Biology

Bi 1. Drugs and the Brain. 9 units (4-0-5); third term. This course introduces nonbiologists to recent advances in biology, biomedical science, and applied biology. The scientific community is beginning to understand the mechanisms of drug addiction, the causes of major neurological diseases, and some medical therapies for these diseases. Because many of these advances involve molecular biology and genetics, the course treats the fundamental aspects of drug actions on the nervous system, from the quantitative, molecular, physical, and chemical viewpoints. Instructors: Lester, staff.

Bi 2. Current Research in Biology. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. Intended for students considering the biology option; open to freshmen. Current research in biology will be discussed, on the basis of reading assigned in advance of the discussions, with members of the divisional faculty. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Revel, staff.

Bi 8. Introduction to Molecular Biology; Organization and Expression of Genetic Information. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. This course and its sequel, Bi 9, cover biology at the cellular level. After introducing basic concepts necessary for understanding biological systems at the molecular level, Bi 8 emphasizes cellular processes involved in the organization and expression of genetic information, including what is commonly called molecular biology, and introduces topics in developmental biology and immunology. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Varshavsky, Chan.

Bi 9. Cell Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Continues coverage of biology at the cellular level, begun in Bi 8. Topics: cytoplasmic structure, membrane structure and function, cell motility, and cell-cell recognition. Emphasis on both the ultrastructural and biochemical approaches to these topics. Instructors: Dunphy, staff.

Bi 10. Cell Biology Laboratory. 6 units (1-3-2); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 8; designed to be taken concurrently with Bi 9. Introduction to basic methods in cell and molecular biological research, including polymerase chain reaction, molecular cloning, expression and purification of recombinant fusion proteins in bacteria, enzymology, and gel electrophoresis of proteins and nucleic acids. Instructor: Deshaies.

Bi 22. Undergraduate Research. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Special problems involving laboratory research in biology; to be arranged with instructors before registration. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Staff.

Bi 23. Biology Tutorial. Units to be arranged; maximum of 6 units per term; second, third terms. Study and discussion of special problems in biology, usually involving regular tutorial sessions with instructors. To be arranged through the instructor before registration. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Strauss, staff.

Bi 24. Biology Communication. 3 units (0-0-3); first, second, third terms. Students either write a 3,000-word paper on a biological subject, or use a scientific paper written as part of a biology course (such as BMB/Bi/Ch 170 or Bi 188, which require papers), then work individually with their faculty adviser to produce an acceptable final version. Fulfills the Institute scientific writing requirement. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Staff.

Bi 80. Biology Major Seminar. 3 units (1-0-2); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 9 or instructor’s permission. May be repeated for credit, with instructor’s permission. Discussions and student presentations designed for biology majors from sophomores to seniors, to provide information and practice oral communication techniques. Topics will include career choices; admission to medical or graduate school; student research projects, including senior thesis research; and current biological topics of interest. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Revel, Schuman.

Bi 90 abc. Undergraduate Thesis. 12 or more units per term; first, second, third terms. Prerequisites: 18 units of Bi 22 (or equivalent research experience) in the research area proposed for the thesis, concurrent registration for Bi 80 during first term, and instructor’s permission. Intended to extend opportunities for research provided by Bi 22 into a coherent individual research project, carried out under the supervision of a member of the biology faculty. Normally involves three or more consecutive terms of work in the junior and senior years. The student will formulate a research problem based in part on work already carried out, evaluate previously published work in the field, and present new results in a thesis format. First two terms graded pass/fail; final term graded by letter on the basis of the completed thesis. Instructors: Revel, staff.

Ph/Bi 103 b. Neuroscience for Physicists and Engineers. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Physics.

Bi/Ch 110. Introduction to Biochemistry. 12 units (4-0-8); first term. Prerequisite: Ch 41 abc or instructor’s permission. Lectures and recitation introducing the molecular basis of life processes, with emphasis on the structure and function of proteins. Topics will include the derivation of protein structure from the information inherent in a genome, biological catalysis, the intermediary metabolism that provides energy to an organism, and the use of DNA manipulations, cloning, and expression of proteins in foreign hosts to study protein structure and function. Instructors: Richards, Campbell.

Bi/Ch 111. Biochemistry of Gene Expression. 12 units (4-0-8); second term. Prerequisites: Bi/Ch 110; Bi 8 and Bi 122 recommended. Lectures and recitation on the molecular basis of biological structure and function. Emphasizes the storage, transmission, and expression of genetic information in cells. Specific topics include DNA replication, recombination, repair and mutagenesis, transcription, RNA processing, and protein synthesis. Instructors: Campbell, Parker.

Bi/Ch 113. Biochemistry of the Cell. 12 units (4-0-8); third term. Prerequisites: Bi/Ch 110; Bi 9 recommended. Lectures and recitation on the biochemistry of basic cellular processes in the cytosol and at the cell surface, with emphasis on signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and control of cell division. Specific topics include cell-cell signaling, control of gene expression by cell surface molecules, tumorigenesis, endocytosis, exocytosis, viral entry, and cell cycle regulation. Instructors: Chan, Shan.

Bi 114. Immunology. 12 units (4-0-8); second term. Prerequisites: Bi 8, Bi 9, Bi 122 or equivalent, and Bi/Ch 110 recommended. The course will cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate recognition and response in the mammalian immune system. Topics include cellular and humoral immunity, the structural basis of immune recognition, antigen presentation and processing, developmental regulation of gene rearrangement, biochemistry of lymphocyte activation, lymphokines and the regulation of cellular responses, T and B cell development, and mechanisms of tolerance. Instructors: Bjorkman, Rothenberg.

Bi 115. Virology. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisites: Bi 8, Bi 9. Introduction to the chemistry and biology of viruses. Emphasis on replication strategies of animal viruses, with consideration also given to epidemiology of viruses, nature and control of virus diseases, evolution of viruses, and some aspects of bacterial and plant virus replication. Instructor: Strauss. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi 117. Developmental Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisites: Bi 8 and Bi 9. A survey of the development of multicellular organisms. Topics will include the beginning of a new organism (fertilization), the creation of multicellularity (cellularization, cleavage), reorganization into germ layers (gastrulation), induction of the nervous system (neurulation), and creation of specific organs (organogenesis). Emphasis will be placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying morphogenetic movements, differentiation, and interactions during development, covering both classical and modern approaches to studying these processes. Instructor: Bronner-Fraser.

CNS/Bi/Psy 120. The Neuronal Basis of Consciousness. 9 units (4-0-5). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 122. Genetics. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 8 or Bi 9, or instructor’s permission. Lecture and discussion course covering basic principles of genetics. Instructors: Hay, Sternberg.

Bi 123. Genetics Laboratory. 12 units (2-8-2); second term. Prerequisite: Bi 122. Laboratory exercises illustrating the principles of genetics, with emphasis on Mendelian inheritance in multicellular eukaryotes, including Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Instructors: Hay, staff.

Bi 125. Principles and Methods of Gene Transfer and Gene Manipulation in Eukaryotic Cells. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Prerequisite: Bi/Ch 110. Lecture and discussion course dealing with modern approaches to “genetic intervention’’ in eukaryotic cells. Topics: mutagenesis of cultured animal cells and selection schemes; gene transfer into cultured cells mediated by naked DNA, chromosomes, and viruses; transformation of yeast by chromosomal DNA and plasmids; neoplastic transformation of plant cells by Agrobacteria plasmids; nuclear transplantation and gene injection into amphibian eggs and oocytes; selective drug-induced gene amplification in cultured animal cells; somatic cell hybridization. Instructor: Attardi. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

Bi 129. Cellular Dynamics: Advanced Topics in Cell Biology of Neurons and Nonneuronal Cells. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 9 or instructor’s permission. Topics to be covered may include proteomics, modeling of signal transduction cascades, protein modification, protein synthesis and degradation, signaling through lipid messengers, calcium signaling, metabolic control, transport within polarized cells, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Instructors: Schuman, Zinn.

Psy/Bi/CNS 131. The Psychology of Learning and Motivation. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Psychology.

Bi/Ch 132. Biophysics of Macromolecules. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Recommended prerequisite: Bi/Ch 110. Structural and functional aspects of nucleic acids and proteins, including hybridization; electrophoretic behavior of nucleic acids; principles and energetics of folding of polypeptide chains in proteins; allostery and cooperativity in protein action; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; and methods of structure determination, such as X-ray diffraction and magnetic resonance. Structure and function of metalloenzymes. Instructors: Barton, Beauchamp.

SS/Psy/Bi/CNS 140. Social Neuroscience. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Social Science.

Bi 145. Anatomy and Physiology. 9 units (4-0-5); first term. Recommended prerequisites: Bi 8, 9, 12, 110, or instructor’s permission. Bi 110 may be taken concurrently. Bi 114 may be helpful. The course aims to relate Caltech biology core courses (predominantly molecular and cellular) to the basic structure and function of the human body. The course will present key concepts in anatomy and embryology to support its focus on key topics and principles of physiology. Topics will concentrate on cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and musculoskeletal physiology, in an organ-based fashion. Other topics will include neuroendocrine, immunologic, hematologic, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and reproductive physiology. Instructors: Fraser, staff.

Bi/CNS 150. Neurobiology. 10 units (4-0-6); first term. Lectures and discussions on general principles of the organization and function of nervous systems, providing both an overview of the subject and a foundation for advanced courses. Topics include neurocytology and gross neuroanatomy; developmental neurobiology; the biophysical basis for action potentials, synaptic transmission, and sensory transduction; and the integration of these processes in sensory and motor pathways of the central nervous system. Laboratory demonstrations offer experience with the experimental preparations discussed in the course. Instructors: Zinn, Kennedy.

Bi 152. Introduction to Neuroethology. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Introduction to the neurobiological study of natural behavior of animals. Topics include such questions as how animals recognize and localize signals in their natural environments, how animals move, how behavior develops, what and how animals learn, and how natural selection shapes the evolution of brain and behavior. Instructor: Konishi. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

Bi 156. Molecular Basis of Behavior. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: Bi 150 or instructor’s permission. A lecture and discussion course on the neurobiology of behavior. Topics may include biological clocks, eating behavior, sexual behavior, addiction, mental illness, and neurodegenerative diseases. Instructor: Patterson. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi/CNS 157. Comparative Nervous Systems. 9 units (2-3-4); third term. An introduction to the comparative study of the gross and microscopic structure of nervous systems. Emphasis on the vertebrate nervous system; also, the highly developed central nervous systems found in arthropods and cephalopods. Variation in nervous system structure with function and with behavioral and ecological specializations and the evolution of the vertebrate brain. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

Bi/CNS 158. Vertebrate Evolution. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. An integrative approach to the study of vertebrate evolution combining comparative anatomical, behavioral, embryological, genetic, paleontological, and physiological findings. Special emphasis will be given to: (1) the modification of developmental programs in evolution; (2) homeostatic systems for temperature regulation; (3) changes in the life cycle governing longevity and death; (4) the evolution of brain and behavior. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi/CNS 161. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory. 9 units (0-9-0); second term. Prerequisite: Bi 150 or instructor’s permission. Experiments on the molecules of membrane excitability—ion channels, receptors, and transporters. Students synthesize mRNA in vitro for these molecules from cDNA clones and inject the mRNA into Xenopus oocytes. Students then perform electrophysiological experiments on the oocytes, including voltage-clamp recording of macroscopic currents and patch-clamp recording of single channels. Students analyze the data to reveal quantitative biophysical concepts. Graded pass/fail. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi/CNS 162. Cellular and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory. 12 units (2-7-3); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 150 or instructor’s permission. A laboratory-based introduction to experimental methods used for electrophysiological studies of the central nervous system. Through the term, students investigate the physiological response properties of neurons in insect and mammalian brains, using extra- and intracellular recording techniques. Students are instructed in all aspects of experimental procedures, including proper surgical techniques, electrode fabrication, stimulus presentation, and computer-based data analysis. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Laurent, Schuman. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

ESE/Bi 166. Microbial Physiology. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

ESE/Bi 168. Microbial Metabolic Diversity. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Environmental Science and Engineering.

BMB/Bi/Ch 170. Principles of Three-Dimensional Protein Structure. 9 units (3-3-3). For course description, see Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics.

CNS/Bi 172. Clinical Neuropsychology. 6 units (3-0-3). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

CNS/Bi 176. Cognition. 12 units (6-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 177. Principles of Modern Microscopy. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Lectures and discussions on the underlying principles behind digital, video, differential interference contrast, phase contrast, confocal, and two-photon microscopy. The course will begin with basic geometric optics, characteristics of lenses and microscopes, and principles of accurate imaging. Specific attention will be given to how different imaging elements such as filters, detectors, and objective lenses contribute to the final image. Course work will include critical evaluation of published images and design strategies for simple optical systems. Emphasis in the second half of the course will be placed on the analysis and presentation of two- and three-dimensional images. No prior knowledge of microscopy will be assumed. Instructor: Fraser.

CNS/Bi/BE/Ph 178. Evolution and Biocomplexity. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 180. Methods in Molecular Genetics. 12 units (2-8-2); first term. Prerequisites: Bi 122, Bi 10, or instructor’s permission. An introduction to current molecular genetic techniques including basic microbiological procedures, transposon and UV mutagenesis, gene transfer, preparation of DNA, restriction, ligation, electrophoresis (including pulsed-field), electroporation, Southern blotting, PCR, gene cloning, sequencing, and computer searches for homologies. The first half of the course involves structured experiments designed to demonstrate the various techniques. The second half is devoted to individual research projects in which the techniques are applied to original studies on an interesting, but not well studied, organism. Graded pass/fail. Instructor: Bertani. Additional information concerning this course can be found at http://www.its.caltech.edu/~bi180.

Bi 182. Developmental Gene Regulation and Evolution of Animals. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Prerequisites: Bi 8 and at least one of the following: Bi 111, Bi 114, or Bi 122 (or equivalents). Lectures on and discussion of the regulatory genome; phylogenetic relationships in animals and the fossil record; how developmental gene regulation works; regulatory basis of development in the simplest systems; making parts of the adult animal body plan; pattern formation and deep regulatory networks; the Precambrian world and a gene-regulatory view of the evolutionary origin of animal forms; processes of cis-regulatory evolution; diversification in the arthropods; and the special character of vertebrate evolution. Instructor: Davidson.

CNS/Bi/EE 186. Vision: From Computational Theory to Neuronal Mechanisms. 12 units (4-4-4). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

CNS/Bi/Ph/CS 187. Neural Computation. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 188. Human Genetics and Genomics. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Prerequisite: Bi 122; or graduate standing and instructor’s permission. Introduction to the genetics of humans. Subjects covered include human genome structure, genetic diseases and predispositions, the human genome project, forensic use of human genetic markers, human variability, and human evolution. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi 190. Advanced Genetics. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 122. Lectures and discussions covering advanced principles of genetic analysis. Emphasis on genetic approaches to the study of development in Saccharomyces, Caenorhabditis, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis. Instructor: Sternberg. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

CS/CNS/Bi 191 ab. Biomolecular Computation. 9 units (3-0-6) second term; (2-4-3) third term. For course description, see Computer Science.

Bi 201. Neuroimmunology. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Recommended prerequisites: Bi 114 and Bi 150. A reading course involving student presentations of papers on interactions between the nervous and immune systems. Topics will include emotional state and neural regulation of immune status, cytokine mediation of sickness behavior, stress and cancer, immune cell and cytokine involvement in neural function and in neural injury, and hormone-cytokine networks. Instructor: Patterson. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

Bi 211. Topics in Membrane and Synaptic Physiology. 6 units (3-0-3); first term. Graduate seminar discussing the original literature on the biophysics and molecular biology of ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, transporters, and other molecules underlying the excitability of cell membranes. Instructor: Lester. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi 212. Topics in Neuroethology. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Reading and discussions of original papers related to animal behavior and its analysis by neuroethological methods. Knowledge of neurophysiology is required. Instructor: Konishi. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi 214. Hematopoiesis: A Developmental System. 6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisite: Bi 114, or Bi 182, or Bi 117 plus Bi/Ch 111, or graduate standing. An advanced course with lectures and seminar presentations, based on reading from the current literature. The characteristics of blood cells offer unique insights into the molecular basis of lineage commitment and the mechanisms that control the production of diverse cell types from pluripotent precursors. The course will cover the nature of stem cells, the lineage relationships among differentiated cell types, the role of cytokines and cytokine receptors, apoptosis and lineage-specific proliferation, and how differentiation works at the level of gene regulation and regulatory networks. Roles of prominent regulatory molecules in hematopoietic development will be compared with their roles in other developmental systems. Emphasis will be on explanation of cellular and system-level phenomena in terms of molecular mechanisms. Instructor: Rothenberg. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi/CNS 216. Behavior of Mammals. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. A course of lectures, readings, and discussions focused on the genetic, physiological, and ecological bases of behavior in mammals. A basic knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is desirable. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi/CNS 217. Central Mechanisms in Perception. 6 units (2-0-4); first term. Reading and discussions of behavioral and electrophysiological studies of the systems for the processing of sensory information in the brain. Instructor: Allman. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

Bi 218. Molecular Neurobiology Graduate Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Topics to be announced. Instructor: Anderson. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

CNS/Bi 221. Computational Neuroscience. 9 units (4-0-5). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 225. Topics in Cellular and Molecular Genetics. 6 units (2-0-4); second term. Reading and discussion of current papers on the theory and practice of “genetic intervention’’ in higher eukaryotic cells. Approaches will include DNA and chromosome-mediated transformation of cells in culture, gene amplification, cell fusion, gene injection into eggs, and use of somatic cell genetics techniques for gene cloning. Emphasis on the use of these approaches to study problems in areas such as cell differentiation, cell cycle control, cell compartmentation, and membrane physiology and assembly. Instructor: Attardi. Given in alternate years; offered 2005–06.

Bi 227. Methods in Modern Microscopy. 12 units (2-6-4); first term. Prerequisite: instructor’s permission. Discussion and laboratory-based course covering the practical use of the confocal microscope, with special attention to the dynamic analysis of living cells and embryos. Course will begin with basic optics, microscope design, Koehler illumination, and the principles of confocal microscopy. After introductory period, the course will consist of semi-independent weeklong modules organized around different imaging challenges. Early modules will focus on three-dimensional reconstruction of fixed cells and tissues, with particular attention being paid to accurately imaging very dim samples. Later modules will include time-lapse confocal analysis of living cells and embryos, including Drosophila, zebra fish, chicken, and s embryos. Dynamic analysis will emphasize the use of fluorescent proteins. No prior experience with confocal microscopy will be assumed; however, a basic working knowledge of microscopes is highly recommended. Preference is given to graduate students who will be using confocal microscopy in their research. Instructor: Fraser.

Bi/ChE 228. Electron Microscopy of Soft Materials. 9 units (1-6-2); first term. This course will cover the basic design and operation of electron microscopes and the preparation of soft materials such as polymers and biological specimens for electron microscopic analysis, including cryo- and ultra-microtomy. The weekly lab assignments will guide students through sample preparation, imaging, and image analysis of samples of their choice, with the intention that it will directly facilitate their graduate research. No prior knowledge will be assumed. Students will research the original literature to evaluate alternative sample preparation and imaging conditions. Undergraduate students require advance instructor’s permission. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Jensen, staff.

Ch/Bi 231. Advanced Topics in Biochemistry. 6 units (2-0-4). For course description, see Chemistry.

Ge/Bi 244. Paleobiology Seminar. 5 units. For course description, see Geological and Planetary Sciences.

Ge/Bi 246. Molecular Geobiology Seminar. 6 units (2-0-4). For course description, see Geological and Planetary Sciences.

CNS/Bi 247. Cerebral Cortex. 6 units (2-0-4). For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 250 a. Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); first term. Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lectures and discussion covering research methods, logic, techniques and strategies, fundamental and general principles of modern biology, and unsolved problems. Students will learn to critique papers on molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. Instructors: Deshaies, staff.

Bi/CNS 250 b. Topics in Systems Neuroscience. 9 units (3-0-6); second term. Prerequisite: graduate standing. The class focuses on quantitative studies of problems in systems neuroscience. Students will study classical work such as Hodgkin and Huxley’s landmark papers on the ionic basis of the action potential, and will move from the study of interacting currents within neurons to the study of systems of interacting neurons. Topics will include lateral inhibition, mechanisms of motion tuning, local learning rules and their consequences for network structure and dynamics, oscillatory dynamics and synchronization across brain circuits, and formation and computational properties of topographic neural maps. The course will combine lectures and discussions, in which students and faculty will examine papers on systems neuroscience, usually combining experimental and theoretical/modeling components. Instructors: Laurent, Siapas.

Bi 250 c. Topics in Systems Biology. 9 units (3-0-6); third term. Prerequisite: graduate standing. The class will focus on quantitative studies of cellular and developmental systems in biology. It will examine the architecture of specific genetic circuits controlling microbial behaviors and multicellular development in model organisms. The course will approach most topics from both experimental and theoretical/computational perspectives. Specific topics include chemotaxis, multistability and differentiation, biological oscillations, stochastic effects in circuit operation, as well as higher-level circuit properties such as robustness. The course will also consider the organization of transcriptional and protein-protein interaction networks at the genomic scale. Instructors: Elowitz, Sternberg.

Bi/BMB 251 abc. Current Research in Cellular and Molecular Biology. 1 unit (1-0-0). Prerequisite: graduate standing. Presentations and discussion of research at Caltech in biology and chemistry. Discussions of responsible conduct of research are included. Instructors: Sternberg, Deshaies, Hay.

Bi 252. Responsible Conduct of Research. 4 units (2-0-2); third term. This lecture and discussion course covers relevant aspects of the responsible conduct of biomedical and biological research. Topics include guidelines and regulations, ethical and moral issues, research misconduct, data management and analysis, research with animal or human subjects, publication, conflicts of interest, mentoring, and professional advancement. This course is required of all trainees supported on the NIH training grants in cellular and molecular biology and neuroscience, and is recommended for other graduate students in biology division labs. Undergraduate students require advance instructor’s permission. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Meyerowitz, Sternberg, staff.

SS/Psy/Bi/CNS 255. Topics in Emotion and Social Cognition. 9 units (3-0-6). For course description, see Social Science.

Bi 260. How to Present a Seminar. 6 units (3-0-3); third term. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in biology or instructor’s permission. General data presentation techniques, including how to design a seminar, how to develop or set up a problem, the design of clear visual aids, the appropriate and clear description of data, and the presentation of conclusions and future directions. We will also focus on general speaking skills and discuss how to give a good journal club presentation. Students will have the opportunity to practice speaking skills and work on individual presentations. Graded pass/fail. Instructors: Laurent, Schuman. Given in alternate years; not offered 2005–06.

Bi 270. Special Topics in Biology. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Students may register with permission of the responsible faculty member.

CNS/Bi 286 abc. Special Topics in Computation and Neural Systems. Units to be arranged. For course description, see Computation and Neural Systems.

Bi 299. Graduate Research. Units to be arranged; first, second, third terms. Students may register for research units after consultation with their adviser.