Graduate Course Descriptions

This is a list of graduate courses for the MS in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics program offered at CSU Channel Islands.

Common Core Courses
Biotechnology
Biomedical Engineering
Stem Cell Technology and Laboratory Management

Common Core Courses (12 units)

BINF 500 DNA AND PROTEIN SEQUENCE ANALYSIS (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 400 or consent of instructor
Introduces the computational aspects of biological inference from nucleic acid and protein sequences, and the access and manipulation of genomic data from public databases. Pairwise sequence comparison and multiple sequence alignment will be studied in detail. Additional topics include: RNA structures, conserved sequence pattern recognition and gene prediction, phylogenetic analysis, sequence data as a means to study molecular evolution, and human genomic sequence. Meets graduate writing assessment requirement (GWAR) Course Learning Objectives BINF 500

BIOL 502 TECHNIQUES IN GENOMICS/PROTEOMICS (3)

One hour lecture and Six hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 400, 401 or 501 or consent of the instructor
Provides students with theoretical foundations and practical skills needed for general bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics analysis. Intensive lab sessions, emphasize applied techniques. Field trips to various local biotechnology facilities will augment the training. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 502

BIOL 503 BIOTECHNOLOGY LAW AND REGULATION (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Individual and organizational responsibility in R&D and commercial aspects of biotechnology. Topics include: intellectual property, privacy, government and industrial regulation, liability, ethics, and policy responses to societal concerns in the U.S. and abroad. Case studies involving gene therapy, cloning, and biomaterials in the medical and health sector, and farming and crop modification in the agricultural sector will be explored in detail. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 503

BIOL 504 MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 and BIOL 400 or BIOL 501 or consent of instructor
Examines molecular and mechanistic aspects of cell biology. Topics include: cell biochemistry and biosynthesis, cell signaling, regulation of the cell cycle and membrane trafficking. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 504

Biotechnology (22-23 units)

Required Courses (12 units)

BINF 514 STATISTICAL METHODS IN COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 203, MATH 151 and consent of instructor
Develops theoretical background and practical skills in statistics and probability required for the interpretation and utilization of genomic data. Topics include biological sequence alignment and analysis, sequence structure and function prediction, database searching, gene expression profiling, statistical genetics and phylogenetic inference. Course Learning Objectives BINF 514

BIOL 505 MOLECULAR STRUCTURE (4)

Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 504 or consent of instructor
Examines the structural biology of proteins. Topics include general principles of protein structure, the biochemical function of proteins, the relationship of protein structure to its function and experimental approaches to determining and predicting protein structure and function. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 505

BIOL 600 TEAM PROJECT (4)

Four hours activity per week
Prerequisite: Program approval
In this course, students will work individually and in teams to analyze, research, discuss and report on subjects relevant to the biotechnology industry. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 600

BIOL 601 SEMINAR IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS (1)

One hour seminar per week
Discussion of up-to-date research and development findings with guest speakers, visiting scientists and industry professionals. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 601

Electives (10-11 units)

A minimum of three courses chosen from the following elective courses and /or from the required courses for the other emphases of the program:

BIOL 500 INTRODUCTION TO BIOPHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION OPERATIONS (3)

Three hours lecture per week
An introduction to biopharmaceutical production systems and processes. Topics include manufacturing, unit operations and supporting infrastructures, product distribution, quality assurance and control, facility engineering and maintenance, utility operations, regulatory compliance, and laboratory support. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 500

BIOL 507 PHARMACOGENOMICS AND PHARMACOPROTEOMICS (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BINF 500, BIOL 504 or consent of instructor
Structural and functional genomics with an emphasis on how these fields operate in drug discovery and optimization. Topics include: genetics of the human response to prophylactic and therapeutic agent, impact of genetic variation on therapeutic efficacy, disease mechanisms, proteomics of genetic and communicable disease, drug action and toxicity, structure encoding, lead discovery and optimization, parallel synthesis, screening virtual libraries. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 507

BIOL 508 ADVANCED IMMUNOLOGY (4)

Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 504 or consent of instructor
Examines cellular and molecular aspects of the immune system. Topics include: molecular genetics and molecular structure of immunoglobulin, T cell receptor, and the MHC antigens; the functions and dysfunctions of the components of the immune system; applications of immunological technologies in modern scientific research and development. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 508

BIOL 509 PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY (4)

Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 504 or consent of instructor
Examines the scientific and technical advances which underlie the production of genetically modified crops. Topics include: plant genome organization and gene expression, plant tissue culture and genetic transformation, genetic manipulation to confer resistance to herbicides, pests and disease and strategies for engineering stress tolerance and the improvement of crop yield and quality. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 509

BIOL 516 CLINICAL TRIALS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 503
An introduction to the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to successfully conduct clinical trials for new drugs, biologics, and medical devices, including in vitro diagnostics. Topics include a broad overview of the product development process in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device industries, the regulatory and operational requirements for clinical study setup and management, monitoring, data management, and closure of clinical trials, the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and the applications of quality control and quality assurance. The integration of quality assurance throughout the medical product development process will be discussed. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 516

BIOL 517 MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPMENT (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 300
Examines cellular and molecular mechanisms of development in model organisms used in the study of animal development. Topics include: stages of early development in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms, cell specification, morphogenesis, organogenesis, stem cells and induction. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 517

BIOL 518 ADVANCED TOPICS IN CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 504
Examines selected areas of current research interest in cellular and molecular biology from the perspective of the primary literature and the experimental basis of current knowledge. Emphasizes critical analysis and effective communication of scientific information. Topics may include gene expression, protein structure and function, signal transduction, metabolism, the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, membrane dynamics, and the molecular basis of disease.Course Learning Objectives BIOL 518

BIOL 590 SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing and Consent of Instructor
Covers special and emerging topics in biotechnology, based on new scientific developments in the field, current issues, and applications. Coursework may include analysis of contemporary literature and related data, guest speakers from local biotechnology companies or laboratories, and student research projects. Repeatable up to 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 590

BIOL 597 DIRECTED STUDY (1)

Three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor and program required
Reading and library research and/or dry/wet lab experimentation that may involve service learning/independent research in selected areas of biology conducted under the direction of a faculty member. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 597

BIOL 605 BIOTECHNOLOGY ACROSS NATIONAL BOUNDARIES FIELD TRIP (1)

Variable hours for field trip
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
A field trip examining international efforts in biotechnological innovation, education, global commercialization and the impact of biotechnology through on site visits to appropriate locations. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 605

MGT 471 PROJECT MANAGEMENT (3)

Three hours lectures per week
Prerequisite: MGT 307
Presents the principles of project management, which is a special form of work organization, that focuses on a one-time objective. Discusses all aspects of project management: definition of objectives, selection of team and other resources, establishing of timing and sequences, creation of monitoring and control processes, and development of analysis and reporting mechanisms.Course Learning Objectives MGT 471

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency prior to the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of BINF 500 with a grade of B or higher.

Biomedical Engineering (23 units)

Required Courses (15 units)

BME 500 BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS BIOMECHANICS AND BIOROBOTICS (3)

Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 210 and 211 or BIOL 424; PHYS 200 and 201 or BIOL/PHYS 315; and BIOL 300 or CHEM 318 or CHEM 460; and BIOL 400 or BIOL 501
Covers structural and physiological foundations in biomedical engineering, including molecular and cellular, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neural systems, and principles and applications of biomechanics and biorobotics in biological systems. Course Learning Objectives BME 500

BME 501 FUNDAMENTALS OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND BIOMATERIALS (3)

Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 504; PHYS 200 and 201 or BIOL/PHYS 315
Covers molecular, cellular, tissue and organ engineering and societal and ethical issues in regenerative medicine. Also considers major types of biomaterials including metallic, ceramic, polymeric, biodegradable, composite, nano- and other replacement materials and techniques and procedures used in biomedical engineering. Course Learning Objectives BME 501

BIOL 601 SEMINAR IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS (1)

One hour seminar per week
Discussion of up-to-date research and development findings with guest speakers, visiting scientists and industry professionals. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 601

BIOL 604 BIOTECHNOLOGY ACROSS NATIONAL BOUNDARIES (2)

Two hours lecture per week
Addresses international efforts in biotechnological innovation, education, global commercialization and impact of biotechnology. Explores collaborations among science, education, industry and government in the age of globalization, ethical standards, international law and regulation in biotechnology and inter- and cross-cultural issues in business operations. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 604

Select either BME 502 or PHYS 464 (3-4 units)

BME 502 BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION AND DEVICES: TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS (3)

Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: MATH 150; PHYS 200 and 201 or PHYS 315 or BIOL/PHYS 434
Covers biosignaling processes, instrumentation and devices in measuring, recording, monitoring and diagnosis, modern medical imaging analysis systems, nanodevices, therapeutics, and design and development principles of instruments and devices for diagnostics and therapeutics. Course Learning Objectives BME 502

or

PHYS 464 MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION (4)

Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL/PHYS 434/HLTH 434
The detection, acquisition, processing and display of diagnostic clinical images. The course will concentrate on the fundamentals of the design of the instruments and the use of appropriate reconstruction algorithms in (computed) radiography, (digital) fluoroscopy, computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging. Activities will include image reconstruction examples, investigation of recent innovations, and two trips to local Radiology departments. Course Learning Objectives PHYS 464
Lab fee $25
Same as: BIOL 464

Select either BIOL 600 or 603 (3-4 units)

BIOL 600 TEAM PROJECT (4)

Four hours activity per week
Prerequisite: Program approval
In this course, students will work individually and in teams to analyze, research, discuss and report on subjects relevant to the biotechnology industry. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 600

or

BIOL 603 BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP (3)

Three hours seminar per week
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
A one-semester project where students conduct original research in an active research laboratory at various off campus institutions. Culminates in a final written report and an oral presentation at the Program Colloquium. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 603
Graded: Credit/No Credit

Electives (6-8 units)

The number of electives will be dependent on required courses taken to total 23 units in the emphasis.

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency prior to the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of BINF 500 with a grade of B or higher.

Stem Cell Technology and Laboratory Management (22-23 units)

Required Courses (13 units)

BIOL 602 course is offered quarterly at 1.5 units, which is repeatable for a total of 6 units for a year long project.

BIOL 510 TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES AND STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY (3)

One hours lecture per week and six hours laboratory per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 504
Examines theory and concepts of animal and plant cell and tissue culturing. Focuses on stem cell technology including types of stem cells, ethics of stem cells, pluripotency, culture methods, characterization, monitoring tools such as imaging and differentiation strategies. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 510

BIOL 512 ADVANCED TOPICS IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE (1)

One hour seminar per week
Prerequisites: BIOL 511
A seminar series involving presentations and discussions of current knowledge of embryonic and adult stem cells and factors that regulate their growth and development. Emphasizes how advances in cell and molecular biology and tissue engineering can be applied to the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Discusses social and ethical impacts of stem cell technology. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 512

BIOL 513 CELL CULTURE FACILITY MANAGEMENT (3)

Three hours lecture per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 510
Processes and procedures of managing a cell culture facility. Topics include biosafety standards, record keeping, database organization, personnel management, inventory administration, storage of laboratory reagents and supplies, cell line banking and maintenance, equipment selection and maintenance, and essential concepts for troubleshooting common cell culture problems. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 513

BIOL 602 STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP (1.5 X 4)

Eighteen laboratory/field studies hours per week
Prerequisite: BIOL 517 and Consent of Instructor Required for Enrollment
A required year long project where students conduct original research in an active stem cell research laboratory at various off campus institutions. Culminates in a final written report and oral presentation. Repeatable for 6 units. Course Learning Objectives BIOL 602

Electives (9-10 units)

A minimum of three courses chosen from the elective courses in Biotechnology Emphasis and/or from the required courses for the other emphases of the program. Students who have not taken a course in developmental biology or embryology MUST take BIOL 517 (Mechanisms of Development)

Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing proficiency prior to the awarding of the degree is demonstrated by successful completion of BINF 500 with a grade of B or higher.

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