2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Course descriptions are arranged alphabetically by the course prefix code letters, as listed here. For the purpose of brevity, course descriptions may consist of sentence fragments. Unless otherwise specified, graduate courses carry three credits. 

 

Accounting and Taxation

  
  • ACCT 6601 - Fundamentals of Federal Income Taxation


    A study of tax policy and the fundamental principles of the federal income tax law taught at an advanced level of inquiry. Coverage entails the key concepts of gross income, adjusted gross income, deductions, exemptions, credits, and special tax computations, with attention given to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code affecting individual taxpayers. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6602 - Taxation of Property Transactions


    A continuation of Federal Income Taxation I emphasizing the fundamental principles concerning dispositions of property: analysis of basis, recognition of gain or loss, capital asset transactions, nonrecognition exchanges and depreciation recapture; inventory methods, changes in accounting periods, and accounting methods. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6603 - Tax Research and Writing


    Tax Research sources, techniques, practice, and writing. Use of WEB-BASED Tax Research Services and evaluation of weights or authority, legislative history, and systematic writing analysis of tax problems and legal memoranda. 2 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6604 - Taxation of Business Entities


    An introdutction to the income tax consequences of the formation and operation of regular C corporations, S corporations, affiliated corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6605 - Partnership and Limited Liability Company Income Taxation


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6604 .  A study of the federal income tax problems encountered in the operation of partnerships and limited liability companies, including partnership allocations, operating distributions, sale of partnership interest, withdrawal of a partner, death or retirement of a partner, distribution of partner assets, and basis adjustments. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6606 - Corporate Income Taxation


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6604 .  Advanced study in the corporate tax area including corporate distributions, redemptions, liquidations, taxable acquisitions, carryover of corporate tax attributes, corporate reorganizations and divisions, intercompany transactions, and consolidated returns. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6607 - Qualified Retirement Plans


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6604 .  An examination of the fundamentals of the federal taxation of deferred compensation. The course will focus on qualified retirement plans and individual and self-employed retirement plans as developed by the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and subsequent legislation. Deferred executive compensation arrangements, stock options, restricted property, tax deferred annuities, and various employee benefit plans will also be reviewed. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6608 - Taxation of Estates, Gifts, and Trusts


    A comprehensive introduction to, and analysis of, the federal estate and gift tax laws including basic principles of estate planning. Coverage also includes federal income taxation of estates, trusts, grantors, and beneficiaries. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6609 - Federal Tax Practice and Procedure


    A study of the history and organization of the Internal Revenue Service, the selection of returns for audit, and the review steps at the administrative level. Code provisions covered will include filing requirements, statutory notices, restriction on assessment, statute of limitations, refund procedures, waivers, closing agreements, protests, and rulings. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6610 - International Taxation


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6604 .  Consideration of the federal income tax treatment of nonresident aliens and foreign corporations, and the foreign income of U.S. residents and domestic corporations. Comparison of alternate methods of engaging in operations abroad, foreign tax credit, allocations under code Section 482, Section 367 rulings, effect of tax treaties. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6611 - State and Local Taxation


    Tax problems encountered at the state and local level by businesses engaged in interstate commerce. Federal limitation on the taxation of multistate enterprises and jurisdictional problems are examined. Specific areas covered are license to do business, net income, franchise, gross receipts, property, and sales and use taxes. Apportionment problems are examined in detail. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6612 - Tax-Exempt Organizations


    A comprehensive look at the formation, operation, and taxation of tax-exempt entities. The course will examine the basic requirements for exemption from federal income tax, including restrictions on campaigning and other political activities, and the prohibition on private benefit. This course will cover the different types of tax-exempt organizations, the qualifying rules for each, and the tax planning considerations related to the use of each. Also examined will be the deductibility rules for charitable contributions, as well as the taxation of unrelated business income of a tax-exempt organization. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6615 - Research Project in Federal Income Taxation


    Prerequisite: 15 graduate hours in taxation. A study of the techniques and tools of tax research. Reference sources include tax loose-leaf services, IRS cumulative bulletins, court cases, congressional committee reports, textbooks, published articles. Research projects will be assigned for written submission. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6616 - Taxation for Management


    Introduction to federal taxation and its impact on business decision making. Overview of the basics of federal taxation, its traps, and tax planning opportunities. Complete overview of all areas of federal taxation to understand tax planning for personal and business situations and the interrrelationship of tax planning decisions. Areas of federal taxation covered are individual income taxes, corporation income taxes, S corporations, partnerships, income taxation of estates and trusts, estate and gift taxes. Not open to MS in Taxation program students. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6619 - Accounting Foundations


    An introduction to general purpose financial statements including the balance sheet, the statement of income and retained earnings, and the statement of cash flow with an emphasis on understanding financial statements rather than their preparation. Financial statement ratios, useful in analysis, will also be introduced in the course. 1.5 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6620 - Financial Accounting for Managers


    An examination of financial accounting reports, standards, practices, and procedres from a user's perspective, emphasizing the understanding and use of accounting reports rather than their preparation. Basic terms, concepts, reports, and underlying theories are covered. A review of the effects of choosing certain accounting methods, policies, and procedures is intended to enhance the manager's comprehension of financial statement presentation. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6621 - Managerial Accounting


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6619  or ACCT 6620 .  Accounting analysis for the managerial functions of planning, controlling, and evaluating the performance of the business firm. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6630 - Current Topics in Financial Accounting


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6619  or ACCT 6620 . A selective examination of corporate financial accounting topics including revenue recognition and income determination, structure of financial position and cash flow statements, issues related to current assets, long term assets, liabilities and shareholders; equities.  This course will be substituted with an accounting elective if at least two intermediate accounting courses are taken in an undergraduate accounting program in the U.S. or Canada. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6631 - Advanced Financial Accounting


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630 . This course covers advanced topics in financial reporting including: accounting for partnerships, state and local governmental units, not-for-profit organizations, and accounting for mergers and consolidations. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6632 - Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630  or equivalent. Examination of advanced topics in financial accounting including practices related to leases, income tax reporting, pension and other retirement benefits, consolidated financial statements, governmental accounting, and non-profit organizations.

    This course will be substituted with an accounting elective course if an undergraduate degree in accounting obtained in the U.S. or Canada is presented. 3 credits.

  
  • ACCT 6635 - Analysis of Federal Income Taxation I


    An examination and application of the federal income tax law including objectives, history, sources of tax law, and administration. Analysis of the application and effect of federal tax law as it impacts the different types of tax payers including individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability entities, sub-chapter S corporations, and trusts and estates. Students will apply income tax concepts of accounting methods and periods, income, deduction losses, property transactions, fringe benefits, and retirement plans. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6636 - Analysis of Federal Income Taxation II


    Advanced study in taxation including the analysis of tax consequences of the formation, operation, and termination of corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Analysis of the application and effect of the alternative minimum tax, related party transactions, estate and gift taxation, financial tax accounting concepts, and ethical responsibilities in tax practice. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6637 - International Accounting and Taxation


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630 . This course provides a detailed examination and analysis of the framework of international accounting and taxation. Discussion will center on the elements of global accounting from a financial, managerial, tax, and audit perspective. Highlights include detailed analysis of the development and convergence of international accounting standards, taxation of transnational transactions, and quantifying and reporting financial risks such as foreign exchange and hedging transactions. The course also addresses transfer pricing, tax treaties, tax incentives, and other strategic accounting issues related to multinational corporations. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6641 - Accounting Information Systems


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6621 .  An examination fo the function and limitations of internal accounting information systems and their relationship to other decision-oriented buisness information systems. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6642 - Internal Auditing Seminar


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6621 .  Analysis of the principles underlying the functions of auditing within a firm. Will impart a working knowledge of techniques used in business audits. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6650 - Advanced Accounting Theory


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630  or six hours of intermediate accounting. Theoretical aspects of accepted accounting principles and their significance as a frame of reference for the valuation of accounting practices. Major focus on the role of regulatory agencies and professional accounting organizations with regard to their influences on accounting theory and practice. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6652 - Auditing and Assurance Services Seminar


    An analysis of the contemporary problems surrounding the attest function performed by the professional independent auditor. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6654 - Financial Statements: Reporting and Analysis


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6621 .  Techniques in analyzing financial statements by creditors and equity investors for the short and long term. Review of accounting principles as reflected in the financial statements. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6655 - Forensic and Investigative Accounting


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630  or equivalent. An overview and examination of investigative auditing techniques, criminology, and courtroom procedures for the forensic accountant. The course covers both litigation support and investigative accounting, examining the practical aspects of these two areas, as well as many of the newer technological areas. The course also examines corporate compliance programs to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6656 - Valuation Theory and Practice in Forensic Accounting


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630  or equivalent. This course examines the basis and framework of business valuation theory and applies those theories in practice. Discussion will center upon the elements of valuation from financial and operational analysis through the methods found in the three approaches to valuation: asset, income, and market.  Highlights include the development of discount/capitalization rates and the application of appropriate adjustments (i.e., premiums and discounts) to the calculated value.  This course also addresses a range of matters including fraud, economic damages, professional standard of care, valuation, and others.  This course is designed to provide an introduction to financial forensics.  It will provide an overview of the types of engagements in which financial experts are called upon to render financial, analytic, investigative, and expert testimony. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6657 - Federal Tax Valuation


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630  or equivalent. This course is an overview, examination and application of federal tax valuation as it applies to various tax issues regarding valuation for federal estate, gift and income tax purposes. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6661 - Managerial Accounting Seminar


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6621 .  Case course covering advanced issues of management accounting. Develops topics introduced in ACCT 6621 . 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6662 - Fraud Examination


    Prerequisite: ACCT 6630 .  An examination of concepts and skills of fraud investigation and forensic accounting.  Course coverage includes an overview of the fraud problem; prevention and detection of fraud and the use of technology to detect fraud; elements of fraud investigation, interview techniques, fraud types; employee, management, investment, vendor, and customer schemes; laws governing the prosecution of fraud cases.  3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6670 - Selected Topics


    A study of selected issues of particular interest to students and instructor. Course may be taken more than once. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6690 - Research Project


    Prerequisite: 15 graduate hours or consent of the instructor. Independent study under the supervision of an advisor. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6695 - Independent Study I


    A planned program of individual study under the supervision of a member of the faculty. 3 credits.
  
  • ACCT 6696 - Independent Study II


    A continuation of Independent Study I. 3 credits.
  
  • BUSL 6674 - Business Law and the Regulatory Environment


    An overview of the legal system as it relates to the operation of a buisness. Topics will include those relating to the establishment and continuity of buisness relationships, including contracts, product liability, warranty, agency business entities, property, buisness crimes and torts, intellectual property, credit and bankruptcy, and those regulating business activities, including employment, environment, securities, and antitrust laws. 3 credits.

Arabic

  
  • ARBC 6601 - Elementary Arabic I


    This course will introduce students to the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Modern Standard Arabic. Students will learn Arabic letters and sounds, write and create words and sentences, and be able to conduct basic conversations in the Arabic language. 3 credits.
  
  • ARBC 6602 - Elementary Arabic II


    Prerequisite: ARBC 6601  or consent of the instructor. This course will build upon the language, listening, and writing skills students developed in ARBC 6601 . Students will advance their knowledge of Arabic letters and sounds, words and sentences, and basic conversation skills. 3 credits.
  
  • ARBC 6611 - Intermediate Arabic I


    Prerequisite: ARBC 6602  or consent of the instructor. This course builds upon the skills acquired in the first-year course sequence. Emphasis will be on mastering grammar, speaking skills, listening comprehension, and reading skills. Students will gain the confidence to converse with native speakers on a variety of topics; will be able to write simple texts on everyday themes; and will acquire the skills to read uncomplicated authentic texts, such as newspaper articles on familiar topics. 3 credits.
  
  • ARBC 6612 - Intermediate Arabic II


    Prerequisite: ARBC 6602  or consent of the instructor. This course is a second-year, upper intermediate course in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which will continue to focus on the four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In this level, students will gain oral proficiency and should become comfortable to converse on familiar topics with a native speaker, to write short texts on everyday themes, and to read newspaper articles and short stories. Students will also be introduced to aspects of contemporary life and culture in the Arab world through films and cultural video clips. 3 credits.

Biology

  
  • BIOL 6605 - Biostatistics


    A non-calculus-based course which includes basic concepts of probability and statistics. These concepts are applied to problems in human biology, industrial/occupational health, and epidemiology. Introduction to and use of the computer package SPSSx for data analysis.  Cross-listed with MATH 6605 . 3 credits.

Biomedical Engineering

  
  • BIOM 6601 - Biomedical Engineering Seminar


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. Definition of scope including a historical perspective, moral and ethical issues, biomaterials, biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, tissue engineering, biomedical optics and lasers, imaging, challenges, and future of the bioengineering field.  Speakers will review engineering-life sciences interdisciplinary activities.  2 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6610 - Biomedical Polymers


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This course reviews the basic principle of polymer science, common synthetic and natural polymers, and the specific applications of polymers in biomedical areas such as biomedical implants, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and medical diagnostics. The content includes special properties of polymers, basic principles of polymer synthesis and characterization, commonly used synthetic and natural biomedical polymers, specific applications of biomedical polymers, and the principle of green chemistry and engineering in polymer materials design. This course is designed for students who are interested in polymer science and its applications in biomedical engineering. 3 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6615 - Biomaterials II: Design and Applications of Biomaterials


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on biomaterials and their physiological interactions. Topics to be discussed include: 1) materials used in medicine/dentistry: metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, resorbable, "non-fouling", smart, and natural materials, 2) materia response/degradation: mechanical breakdown, corrosion, dissolution, leaching, chemical degradation, and wear, 3) host responses: foreign body reactions, coagulation, inflammation, wound healing, carcinogenicity, immunogenicity, cytotoxicity, infection, and local/systemic effects, and 4) medical applications: artificial lungs, heart, and kidney stents, pacemakers, drug delivery, tooth, eye, surgical glue, skin, suture, biosensors, and microarrays. 3 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6620 - Tissue Engineering


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This course will provide an overview of cell biology fundamentals, extracellular matrix, basics of receptors, topics on cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions at both the theoretical and experimental levels. Subsequent lectures will cover the effects of physical (shear, stress, strain), chemical (cytokines, growth factors), and electrical stimuli on cell function, emphasizing topics on gene regulation and signal transduction processes. Tissue engineering will be introduced by reviewing tissue structure and function and the clinical need for tissue repair. An overview of scaffold design and processing for tissue engineering will be reviewed and the application of tissue engineering to specialized tissues and organs will then be addressed in depth. Specific organ systems include skin, muscular skeletal system (vascular grafts, blood substitutions, cardiac patch, and heart valve), nervous system (peripheral and central nervous systems), liver, pancreas, and kidney.

      3 credits.

  
  • BIOM 6630 - Biosensors and Instrumentation with Laboratory


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This course provides an introduction to the physics and engineering in the functioning of biosensors and the techniques and principles of biomedical instrumentation. The topics include an introduction to physiological signals and measurements, different techniques of biosensing and biosensors, analog signal amplification and filters, digital data acquisition, digital filtering and processing, biomedical instrumentations such as ECG, EEG, defibrillator, pulse oximeter, blood flow and pulmonary measurements, and genetic testing instruments.  In the lab, students will design and fabricate their own biomedical instrument.  Laboratory fee. 4 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6635 - Bioanalytics


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This course will introduce students to various physical, chemical, and biological instrumental methods of characterizing structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, catalysis of biochemical reactions, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, DNA sequencing, transcription, post-transcriptional processing, translation, photosynthesis, properties of membranes. The goal is to review selected analytical methods - instrumental, probabilistic, and modeling - as applied to biological systems, their design and evaluation. 3 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6640 - Biomedical Optics


    Prerequisite: biomedical engineering graduate standing or consent of the instructor. This is an interdisciplinary course discussing the application of optical methods for diagnostic, detection and manipulation of cells and tissues. This course is divided into three parts. In the first part, introduction to lasers and current laser technology, interaction of light with cells and tissues, and optical spectroscopy will be covered. The second part discusses various optical probing techniques in medical diagnosis including bio-imaging with optical microscope and tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and microarray and nanotechnology. The third part includes topics in photodynamic therapy, tissue engineering with light, and laser tweezers. 3 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6650 - Medical Imaging Systems


    Prerequisites: MECH 6602  , ELEC 6603  , ELEC 6650  or consent of the instructor. This course will provide an introduction to the operation and fundamentals of the standard medical imaging under contemporary use. The course will also provide understanding of the basic physics and engineering principles leading to the development of these imaging techniques. 1-D and  2-D image processing  and analysis techniques will  be discussed for each of these techniques.  The imaging techniques will include ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) , X-Ray Computed Tomography (X-Ray CT) , and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

      3 credits.

  
  • BIOM 6690 - Research Project


    Prerequisites: biomedical engineering graduate standing, written consent of the program coordinator.   The goal of this class is to provide students the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects.  Students may go to particular faculty to learn about their research interests, but generally students will be presented with a choice of possible research projects. Projects may take the form of i) in-depth library search of a biomedical engineering area, ii) the design and/or construction of hardware, iii) the collection and/or analysis of experimental data, or iv) the generation of computer software. 3 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6693 - Biomedical Engineering Internship


    Prerequisites: biomedical engineering graduate standing, written consent of the program coordinator.   Biomedical engineering internship students will submit a prospectus to the program coordinator at the time of registration that includes the location, immediate supervisor's' name and contact information, nature of the project, and hours per week for the project. One mid-semester report and one end of semester report are required. At the end of the semester in which internship credits will be obtained, a letter from the immediate internship supervisor evaluating the ability of the student to use techniques, skills and tools for the project, function on a team, communicate effectively, and understand the broad impact of the project should be obtained by student and submitted to the program director by the last day of regular classes.  Internship may be repeated for no additional credits.

      3 credits.

  
  • BIOM 6697 - Thesis I


    Prerequisite: completion of 15 credits of graduate work.  This course will introduce students to the thesis requirements according to the most recent version of the university Thesis Manual and involve them in research. Students must have submitted a thesis prospectus and performed a literature search on the biomedical engineering area of research in the preceding semester.  Periodic meetings and discussions of the individual student's progress toward the completion of the thesis.  3 credits.
  
  • BIOM 6698 - Thesis II


    Prerequisite: BIOM 6697 .  This course allows students to apply their initial background knowledge and pilot research data acquired in Thesis I to meet their proposed research objectives. Students will also write and defend their thesis work. Periodic meetings and discussions of the individual student's progress toward the completion of the thesis.

      3 credits.


Cellular and Molecular Biology

  
  • CMBI 6601 - Protein Biochemistry and Enzymology


    Prerequisites: undergraduate organic chemistry and biochemistry. This course provides an in-depth examination of the relationship between protein structure and function. The course begins with a detailed exploration of protein structure and synthesis. The structure/function relationship is demonstrated by looking at enzymes, including their structure, mechanism of action, and regulation. Methods and resources for studying proteins and enzymes are discussed throughout. The course is designed to acquaint the students with key elements of critical thinking and problem solving methods and techniques by using primary literature, group discussions, and the protein data bank and other resources for exploring protein structure. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6602 - Biochemistry of Bioenergetics


    Prerequisite: undergraduate organic chemistry. This course is strongly recommended for students lacking undergraduate biochemistry. Examination of the major anabolic and catabolic pathways and their regulation. Catabolic pathways for the oxidation of hexoses, lipids, and amino acids are considered. These processes lead to the formation of chemiosmotic gradient capable of driving ATP synthesis. Discussion of the anabolic pathways starts with the generation of similar chemiosmotic gradient by light absorption or other energy-releasing pathways leading to production of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6603 - Nucleic Acid Biochemistry


    Prerequisites: undergraduate organic chemistry and biochemistry. Examines the biochemistry of nucleic acids, their function as genetic information and control over the expression of that information, nucleic acid-protein interactions, It covers topics such as the structure of nucleic acids, organization of chromatin, DNA methylation, histone modification, prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication, repair, recombination, transposons, transcription and translation processes. Posttranscriptional modifications of RNA and regulation of gene activity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes are discussed. The principles of basic and novel molecular techniques are also introduced. This course is designed to further develop the students' critical thinking and problem solving skills though reading and evaluating primary papers and working on experimental design. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6606 - Molecular Genetics/Genomics


    Prerequisite: undergraduate genetics or molecular biology. This course introduces students to the field of genomics/proteomics and computational genomics. It covers the structure of the human genome, and the strategies that are used to map and sequence different genomes. It introduces techniques to analyze the information expressed by the whole genome. The course covers details about how genomic sequence information is utilized for pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine and medical research. The course also introduces post-genomics technologies such as computational genomics, comparative and functional genomics as well as epigenomics. Genomics research related ethical issues are extensively discussed. This course is designed to acquaint the students with key elements of critical thinking and problem solving methods and techniques by working on fundamental genomics/bioinformatics problems and case studies in a small team setting. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6608 - Evaluation of Scientific Literature


    Prerequisite: undergraduate genetics or molecular biology or biochemistry. This course will introduce the student to the organization, use, and critical evaluation of scientific information. Print and electronic resources will be explored through lecture, student presentations, class discussion, and written assignments. The use of available reference management software to organize materials will be included. Sources evaluated will include basic reference works, journal articles, electronic databases, and a variety of information accessible on the Internet. Upon completion of the course, students will have the ability to locate, retrieve, and critically evaluate scientific literature. In addition, students will be both practiced at giving oral presentations and able to write their own scientific proposals. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6609 - Data Analysis in the Environmental and Biological Sciences


    Prerequisites: 9 graduate hours and a previous course in statistics, or consent of the instructor. The application of data analysis techniques in the environmental (applied ecology, environmental geology and chemistry) and biological (molecular biology, toxicology) sciences. These include applied univariate and multivariate statistics as well as geostatistical and non-detect methods. Extensive use of different types of computer software for data analyses. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6611 - Molecular Biology of Proteins with Laboratory


    Prerequisites: undergraduate biochemistry, molecular biology or genetics or consent of the instructor. This course uses an intensive laboratory component to instruct students in molecular biology techniques for studying protein characteristics and extend beyond the understanding of basic protein biochemistry. Students learn: how physical properties of proteins impact our ability to work with proteins in the laboratory; how to purify protein using chromatographic techniques; how to express and purify proteins for enzymatic functional studies; and how to purify proteins from various cells or tissues and examine their expression and activity by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ability to effectively communicate laboratory findings is emphasized through frequent writing assignments. Laboratory fee. 4 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6613 - Molecular Biology of Nucleic Acids with Laboratory


    Prerequisites: undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology or genetics, or consent of the instructor. This course uses an intensive laboratory component to instruct students in the practical and technical aspects of working with nucleic acids. Provides an examination of the techniques available for manipulating DNA and RNA including nucleic acid extraction and quantitation, recombinant DNA techniques, PCR, DNA sequencing and mutation analysis, and techniques for examining gene expression including expression cloning, reverse transcriptase PCR and quantitative real time PCR. The ability to effectively communicate laboratory findings is emphasized through frequent writing assignments. Laboratory fee. 4 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6617 - Cell Culture Techniques with Laboratory


    Prerequisite: undergraduate cell biology or biochemistry or molecular biology. An intensive laboratory course designed to provide students with basic skills and understanding required for mammalian cell and tissue culture and fundamental techniques in cell biology. By the end of the course students should be competent in cell culture of contact dependent mammalian cell lines. They will also be well versed in experimental design with appropriate controls and basic data analysis. Keeping a professional laboratory notebook and reporting results in a professional manner will be stressed.  Laboratory fee. 4 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6620 - Bioinformatics


    Prerequisite: CMBI 6602  or consent of the instructor. Students will learn how computers and information technology are applied to manage and analyze the vast quantities of data now being collected by researchers and clinicians. Using a combination of theory and hands-on practice, the course will cover biological databases, analysis of nucleotide and protein sequences, sequence polymorphisms, sequence alignment, analysis of DNA microarray data and intermolecular interactions. An introduction to web page development, relational database design and Perl programming will also be covered. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6621 - Bioinformatics Programming/Python


    Prerequisite: CMBI 6606 . This course is designed for students with a background in genomics or molecular biology, but with little or no programming experience. Students will learn all major aspects of the Python programming language, including objects, functions, file manipulation and modules. The emphasis will be on solving common bioinformatics problems, while applying sound programming practices and style. Extensive programming will be required. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6622 - Database Systems for Biological Research


    Prerequisite: undergraduate molecular biology or biochemistry or consent of the instructor. This course introduces the student to the design, use, and application of database management systems in biological research. Topics include the relational data model, database design, structured query language and common database architectures typically used in life sciences research. Emphasis is on problems common to bioinformatics, including techniques for handling large quantities of data, integration of multiple data sets and analysis of genetic data. Laboratory fee. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6625 - Advanced Bioinformatics


    Prerequisites: CMBI 6620 , CMBI 6621 , CSCI 6622 .  This course builds on the learning outcomes achieved in the prerequisite courses. Students will learn data analysis using both the Python programming language and the R language, with an emphasis on developing custom solutions and automated data analysis pipelines. Students will also gain experience with the Linux operating system and shell scripting. The class includes a significant project where the students will design and implement a custom analysis solution. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6633 - Nutritional Genomics


    Prerequisite:   or consent of the instructor. The course introduces the principles of how to apply genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics to human nutrition in order to understand how individual genetic variation can influence the assimilation and metabolism of nutrition and how nutrition can affect the expression of certain genes known to be involved in chronic diseases. Novel genomic research tools which can study the effect of nutrition on different signaling pathways and dietary sensors will be discussed. Using the information from the latest genomic research, clinical dietary strategies for the prevention of the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer will be introduced. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6636 - Immunology


    Study of the immune response in animals including cells and organs of the immune system, immunogens, MHC, cytokines, TCR, antibodies and complement. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6644 - Cellular Development


    Prerequisite: CMBI 6601  or CMBI 6603  or CMBI 6617 , or consent of the instructor. The course covers control of differentiation and development at the cellular level. Topics include cell cycle control, embryological development, programmed cell death, wound healing, and chronic wounds. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6647 - Molecular Biotechnology


    Prerequisite: previous coursework in molecular biology or consent of the instructor. This course introduces students to the biotechnology/biopharmaceutical industry and discusses the many foci of the industry, including immune technology and vaccine development, cancer biology, stem cell biology, and plant, animal, and human genetic engineering. Scientists from local industry discuss their companies, projects, and research. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6648 - Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix


    Prerequisite: CMBI 6601  or CMBI 6603  or CMBI 6617 , or consent of the instructor. The cytoskeleton provides cues for patterns of division and the molecular motors needed for cell motility. The extracellular matrix also contains cues for the cells that are differentiating, providing highly localized signals and pathways for cellular migration. This course examines the roles of the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix in cellular movement, differentiation, and function. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6650 - Molecular Targets, Drug Discovery and Precision Medicine


    Prerequisite: 9 credit hours of graduate biology. Understanding the genes and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cancer has led to the development of novel approaches for the treatment of cancer. This course will first review literature generated over the last decade concerning molecular mechanisms involved in cancer biology. This information will provide the foundation for subsequent discussions on how this biological knowledge is being used to identify novel therapies for the treatment of this disease and how therapies progress from the bench to the bedside. In addition, the course will cover new types of precision medical treatment based on genomic and proteomic profiling and new advances in immune approaches. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6656 - Receptor Effector Systems


    Prerequisite: CMBI 6601  or CMBI 6603  or CMBI 6606 , or consent of the instructor. Cellular receptors and their effector systems are responsible for the ability of cells to detect and respond to stimuli. These proteins are of critical importance to the development of drugs to control the function of cells. This course examines the structure of receptors from ion channels to DNA binding proteins, followed by an examination of the signalling pathways that propagate the signal through the cell. Also covered: the design and interpretation of binding studies for receptor ligand interactions. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6670 - Special Topics


    Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. An examination of topics of special interest to students and faculty. May be taken more than once. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6680 - Graduate Seminar


    Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Weekly discussions of current scientific literature and student and faculty research projects. May be taken more than once. 1 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6688 - Internship I


    Prerequisites: 18 graduate hours and consent of the instructor. Laboratory and research experience will be developed under the supervision of an outside researcher. The internship must involve 350 to 450 hours of work (3 months of full-time work or 6 months of part-time work). In addition, a portion of the internship must be devoted to the completion of a report.  The instructor will monitor the student's progress through regular meetings and evaluation of the final report. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6689 - Internship II


    A continuation of Internship I. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6690 - Research Project


    Prerequisites: 18 graduate hours and consent of the instructor. An independent research project/program under the supervision of a member of the faculty. A final paper describing the work must be completed following either a journal format or the format for thesis papers at the discretion of the instructor. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 6696 - Library based-Independent Study II


    Prerequisites: 9 graduate hours and consent of the instructor. A planned program of independent study under the supervision of a member of the faculty. A final review paper covering the topic being examined is required in a journal format. 1 credits.
  
  • CMBI 7607 - Cellular Biology


    Prerequisite: completion of 15 credits of graduate work. This course is an advanced level course providing an in depth study of cellular structure and function. Primary emphasis is on eukaryotic cells, but prokaryotic structures are explored as well. Topics include: the role of biological membranes in cellular activity, the structure and function of cellular and extracellular components as well as, receptor structure and function, cellular signaling, cell growth and death, differentiation, and motility. There is extensive use of primary literature, and an emphasis on understanding of current research methods, developing critical thinking and data analysis skills, working in teams and individually.
      3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 7694 - Comprehensive Exam


    Prerequisite: completion of 29 credits in the cellular and molecular biology program. Satisfactory completion of the comprehensive exam is required for students taking the non-thesis track to demonstrate mastery of subjects central to cellular and molecular biology and for graduation.  University Comprehensive Exam fee will apply. 0 credits.
  
  • CMBI 7695 - Independent Study for Thesis Preparation


    Prerequisites: 9 graduate hours and consent of the instructor. Active field or bench research training along with significant library research on the potential thesis topic. The student will learn the major techniques that will be needed for their thesis study, collect preliminary data and complete a formal thesis proposal. In addition a potential Thesis committee must be identified. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 7698 - Thesis I


    Prerequisites: CMBI 7695 , submission of a thesis proposal, and consent of the coordinator. Supervised thesis research. To complete this course the student must make a written or oral report to the full Thesis committee.  This course is graded as pass/fail. 3 credits.
  
  • CMBI 7699 - Thesis II


    Prerequisites: completion of CMBI 7698  with a passing grade and completion of thesis research. To complete this course the student must make an oral defense of the work and have the official thesis document approved. 3 credits.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

  
  • CIVL 6601 - Physical-Chemical Treatment of Aqueous Wastes


    Analysis of physical and chemical processes in natural and engineered systems for water pollution control. Unit processes covered include, but are not limited to, aeration and gas transfer, sedimentation, filtration, coagulation/flocculation, absorption, chemical stabilization, ion exchange, disinfection. Design methodologies and operational aspects of treatment are also considered 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6602 - Biological Treatment of Aqueous Wastes


    This course provides an in-depth study of principles of biological treatment of aquatic wastes (municipal, industrial, and/or hazardous). Suspended and attached growth processes commonly in use are covered. Emphasis is given to design and operational aspects of activated sludge, trickling filters, and rotating biocontactors. On-site treatment processes are also covered. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6603 - Contaminant Fate and Transport in the Environment


    This course covers the fundamental principles of contaminant behavior in the environment. Contaminant physical-chemical properties, transport, and transformation mechanisms affecting contaminant distribution among air, water, and solid domains are studied in-depth. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, environmental interface equilibria, advective and diffusional transport; biochemical exchange in atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial domains. Environmental modeling is also considered. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6605 - Solid Waste Management


    Characteristics, volumes, collection, and disposal of solid waste and refuse. Design of processing, recycling, and recovery equipment; landfill desgin and operation; resource recovery; incineration. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6606 - Environmental Law and Legislation


    Review of techniques of enforcement of state and federal pollution control laws and regulations; effects on waste treatment criteria and design and evalution of municipal ordinances; preparation of environmental assessments and impact statements. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6607 - Water Pollution Control Processes


    Prerequisite: CHEM 6601 . This course is open to non-engineering students only. Study of physical, chemical, and biological processes employed for pollution control. Processes cover the removal of suspended, colloidal, and dissolved phases of pollution. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6610 - Pollution Prevention Management Technologies


    The first half of this course focuses on methods to implement a pollution prevention hierarchy, developing management support, identifying pollution prevention opportunities, assembling a pollution prevention team, and developing economic justification for potential opportunities. The second half of the course focuses on various technologies available for a wide variety of pollutants, including a review of methods that can be used to integrate the technologies within processes of existing facilities. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6612 - Advanced Wastewater Treatment


    Prerequisite: CIVL 6602 .  Theories and principles of advanced sewage treatment including nutrient removal, demineralization, distillation, ozonization, carbon filtration, ion exchange, nitrification; design of facilities; upgrading scondary plants. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6613 - Industrial Wastewater Control


    Prerequisites: CIVL 6601 CIVL 6602 .  Characterisitcs of industrial wastes: volumes, sources, types; methods of volume reduction, waste segregation, recovery, recycling, and waste treatment. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6614 - Surface Water Quality Management


    Prerequisite: CIVL 6620 .  Determination of controls that must be instituted to achieve specific water quality objectives. Waste load allocation as principal management tool, requiring knowledge of response of a system to waste load inputs. Input/response relationships for three different surface water sytems: rivers and streams, lakes, estruaries. Related topics: dissolved oxygen analysis, indicator bacteria, and eutrophication. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6615 - Groundwater Hydrology


    Prerequisites: undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics and soil mechanics. Study of fundamental principles governing fluid flow in porous and fractured media, provides necessary foundation for advanced studies in hydrogeology and contaminant hydrology. Includes Darcy's law, the continuity equation, aquifers, flow in the saturated zone, flow nets, wells and well hydraulics, flow in fractures, flow in the unsaturated zone, groundwater modeling. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6616 - Contaminant Hydrology


    Prerequisite: CIVL 6615 .  Behavior of the contaminants in the subsurface. Emphasis on physical, chemical, and biological processes that determine fate of a contaminant: advection, diffusion, absorption, mechnical disperision, biochemical reactions. Quantitative relationships for predictive framework. Applications include site characterization, remediation, wellhead protection, flow and transport modeling, groundwater waste disposal. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6617 - Wastewater Residuals Management


    Prerequisites: CIVL 6601 CIVL 6602  or consent of the instructor. An overview of rules and regulations affecting treatment and disposal of wastewater residuals. Quantitative and qualitative characterisitcs are considered. Treatment processes for preliminary operations, thickening, chemical/biological stabilization, conditioning, disinfection, dewatering, drying, thermal reduction, and ultimate disposal are covered extensively, and design procedures are outlined. Case studies address beneficial use of wastewater residuals. 3 credits.
  
  • CIVL 6618 - Hazardous Waste Treatment


    Prerequisites: CIVL 6601 CIVL 6602  or consent of the instructor. A review of the historical, legislative, and social framework of hazardous waste issues. Physical, chemical, biological, and thermal processes used for decontamination of hazardous wastes and hazardous waste sites are studied extensively. Specific remedial in-situ/ex-situ technologies such as soil vapor extraction, soil washing, incineration, bioremediation, immobilization, and chemical extraction are covered. Includes various laboratory and field case studies. 3 credits.
 

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