Menu
Current Seminar Courses
SEMINAR COURSES: SPRING 2023
Course Title: Metals in Biology
Number: CMB 800 Sec 1
Course Director: Robert Hausinger, Eric Hegg
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 2
Time: Tue & Thurs, 9:10am-10am
Time: Tue & Thurs, 9:10am-10am
Location: 502 Biochemistry Building
Description: 'Metals in Biology' is intended for graduate students with backgrounds in biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, microbiology, and/or chemistry. Taught in conjunction with MMG 803 and BMB 961 sec 001. (Please enroll thru the course and department which you would like to have on your transcript). In this course we will discuss the roles of metals in biological systems, including metalloenzymes, metallocenter biosynthesis, metal transport, metal toxicity, and metalloregulation. Discussions will focus on the catalytic mechanisms as well as the way in which the different protein environments 'tune' their active sites. Student presentations will be an important emphasis in this class
Description: 'Metals in Biology' is intended for graduate students with backgrounds in biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, microbiology, and/or chemistry. Taught in conjunction with MMG 803 and BMB 961 sec 001. (Please enroll thru the course and department which you would like to have on your transcript). In this course we will discuss the roles of metals in biological systems, including metalloenzymes, metallocenter biosynthesis, metal transport, metal toxicity, and metalloregulation. Discussions will focus on the catalytic mechanisms as well as the way in which the different protein environments 'tune' their active sites. Student presentations will be an important emphasis in this class
Course Title: Topics in Molecular Plant Sciences
Number: CMB 800 Sec 2
Course Director: Eva Farre, Josh Vermaas
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 1
Time: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: This course will allow for the critical assessment of recent publications of MPS seminar speakers during the semester. One student will present a paper each week for discussion that will form the framework for engaged and lively discussion from all participants. Each week we will discuss a recent publication of the invited speaker. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussion and will develop their critical thinking skills and expand their molecular plant science knowledge base. Students of the MPS program are strongly encouraged to attend, but any graduate students with a plant science orbiochemical/molecular biology background are welcome. Taught in conjunction with the BMB, GEN and PLB departments. Please enroll thru whichever department you want the course to show up as, on your transcript.
Description: This course will allow for the critical assessment of recent publications of MPS seminar speakers during the semester. One student will present a paper each week for discussion that will form the framework for engaged and lively discussion from all participants. Each week we will discuss a recent publication of the invited speaker. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussion and will develop their critical thinking skills and expand their molecular plant science knowledge base. Students of the MPS program are strongly encouraged to attend, but any graduate students with a plant science orbiochemical/molecular biology background are welcome. Taught in conjunction with the BMB, GEN and PLB departments. Please enroll thru whichever department you want the course to show up as, on your transcript.
Course Title: Principles of Effective Scientific Writing
Number: CMB 800 Sec 3
Course Director: Margaret Petroff
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 1
Time: Fridays 3:00pm-4:00pm
Time: Fridays 3:00pm-4:00pm
Location: 1404 ISTB
Description: The course is designed to teach and reinforce the principles of effective writing in the context of scientific abstracts, manuscripts, and grants. Material will range from use of impactful words to construction of sentences, paragraphs, and papers. Topics covered will include editing, writing within word limits, use of active/passive voice, effective punctuation, and the writing process. Course will be held in person, and will use in-class lectures/activities, and cooperative homework assignments.
Description: The course is designed to teach and reinforce the principles of effective writing in the context of scientific abstracts, manuscripts, and grants. Material will range from use of impactful words to construction of sentences, paragraphs, and papers. Topics covered will include editing, writing within word limits, use of active/passive voice, effective punctuation, and the writing process. Course will be held in person, and will use in-class lectures/activities, and cooperative homework assignments.
Course Title: Research Seminars in Cancer Biology
Number: PSL 950 Sec 003
Course Director: Kathy Gallo, Eran Andrechek
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 1
Time: Fridays 3:30-5pm
Time: Fridays 3:30-5pm
Location: 1425 BPS
Description: This is Cancer Research Networks which we co-run as a seminar course in the Spring. Students will present their research, present a journal article, and give and receive feedback on cancer research presentations. To enroll contact Kathy Gallo (gallok@msu.edu) or Eran Andrechek (andrech1@msu.edu)
Description: This is Cancer Research Networks which we co-run as a seminar course in the Spring. Students will present their research, present a journal article, and give and receive feedback on cancer research presentations. To enroll contact Kathy Gallo (gallok@msu.edu) or Eran Andrechek (andrech1@msu.edu)
Course Title: Research Seminars in Cancer Biology
Number: PSL 950 Sec 003
Course Director: Kathy Gallo, Eran Andrechek
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 1
Time: Fridays 3:30-5pm
Time: Fridays 3:30-5pm
Location: 1425 BPS
Description: This is Cancer Research Networks which we co-run as a seminar course in the Spring. Students will present their research, present a journal article, and give and receive feedback on cancer research presentations. To enroll contact Kathy Gallo (gallok@msu.edu) or Eran Andrechek (andrech1@msu.edu)
Description: This is Cancer Research Networks which we co-run as a seminar course in the Spring. Students will present their research, present a journal article, and give and receive feedback on cancer research presentations. To enroll contact Kathy Gallo (gallok@msu.edu) or Eran Andrechek (andrech1@msu.edu)
Course Title: Immune Based Mechanisms of Disease
Number: PSL 950/PHM 980
Course Director: Andrea Doseff, Kathy Gallo and Karen Liby
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 1
Time: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: This one credit seminar course will examine the mechanistic role of the immune system in disease conditions. Different topics will be discussed through student presentations of key journal articles and seminars by distinguished guest speakers. The contribution of key immunoregulatory networks and associated molecular mechanisms will be covered. The impact of these mechanisms on the development of therapeutics and clinical applications will also be discussed. The major objective of this seminar course is to increase our understanding of the immune system and its impact on disease. This understanding will be gleaned from presentations from distinguished guest speakers, critical reading and analysis of the scientific literature and student group presentations and zoom discussions. In this course, you will also develop professional skills for reviewing scientific articles, critical thinking and scientific presentations.
Description: This one credit seminar course will examine the mechanistic role of the immune system in disease conditions. Different topics will be discussed through student presentations of key journal articles and seminars by distinguished guest speakers. The contribution of key immunoregulatory networks and associated molecular mechanisms will be covered. The impact of these mechanisms on the development of therapeutics and clinical applications will also be discussed. The major objective of this seminar course is to increase our understanding of the immune system and its impact on disease. This understanding will be gleaned from presentations from distinguished guest speakers, critical reading and analysis of the scientific literature and student group presentations and zoom discussions. In this course, you will also develop professional skills for reviewing scientific articles, critical thinking and scientific presentations.
Course Title: Mechanisms of Animal Health and Disease
Number: VM 820
Course Director: Colleen Hegg
Semester Offered: Spring 2023
Credits: 2
Time: Wednesdays 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Time: Wednesdays 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: TBD
Description: This course will use a journal article-based discussion format to provide a framework for understanding and interpreting knowledge relevant to biological and biomedical topics in comparative medicine, and familiarity with the experimental methods and research tools used in these areas. Mechanisms of pathogenesis will be covered in the areas of genetics and genomics, physiology, cell biology, oncology, neuroscience, pharmacology, host response mechanisms, and infectious disease.During the first half of class, the listed instructor will provide an overview (lecture/discussion) of the given topic. For the second half, a student will formally present/discuss an important paper(s) selected by the instructor on the topic. These papers will be posted in D2L. Each student will give at least one presentation. All students are expected to read and be prepared to discuss the selected research papers each week. In addition, all students not presenting will submit a summary of the selected paper that must be uploaded in D2L by 1 PM at the start of class. This summary should include background and context for the topic, summary of the results, strengths and weaknesses of the paper, possible future experiments and why this paper is important (how it opened up the field). These written assignments are intended to help the student condense material and present the most important information in a logical and compelling fashion.
Description: This course will use a journal article-based discussion format to provide a framework for understanding and interpreting knowledge relevant to biological and biomedical topics in comparative medicine, and familiarity with the experimental methods and research tools used in these areas. Mechanisms of pathogenesis will be covered in the areas of genetics and genomics, physiology, cell biology, oncology, neuroscience, pharmacology, host response mechanisms, and infectious disease.During the first half of class, the listed instructor will provide an overview (lecture/discussion) of the given topic. For the second half, a student will formally present/discuss an important paper(s) selected by the instructor on the topic. These papers will be posted in D2L. Each student will give at least one presentation. All students are expected to read and be prepared to discuss the selected research papers each week. In addition, all students not presenting will submit a summary of the selected paper that must be uploaded in D2L by 1 PM at the start of class. This summary should include background and context for the topic, summary of the results, strengths and weaknesses of the paper, possible future experiments and why this paper is important (how it opened up the field). These written assignments are intended to help the student condense material and present the most important information in a logical and compelling fashion.
SEMINAR COURSES: FALL 2022
Course Title: Metabolic Engineering
Number: PSL 950 Section 3
Course Director: Robert Wiseman and Jason Bazil
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 1
Time: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Description: Cellular metabolism engineering critically depends upon the ability to supply energy to the needed biosynthetic and functional systems in any dividing or terminally differentiated cell type that performs work. Traditional concepts of Michaelis-Menten kinetics about enzymatic processes and cross-over theory about key regulatory enzymes are surprisingly naïve. Modern concepts of metabolic control theory and application of metabolic control analysis show that even simple metabolic pathways like glycolysis run under “shared” control and regulation in vivo appears to be a matter of metabolic demand. This course will build upon simple but contemporary concepts to construct a more complete understanding of how metabolism is regulated in living tissue. Students will be expected to have a basic knowledge of biochemistry and be prepared to present and discuss papers each class period. Recognized national and international experts from the field of metabolism will present aspects of their work for critique and discussion throughout the semester. Computer models of metabolism will be introduced and utilized to focus on aspects of metabolic design and flux control throughout the semester. Class activities and assignments will be the basis for grading along with presentations and active participation in discussions. Class size will be limited, and Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate students will be given preferential enrollment. However, we encourage first- and second-year graduate students in other programs to enroll with permission from instructor. Any questions please contact the instructors: Robert Wiseman rwiseman@msu.eduJason Bazil jnbazil@msu.edu
Description: Cellular metabolism engineering critically depends upon the ability to supply energy to the needed biosynthetic and functional systems in any dividing or terminally differentiated cell type that performs work. Traditional concepts of Michaelis-Menten kinetics about enzymatic processes and cross-over theory about key regulatory enzymes are surprisingly naïve. Modern concepts of metabolic control theory and application of metabolic control analysis show that even simple metabolic pathways like glycolysis run under “shared” control and regulation in vivo appears to be a matter of metabolic demand. This course will build upon simple but contemporary concepts to construct a more complete understanding of how metabolism is regulated in living tissue. Students will be expected to have a basic knowledge of biochemistry and be prepared to present and discuss papers each class period. Recognized national and international experts from the field of metabolism will present aspects of their work for critique and discussion throughout the semester. Computer models of metabolism will be introduced and utilized to focus on aspects of metabolic design and flux control throughout the semester. Class activities and assignments will be the basis for grading along with presentations and active participation in discussions. Class size will be limited, and Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate students will be given preferential enrollment. However, we encourage first- and second-year graduate students in other programs to enroll with permission from instructor. Any questions please contact the instructors: Robert Wiseman rwiseman@msu.eduJason Bazil jnbazil@msu.edu
Course Title: Quantitative Methods in Cell Biology
Number: CMB 800 Section 1
Course Director: Sangbum Park and Jens Schmidt
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 1
Time: Tuesdays 10:00-11:00 AM
Time: Tuesdays 10:00-11:00 AM
Location: TBD
Description: The course will focus quantitative analyses in cell biology by discussing a journal article every week. Each student will be assigned a topic and give one journal presentation.
Description: The course will focus quantitative analyses in cell biology by discussing a journal article every week. Each student will be assigned a topic and give one journal presentation.
Course Title: SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION FOR REPRODUCTIVE
AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Number: ANS 828
Course Director: Keith Latham
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 1
Time: Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 AM
Time: Wednesdays 10:00-11:30 AM
Location: 1240 Anthony Hall
Description: This course provides training in communication needs for graduate trainees in reproductive sciences or related areas of biology. This includes training in how to communicate essential biology principles, how to assess literature, correct interpretation of scientific data, and the design of a well-rounded presentation. Students present one short seminar in closed session and receive feedback from Instructor and peers, and then incorporate that feedback into a 45 minute-long public seminar. Students select presentation topics either from an Instructor-provided topic list and bibliography, or by identifying a recent paper from the published literature, with Instructor approval.
Description: This course provides training in communication needs for graduate trainees in reproductive sciences or related areas of biology. This includes training in how to communicate essential biology principles, how to assess literature, correct interpretation of scientific data, and the design of a well-rounded presentation. Students present one short seminar in closed session and receive feedback from Instructor and peers, and then incorporate that feedback into a 45 minute-long public seminar. Students select presentation topics either from an Instructor-provided topic list and bibliography, or by identifying a recent paper from the published literature, with Instructor approval.
Course Title: GRANT WRITING FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Number: ANS 823
Course Director: Keith Latham
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 2
Time: Wednesdays and Fridays 3:00-4:30 PM
Time: Wednesdays and Fridays 3:00-4:30 PM
Location: 1240 Anthony Hall
Description: The focus of the course is on developing independent investigator-initiated proposals, as would be pursued throughout typical scientists’ careers. The course will focus on the core scientific part of an application (aims, significance, experimental plan, and other elements), which will translate to any grant mechanism including fellowship applications. Students will write a research proposal on a topic of their choice during the semester using an NIH short format, receiving instructor and peer comments as well a weekly input for a research proposal mentor. Using such feedback and suggestions on successive sections, students will hone and refine a completed proposal.
Description: The focus of the course is on developing independent investigator-initiated proposals, as would be pursued throughout typical scientists’ careers. The course will focus on the core scientific part of an application (aims, significance, experimental plan, and other elements), which will translate to any grant mechanism including fellowship applications. Students will write a research proposal on a topic of their choice during the semester using an NIH short format, receiving instructor and peer comments as well a weekly input for a research proposal mentor. Using such feedback and suggestions on successive sections, students will hone and refine a completed proposal.
Course Title: Dose-Response Relationships in Toxicology & Risk Assessment: Concepts, Complexities
and Controversies
Number: PHM980 - section 005
Course Director: Jay Goodman & Robert Roth
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 1
Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 - 8:50 a.m
Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 - 8:50 a.m
Location: B448 Life Science Bldg
Description: “The dose makes the poison!” This paraphrase from Paracelsus in the 1500s remains today the most important principle in toxicology. Dose response relationships underlie approaches to understanding toxicologic mechanisms and to assessing risk from exposure to environmental pollutants, drugs and other chemicals. This course will begin with general information about dose-response terminology and concepts before delving into issues and implications surrounding the threshold concept, nonmonotonic dose-response relationships, hormesis, how dose response characteristics are used in risk assessment, and more. Enroll to learn about and discuss important nuances of dose-response and how they give rise to challenges and controversies in assessing risk from chemical exposure. This course will add to your sophistication as a thinker and experimentalist in biological science! Prerequisites: At least one graduate course in physiology, biochemistry/molecular biology. Completion of PHM 801/802 or equivalent is recommended but not required. Students who have not completed PHM 801/802 should contact the Course Coordinator before enrolling. Format: Each weekly topic will be introduced with a short presentation by faculty and/or assigned reading. Most class time will comprise student presentations (1-2 per student) on assigned topics and class discussion. Evaluation: Each student will be evaluated based on
attendance, quality of assigned presentation(s) and participation in discussions.
Description: “The dose makes the poison!” This paraphrase from Paracelsus in the 1500s remains today the most important principle in toxicology. Dose response relationships underlie approaches to understanding toxicologic mechanisms and to assessing risk from exposure to environmental pollutants, drugs and other chemicals. This course will begin with general information about dose-response terminology and concepts before delving into issues and implications surrounding the threshold concept, nonmonotonic dose-response relationships, hormesis, how dose response characteristics are used in risk assessment, and more. Enroll to learn about and discuss important nuances of dose-response and how they give rise to challenges and controversies in assessing risk from chemical exposure. This course will add to your sophistication as a thinker and experimentalist in biological science! Prerequisites: At least one graduate course in physiology, biochemistry/molecular biology. Completion of PHM 801/802 or equivalent is recommended but not required. Students who have not completed PHM 801/802 should contact the Course Coordinator before enrolling. Format: Each weekly topic will be introduced with a short presentation by faculty and/or assigned reading. Most class time will comprise student presentations (1-2 per student) on assigned topics and class discussion. Evaluation: Each student will be evaluated based on
attendance, quality of assigned presentation(s) and participation in discussions.
Course Title: PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH FORUM
Number: BMB 960 Section 301 (Selected Topics in Biochemistry I)
Course Director: Rob Last
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 1
Time: Wednesdays 1-2:30pm
Time: Wednesdays 1-2:30pm
Location: 402 Biochemistry Building
Description: PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH FORUM is an advanced seminar focusing on reading of the literature and student presentations on topics related to plant and microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology. The course is part of the training program Plant Biotechnology for Health and Sustainability` (https://plantmetabolism.natsci.msu.edu/). Goals for the course include increasing competence in reading scientific literature and oral presentation skills, and to prepare students for engagement in the affiliated Annual Plant Biotechnology Student Retreat from 22-24 October 2022 at the Kellogg Biological Station. Attendance at the Plant Biotechnology Student Retreat will be a required portion of the course. Students not participating in the training program are also eligible to participate in this course. If you are not a declared Biochemistry graduate student, you will need to contact the course coordinator, Rob Last (roblast1@gmail.com) for approval to enroll and then submit the BMB online course override form found in the 'Undergraduate' tab drop down menu on the BMB Dept website homepage: www.bmb.natsci.msu.edu/. For more information about the course, please visit this page: https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/undergraduate/undergrad-grad-course-descriptions
Description: PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH FORUM is an advanced seminar focusing on reading of the literature and student presentations on topics related to plant and microbial biotechnology and synthetic biology. The course is part of the training program Plant Biotechnology for Health and Sustainability` (https://plantmetabolism.natsci.msu.edu/). Goals for the course include increasing competence in reading scientific literature and oral presentation skills, and to prepare students for engagement in the affiliated Annual Plant Biotechnology Student Retreat from 22-24 October 2022 at the Kellogg Biological Station. Attendance at the Plant Biotechnology Student Retreat will be a required portion of the course. Students not participating in the training program are also eligible to participate in this course. If you are not a declared Biochemistry graduate student, you will need to contact the course coordinator, Rob Last (roblast1@gmail.com) for approval to enroll and then submit the BMB online course override form found in the 'Undergraduate' tab drop down menu on the BMB Dept website homepage: www.bmb.natsci.msu.edu/. For more information about the course, please visit this page: https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/undergraduate/undergrad-grad-course-descriptions
Course Title: Current Topics in Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology
Number: VM 820 Section 2
Course Director:
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 2
Time:
Time:
Location:
Description: Grant Writing Class will meet on October 24th
Description: Grant Writing Class will meet on October 24th
Course Title: Topics in Food Animal Immunology
Number: VM 820 Section 1
Course Director:
Semester Offered: Fall 2022
Credits: 2
Time:
Time:
Location:
Description: Need 6 students for the class to be held
Description: Need 6 students for the class to be held