Our research efforts are focused on designing biological systems that will minimize the environmental costs of manufacturing chemistries. To this end, we have developed a new gene synthesis method for the constitution of variable protein libraries (Lee et al.). We are currently developing additional methods and using them to bioengineer plants to produce therapeutics. For instance, we are developing soybean strains that sustainably produce the chemotherapeutic taxol.
CHEN 3000 - Synthetic Biology: Engineering Biomolecular Systems in the Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Hands-on research experience in engineering biological systems. Students will design biological systems to address relevant medical and environmental problems facing our society. They will learn how to build their molecular designs in the lab using current synthetic biology techniques. Students will also learn how to critically evaluate current research in the field and effectively communicate their own research. Formerly offered as a special topics course. Recommended Restriction: BCHM, ENGR and BCHM majors only.
MCDB 1030 - Introduction to Molecular Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021
Introduces the foundation of molecular, cell, developmental and evolutionary biology in the context of human development and disease. Including how the immune system works to protect us from infections and technologies being developed towards the goal of better health around the world. For nonmajors.
MCDB 3000 - Synthetic Biology: Engineering Biomolecular Systems in the Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Hands-on research experience in engineering biological systems. Students will design biological systems to address relevant medical and environmental problems facing our society. They will learn how to build their molecular designs in the lab using current synthetic biology techniques. Students will also learn how to critically evaluate current research in the field and effectively communicate their own research. Formerly offered as a special topics course.
MCDB 3001 - Advanced Synthetic Biology: Engineering Biomolecular Systems in the Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
This course in engineering biological systems is an extension of the hands-on research experience gained from MCDB 3000. Students designed biological systems to address relevant medical and environmental problems facing our society in MCDB 3000. Engineering biological system in the lab often takes longer than one semester. MCDB 3001 teaches students new laboratory techniques that will allow them to take more involved projects to the next step and gain more confidence in the laboratory. Recommended restriction: BCHM, ENGR and BCHM majors only.
MCDB 4100 - Special Topics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-).
MCDB 4361 - Evolution and Development
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Relates how recent discoveries in the molecular mechanisms of development are shaping our understanding of animal evolution. Reviews basic principles of molecular developmental biology and applies these concepts to critically discuss current research in the field of Evo-Devo (evolution and development). Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 (minimum grade C-). Same as MCDB 5361.
MCDB 4800 - Molecular Evolution: How Natural Selection has Shaped the Molecules of Life
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
This course explores how Darwin's idea has shaped the structures of DNA, RNA and proteins across the long history of life on earth. Natural selection driving the evolution these macromolecules and subsequent developmental pathways will be fully appreciated as the process that ultimately produced the amazing variety of species on this planet. Looking ahead, our recent efforts to harness the power of evolution in the test tube to develop new therapies will be covered.
MCDB 4980 - Honors Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.20.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
