This track is designed to meet the needs of students with varied academic background who desire to develop significant experience in recombinant DNA technology. Both strategies of modern molecular biology and specific training in lab techniques are emphasized. Applicants with training in other areas who have a special interest in recombinant DNA technology will be considered for admission.
Recombinant DNA Technology Track
Highly Recommended Courses
- Bio Core 1: Molecular Systems - BIOL-GA 1001, 4 points. This core course surveys the major areas of modern molecular biology, molecular genetics and systems biology. Topics include 1) the molecular structure and function of proteins and polynucleic acids and their fundamental roles in cell biology and disease, 2) the mechanisms of transcription and translation, 3) genetic and genomic analysis methods and an introduction to systems biology.
- Bio Core 2: Cellular Systems - BIOL-GA 1002, 4 points. This course addresses the general question: how are molecular processes integrated to make functional cells? The course focuses on 1) structure and function of cell organelles, 2) cellular systems, including ion and protein transport, metabolism and energetics, 3) signaling and regulation of the cell cycle, 4) molecular machines, such as mitotic spindle and actin networks.
- Lab in Molecular Biology I-II - BIOL-GA 1122-1123, 4 points each. Lab in Molecular Biology I and II comprises a project-based laboratory course sequence with Professor Kirov. In the Fall semester students perform experiments with the aim of cloning and characterizing a gene at the molecular level. In the Spring semester students perform functional studies of the protein encoded by the gene.
- Lab in Molecular Biology III-IV - BIOL-GA 1124-1125, 4 points each. These courses comprise an independent research project performed by the student under the supervision of a research mentor in their laboratory. The mentor is usually a faculty member of the Department of Biology at NYU, but can also be a faculty member at another institution, for example, the NYU School of Medicine or the NYU College of Dentistry. In both cases the research mentor must communicate with the Director of the Program, Dr. Christine Rushlow about progress of the student, and the final grade. In general, Lab III and IV each consist of about 20 hours per week of lab work. If Labs III and IV are taken simultaneously, approximately 40 hours per week are required. Both can also be taken during the summer, Lab III in Session 1, and Lab IV in Session 2. Scientific results resulting from Lab in Molecular Biology III and IV may be integrated into the student's final research paper.
Additional Courses
- Metabolic Disorders - BIOL-GA 1032
- Protein Biochemistry - BIOL-GA 1045
- Emerging Pathogens - BIOL-GA 1080, 4 points.
- Hot Topics in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - BIOL-GA 1023, 4 points.
- Toxicology - BIOL-GA 1006, 4 points.
- Ecotoxicology: Hudson River Case Study - BIOL-GA 1005, 4 points.
- Molecular and Genetic Toxicology - BIOL-GA 2040, 4 points.
- Systems Biology - BIOL-GA 1128, 4 points.
- Cell Biology - BIOL-GA 1051, 4 points.
- Current Topics in Biology - BIOL-GA 2005-2008, 2 points each.
- Statistics in Biology - BIOL-GA 2030, 4 points.
- Programming for Biologists - BIOL-GA.1007, 4 points.
- Biological Databases and Datamining - BIOL-GA 1009, 4 points.
- Biophysical Modeling of Cells & Populations - BIOL-GA 1131, 4 points.
- Applied Genomics: Intro to Bioinformatics and Network Modeling - BIOL-GA 1130, 4 points.
- Principles of Evolution - BIOL-GA 1069, 4 points.
- Evolutionary Genetics & Genomics - BIOL-GA 1129, 4 points.
- Genomics of Human Populations - BIOL-GA 1132, 4 points.
- Research - BIOL-GA 3303-3304, 1-6 points.
- Reading - BIOL-GA 3305-3306, 1-6 points.
For additional course offerings through the Departments of Biology, Biomaterials, and Basic Medical Sciences (NYU medical school), please see the GSAS Bulletin, or at the registrar’s web site for the schedule of course offerings.