Program Overview

University of Alabama at Birmingham Programs

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers a diverse range of programs across various colleges and schools. Below are the details of these programs.

Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS) Program

The GBS program is designed to provide students with rigorous, interdisciplinary education and mentorship in a wide array of scientific disciplines. The program is subdivided into eight individual themes that provide discipline-specific training and opportunities for smaller-scale connections within the overall community.

• Interdisciplinary Themes:
  • Biochemistry & Structural Biology (BSB) Theme
  • Cancer Biology (CANB) Theme
  • Cell, Molecular, & Developmental Biology (CMDB) Theme
  • Genetics, Genomics, & Bioinformatics (GGB) Theme
  • Immunology (IMM) Theme
  • Microbiology (MIC) Theme
  • Neuroscience (NESC) Theme
  • Pathobiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology (P3) Theme

GBS Courses

The GBS program offers a variety of courses, including:

• GBS 700: Molecular Neurodegeneration - Advanced course covering molecules involved in neurodegenerative disease.
• GBS 701: Core Concepts in Research: Critical Thinking & Error Analysis - Examines natural and philosophical foundations of science.
• GBS 702: You Teach Me - Autoimmune effector mechanisms and inflammation in Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
• GBS 707: Basic Biochemistry and Metabolism - Core course providing a rigorous background in biological chemistry principles.
• GBS 708: Basic Genetics and Molecular Biology - Core course for a strong foundation in genetics and molecular biology.
• GBS 709: Basic Biological Organization - Exposure to fundamentals of cell biology.
• GBS 710: Cell Signaling - Covers major extracellular and intracellular signal transduction cascades.
• GBS 712: Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Developmental Biology - Introduction to vertebrate developmental biology.
• GBS 714: Developmental Neuroscience - Building a brain, from neural induction to neuro-glia interactions.
• GBS 715: Skeletal Development and Disease - Derivation, manipulation, and differentiation of embryonic, fetal, and adult stem cells.
• GBS 716: Grantsmanship and Scientific Writing - Preparation of a grant application and demonstration of effective strategies.
• GBS 718: Histology of Mammalian Organs and Tissues - Specialized cell biology and microscopic anatomy of mammalian organ systems.
• GBS 720: Genomic Sciences - Genetic variation, alternative splicing, microRNAs, and novel sequencing technologies.
• GBS 722: Bioinformatics - Different bioinformatics applications and resource websites.
• GBS 723: Model Systems for Genetic Analyses - Introduction to various genetic model systems.
• GBS 724: Principles of Human Genetics - General concepts of human genetics, including population genetics and molecular genetics.
• GBS 725: Grant Writing - Crafting a Research Proposal - Preparation of an NIH-style proposal.
• GBS 726: Advanced Medical Genetics and Genomics - Medical application of advances in genetics and genomics.
• GBS 727: Advanced Human Genomics - Conceptual basis, major discoveries, and unsolved problems in human genomics.
• GBS 728: JC - Bio-Nano Technology - Journal club focusing on biological materials as paradigms for nanoscale materials.
• GBS 729: Translational Approaches in Neurodegeneration - Bench to bedside strategies in neurodegeneration research.
• GBS 730: Introduction to Neurobiology (Dauphin Island Course) - Hands-on experiments and classroom lectures on neurobiology.
• GBS 733: Diseases of the Nervous System - Understanding diseases of the nervous system at a cellular and molecular level.
• GBS 736: JC - Cognition - Journal club exploring literature on cognition and cognitive disorders.
• GBS 737: Neuro Student Summer Seminar Series - Neuroscience graduate students presenting their research.
• GBS 739: Neuropharmacology - Mechanism of action of CNS-active drugs.
• GBS 740A: Introduction to Immunology Part 1 - Introductory immunology covering innate and adaptive immunity.
• GBS 740B: Introduction to Immunology Part 2 - Continuation of introductory immunology.
• GBS 741: Lymphocyte Biology - In-depth understanding of selected aspects of lymphocyte biology.
• GBS 742: Dendritic Cell Biology - Comprehensive overview of dendritic cell biology.
• GBS 744: Mucosal Immunology - Structural features and immune responses of the mucosal immune system.
• GBS 746: GBS Special Topics - Varying topics offered to advanced graduate students.
• GBS 747: Special Topics - Additional varying topics for advanced graduate students.
• GBS 749: Mitochondria in Health, Disease & Toxicology - Role of mitochondria in health, disease, and toxicology.
• GBS 750: Intro to Physiology - Overview of basic cellular physiology and neurological and musculoskeletal systems.
• GBS 751: Intro to Physiology II - Introduction to cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems.
• GBS 752: Intro to Pathobiology - Physiology and pathobiology of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrinology, and immunology.
• GBS 753: Intro to Pharmacology & Toxicology - Recent advances in drug design and development.
• GBS 754: Autophagy in Disease and Medicine - Role of autophagy in survival, differentiation, development, and homeostasis.
• GBS 756: Cardiometabolic Disease Journal Club - Review of articles on cardiometabolic diseases.
• GBS 757: Biology of Disease - Comprehensive course in general pathophysiology.
• GBS 758: Cardiovascular Biology - Normal and pathological aspects of cardiovascular physiology.
• GBS 760: Bacterial Genetics and Physiology - Advanced knowledge in bacterial genetics and physiology.
• GBS 762: Virology - General steps involved in viral lifecycles and use of this knowledge as a framework.
• GBS 763: Microbial Pathogenesis - Molecular mechanisms responsible for subversion of host defense by pathogenic bacteria.
• GBS 764: Introduction to Structural Biology Methods - Basic introduction to structural biology, including X-ray crystallography and NMR.
• GBS 765: Hybrid Structural Techniques as Applied to Cellular & Molecular Biology - Use of X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR in structural biology.
• GBS 766: JC - Inflammation - Journal club discussing papers on inflammation.
• GBS 768: Communicating Science: Reading, Writing and Presentation - Teaching students how to make formal scientific oral presentations and write papers for publication.
• GBS 769: Carcinogenesis - Introduction to the concepts in carcinogenesis.
• GBS 770: Pathobiology of Cancer - Understanding of the pathology of cancer in general.
• GBS 774: Cancer Immunology - Evaluation of mechanisms involved in pro- and anti-tumor immunology.
• GBS 775: Cancer Treatment - Current theories regarding chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemoprevention.
• GBS 776: Cancer Biology Journal Club - Discussion of current topics in cancer biology.
• GBS 777: Cancer Biology Seminar - Seminars on various topics in cancer biology.
• GBS 778: Cancer Metastasis - Basic mechanisms of how a tumor cell progresses from growth at the primary site to forming an overt lesion in a secondary organ.
• GBS 779: Translational Research in Cancer - Patient-based research efforts that may be important adjuncts to basic science studies.
• GBS 781: Molecular Enzymology - Mechanisms of enzymes in biological systems.
• GBS 782: Molecular Genetics - Structure and function of genes at a molecular level.
• GBS 783: Advanced RNA Biology - Biology, biochemistry, structure, and function of RNA at a research level.
• GBS 784: Stem Cell Biology - Derivation, manipulation, and differentiation of embryonic, fetal, and adult stem cells.
• GBS 786J: Journal Club in Structural Biology - Discussion of peer-reviewed articles on structural biology.
• GBS 787: Special Topics - Varying topics offered to advanced graduate students.
• GBS 788: Special Topics - Additional varying topics for advanced graduate students.
• GBS 789: Evolutionary Developmental Biology - Introduction to the concepts of evolution and development.
• GBS 790: Clinical Evaluation of Cognitive Disorders - Clinical exposure to the evaluation and care of patients with cognitive disorders.
• GBS 791: Graduate Neuroscience Journal Discussion - Discussion of current topics in neuroscience research.
• GBS 792: CMDB Seminar - Seminars on various topics in cellular and molecular biology.
• GBS 793: Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia Journal Club - Discussion of important current research on Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.
• GBS 794: Lab Rotation 4 - Rotation for students needing a fourth rotation.
• GBS 795: Lab Rotation 1 - First rotation for first-year GBS theme students.
• GBS 796: Lab Rotation 2 - Second rotation for first-year GBS theme students.
• GBS 797: Lab Rotation 3 - Third lab rotation for first-year GBS theme students.
• GBS 798: Non-Dissertation Research - Lab hours for students in the GBS theme who have not entered candidacy.
• GBS 799: Dissertation Research - Lab hours for students in the GBS theme who have entered candidacy.

GBSC - Grad Biomedical Sciences Courses

• GBSC 700: Journal Clubs - Journal clubs on various topics.
• GBSC 701: Seminars - Seminars on various topics.
• GBSC 703: Bioinformatics Courses - Various bioinformatics courses.
• GBSC 704: Practical Course in Cryo-Electron Microscopy - Hands-on training in cryo-electron microscopy.
• GBSC 705: Protein Mass Spectrometry - Analysis of proteins and protein mixtures by mass spectrometry.
• GBSC 706: NMR Spectroscopy - Fundamental understanding of NMR spectroscopy for graduate students.
• GBSC 707: Metabolic Regulation of Gene Expression - Impact of metabolites on gene expression, cell growth, and differentiation.
• GBSC 709: Advanced Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine - Basic science foundation for contributing to the field of regenerative medicine.
• GBSC 710: Advanced Chromatin Biology - Cutting-edge knowledge in chromatin biology.
• GBSC 712: Evolution of Immunity - Exploration of immunity across the animal kingdom.
• GBSC 713: JC - Epigenetics - Exposure to a wide range of basic epigenetics research topics.
• GBSC 714: Applications of Microscopy - Technique fundamentals and powerful applications in cellular and molecular biology.
• GBSC 715: Molecular Basis of Disease - Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying various diseases.
• GBSC 716: Special Topics - Various topics in microbiology.
• GBSC 717: Protein/DNA Xray Crystallography - Theoretical and practical aspects of X-ray crystallography.
• GBSC 718: Epigenetics - Introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic controls.
• GBSC 720: Journal Club 2 - Various journal clubs differentiated by section numbers.
• GBSC 721: Brain Tumor Biology - Review of the types of adult and pediatric brain tumors.
• GBSC 722: Special Topics - Courses offered for only one semester.
• GBSC 723: Career Dev Courses - Various courses relating to career development.
• GBSC 724: Metabolomics - Training on the new vision of the chemical composition of the metabolome.
• GBSC 725: Cancer & Micro Environment - Comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment.
• GBSC 726: Science Communication & Review - Familiarization with science communication and review.
• GBSC 727: Neuro Systems - Overview of systems neuroscience ideas and concepts.
• GBSC 728: Cancer Genomics, Epigenetics, & Therapeutics - Exposure to a wide range of high-throughput technologies used in cancer genomic research.
• GBSC 729: Cell Neurophysiology - Fundamental principles of how nerve cells work.
• GBSC 730: Respiratory Tract Pathogens - Examination of major bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens that infect the respiratory tract.
• GBSC 731: Intro to Biostats - Introduction to biostatistics for graduate students.
• GBSC 732: Advanced Study of Renal Physiology - Increase familiarity with classic renal physiology terminology.
• GBSC 733: Art of Reproducible Science - Exploration of the issue of irreproducible data in science.
• GBSC 734: Experimental Model Systems, Scientific Stringency and Qualification Exam Preparation - In-depth knowledge and understanding of experimental model systems used in immunology studies.
• GBSC 735: Discoveries in Molecular Biology - Familiarization with landmark, historical discoveries in biological research.
• GBSC 736: Electron Microscopy: Methods & Applications to Cell and Structural Biology - In-depth understanding of electron microscopy and 3D reconstruction.
• GBSC 737: Independent Study - Special circumstances course offered to students.
• GBSC 738: HudsonAlpha Courses - Courses offered to students at HudsonAlpha.
• GBSC 739: Training Grant Course - Courses initiated by training grants.
• GBSC 740: Advanced Topics in Bacterial Pathogenesis - Detailed examination of major concepts related to host-pathogen interactions.
• GBSC 741: Fundamentals of Renal Physiology - Detailed understanding of renal physiology through lectures, histology analyses, and small group discussions.
• GBSC 742: GBS Student Theme Meeting Course - Utilized for GBS theme meeting courses.
• GBSC 743: Glycosylation in Health and Disease - Current overview of the fundamental facts, concepts, and methods in glycobiology.
• GBSC 744: Neuroanatomy - Basics of neuroanatomy, including cranial nerves, visual system, and limbic system.
• GBSC 745: Biology of Respiratory Disease - Broad and in-depth knowledge of disease states of the respiratory systems.
• GBSC 746: Gene Editing - Exploration of gene editing technologies, including ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR.
• GBSC 747: Microbial Genetics and Pathogenesis - Advanced knowledge in bacterial genetics, mutant analysis, and molecular biology techniques.
• GBSC 748: Cellular Metabolism in Health Disease - Understanding of the major concepts of metabolism and its regulation.
• GBSC 749: Neuro Systems - Systems neuroscience, from alpha oscillations to zebra-finch song.

MIC - Microbiology Courses

• MIC 600: The Microbiome in Health and Immunity - Review of the functions of the immune system and the role of the microbiome in health and disease.
• MIC 601: Foundations in Immunology: The Innate Immune System - Introduction to the cells, receptors, signaling pathways, and soluble mediators associated with the innate immune response.
• MIC 602: Foundations in Immunology: The Adaptive Immune System - In-depth analysis of the cells, tissues, and soluble factors that comprise the adaptive humoral immune response.
• MIC 603: Foundations in Immunology: Microbial Pathogen-Immune System Interaction - Overview of major concepts related to virulence mechanisms utilized by microbial pathogens.
• MIC 604: Foundations in Immunology: Immunologically-Mediated Diseases - Role of the immune system in morbidity and mortality associated with immunodeficiency, asthma/allergy, autoimmunity, transplantation, and inflammatory syndromes.
• MIC 660: Introduction to the Immune System - Concise overview of the immune system, its cellular and molecular components, and their function in relation to host protection against pathogens.
• MIC 661: Immune-mediated Diseases - Condensed knowledge of the cellular and molecular components of the immune system and their function in relation to host protection against pathogens.
• MIC 665: Current Topics in Immunology - Examination of the factors influencing the disease course of COVID-19 and current treatment and prevention options.

NBL - Neurobiology Courses

• NBL 600: Special Topics in Neurobiology 1 - Different topics related to neurobiology.
• NBL 601: College of Basic Cognition & Clinical Neuroscience - Faculty seminar exposing students to cutting-edge research programs and technologies.
• NBL 610: Synapses, Neurons and Brains - Introduction to the cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, and function of the mammalian nervous system.
• NBL 620: No Self Control - Introduction to the neuronal pathways that underlie normal decision making, with a focus on addiction.
• NBL 624: This is your brain on drugs: Neuropsychopharmacology - Neurological basis of the response to drugs, their psychological effects, and mechanisms of action.
• NBL 625: Methods in Human Neuroimaging - Introduction to the methods and techniques in human neuroimaging.
• NBL 632: Basic Science of Nervous System Disorders - Review of some of the most common CNS disorders, focusing on cellular pathways involved in these diseases.
• NBL 633: Clinical Aspects of Nervous System Disorders - Review of some of the most common CNS disorders, focusing on clinical aspects.
• NBL 634: Mechanisms of Memory - Molecular, cellular, systems, and medical components of neuroscience, with an emphasis on cognition and cognitive disorders.
• NBL 644: Memento Mori: neurodegeneration from cradle to coffin and bench to bedside - Coverage of multiple neurodegenerative diseases from childhood to late-life diseases.
• NBL 655: Synapses, Neurons and Brains - Introduction to the cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, and function of the mammalian nervous system.
• NBL 656: From Systems to Cog Neuro - Introduction to the cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, and function of the mammalian nervous system.
• NBL 657: Neurogenetics - Linking key concepts in genetics to neurological disease.
• NBL 684: Don't Sleep on this class: biological rhythms and sleep - Introduction to the basis of biological rhythms, including circadian rhythms and sleep.
• NBL 698: Research Practice in Neurobiology - Project or research activity supervised by faculty.
• NBL 700: Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology - Topics in neurobiology.
• NBL 703: Nuerobiology Seminar Series - Current research topics in neurobiology presented by visiting scholars and campus faculty.
• NBL 707: Cognition & Cognitive Disorder - Topics in cognition and cognitive disorders.
• NBL 711: Medical Neuroscience - Medical aspects of neuroscience.
• NBL 720: Membrane Excitability Biophysics - Properties of lipid bilayers, ions in solution, ion channel permeability, and ligand-dependent channel gating.
• NBL 723: Experimental Design - In-depth and specialized training in hypothesis development, experimental design, and scientific writing.
• NBL 725: Seminar Practice in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience - Guidance and practice in the presentation of research seminars.
• NBL 729: Mechanisms of Signal Transduction - Molecular physiology underlying the control of neurotransmitter release and the postsynaptic response.
• NBL 730: Neurobiology of Disease - Review of the most common brain and CNS disorders, focusing on current knowledge at a cellular and molecular level.
• NBL 735: Statistics for Biomedical Science - Introduction to biostatistics for graduate students.
• NBL 740: Mechanisms of Memory - Integration of the molecular, cellular, systems, and medical components of the core curriculum, with an emphasis on cognition and cognitive disorders.
• NBL 741: Writing and Presenting - Development of presentation skills for neuroscientists.
• NBL 743: Methods in Neuroimaging - Comprehensive examination of the methods and techniques in neuroimaging.
• NBL 745: Professional Development Course - Support for the aspiration to become independent and successful neuroscientists.
• NBL 752: Developmental Neuroscience - Broad range of topics related to the mechanisms of building a brain.
• NBL 755: Mind/Brain - Introduction to the mind-brain problem.
• NBL 758: Synaptic Dynamics - Molecular physiology underlying the control of neurotransmitter release and the postsynaptic response.
• NBL 770: Glial Biology in Medicine - Role of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in normal development and function of the nervous system, and their role in injury and disease.
• NBL 771: Innovative Techniques, Methods and Models in Neuroscience - Journal club style course discussing innovative methods in neuroscience.
• NBL 772: Special Topics i n Neurobiology II - Drawing on the cutting-edge knowledge provided by the spring Neurobiology Seminar program.
• NBL 773: Molecular Brain Aging JC - Understanding normal brain aging at the cell and molecular level.
• NBL 775: Special Topics in Neurobiology III - Exploring papers investigating how the aging process impacts the brain.
• NBL 779: Journal Club Topics - Journal club topics in neurobiology.
• NBL 780: Selected Topics in Neurobiology I - Different topics related to neurobiology.
• NBL 781: Selected Topics in Neurobiology II - Additional topics related to neurobiology.
• NBL 782: Neuroimaging Journal Club - Discussion of papers and research related to brain imaging.
• NBL 784: Synaptic Transmission and Ion Channel Journal Club - Discussion of papers related to electrophysiology of neurons and astrocytes.
• NBL 785: Neurobiology Journal Club-Synaptic Plasticity - Journal club focusing on synaptic plasticity.
• NBL 786: Cell Death Mech Journal Club - Discussion and critical evaluation of papers on cell death mechanisms.
• NBL 788: Biology of Glial Cells Journal Club - Contemporary primary articles on the biology of glial support cells.
• NBL 789: Neurobiology Journal Club - Journal club discussing topics in neurobiology.
• NBL 791: Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills - Development of critical thinking and analytical skills for graduate students.
• NBL 792: Neuro Lab Bench - Preparation of PhD candidates in the neurosciences for collecting data from the nervous system.
• NBL 798: Non-Dissertation Research in Neurobiology - Research hours in the lab for students not in candidacy.
• NBL 799: Dissertation Research in Neurobiology - Research hours in the lab for students in candidacy.

PHR - Pharmacology Courses

• PHR 611: Physiological Principles of Pharmacology & Toxicology - Broad overview of pharmacology and toxicology, including principles of drug receptors and pharmacokinetics.
• PHR 612: Systems Physiology and Pharmacology I - Introduction to the use, mechanism of action, and physiological properties of major families of drugs affecting the cardiovascular system, autonomic nervous system, and central nervous system.
• PHR 613: Systems Physiology and Pharmacology II - Introduction to drug use, mechanism of action, and physiological properties of major drug families, with a focus on specific organ systems.
• PHR 614: Drug Discovery and Development - Overview of the drug discovery and development process, including target identification, high-throughput screening, and clinical trials.
• PHR 615: Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics - Study of the time-course of drugs in physiological systems, including absorption, distribution, and elimination.
• PHR 616: Cancer Physiology and Pharmacology - Introduction to different types or classes of chemotherapeutic agents currently used in the clinic for the treatment of cancer.
• PHR 617: Neuropharmacology - Introduction to the use, mechanism of action, and physiological properties of major families of drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system and central nervous system.
• PHR 696: Special Topics - Special topics in pharmacology.
• PHR 701: Adv Prin Pharm-Sys&Pharmacok 1 - Advanced principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
• PHR 702: Adv Prin Pharm-Sys&Pharmacok 2 - Continuation of advanced principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
• PHR 706: Special Topics in Pharmacology - Special topics in pharmacology.
• PHR 715: Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics - Pharmacokinetics and biopharmaceutics, including the fate of administered drugs in relation to time.
• PHR 720: Laboratory Rotation in Pharmacology - Laboratory rotation in pharmacology.
• PHR 735: Nucleotide Metabolism and Chemotherapy - Principles, characteristics, and therapeutics of nucleotide metabolism.
• PHR 744: Protein Mass Spectrometry - Analysis of proteins and protein mixtures by mass spectrometry.
• PHR 752: Pharmacokinetic Analysis - Detailed introduction to the analysis of pharmacokinetic data.
• PHR 754: Model Sys for Drug Discovery - Use of different genetically tractable model systems and their roles in drug discovery and drug development.
• PHR 755: Translational Pharmacology and Drug Development - Overview of the processes involved in drug development, including types of clinical trials and regulatory requirements.
• PHR 790: Pharmacology Journal Club - Journal club discussing topics in pharmacology.
• PHR 798: Doctoral Level Non-Dissertation Research - Research hours in the lab for students not in candidacy.
• PHR 799: Doctoral Level Dissertation Research - Research hours in the lab for students in candidacy.