Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Students participate in intensive small group discussions focused on the critical analysis of basic research papers from a wide range of fields including biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, genetics, and microbiology. Papers are discussed in terms of their background, significance, hypothesis, experimental methods, data quality, and interpretation of results. Students will be asked to propose future research directions, to generate new hypotheses and to design experiments aimed at testing them. For the midterm and final exams the students will have to submit written critiques of recent papers from the literature, with an emphasis on proposing new experimental directions to test the models proposed in the papers.

Course for TAs currently teaching in an approved BBS Core Course. The embedded teaching practicum provides practice-based training in facilitating a group discussion; professionalism in the classroom; curriculum design, course evaluation and assessment development; and preparation for teaching throughout and beyond time in graduate school. Teaching assistants are provided training and experience in the development of an early-career teaching philosophy.

A small group tutorial systematically guiding students in the writing of original, hypothesis-driven research proposals from initial topic selection through completion of a final draft.

An advanced treatment of molecular biology's Central Dogma. Considers the molecular basis of information transfer from DNA to RNA to protein, using examples from eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. Lectures, discussion groups, and research seminars.

Macromolecular structure with emphasis on biochemistry, interactions and catalysis in cellular processes and pathways. Links between theory and observation will emerge from discussion of fundamental principles, computational approaches and experimental methods.

Introduction to behavioral pharmacology of CNS drugs (e.g., psychomotor stimulants, antischizophrenics, opioid analgesics, antianxiety agents); seminar format with emphasis on behavioral methodology (i.e., model and assay development) and pharmacological analysis (i.e., receptor selectivity and efficacy); attention to tolerance, drug dependence/addiction/treatment, and basic behavioral processes.

A seminar on various human diseases and their underlying genetic or biochemical bases. Primary scientific papers discussed. Lectures by faculty and seminars conducted by students, faculty supervision.

Theory and practice of modern methods of macromolecular structure determination using multi-dimensional NMR.

Critical assessment of the major issues and stages of developing a pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical. Drug discovery, preclinical development, clinical investigation, manufacturing and regulatory issues considered for small and large molecules. Economic considerations of the drug development process.

Cellular and organismal metabolism, with focus on interrelationships between key metabolic pathways and human disease states. Genetic and acquired metabolic diseases and functional consequences. Interactive lectures and critical reading conferences are integrated with clinical encounters.

This course will familiarize students with central concepts in drug action and therapeutics at the level of molecules, cells, tissues and patients. These concepts and methods are central to modern drug development and regulatory evaluation. In the 1st half of the course we will cover drug-target interactions, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics at a quantitative level, the clinical trials process, biomarkers and new frontiers in Therapeutic development. The 2nd half will focus on modern approaches to therapeutic discovery and development, both small molecules and protein based. Examples are drawn from numerous unmet medical needs including cancer, HIV, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. The course will include computational exercises and a MATLAB workshop.

This intensive course held during the first two full weeks of January (ten days) covers principles of pharmacology and their translation into new drug development. Students participate in project groups composed of both graduate students and post-graduate M.D.'s to propose a drug development strategy from target choice through clinical trials. There are two hours of lectures each of the first eight mornings; afternoons include case studies discussed by Harvard faculty and faculty from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, or time to work on the project. Evaluation is based on the project and class participation. Enrollment may be limited.

Introduction to advanced scientific visualization techniques using leading 3D software packages Maya and Molecular Maya. Focus will be placed on adapting existing 3D modeling/animation tools for purposes of visualizing biological processes.

Explore Maya's vast visualization toolset. Advanced techniques in each of the phases of the 3D production pipeline will be presented including dynamics systems like Hair, nCloth, nParticles and PaintFx. Introduction to Maya's Embedded Language (MEL).

Application of molecular, systems, and structural biology, genetics, genomics, enzymology, and chemistry to development of new therapies. Examples drawn from diseases including cancer and AIDS. Students write and present proposals for discovery of new therapeutics.

This quarter course will offer students an in-depth examination of current knowledge regarding mechanisms of cell fate decisions. In addition, it will examine these processes in the context of developmental cell plasticity, cellular reprogramming, and cancer. This will primarily be a literature-based course, with examination and discussion of key studies in the field. Concepts involving epigenetics, chromatin remodeling, the instructive roles of transcription factors, transcription factor networks, transcription factor cross-antagonism, feedback loops, multilineage priming, non-coding RNAs, lineage identity maintenance, mitotic bookmarking, lateral inhibition, and cell signaling will be explored. These ideas will be examined in the context of blood, breast, lung, and gastrointestinal tract development.

This course pairs with BCMP 307qc. Approaches to Drug Action, Discovery, and Design.

Gene regulation is central to control of all functions in the organism. This course will explore our contemporary understanding of gene regulation by providing molecular and biochemical perspectives on topics that include general aspects of gene regulation such as the basal transcriptional machinery, chromatin remodeling and its role in gene regulation, and co-transcriptional processes, in addition to gene regulation in specific contexts. This course is an advanced reading course designed for students with introductory exposure to biochemistry, molecular biology and/or genetics with BCMP 200 or an equivalent as a prerequisite.

The central goal of modern biomedical research is to understand the cause of human disease and to use this knowledge to develop approaches that lessen human suffering. The path from identifying an unmet medical need through the development of interventions that impact disease is a complex process demanding the best of medicine and science, strong project management, significant financial support, and persistence. In this course, students will learn to evaluate how unmet medical needs can be "translated" into new clinical practices. The course will feature assessment of unmet medical needs, case studies of successes and failures in translation, seminars from translational medicine experts, and workshops that engage students in substantive and intense discussions on current topics. Lecturers will include innovators who have successfully led the development of therapeutic interventions, leaders in basic science who have helped uncover the underlying causes of disease and investigators who have led clinical trials that lead to the approval of new interventions.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (7 weeks). Two seminars, which can be taken in different terms, are required for credit.

Molecular basis of cellular compartmentalization, protein trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics, mitosis, cell locomotion, cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, cell-cell interaction, cell death, and cellular/biochemical basis of diseases.

Analyzes the developmental programs of frog, chick, zebrafish, and mouse embryos, emphasizing experimental strategies for understanding the responsible molecular mechanisms that pattern the vertebrate embryo. Morphogenesis, organogenesis, stem cells and regeneration will also be discussed.

Examines the molecular basis of cancer formation including alterations in signal transduction pathways, cell cycle machinery, cell metabolism and apoptosis. Describes novel systems biology proteomic approaches to study cancer cell interactomes.

This semester long course takes a molecular approach to examine the basis of human cancer. The main concepts that we will cover include: Cancer genetics and epigenetics, tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, signal transduction, DNA damage and repair, angiogenesis, metastasis and invasion, apoptosis, cancer stem cells, and tumor immunology and immunotherapy. Lectures will be delivered by experts in the various fields to provide an integrated perspective on past, current, and future approaches in cancer biology research. In addition, students will participate in workshops in which they will delve more deeply into the primary literature of several of these topics.

Explores developmental mechanisms through the life cycle, contrasting pluripotency and cell fate restriction in embryos and adult tissues. In depth analysis of in vivo approaches, with emphasis on adult stem cells, tissue repair and self-renewal.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (seven weeks). Different topics are covered each term.

Theory and practice of experimental design. Build on principles from experimental design boot camp. Conducted in workshop setting to apply those principles to current student projects. Emphasis placed on interpretation and strategic project planning.

Lectures, laboratory dissections, and prosections to explore the gross structure and function of the human body. Provide a foundation to acquire practical skills in recognizing, dissecting, and differentiating key anatomical structures.

This course will provide a practical guide to understanding the role of intracellular transport in physiology and disease settings. Basic mechanisms and also interdisciplinary areas that involve this fundamental cellular process will be selected for discussion.

For many graduate students, teaching will be part of their career, whether as mentoring, formal classroom teaching, or outreach. In addition, the theory and research evidence accumulating in the disciplines of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and from STEM classrooms, has turned the question of, 'How do we best teach science?' into its own scientific discipline. The Theory and Science of Teaching focuses on understanding why certain teaching methods are effective by examining the scientific research and theoretical frameworks that support these methods. We will read and discuss foundational educational and cognitive psychology texts and primary literature, and then develop an annotated lesson plan that allows us to put these ideas into practice.

Discuss chromatin dynamics in modulating cellular processes. Cover molecular mechanisms that regulate chromatin dynamics. How chromatin itself modulates biological processes, including mechanisms of inheritance. Discuss DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome dynamics and novel epigenetic modulators.

The study of structure and how structure relates to function, in cells and tissues.

Dinner Seminar Theme: Controlling Cellular Behavior and Metabolism through Cell Interaction and Signaling. Review articles assigned each week to prepare students for discussion.

This course is designed for mid- to upper-year graduate students that are interested in Current Topics in Cancer Biology research. Leading and cutting edge technologies in Cancer Biology Research are explored in-depth using recent papers of high profile in a round-table discussion format. Topics include: Cancer Cell Signaling, Metastasis and EMT, Cancer Genomics, Cancer and microRNAs and Cancer Stem Cells.

Provides a comprehensive overview on the most recent advances in cell biology, covering hands-on experimental sessions including, electron microscopy, live cell imaging, single molecule imaging, 3D cultures, quantitative proteomics, protein interaction mapping, and more.

This laboratory course is designed to provide a survey of major topics and contemporary research in developmental and regenerative biology. Students will rotate in the laboratories of DRB faculty across the Harvard campuses and affiliated hospitals. Students engage with faculty and gain hands on experience in a variety of model systems, experimental techniques and research areas. Each day of the course will consist of a lecture followed by hands-on laboratory activities and interactive discussions.

This course will provide a survey of major topics and contemporary research in developmental and regenerative biology. Students will rotate in the laboratories of DRB faculty across the Harvard campuses and affiliated hospitals. Students engage with faculty and gain hands on experience in a variety of model systems, techniques and research areas. Each day of the course will consist of a lecture followed by hands-on laboratory activities and interactive discussions. Students will be required to complete the lab experience and the following assignments: lead two chalk-talk format paper presentations, and write one 5-6 page research proposal.

An in-depth survey of genetics, beginning with basic principles and extending to modern approaches and special topics. We will draw on examples from various systems, including yeast, Drosophila, C. elegans, mouse, human and bacteria.

This course examines genetic principles and experimental approaches for addressing fundamental questions about human variation, history, health, and disease. Each session is comprised of a lecture followed by a class discussion.

Covers both biochemical and genetic studies in regulatory mechanisms. Small number of topics discussed in depth, using the primary literature. Topics range from prokaryotic transcription to eukaryotic development.

Focus on patterns of inheritance, including those that were once considered extraordinary but are now recognized as paradigms spanning fungi to humans. Expectations: questions, ideas, conversation during class. No tests, problem sets, or papers.

This course will provide a firm foundation for understanding the relationship between molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and medicine. The goal is to develop explicit connections between basic research, medical understanding, and the perspective of patients. During the course the principles of human genetics will be reviewed. Students will become familiar with the translation of clinical understanding into analysis at the level of the gene, chromosome and molecule, the concepts and techniques of molecular biology and genomics, and the strategies and methods of genetic analysis, including an introduction to bioinformatics. The course will extend beyond basic principles to current research activity in human genetics.

Focus on translational medicine: the application of basic genetic discoveries to human disease. Will discuss specific genetic disorders and the approaches currently used to speed the transfer of knowledge from the laboratory to the clinic.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (seven weeks). Different topics are covered each term.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (7 weeks).

Survey basics of effective teaching practices, focusing on practical application and real-life examples. Topics include effective lecturing techniques, using goals and learning styles to inform lesson planning and design, assessing student understanding, and facilitating discussions.

The goal of this course is to explore a number of the current online tools to analyze genes, gene function, pathways, DNA, RNA, and protein analysis. Each class we will introduce a new online tool. The majority of the class will be spent exploring the tool together in an interactive manner. At the end of each class students will be given an assignment which utilizes the knowledge they gained in class and helps them to further explore the new tool. Assignments will be reviewed in class the following week. After taking this class students will be proficient in the use of each online tool and will be able to apply their knowledge to learning new tools and programs.

A survey of major themes in genetics combined with exposure to various experimental techniques, technologies, and model systems. Combines lectures and hands-on laboratory activities emphasizing experimental methods, hypothesis generation and testing, and data analysis.

To be run concurrently with Genetics 390qc. Students will have the opportunity to design experimental approaches that aim to answer specific questions in the field of genetics. Combined with the hands-on laboratory experience of Genetics 390qc, students will use their knowledge of experimental methods and data analysis with a variety of model organisms and techniques. Over the two-week course period, students will be asked to reflect daily on their experiences and design two unique experiments that will broaden their experience in the areas of hypothesis testing and data interpretation.

Overview of human pathology, emphasis on mechanisms of disease and modern diagnostic technologies. Integrated lectures, labs, and student-driven term project leading to formal presentation on a medical, socioeconomic, or technological issue in human pathology.

Tumor pathophysiology plays a central role in the growth, metastasis, detection, and treatment of solid tumors. Principles of transport phenomena are applied to develop a quantitative understanding of tumor biology and treatment.

This course covers the normal physiology and pathophysiology of selected organs, through lectures, readings, tutorials based on clinical cases, and patient presentations. Human biology is emphasized, with some examples also drawn from model organisms.

Two-week course that is required of and restricted to first-year LHB students. Each week of the course focuses on a different "case study" in translational medicine.

Introduce modern imaging modalities with emphasis on modalities frequently employed in cellular, molecular biology and medicine. Overview of noninvasive medical imaging techniques frequently used in scientific research: X-ray CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET/SPECT and optical imaging.

This course provides an introduction to the visual system and its assessment. In general, we will consider vision as a system rather than its low-level components. Each two-hour session consists of two lectures provided by faculty with expertise in that area. Topics will include basic science and clinical topics, normal vision and abnormal vision, methods of assessment of animals and humans, clinical and laboratory measures.

This course is intended to provide graduate students with exposure to the diverse aspects of the drug development process. The novel cystic fibrosis drug Kalydeco will be used as an exemplar, though the themes of discovery, development, manufacturing, business development, commercialization, and growth are relevant across most therapeutics. Each class will include a lecture by a person involved in that particular aspect of Kalydeco development followed by a group discussion of the associated case study.

Understanding of the molecular bases for diseases that target the eye.

Comprehensive core course in immunology. Topics include a broad but intensive examination of the cells and molecules of the immune system. Special attention given to the experimental approaches that led to general principles of immunology.

Continuation of Immunology 201 as an intensive core course in fundamentals of immune system, emphasis of physiological roles of immune cells in vivo. Classes taught by experts in their fields; involve critical reading of primary literature.

Original research articles from fields including immunology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell and developmental biology will be critically analyzed in an intensive small group format. Grading will be based on class participation and oral presentations.

Reading and discussion seminars each running for a half term (7 weeks). Two seminars, which can be taken in different terms, are required for credit. Topics include the role of intracellular and transmembrane protein phosphates in signal transduction.

Gives students exposure to research topics in Immunology. Students prepare for the weekly seminar through readings, discussions, and preparing brief write-ups. These discussions are facilitated by members of the Committee on Immunology.

This course will focus on basic immunological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, with an emphasis on recent advances in the field. At each session, we will focus on a particular topic and discuss three important publications.

Lectures by physician scientists and clinical exposure to patients with immunologically mediated diseases. The goal is to foster translational research into human immunologic disease.

Focus on basic cellular and molecular aspects of innate immunity, with an emphasis on recent advances in the field. Each class will cover a specific topic, and supporting literature will be provided by the instructor.

It is increasingly clear that the nervous system and immune system share parallel molecular pathways, and communication between neurons and immune cells play significant roles in homeostasis and disease. This course will investigate current topics in neuro-immunology: CNS development, chronic pain, neuro-degeneration, aging, axon regeneration, auto-immunity and infection. We will focus our discussions on molecular mechanisms shared by the immune and nervous systems and the molecular cross-talk between these two systems.

Our focus in this course is on the emerging field of systems immunology. Each session will review a class of experimental approaches, followed by a critical discussion of illustrative papers. Hands-on workshops will introduce students to computational tools for analyzing large-scale datasets, focusing on gene expression. Integrative sessions will review how systems biology has been used in specific areas. In addition, students will organize into small groups to analyze published genomic datasets, and present their results at the last session.

There have been many exciting recent developments in the cancer immunology field, and multiple therapeutic approaches have shown efficacy against diverse types of cancer. This course will emphasize new mechanistic insights, in particular on the following topics: Mechanisms of spontaneous protective anti-tumor immunity; Key effector cell populations of anti-tumor immunity; Inflammation and tumor microenvironment; Immunosuppressive mechanisms in tumor immunity; Targeting of inhibitory receptors; Cancer vaccines; New approaches for delivery of immunotherapies into tumors.

This is a reading course with central themes on mechanisms and treatment of immune mediated disorders, including autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and tumor immunotherapy. There will be a reading requirement of 2-3 relevant papers on the topics of discussion for each week. Each session will consist of a student-led presentation of background on the topic (which will consist of a brief introduction followed by a discussion involving the whole class) followed by another student's presentation of the key points of the papers. Each student is expected to make two presentations during the seven-week course. Evaluation is based on presentations and class participation.

Lectures, detailed laboratory dissections, and prosections provide a thorough exploration of the gross structure and function of the human body. Fundamental principles of embryology and bioengineering promote analytical approaches to understanding the body's design.

A series of career development PATH courses and discussion seminars. Different topics are covered each term.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (seven weeks). Different topics are covered each term.

Subject selected by students and faculty member.

This course is devoted to bacterial structure, physiology, genetics, and regulatory mechanisms. The class consists of lectures and group discussions emphasizing methods, results, and interpretations of classic and contemporary literature.

The mechanisms of bacterial, mycoplasmal, fungal, and viral pathogenesis are covered. Topics are selected for intrinsic interest and cover the spectrum of pathophysiologic mechanisms of the infectious process. Emphasis on pathogenesis at the molecular level.

This is an interdisciplinary graduate-level and advanced undergraduate-level course in which students explore topics in molecular microbiology, microbial diversity, and microbially-mediated geochemistry in depth. This course will be taught by faculty from the Microbial Sciences Initiative. Topics include the origins of life, biogeochemical cycles, microbial diversity, and ecology.

Discussion course on topics selected from the following: history, philosophy of science; evolution vs. creationism; genetics and race; women and science; genetic testing; science journalism; genetics and criminality; science in wartime; scientists and social responsibility; theater and the public presentation of science.

This course focuses on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and the host response to infection. The class consists of lectures and group discussions emphasizing methods, results, and interpretations of classic and contemporary literature. The course is designed to complement Microbiology 201.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (7 weeks). Two seminars, which can be taken in different terms, are required for credit.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (7 weeks).

This intensive January course provides an introduction to the breadth of infectious disease research carried out at Harvard. Students will learn techniques for studying infectious diseases, more about different types of infectious diseases, and meet faculty, students, and postdocs in infectious diseases labs at Harvard.

This is a comprehensive course in Neuroscience. Basic principles of organization and function of the nervous system will be discussed with frequent reference to pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Combining pathophysiology with basic neuroscience should provide physician/scientists and Ph.D. candidates with a dynamic picture of the rapidly evolving field of neuroscience and the experimental process from which the picture is derived, and all students should emerge with a greater awareness both of the applications of their work in alleviating disease, and of the ways that disease can provide insight into basic scientific questions. The course will span modern neuroscience from molecular neurobiology to perception and cognition, and will include the following major topics: Anatomy and Development of the Brain; Cell Biology of Neurons and Glia; Ion Channels and Electrical Signaling; Synaptic Transmission, Integration, and Chemical Systems of the Brain; Sensory Systems, from Transduction to Perception; Motor Systems; and Higher Brain Function (Memory, Language, Affective Disorders).

This course introduces major themes and fundamental concepts underlying current research in systems neuroscience. Each week covers a different theme, and draws on research from different sensorimotor modalities and model organisms.

Monday sessions involve patient presentations and "core" lectures describing clinical progression, pathology, and basic science underlying a major disease or disorder. Wednesdays, students present material from original literature sources, and there is general discussion.

Integrated introduction to the molecular events that govern development and function of neural circuits. Topics include neurogenesis, circuit assembly, synaptic transmission, and the associated signaling pathways. Lectures, discussion of primary literature, and original research proposal.

Introduction to the physiology of neurons, focusing on using electrophysiology and imaging to study function of ion channels, generation of action potentials, and physiology of synaptic transmission. Includes problem sets and reading of original papers.

Examines how neuronal circuits represent information and how those circuits are implemented in artificial intelligence algorithms. Topics: architecture of visual cortex, neurophysiology, visual consciousness, computational neuroscience, models of pattern recognition and computer vision.

Topics cover areas at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels in both basic and clinical neuroscience. A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (seven weeks).

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (7 weeks).

Introduction to gene therapy, different techniques in molecular imaging to monitor gene transfer and response to therapy. Discuss trends in gene therapy: viral vectors, siRNA and cell-based therapy, clinical trials for central nervous system disorders.

Approaches toward mammalian neural regeneration, comparing and contrasting development with adult plasticity/repair. Overview lectures and discussion of primary literature, motivated by motor and sensory circuitry central to spinal cord injury, ALS, and peripheral nerve injury.

Biochemistry and biology are integrated to provide a broad perspective on major human neurodegenerative diseases. The biochemistry, enzymology, structural biology and pathology of disease-associated proteins and approaches to developing therapeutics will be examined.

The goals of this course are to introduce students to programming in the MATLAB environment and to begin using this tool for analyzing data and for gaining intuition about the behavior of complex systems through the use of numerical simulations.

Congenital defects can be caused by inheritance of a defective gene, maternal infection, or prenatal exposure to environmental teratogens. Use of mutant mouse strains and genomic sequencing have been particularly useful in the rapid proliferation of our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which congenital defects of the brain or nervous system arise, and how they lead to functional consequences that range from biochemical abnormalities to gross structural defects.

Retinal diseases are major causes of irreversible blindness. A surge of progress resulting from studies in the disease mechanisms and the development of new imaging technology have led to a huge step forward in the therapies for diagnosing and treating retinal diseases and preventing blindness. This course will offer students an in-depth examination of current knowledge regarding retinal diseases, molecular pathology, and therapy, with an emphasis on recent breakthroughs and discussion of key studies in the field. The class consists of lectures and group discussions that focus on seminal papers selected from both the basic science and clinical ophthalmology, which will serve as a basis for teaching students basic concepts of ophthalmology and becoming familiar with animal models of retinal diseases. Each session will review the landmark publications on a particular topic or disease. As the retina has long served a standard model for studying the CNS, the class will foster discussion on the implications of these studies in other disease mechanisms and therapy.

This course provides graduate students in the Program in Neuroscience with early exposure to the opportunities and challenges associated with a variety of rewarding careers in the field of neuroscience, as well essential steps along the path towards those careers. Academic career topics will include postdoctoral training, obtaining and starting independent faculty positions, grant writing and reviewing, and opportunities for research and teaching positions. Other topics will include career opportunities in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, patent law, journal editing/science writing, science policy, and consulting. One main topic will be covered at each class meeting, and one or more invited discussion leaders with expertise in the topic will participate in the class. Discussion leaders will include Harvard faculty members as well as outside experts.

Discusses limitations that the speech production and hearing systems impose on the sounds we produce and sense. Focuses on acoustic cues used in sound localization, speech production mechanisms, the mechanics of sound reception and perception.

Normal biology, biophysics, physiology and morphology of the inner ear, its sensory innervation and efferent control systems, and the mechanisms underlying sensorineural hearing loss and balance disorders. Material is presented through lectures, laboratory exercises and discussions of the primary literature.

Clinical approach to speech and hearing disorders as practiced by physicians, audiologists, speech clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, bioengineers. Includes observation of patient care in clinic and operating room, audiology/balance disorders experience, lectures and discussion groups.

This course covers anatomy of the head and neck, with cadaver dissection, stressing structures important in speech and hearing. Lecture topics also include basic neuroanatomy, imaging, surgery, and cancer of head and neck.

Survey of human speech communication. Acoustic theory of speech production; physiologic and acoustic descriptions of phonetic features, prosody, voice and speech perception and speech motor control. Applications to recognition, synthesis and speech disorders.

Neural structures and mechanisms mediating the detection, localization and recognition of sounds. General principles are conveyed by theme discussions of auditory masking, sound localization, musical pitch, cochlear implants, cortical plasticity and auditory scene analysis.

Advances in molecular biology of hearing. Topics: Transcriptional and post-translational regulation of gene expression; cell fate determination during inner ear development; inner ear stem cells and regenerative capacity in various species; use of genomics in investigations of the inner ear; critical genes for generating functional hair cells.

Research projects on the neural coding of sound and the neural basis of auditory perception, with emphasis on the mechanisms for listening in adverse environments comprising reverberation and competing sound sources.

Research on topics in theoretical, experimental, clinical, or translational aspects of Speech and Hearing Sciences arranged on an individual basis with a research supervisor.

Opportunity for independent study of topics in speech and hearing sciences under regular supervision by an SHBT faculty member.

For SHBT graduate students studying in research labs at MIT only.

Research on topics in theoretical, experimental, clinical, or translational aspects of Speech and Hearing Sciences arranged on an individual basis with a research supervisor.

Introduction to virology. The lecture component reviews the basic principles of virology and introduces the major groups of human viruses. Weekly discussion groups critically analyze selected papers from the literature.

The course focuses on the following areas of virology: (i) epigenetic regulation, (ii) RNA virus replication mechanisms, (iii) innate responses to viral infection, (iv) inhibition of viral infection. The course will comprise lectures as well as reviewing literature that describes fundamental breakthroughs relevant to these areas. Within those areas, the class will read and discuss papers dealing with virus structure, replication, pathogenesis, evolution, emerging viruses, chronic infection, innate and adaptive immunity, anti-viral drugs/vaccines. Special emphasis will be placed on preparing students to critically evaluate the literature, formulate hypotheses and design experiments.

Students will write, present, and evaluate research proposals in the areas of virus replication, viral pathogenesis and treatment and prevention of viral infections.

Introduction to viral oncology and critical evaluation of key papers in viral oncology. Requirements include presentations, written critiques and class participation.

A series of reading and discussion seminars, each running for a half term (seven weeks). Different topics are covered each term.