Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Rigorous introduction to (i) dynamical systems theory as a tool to understand molecular and cellular biology (ii) stochastic processes in single cells, using tools from statistical physics and information theory.

Intensive and critical analysis of systems approaches to circuits and principles controlling pattern formation and morphogenesis in animals. Students develop their own ideas and present them through mentored "chalk talks" and other interactive activities.

A course focusing on the rational design, construction, and applications of nucleic acid- and protein-based synthetic molecular and cellular machinery and systems. Students are mentored to produce substantial term projects.

Students will work collaboratively with faculty and one another on critical science communication skills including crafting graphics, writing fellowships, and giving oral presentations.

Series of lectures to introduce the research areas of current program faculty in systems biology.

Series of intensive seminars, each running for 6 hours. Three seminars, which can be taken in different terms, are required for credit.

Intensive January course covering theoretical foundations in population genetics, genetic drift versus selection, identifying selection in genomes, advances in laboratory evolution experiments, with applications to key questions in systems biology and evolution.

Introduction to selected mathematical and computational models of human physiology, disease, and treatment monitoring. Topics may include glucose regulation, kidney filtration, blood cell homeostasis and anemia, cell growth and cancer, and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

We will examine how the some of the key requirements of living systems are implemented at the molecular level and how quantitative experimental methods and mathematical analysis can help us understand them.

Synthetic biology is a new discipline that seeks to enable the predictable engineering of biological systems. According to one conception of synthetic biology, proteins and genetic regulatory elements are modular and can be combined in a predictable manner. In practice however, assembled genetic devices do not function as expected. The purpose of the course is to go beyond the textbook, first-pass description of molecular mechanisms and focus on details that are specifically relevant to engineering biological systems.

Upper level Systems Biology students register for this course when they permanently join a lab. Students should register under the supervising PI.

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.

The course will introduce the research areas of faculty performing research in systems biology. Intended for Systems Biology lab rotations.