BIMS Modules
BIMS students have the flexibility to choose from over 40, six-weeks, modular courses focused on a wide array of topics in biomedical sciences. In these higher-level courses, our expectation is that the students will apply the tools that they have learned in the core course to synthesize and integrate the most current knowledge in the field.
BIMS Module Schedule - Fall 1
Following is the schedule for the Fall 1. Below there is a list of each course, to find out more about that course, click on that courses tab. Please see SIS for information on current instructors and days/times for class meetings.
Key: Monday- (M), Tuesday- (T), Wednesday- (W), Thursday- (R), Friday- (F)
Note: Some courses may occur for the entire semester.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
None.
Description
The course format will include: lecture, web-based learning, group discussions, and practical laboratory exercises with stats software. Students will learn the basics of typical study designs and practical use of common statistical methods. Students will apply learning to reinforce skills and achieve practical competence in: identification of design and statistical resources, experimental design, evaluation of results, and data interpretation.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Macromolecules I
Description
Exploration of magnetic resonance spectroscopy as it is applied to biopolymers. The first module will cover principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) will be covered, including basic principles, homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR methods.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Instructor permission; identified research problem and substantial knowledge of background literature
Description
The ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and justify proposed experiments are essential skills for biomedical researchers. The goals of this course are for trainees to learn and practice effective scientific proposal writing. The course will provide students with extensive peer and faculty mentoring in a workshop format as they each prepare an NIH NRSA-style fellowship application.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
MICR 8200: Building Blocks of the Immune System and MICR 8202: Integration and Diversification of the Immune System or equivalent permission.
Description
The module will cover in depth selected contemporary topics in molecular and cellular immunology. Sessions are discussion-based and facilitated by faculty. Students will learn how to critically evaluate primary literature and to clearly present scientific information. Prerequisite: MICR 8200: Building Blocks of the Immune System and MICR 8202: Integration and Diversification of the Immune System or equivalent.permission.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
BIMS 6000 Core Course, MICR 8400 Molecular Principles of Bacteriology and Virology, and Instructor Permission.
Description
The class provides a comprehensive study of pathogenic microbes and their unique and conserved mechanisms of virulence.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Instructor Permission
Description
This year’s focus will be the current topics on virus-host cell interactions.
This module will cover recent topics from papers published in the past 12 months. Sessions will be based on published primary literature and will consist of discussions facilitated by the faculty with student participation heavily encouraged. Students will learn how to critically evaluate the primary literature and to clearly present scientific information. Topics will be focused primarily on host detection and defense mechanisms, and how viruses overcome these mechanisms to promote replication.
Session will consist of two journal articles/session. Each student enrolled in the course will present. Students are also required to write a short summary of the papers and discussion, which will be due prior to the following class
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
None
Description
This course will provide an overview of the practice of science itself and the basis for claims of scientific knowledge, by integrating advances from philosophy, psychology, history, sociology, and anthropology into a holistic view. Students will acquire an advanced understanding of what science is and how it really works – providing them with a necessary intellectual toolbox to carry out science of their own and evaluate science of others.
Credits: 2
Location: MR6 Rm 3501
Prerequisites
None
Description
A series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease. Note: Students may take part II before part I of this course.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: MICR 8200: Building Blocks of the Immune System, and MICR 8202: Integration and Diversification of the Immune System
Description
This course will review clinical conditions caused by aberrant performance of the immune system, including their clinical presentations and consequences. Students will appreciate the pathological and immune dysfunction responsible for each disease and important areas of contemporary immune research that address critical components of each disease’s pathogenesis. Students will propose, delineate, and critique a focused research plan.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
PHY 8040 and 8041: Physiology A & B recommended
Description
The course will cover the major classes of therapeutically relevant drugs, and how they work at the molecular and cellular levels. The major topics include: general principles, chemical mediators, drugs affecting major organ systems and chemotherapy of infectious and malignant disease.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
BIMS 6000
Description
This course will help students learn to effectively communicate scientific concepts and proposals in the field of Pharmacology. Trainees will practice effective science writing and will participate in extensive peer and faculty workshop sessions as they prepare materials for their Advancement to Candidacy Exam or for an NIH NRSA-style fellowship application.
BIMS Module Schedule - Fall 2
Following is the schedule for the Fall 2. Below there is a list of each course, to find out more about that course, click on that courses tab. Please see SIS for information on current instructors and days/times for class meetings.
Key: Monday- (M), Tuesday- (T), Wednesday- (W), Thursday- (R), Friday- (F)
Note: Some courses may occur for the entire Fall semester.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
BIOP 8030, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Macromolecules I
Description
Exploration of magnetic resonance spectroscopy as it is applied to biopolymers. Data collection for structure determination, residual dipolar couplings, approaches to large systems, and the use of NMR to deduce information about the dynamic behavior of proteins will be covered. Finally, principles of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy will be presented.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
BIMS 6000 (CCIB)
Description
The course provides an introduction to Developmental Biology for graduate students entering with little or no prior coursework in Developmental Biology. The course will include both lectures and readings from the primary literature, with an emphasis on the experimental basis for our current understanding of developmental processes at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Instructor permission; identified research problem and substantial knowledge of background literature
Description
The ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and justify proposed experiments are essential skills for biomedical researchers. The goals of this course are for trainees to learn and practice effective scientific proposal writing. The course will provide students with extensive peer and faculty mentoring in a workshop format as they each prepare an NIH NRSA-style fellowship application.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
MICR 8040 and MICR 8044
Description
This course will cover contemporary topics relevant to the detection and treatment of solid tumors and hematopoietic cancers. These include, but are not limited to, clinical trials, metabolism and cancer, cancer stem cells, cancer biomarkers, systems and networks in cancer. Students will attend organ-based tumor boards, which expose the students to the team-based approach for individualizing treatments that is practiced in the UVA Cancer Center. Prerequisite: Fundamentals in Cancer Biology
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
MICR 8200: Building Blocks of the Immune System and MICR 8202: Integration and Diversification of the Immune System or equivalent permission.
Description
The module will cover in depth selected contemporary topics in molecular and cellular immunology. Sessions are discussion-based and facilitated by faculty. Students will learn how to critically evaluate primary literature and to clearly present scientific information. Prerequisite: MICR 8200: Building Blocks of the Immune System and MICR 8202: Integration and Diversification of the Immune System or equivalent.permission.
Credits: 2 Class Limit: 15
Prerequisites
MICR 8401: Microbial Pathogenesis OR MICR 8410 Advanced Topics in Virology
Description
This course will discuss the grant process including applications for federal and foundation grants, proposal writing and submissions, and grant reviews. A research proposal (based loosely on guidelines for NIH postdoctoral fellowship grant application) on a selected topic in Microbial Pathogenesis will be developed by each student (or student teams).
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Instructor Permission
Description
This year’s focus will be the current topics on virus-host cell interactions
This module will cover recent topics from papers published in the past 12 months. Sessions will be based on published primary literature and will consist of discussions facilitated by the faculty with student participation heavily encouraged. Students will learn how to critically evaluate the primary literature and to clearly present scientific information. Topics will be focused primarily on host detection and defense mechanisms, and how viruses overcome these mechanisms to promote replication.
Session will consist of two journal articles/session. Each student enrolled in the course will present. Students are also required to write a short summary of the papers and discussion, which will be due prior to the following class.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
None
Description
This course will explore how reciprocal crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system contributes to health and disease. Attention will be paid to highlight how immune responses contribute to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimers disease, depression, anxiety, and autism.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
None
Description
A series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease. Note: Students may take part II before part I of this course.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: MICR 8200: Building Blocks of the Immune System, and MICR 8202: Integration and Diversification of the Immune System
Description
This course will review clinical conditions caused by aberrant performance of the immune system, including their clinical presentations and consequences. Students will appreciate the pathological and immune dysfunction responsible for each disease and important areas of contemporary immune research that address critical components of each disease’s pathogenesis. Students will propose, delineate, and critique a focused research plan.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: PHY 8040 & 8041: Physiology A & B recommended, PHAR 9100: Introduction to Pharmacology or permission of instructor
Description
The course will cover the major classes of therapeutically relevant drugs, and how they work at the molecular and cellular levels. The major topics include: general principles, chemical mediators, drugs affecting the central nervous system.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites
BIMS 6000
Description
This course will help students learn to effectively communicate scientific concepts and proposals in the field of Pharmacology. Trainees will practice effective science writing and will participate in extensive peer and faculty workshop sessions as they prepare materials for their Advancement to Candidacy Exam or for an NIH NRSA-style fellowship application.
BIMS Module Schedule - Spring 1
Following is the schedule for the Spring 1. Below there is a list of each course, to find out more about that course, click on that courses tab. Please see SIS for information on current instructors and days/times for class meetings.
Key: Monday- (M), Tuesday- (T), Wednesday- (W), Thursday- (R), Friday- (F)
Note: Some courses may occur for the entire semester.
Credits: 1
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Beginning in 1989, the National Institutes of Health introduced a requirement that institutions provide a program of instruction in the responsible conduct of research (NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 18, Number 45, 1989). This was later expanded to require that all fellows on NIH training grants should receive instruction in the responsible conduct of research. The requirement does not specify a particular format or curriculum. However, recommendations are made that several areas should be covered in the instruction: conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, and data management. This course is designed to help student consider each of these areas and therein formulate an understanding of responsible conduct in research.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
BIOP 8201/8301, Biophysical Principles
Description:
The course offers in depth coverage of theory and practical applications of X-ray diffraction methods to crystals of biological macromolecules and their complexes. Topics of the first module will cover molecular visualization, crystals and protein crystallization, X-ray diffraction, data collection, data quality, and data reduction.
Credits:
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Each week, a UVA faculty member or guest lecturer will summarize current work in their area of research. The emphasis in these lectures will be on high-throughput genomic and bio-informatic approaches to elucidating the mechanisms of pathogenesis in human disease and disease models.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
BIOL 3010 or BIOL 4210 or instructor consent
Description:
The course will cover human genetics and genomics, including the human/mammalian genome variation, determination of genomic variation on phenotype and disease risk, mapping and characterizing genetic variants on phenotype, determining the putative impact of genetic variants on gene expression (transcriptomics, epigenomics), the promise and implications of genome science on precision medicine and the ethical, legal & social implications.
(Crosslisted with PHS 5705 and BIOC 5705)
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
The course format will include: lecture, web-based learning, group discussions, and practical laboratory exercises with stats software. Students will learn the basics of typical study designs and practical use of common statistical methods. Students will apply learning to reinforce skills and achieve practical competence in: identification of design and statistical resources, experimental design, evaluation of results, and data interpretation.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
The Translational Science Course is designed to prepare graduate students to engage in cutting-edge basic science discovery; understand proof-of-concept research and industrial designed experiments; innovate and invent; create valuable intellectual properties; optimize patent enablements and claims; interact with regulatory agencies; champion entrepreneurship and commercialization activities; and enhance societal impact of basic research.
Credits:
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
The course will focus on aspects of cell physiology particularly amenable to biophysical investigations. Emphasis will be on membranes and lipid bilayer behavior, cytoskeleton and motor proteins, thermodynamics and ion channels. The primary literature will be the main source of reading. During the course the instructors will introducing a different topic at each session and will discuss relevant papers and applications together with students.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
BIMS 6000 (CCIB) or Instructor Permission
Description:
This course examines the molecular basis of cancer and how environmental and hereditary factors cooperate to elicit the transformed phenotype and promote cancer progression. It is team taught by both basic scientists and clinical faculty, providing students with an introduction to clinical presentation, progression, and outcomes; genetic/cellular/tissue drivers of oncogenesis and metastasis; and therapeutic challenges for the treatment of cancer.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
Previous Immunology class or permission of the instructor
Description:
This module will cover the different components of the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system with a focus on development and molecular pathways regulating these processes.
Credits: 1
Description:
The course will cover the science and policies governing the study of select agents, and emerging infectious diseases. Topics will include, but are not limited to pathogen characteristics, regulatory requirements, recognition and detection of intentional and natural outbreaks, emergency preparedness and interfaces with public health.
Credits: 6
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This advanced course introduces critical areas in neuroscience. In 3 sections, it covers: Molecular, Cellular, & Dev Neuroscience, Systems & Circuits, & Behavior & Disease. Will explore: nervous sys development, basic principles of neurobio, membrane & action potential, ion channels, synaptic transmission & modulation, brain structures, sensory & motor circuits, neurological disease, animal models used to study them & the clinical context.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This is a series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease. Note: Students may take part II before part I of this course. This is a series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
The course will integrate background cellular and molecular knowledge into organ systems and whole animal, function. It is intended to provide the ability to integrate knowledge at the molecular level into function, the foundation of translational-based research. The physiology to be covered will include the nervous system, metabolism and endocrine systems.
Credits:2
Prerequisites:
PHY 8040
The class covers the broad range of vascular biology from the basic science to clinical implications. The class integrates new methods in the field and relationships to heart function.
BIMS Module Schedule - Spring 2
Following is the schedule for the Spring 2. Below there is a list of each course, to find out more about that course, click on that courses tab. Please see SIS for information on current instructors and days/times for class meetings.
Key: Monday- (M), Tuesday- (T), Wednesday- (W), Thursday- (R), Friday- (F)
Note: Some courses may occur for the entire semester.
Credits: 1
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Beginning in 1989, the National Institutes of Health introduced a requirement that institutions provide a program of instruction in the responsible conduct of research (NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, Volume 18, Number 45, 1989). This was later expanded to require that all fellows on NIH training grants should receive instruction in the responsible conduct of research. The requirement does not specify a particular format or curriculum. However, recommendations are made that several areas should be covered in the instruction: conflict of interest, responsible authorship, policies for handling misconduct, policies regarding the use of human and animal subjects, and data management. This course is designed to help student consider each of these areas and therein formulate an understanding of responsible conduct in research.
Credits: 2
Prerequisite:
BIOP 8020, Macromolecular Crystallography I
The course offers in depth coverage of theory and practical applications of X-ray diffraction methods to crystals of biological macromolecules and their complexes. Topics of the second module will cover phase determination, electron density interpretation, refinement, and model validation. Case studies will be presented by the students.
Credits:
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
Each week, a UVA faculty member or guest lecturer will summarize current work in their area of research. The emphasis in these lectures will be on high-throughput genomic and bio-informatic approaches to elucidating the mechanisms of pathogenesis in human disease and disease models.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
BIOL 3010 or BIOL 4210 or instructor consent
Description:
The course will cover human genetics and genomics, including the human/mammalian genome variation, determination of genomic variation on phenotype and disease risk, mapping and characterizing genetic variants on phenotype, determining the putative impact of genetic variants on gene expression (transcriptomics, epigenomics), the promise and implications of genome science on precision medicine and the ethical, legal & social implications.
(Crosslisted with PHS 5705 and BIOC 5705)
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This course introduces methods, tools, and software for reproducibly managing, manipulating, analyzing, and visualizing large-scale biomedical data. Specifically, the course introduces the R statistical computing environment and packages for manipulating and visualizing high-dimensional data, covers strategies for reproducible research, and culminates with analysis of data from a real RNA-seq experiment using R and Bioconductor packages.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
BIMS 6000 (CCIB)
Description: This course will introduce students to major techniques in molecular biophysics, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and fluorescence methods. The primary literature will be the main source of reading. During the course the instructors will introducing a different topic at each session and will discuss relevant papers and applications together with the students.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
BIMS 6000 (CCIB)
Description:
This module will cover topics not discussed in the Core Course and provide depth to topics covered in less detail. These will include, but are not limited to membrane biogenesis and trafficking, cytoskeleton dynamics and regulation, cell adhesion and motility, cell polarity, cell cycle control and regulation. The course will be primarily literature-based and emphasis will be placed on model systems, experimental design and data interpretation.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
MICR 8040
Description:
This course is a follow-up to Fundamentals in Cancer Biology. It examines hormonal regulation and signal transduction pathways in breast cancer and leukemia/lymphoma. Clinical and basic science faculty again team up to provide students with a comprehensive view of clinical aspects (early detection, diagnosis, epidemiology, prognosis, treatment, and prevention) and experimental strategies that reveal basic mechanisms underlying these diseases.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
MICR 8200, Building Blocks of the Immune System and Instructor Permission
Description:
This module will cover how the diverse components of the immune system are integrated and how this integration influences further maturation and differentiation of elements of the immune system under physiological and patho-physiological conditions. This will include responses to different types of pathogens.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
BIMS 6000 (CCIB)
Description:
This foundational module will cover fundamentals of the biology of bacteria and viruses. Bacteriology topics to be discussed include bacterial physiology, genetics, and gene regulation, and how these and other features impact drug discovery and pathogenesis. Virology topics to be discussed include virus structure and assembly, viral replication, viral genetic regulation, virus/immune interactions, and applications of viruses in 21st century.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This course will provide the strong foundation in signal transduction in developing neurons. Upon completion of this course, students will understand signal transduction in neural development and beyond. This will be a combination of lecture and discussion of classic and contemporary literature.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
We will highlight mechanisms that allow the nervous system to produce complex behaviors. Using a bottom-up approach beginning with classical descriptions of ion channels & the mathematical models used to understand their gating properties. We describe how neurons communicate via chemical and electrical synapses. Finally, we describe how the specific connections among neurons enable structures in the brain to carry out complex tasks.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
None
Description:
This is a series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease. Note: Students may take part II before part I of this course. This is a series of joint lectures by basic and clinical scientists that focuses on the clinical context of a specific biomedical problem and the contemporary research that has resulted in major advances and treatment of the disease
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
PHY 8040 or permission of instructor
Description:
The course will integrate background cellular and molecular knowledge into organ systems and whole animal, function. It is intended to provide the ability to integrate knowledge at the molecular level into function the foundation of translational-based research. Specifically, the physiology to be covered will include the heart, vasculature, kidney, GI, and muscle.
Credits: 2
Prerequisites:
PHY 8040 and PHY 8052
Description:
The class covers the broad range of vascular biology from the basic sciences to the clinical implications. In addition, the class integrates new methods in the field and relationships to heart function.