CMB 155  Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology

Students analyzed the nucleotide sequences of RNA viruses (like SARS-CoV-2 and the flu) to discover how mutations in the genetic code can change their severity.

“Pandemic Pandomonium!” where students compared different viruses, and evaluated different potential anti-viral drugs.

Quote from our students “I loved this!  Enjoyed how much new information I had learned about the virus throughout my research and I learned more about other infections as well.  I told my parents about everything I had learned about the virus and they loved the assignment idea too!  Thank you”

CMB 140 Living Foods: Ferment them yourselves!

We discussed the coronavirus structure & what it means to ‘flatten the curve’ in order to understand public health guidance during the pandemic.

CMB 150 - Biotechnology & Society

We discussed various examples of RNA viruses. Students were particularly interested in differences between flu viruses and coronaviruses. We also talked about the genetic evolution of zoonotic viruses, incubation period, and asymptomatic patients.

CMB 250 Intro to Biotechnology

We learned about qPCR testing that's critical throughout the pandemic. Students also get to learn about detecting antibody through ELISA and identifying steps in the method that could lead to a false-positive or negative. We also learn about various types of innovated vaccines.

We focus on virus life cycles, anti-viral drug targets and treatment for COVID-19.

CMB 321 Designing Our Future: Babies, Food, Medicine & Biotechnology 

Students discuss the various ways vaccines are made, and how they prime our immune system to a pathogen. We also talk about herd immunity and risk analysis related to disease and vaccines.

CMB 626/ 426 Advanced Research Applications in Nucleic Acids

"Testing! Testing! Testing!" students got to learn how to do the RT-PCR test that everyone is talking about in the media. In addition to studying gene expression, we also have hands on experiences in this class using the molecular genetic tools used for clinical testing.

CMB 405 Cell & Molecular Biology

Students learned how current research on SARS-CoV-2 genetic materials and cellular functions can be applied to the development of vaccination and treatment for COVID-19.

We also discussed the molecular genetic mechanism(s) of how the coronavirus attacks our cells and on-going clinical trials including how Moderna is using mRNA-1273 to develop a RNA vaccine.

CMB 406 Cell & Molecular Biology Lab

Students studied cAMP pathway in depth and we discussed the role of cAMP and PKA in T cell activation and differentiation and how it related to our immune response using molecular genetic tools.

CMB 411 Genetics of Development and Cancer

Students get to study the RNA virus genome, genetic development of diseases and discussed vaccines and tumor virology in depth.  

CMB460/ 560 Genomics & Molecular Diagnostics

Students will learn about the emerging COVID-19 diagnostics tools and their concepts (e.g. antibody tests, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing), how to access COVID-19 genetic resources, and develop their own diagnostic strategies to best detect the coronavirus.

Biochemistry & Cell Energetics

97%

99%

98%

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92%

95%

98%

95%

95%

Cellular Structure Organization & Function

94%

94%

99%

98%

99%

88%

99%

98%

95%

95%

Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics

99%

99%

99%

99%

99%

97%

95%

70%

95%

95%

Analytical Skills

87%

90%

97%

91%

96%

82%

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85%

95%

80%