MVIR 435. Seminar in Molecular Biology/Microbiology. 1 Unit.

Graduate students will attend the departmental seminar given by all graduate students in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, in the Molecular Virology Program, and in the Cell Biology Program, as well as give a seminar on their own thesis research. Students will be evaluated by the faculty member in charge of that student's seminar with input from the students' own thesis committee. After each seminar, the student presenter will meet with other graduate students for peer-review of the content, delivery, and style of the seminar. Peer reviewers will also be evaluated for the quality of their input. Offered as CLBY 435 and MBIO 435 and MVIR 435.

MVIR 445. Molecular Biology and Pathogenesis of RNA and DNA Viruses. 3 Units.

Through a combination of lectures by Case faculty and guest lecturers, along with student discussion of current literature, this course emphasizes mechanisms of viral gene expression and pathogenesis. RNA viruses to be discussed include positive, negative, and retroviruses. DNA viruses include SV40, adenovirus, herpes, papilloma, and others. Important aspects of host defense mechanisms, antiviral agents, and viral vectors will also be covered. Students will be evaluated based on their quality of presentation of course papers assigned to them and their overall participation in class discussions. Offered as MBIO 445 and MVIR 445. Prereq: CBIO 453 and CBIO 455.

MVIR 450. Cells and Pathogens. 3 Units.

Modern molecular cell biology owes a great debt to viral and bacterial pathogens as model systems. In some instances pathogens operate by faithful mimicry of host proteins, and other cases represent the result of extensive molecular tinkering and convergent evolution. This course will also explore numerous mechanisms utilized by pathogens to subvert the host and enhance their own survival. Topics covered include nuclear regulatory mechanisms, protein synthesis and stability, membrane-bound organelles, endocytosis and phagocytosis, and factors that influence cell behavior such as cytoskeleton rearrangements, cell-cell interactions, and cell migration. Additional topics include cell signaling and co-evolution of pathogens and host cell functions. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss pre-assigned readings consisting of brief reviews and seminal papers from the literature. Student assessment will be based on effective class participation (approximately 80%) and successful presentation of an independent research topic (approximately 20%). Offered as CLBY 450, MBIO 450, and MVIR 450. Prereq: CBIO 453 and CBIO 455 or permission of instructor.

MVIR 526. Cell Biology and Human Disease. 3 Units.

This course is designed to provide broad base of knowledge regarding cell structure and function. The basic structure of the cell will be discussed, as will the various functional systems that are superimposed upon and interact with this structure. The course will discuss organelle biogenesis, materials movement inside cells, cell interaction with the external environment, cell cycle and cell death regulation, cytoskeleton dynamics, quality control mechanisms, and basic signal transduction concepts. The course will also discuss how abnormal cell function may lead to human disease, and how basic cell function may be harnessed by intracellular pathogens to provide favorable intracellular environments for replication. The major goals of this course are to provide students with a working knowledge of the cell to facilitate understanding of the scientific literature, and to familiarize students with modern experimental approaches in cell biology. The course will rely heavily on student participation. Students will be provided with study guides with the expectation they will come to class prepared to lead interactive group discussions with minimal input from instructors. Offered as CLBY 526, MBIO 526 and MVIR 526.

MVIR 601. Research. 1 - 18 Units.

Grade of S/U only.

MVIR 701. Dissertation Ph.D.. 1 - 9 Units.

Grade of S/U only. Prereq: Predoctoral research consent or advanced to Ph.D. candidacy milestone.