. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee. Not acceptable for credit for any Biological Sciences major.
BSCI223 General Microbiology (4 Credits)
Fundamental concepts in morphology, physiology, genetics, immunology, ecology, and pathogenic microbiology. Applications of microbiology to medicine, the food industry and biotechnology. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI223 or BSCI283.
Prerequisite: BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105.
BSCI283 Principles of Microbiology (4 Credits)
Introduction to microorganisms designed for science majors. Genetic principles underlying microbial abilities; microbial structure-function relationships; metabolism, physiology, and ecology of microorganisms; interactions between microorganisms (including pathogens) and their hosts. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: BSCI207 and BSCI222.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI223 or BSCI283.
Additional Information: Priority given to BSCI, BCHM and CHEM majors.
CBMG ADVANCED PROGRAM COURSES
BSCI330 Cell Biology and Physiology (4 Credits)
* Scheduling and lab coordination is sponsored by the Biology Department.
Biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying cellular function. Properties of cells which make life possible and mechanisms by which cells provide energy, reproduce, and regulate and integrate with each other and their environment. Specialization Areas: PHNB, CEBG, MICB, ECEV, and GENB. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in CHEM131 and CHEM132. And minimum grade of C- in BSCI170 and BSCI171; or minimum grade of C- in BSCI105.
Restriction: Must not have completed BSCI230.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI230 or BSCI330.
Formerly: BSCI230.
BSCI348 Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (Perm Req) (1-4 Credits)
Presentation and discussion of special subjects in the field of cell biology and molecular genetics. May be repeated, but only 3 credits may be applied to major requirements.
Contact department for information to register for this course.
BSCI348A Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Microbiology Undergraduate Teaching Practicum (Perm Req) (3 Credits)
Students will act as Undergraduate Teaching Assistants for BSCI223. Prerequisite: A or B in BSCI223 and permission of instructor. Students must be available for one of the BSCI223 lab periods. Students interested in this teaching/leadership opportunity should contact Dr. John Buchner for application information: This course is applicable for the Enrichment credits required of all Biological Sciences students in majors with 0404 codes. For others this is elective credit. Formerly: BSCI348U.
BSCI348I: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Infectious Disease Process (3 Credits)
Restricted to students in the Science in the Evening Program (SIE). Click here for more information.
BSCI348J: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Medical Microbiology (3 Credits)
Prerequisite: BSCI105 (grade of B or better) or BSCI223 or BSCI283. Credit only granted for BSCI424 or BSCI348J. Mechanisms of pathogenesis detection, prevention and treatment of bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens of humans.
BSCI348M: Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Epidemiology of Microbial Pathogens (3 Credits)
Study of infectious bacteria and viruses acting at the population level in humans and animals. Identification of causes and spread of infection. Acceptable towards Biological Sciences areas: MICB and GENB. Prerequisite: BSCI105.
BSCI410 Molecular Genetics (3 Credits)
An advanced genetics course emphasizing the molecular basis of gene structure and function in the context of modern approaches to the genetics of humans and model organisms. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences specialization areas: PHNB, MICB, CEBG, GENB and CMBG.
Prerequisite: BSCI222. And must have completed CHEM233; or (CHEM231 and CHEM232).
BSCI411 Bioinformatics and Integrated Genomics (4 Credits)
Computational methods for the study of biological sequence data in comparative biology and evolution. Analysis of genome content and organization. Database searching, pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic, methods, pattern recognition, and functional inference. Functional and comparative genomics approaches. Acceptable to Biological Specialization Areas: CEBG, MICB, and GENB. Students must pay a $40.00 Laboratory Materials fee.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in BSCI222.
Recommended: BSCI410.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI380 or BSCI411.
Formerly: BSCI380.
BSCI412 Microbial Genetics (4 Credits)
A laboratory/lecture based course that covers the fundamentals of mutation, mobile genetic elements and transmission genetics of microbial organisms using both classical and molecular approaches. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: MICB, CEBG, and GENB. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: BSCI223 and BSCI222.
BSCI414 Recombinant DNA Laboratory (3 Credits)
An advanced course offering hands-on experience in performing recombinant DNA experiments. All current molecular biology techniques used for cloning prokaryotic genes, analyzing the gene products, and modifying the genes will be performed. Techniques include isolation of DNA, use of restriction enzymes; cloning procedures, PCR analysis, and Southern hybridizations. Lecture material focuses on interpretation of results generated in the laboratory. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: PHNB, MICB, CEBG and GENB. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: BSCI222.
BSCI415 Molecular Genetics Laboratory (3 Credits)
Problem-solving laboratory organized around extended projects that employ different approaches toward linking gene and function. Specialization Areas: CEBG and GENB. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in BSCI410.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
BSCI416 Human Genetics (3 Credits)
Approaches to human genetics and applications to biology and medicine focusing on specific human genetic topics using primary research papers as the main resource.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in BSCI410.
Recommended: BSCI330.
BSCI417 Microbial Pathogenesis (3 Credits)
Current research in microbial pathogenesis and the molecular and cellular basis of bacterial disease. Comprehensive overview of the molecular basis of pathogenesis with a focus on model microbial systems to illustrate mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Topics covered: how microorganisms attach to and enter cells; how host cells are damaged by microbial products; how the host responds to invasion; and host-pathogen evolution.
Prerequisite: BSCI223 and BSCI222.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
BSCI420 Cell Biology Lectures (3 Credits)
Molecular and biochemical bases of cellular organization and function in eukaryotes. Specialization Areas: PHNB, CEBG, and GENB. Cross-listed with BSCI420. Credit only granted for BSCI420 or CBMG688C.
Prerequisite: BSCI330, BSCI222, CHEM231, and CHEM232.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI420 or BSCI421.
BSCI422 Principles of Immunology (3 Credits)
The immune system in health and disease. Presentation and analysis of the cellular and molecular processes that comprise the immune system. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: PHNB, MICB, CEBG, and GENB. Jointly offered with CBMG699W.
Prerequisite: BSCI222.
Recommended: BSCI330, BSCI223 or BSCI283
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
BSCI423 Immunology Laboratory (2 Credits)
Current techniques for assessment of immune status and evaluation of the immune response, including monoclonal antibody production, Western blotting, cytokine assays, ELISA and flow cytometry. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: PHNB, MICB, CEBG and GENB. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: BSCI222.
Recommended: BSCI330, BSCI223 or BSCI283
Corequisite: BSCI422.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
BSCI424 Pathogenic Microbiology (4 Credits)
The role of bacteria and fungi in the diseases of humans with emphasis upon the differentiation and culture of microorganisms, types of disease, modes of disease transmission, prophylactic, therapeutic, and epidemiological aspects. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: MICB and GENB (Category 2). Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: BSCI223
BSCI425 Advanced Cell Biology Lab Practices (2 Credits)
Experimental techniques used to study the molecular, structural, and spatial organization of plant and animal cells. Using a combination of in vitro assays aimed at analyzing macromolecular and subcellular components and in vivo analyses designed to reveal the inner architecture of a typical eukaryotic cell, students will have an opportunity to: improve some of the basic technical and conceptual skills they acquired in an introductory cell biology course; develop a more sophisticated understanding of the nature of experimental cell manipulation; and tackle the ongoing challenge of articulating their findings in both written and oral communication.
Prerequisite: Must have completed BSCI330, BSCI222, CHEM231, and CHEM232; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in BSCI420.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI421, BSCI425, or BSCI348C.
BSCI432 Systems View of Cell Biology (3 Credits)
An integrated understanding of cell biology based upon reading of literature, discussion of new findings, and quantitative simulations. Exploration of ten topics including Heredity, Curing Diseases, and Synthesizing Life. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: CEBG (Cell Biology), GENB(Cell Biology).
Prerequisite: BSCI330.
BSCI437 General Virology (3 Credits)
Discussion of the physical and chemical nature of viruses, virus cultivation and assay methods, virus replication, viral diseases with emphasis on the oncogenic viruses, viral genetics, and characteristics of the major virus groups. Acceptable toward Biological Sciences Specialization Areas: GENB, MICB and CEBG.
Prerequisite: BSCI222; or permission of CMNS-Biological Sciences UG Program.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
BSCI442 Plant Physiology (4 Credits)
A survey of plant physiology and development and responses and adaptation to the environment. Students must pay a $40.00 laboratory materials fee.
Prerequisite: BSCI170 and BSCI171; or BSCI105; or PLSC201. And CHEM231 and CHEM232; or CHEM237; or permission of CMNS-Biological Sciences UG Program; or permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department. Cross-listed with PLSC400.
Credit Only Granted for: BSCI442 or PLSC400.
BSCI443 Microbial Physiology (3 Credits)
Microbial cellular and population growth. Fermentation metabolism, physiology of anaerobiosis, and energy conservation and transformation in bacterial membranes. Efficiency of energy utilization for growth. Membrane structure and transport. Bacterial chemotaxis. Regulation of bacterial chromosome replication, RNA and protein synthesis. Control of metabolic pathways.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in BSCI223 or BSCI283. And minimum grade of C- in BCHM461; or minimum grade of C- in BCHM463.
BSCI464 Microbial Ecology (3 Credits)
Interaction of microorganisms with the environment, other microorganisms and with higher organisms. Roles of microorganisms in the biosphere. Microorganisms and current environmental problems.
Prerequisite: BSCI223 or BSCI283, and CHEM271 or CHEM277.
CBMG Honors Courses
BSCI378H Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Honors Seminar (Perm Req) (1 Credit)
Required seminar for all students participating in departmental honors research program. Restricted to students participating in the CBMG Departmental Honors Program. If you are interested in a CBMG Departmental Honors Research experience, please see the CBMG department web site for detailed information. Click here for more information.
Corequisite: BSCI379H.
BSCI379H Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Honors Research (1-3 Credits) (Perm Req)
Student should consult program guidelines. Research project carried out under guidance of faculty advisor. Restricted to students participating in the CBMG Departmental Honors Program. Click here for more information.
Corequisite: BSCI378H.
CBMG Research Courses/Internships
BSCI279R Supplemental Study; Undergraduate Research Rotation (Perm Req) (1-3 Credits)
Research or special study to complement a course taken previously which is not fully equivalent to current departmental requirements. Credit according to work done. Contact department for information to register for this course. Click here for more information.
BSCI348R Special Topics in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Microbiology Internship (Perm Req) (1-4 Credits)
This course is an opportunity for students interested in microbiology to pursue a research project in an off-campus lab. The student must see the instructor and complete an information sheet found on the web site, prior to enrolling in the course. Click here for more information.
BSCI379G Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Research; Research in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (Perm Req) (1-3 Credits)
This course is arranged to provide qualified majors an opportunity to pursue research problems under the supervision of a member of the department. Contact department for information to register for this course. Click here for more information.
BSCI379L Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department Research; Lab Research (Perm Req) (1-3 Credits)
Any combination of 3 credits of BSCI 379G, BSCI 379L, and BSCI 379H can be used to satisfy the enrichment requirement in CEBG, ECEV, MICB, or PHNB or an upper-level elective in GENB. Students must have successfully completed at least one semester in a Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics department research lab before getting permission to take BSCI 379L in the same lab. Students completing at least 4 credits of laboratory research including at least one semester taking BSCI 379L may substitute this experience for one of the two upper-level laboratory courses required to complete any BSCI major. Contact department for information to register for this course. Click here for more information.