Basic Biomedical Sciences

B 0105 - Metabolic Analyses by GC-MS

3-6 Credits

The student will participate in the separation and identification of intermediary metabolites or cell membrane lipids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The instrument to be used is one of the most advanced analytical devices available today: the VG Trio-2 Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer Computer. The student will learn the type of techniques now used to prove, for example, that an athlete has used illicit steroids, a criminal has trafficked in controlled substances, or a newborn infant has a genetic metabolic defect. Specifically, the student will assist in the collection and preparation of clinical or research samples and synthesize appropriate standards relevant to our studies in nutritional assessment and genetic screening.

B 0303 - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Extramural Career Exploration

1-12 Credits

B 0413 - Advanced Topics in Biomedical Research

1 Credit

Students will read recent biomedical research literature. Students will summarize and communicate biomedical information in a clear, coherent written form for a lay audience.

B 0903 - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research

1-12 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course may be used to register for an Biochemistry elective. The elective experience must fulfill the requirements for a research elective. The location of the experience may be at a SLU SOM affiliate or at another health care institution.

Attributes: MD Non-Direct Patient Care Ele

BBS 5010 - Basic Biomedical Science I

5 Credits

This intensive, multi-disciplinary lecture course is taught by faculty from all five biomedical research programs of the medical school, that grant PhD degrees. The lecture topics include macromolecular structure, shape and information; DNA, RNA and protein synthesis; genetics and control of gene expression; membranes and intracellular organelles; and pathways and control of car bohydrate metabolism. Offered every fall semester.

BBS 5020 - Special Topics in Basic Biomedical Sciences I

4 Credits

An intensive multi-disciplinary course designed for all biomedical graduate students. Course involves participation in small group laboratory exercises involving problem solving and critical analysis of the current scientific literature, with a particular focus on the current, state-of-the-art techniques in cellular and molecular biology. The special topics are selected to coordinate with the lecture topics in the co-requisite. Offered every fall semester.

BBS 5030 - Basic Biomedical Science II

5 Credits

An intensive multi-disciplinary course designed for all biomedical graduate students. A continuation of BBS-5010, the course topics include bioenergetics; control of nitrogen metabolism; the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, and cell junctions; cell signaling and drug action; cell cycle, cancer, and development; integrated biology and the immune system. (Offered every Spring)

Corequisite(s): BBS 5040

BBS 5040 - Special Topics in Basic Biomedical Sciences II

4 Credits

An intensive multi-disciplinary course designed for all biomedical students. Course involves participation in small group exercises involving problem solving and critical analysis of current scientific literature in selected special topics, as related to the lecture topics in the co-requisite. Offered every spring semester.

Corequisite(s): BBS 5030

BBS 5100 - Ethics for Research Scientists

0 Credits

Course covers a variety of topics relevant to the ethical aspects of conducting and reporting scientific investigations including general ethical principles, use of animals and human subjects in research, authorship, mentorship, conflicts of interest, and scientific misconduct. Offered every spring semester.

BBS 5920 - Basic Biomedical Sciences Colloquium

1-2 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Students are introduced to the techniques of critical data analysis and formal scientific presentation through weekly colloquia. Second-year students from the various biomedical science departments present in the Fall semester, first-year students present in the spring semester. Emphasis is placed on styles of presentation and techniques for effective communication. In the Spring semester, each student critically reviews and presents a topic from the current scientific literature at one of the weekly colloquia. All students are required to attend both the scientific presentation and a 10-15 minute discussion session that follows. (Offered every Fall and Spring)

BBS 5970 - Research Topics in Biomedical Sciences

1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Each semester is divided into two six to seven-week rotations in different research laboratories. Students are introduced to research problems currently under investigation and to advance techniques employed in those studies. The first rotation involves introductory activities distributed between the six graduate biomedical science programs of the medical school. Offered every fall and spring semester.

MMI 0903 - Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Research

1-12 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

This course may be used to register for an MMI elective. The elective experience must fulfill the requirements for a research elective. The location of the experience may be at a SLUSOM affiliate or at another health care institution.

Attributes: MD Non-Direct Patient Care Ele

PPY 1450 - Drugs We Use and Abuse

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the physiology of the human body, i.e., how different systems, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems, work, as well as some basic cell biology. The course additionally covers the basic pharmacology of different drugs used in our society (both legal and illicit), how they are processed by the body’s systems, and how the drugs affect the body. This course is intended for non-science majors.

Restrictions:

Students in the Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics departments may not enroll.

Attributes: Natural Science Req (A&S), UUC:Natural & Applied Science

PPY 2540 - Human Physiology

4 Credits

An introductory course in the fundamental mechanisms of human physiology. Emphasis is given to basic cell functions and biological control systems, as well as to coordinate body functions.

PPY 2930 - Special Topics

3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PPY 2980 - Independent Study

1 or 3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PPY 4410 - Molecular Pharmacology

3 Credits

This course will provide the students with a comprehensive introduction to molecular pharmacology. Topics will include fundamentals of receptor biology, binding theory & efficacy, allosteric binding, principals of drug pharmacokinetics and assays/techniques used in modern pharmacology. Each student will participate in a group literature presentation highlighting some aspect of a course topic. Case studies will be used to illustrate these and related topics.

Prerequisite(s): (CHEM 3600 with a grade of C- or higher, CHEM 4610 with a grade of C- or higher, or BIOL 3020 with a grade of C- or higher)

PPY 5110 - Introduction to Pharmacology

1 Credit

PPY-5110 presents an introduction to quantitative pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, drug-receptor theory, medicinal chemistry, and quantitative/statistical approaches to assay development and operations. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Basic Biomedical Science core curriculum. Exceptions permitted with the permission of instructor. Offered every fall semester.

PPY 5120 - Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I

2 Credits

PPY-5120 presents an introduction to the pharmacology and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Basic Biomedical Science core curriculum. Exceptions permitted with the permission of instructor. Offered every fall semester.

PPY 5130 - Systems Physiology and Pharmacology II

3 Credits

PPY-5130 presents an introduction to the pharmacology and physiology of the major systems of the body including the cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal and endocrine systems, and the principles of energy storage and usage. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Basic Biomedical Science core curriculum. Exceptions permitted with the permission of instructor. Offered every spring semester.

PPY 5140 - Fundamentals of Effective Grant Construction

1 Credit

PPY-5140 consists of a mixture of didactic lectures, mentoring sessions, and dedicated writing time (see Appendix 3). Each student is required to write an NIH-style R01 grant application that incorporates concepts in the Pharmacological Sciences such as receptor theory, drug bioactivity, drug discovery, and chemical biology. The course starts with lectures on funding mechanisms and the fundamentals of writing an effective grant proposal. This is followed by class periods designated as dedicated writing time for constructing specific portions of their proposals, during which time a mentoring team is available during this time to answer questions. The mentoring team consists of two PPY faculty members student’s dissertation advisor. At the end of the course, the completed grant application is reviewed by a mock study section who determines the student's final grade. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Basic Biomedical Science core curriculum. Exceptions permitted with the permission of instructor. Offered every spring semester.

PPY 5410 - Molecular Pharmacology

3 Credits

This course will provide the students with a comprehensive introduction to molecular pharmacology. Topics will include fundamentals of receptor biology, binding theory & efficacy, allosteric binding, principals of drug pharmacokinetics and assays/techniques used in modern pharmacology. Each student will participate in a group literature presentation highlighting some aspect of a course topic. Graduate students will be required to make an individual presentation on a paper provided by the instructors. Case studies will be used to illustrate these and related topics. (Offered in Spring)

Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or Chemical Biology.

PPY 5950 - Special Study for Exams

0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PPY 5990 - Thesis Research

0-6 Credits

PPY 6000 - Pharmacology and Physiological Topics in Human Therapeutics

2 Credits

Selected topics and readings in human therapeutics. Offered occasionally.

PPY 6010 - Pharmacology and Physiological Topics in Cardiovascular Science

4 Credits

Represents current thinking and concepts of cardiovascular science. Special emphasis is placed on the various control systems in normal and pathophysiological conditions, as well as interactions of drugs and physiological concepts ranging from the molecular level to highly integrative systems. Meets two days a week for one semester. Offered occasionally.

PPY 6550 - Signal Transduction Mechanisms

4 Credits

This course covers the mechanisms of action of hormones, neuromodulators and drugs at the cellular, biochemical and molecular levels. The major classes of receptors, signal transduction pathways, and effector systems will be covered in a comprehensive manner. Historical breakthroughs as well as our current understanding of mechanisms will be examined. As an advanced graduate course, the methodology used to elucidate and evaluate these mechanisms will be stressed . Meets two days a week for one semester. Offered occasionally.

PPY 6660 - Pharmacology and Physiological Topics in the Nervous System

4 Credits

This course represents current thinking and concepts involving the action of drugs on the nervous system. Special emphasis is placed on the function of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in normal and pathophysiological conditions as well as the interaction of drugs and physiological concepts ranging from the molecular level to highly integrative systems. Meets two days a week for one semester. Offered occasionally.

PPY 6800 - Pharm & Phys Science Seminar

0-1 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Pharmacology and Physiology Departmental Seminar (0-1 credit per semester). Selected topics in pharmacology and physiology are presented by local, national, and international guest speakers. Seminars are held at least twice monthly and usually more often. Offered in the Fall and Spring Semesters.

PPY 6900 - Pharmacology and Physiological Science Journal Club

0-1 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Selected topics in pharmacology and physiology are discussed from the current literature in these fields. Colloquial journal clubs are held at least twice monthly and usually more often. Offered in the Fall and Spring Semesters.

PPY 6950 - Special Study for Exams

0 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PPY 6970 - Advanced Research Topics in Pharmacology and Physiology

1 Credit (Repeatable for credit)

PPY 6980 - Graduate Independent Study in Pharmacology and Physiology

0-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

PPY 6990 - Dissertation Research

0-6 Credits (Repeatable for credit)