Introduction to principles and methods of pathology. Pathology role in stem cell research, regenerative medicine and cancer biology. Systematic evaluation of mouse models, with a particular attention to such topics as experimental design, model validation, identification of novel phenotypes, histotechnology and mouse necropsy.

Biomedical engineering can address urgent, long-neglected challenges in women’s health, but effective design requires deliberate consideration of female-specific tissue mechanics and physiology. Failure to account for female health in engineering limits innovation and has contributed to product failures, including pelvic organ prolapse mesh devices, vaginal rings, hip implants, and cardiovascular stents. This course will (i) define female-specific mechanical and physiological considerations for effective engineering design, (ii) examine historical and contemporary examples of both successful and flawed engineering in women’s health, and (iii) identify current limitations, knowledge gaps, and open engineering challenges in the field. The central role of mechanics in tissue function and disease will be emphasized throughout the course. Lectures will present foundational material for students from diverse academic backgrounds and include interactive discussion of readings, problem sets, and engineering case studies. Term projects will provide students an opportunity to design healthcare solutions (undergraduate students) or research proposals (graduate students) that address critical gaps in women’s health.

This course explores the molecular and genetic pathways and mechanisms that regulate animal development, and how they are modified through evolution to result in the dazzling array of forms and functions seen in the animal kingdom. The recent and exciting combining of developmental biology with evolutionary perspectives has prompted rethinking of many biological concepts. We will explore these in detail by considering the results and implications of the latest "EvoDevo" research.

This course integrates concepts of reproductive physiology, management, and economics of dairy cattle. Special emphasis is given to practices and technologies currently used in modern dairy operations. Laboratory sessions include hands-on learning of reproductive techniques and dairy herd management software. Concepts discussed in lecture and their respective application include: artificial insemination, rectal palpation and transrectal ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and ovaries, synchronization of estrus and ovulation, blood testing for pregnancy diagnosis, superovulation and embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization and embryo production.

Animal Genomics and Epigenomics provides a foundation in functional genomics, epigenomics, and basic bioinformatics. It is designed to facilitate mastery of advanced techniques in genomics and their applications to animal biology, health, and production. The course consists of weekly lectures covering basic concepts and weekly workshops (computer labs or journal discussion). Workshops consist of exercises and discussions to provide students with hands-on experience performing basic genomic analyses. Students will become familiar with the UCSC genome browser, databases, and basic bioinformatic tools. Students will work in groups on a final project and develop research goals to study function(s) of a specific gene of interest.

This course provides an in-depth study of the reproductive physiology, endocrinology, as well as molecular, cellular and genetic regulation of reproduction in companion animals and model organisms advantageous for investigating specific questions in reproductive sciences. Comparisons will be made among species to highlight the unique biology and application of each species as a tool for experimentation. The impact of environment and adaptation in the context of reproductive success and evolution will also be discussed. Classic and state-of-the-art biotechnology and experimental approaches will be delineated. Close readings of scientific papers will be emphasized. This course promotes an interactive and inclusive learning environment for critical thinking and creative problem solving. In addition, students will be exposed to current research performed by CU faculty in reproductive sciences.

BIOMG 6330 covers selected aspects of the molecular biology and biochemistry of DNA metabolism. Topics include DNA replication, genetic recombination, DNA repair, DNA transposition, somatic hypermutation, and DNA editing technologies. Students will become familiar with this work by reading papers that include genetic, biochemical, structural, and computational biology approaches.

Comprehensive introduction to biologically important molecules and polymers. Topics include: protein structure and function, enzyme catalysis, metabolic regulatory pathways, DNA and RNA structure, DNA replication and repair, modern DNA technologies, gene expression, and protein synthesis.

Lectures on topics of eukaryotic genomics, chromatin structure, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, micro-RNA regulation, the structure and movement of chromosomes, long range regulatory interactions, and nuclear export and import. Covers the structure and function of the nucleus at the molecular and cell biological levels.