Undergraduate Courses

To see a complete list of courses offered and their descriptions, visit the online course catalog. Please see the right toolbar for individual course websites.

The courses listed below are provided by Student Information Services (SIS). This listing provides a snapshot of immediately available courses within this department and may not be complete. Course registration information can be found at https://sis.jhu.edu/classes.

Column one has the course number and section. Other columns show the course title, days offered, instructor's name, room number, if the course is cross-referenced with another program, and a option to view additional course information in a pop-up window.

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (06)

This course is useful for many disciplines not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students learn to work in the Unix environment, to write shells scripts, and to make use of powerful Unix commands (e.g grep, awk, and sed). They will learn to program using the Python programming language, graphing software, and a package for numerical and statistical computing, such as Mathematica or MATLAB. At the end of the semester students will complete a project coupling all components of the semester together. Brief lectures followed by extensive hands-on computer laboratories with examples from many disciplines. No prerequisites. Course offered every semester.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/39
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (03)

This course is useful for many disciplines not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students learn to work in the Unix environment, to write shells scripts, and to make use of powerful Unix commands (e.g grep, awk, and sed). They will learn to program using the Python programming language, graphing software, and a package for numerical and statistical computing, such as Mathematica or MATLAB. At the end of the semester students will complete a project coupling all components of the semester together. Brief lectures followed by extensive hands-on computer laboratories with examples from many disciplines. No prerequisites. Course offered every semester.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/39
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (01)

This course is useful for many disciplines not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students learn to work in the Unix environment, to write shells scripts, and to make use of powerful Unix commands (e.g grep, awk, and sed). They will learn to program using the Python programming language, graphing software, and a package for numerical and statistical computing, such as Mathematica or MATLAB. At the end of the semester students will complete a project coupling all components of the semester together. Brief lectures followed by extensive hands-on computer laboratories with examples from many disciplines. No prerequisites. Course offered every semester.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 6/39
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (02)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/23
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (02)

This course is useful for many disciplines not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students learn to work in the Unix environment, to write shells scripts, and to make use of powerful Unix commands (e.g grep, awk, and sed). They will learn to program using the Python programming language, graphing software, and a package for numerical and statistical computing, such as Mathematica or MATLAB. At the end of the semester students will complete a project coupling all components of the semester together. Brief lectures followed by extensive hands-on computer laboratories with examples from many disciplines. No prerequisites. Course offered every semester.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 5/39
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Freshman Seminar in Biophysics
AS.250.131 (01)

Introduction of contemporary biophysics research topics through presentations, discussion and hands-on exercise. Freshmen only. S/U grading only.

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 5/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (04)

This course is useful for many disciplines not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students learn to work in the Unix environment, to write shells scripts, and to make use of powerful Unix commands (e.g grep, awk, and sed). They will learn to program using the Python programming language, graphing software, and a package for numerical and statistical computing, such as Mathematica or MATLAB. At the end of the semester students will complete a project coupling all components of the semester together. Brief lectures followed by extensive hands-on computer laboratories with examples from many disciplines. No prerequisites. Course offered every semester.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/39
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (01)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (03)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 17/23
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Biomedical Research and Careers I
AS.250.106 (01)

Lecture Series designed for those curious about a career in life sciences, medicine and public health. A novel format combining presentation with didactic interviews gives a broad view of a range of research topics, experimental approaches and logistics, and practical applications as well as career paths. Emphasis is on the excitement of scientific explorations not an abundance of the technical facts and figures. Freshmen and non-science majors. Co-listed with AS.250.300 and AS.250.306.

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 31/40
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (05)

This course is useful for many disciplines not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students learn to work in the Unix environment, to write shells scripts, and to make use of powerful Unix commands (e.g grep, awk, and sed). They will learn to program using the Python programming language, graphing software, and a package for numerical and statistical computing, such as Mathematica or MATLAB. At the end of the semester students will complete a project coupling all components of the semester together. Brief lectures followed by extensive hands-on computer laboratories with examples from many disciplines. No prerequisites. Course offered every semester.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 2/39
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (04)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 13/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (05)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 14/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Biomedical Research and Careers II
AS.250.300 (01)

Lecture Series designed for those curious about a career in life sciences, medicine and public health. A novel format combining presentation with didactic interviews gives a broad view of a range of research topics, experimental approaches and logistics, and practical applications as well as career paths. Emphasis is on the excitement of scientific explorations not an abundance of the technical facts and figures. Freshmen and non-science majors. Co-listed with AS.250.106 and AS.250.306

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 19/20
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (07)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 5/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Molecular Biophysics Laboratory
AS.250.383 (02)

An advanced inquiry based laboratory course covering experimental biophysical techniques to introduce fundamental physical principles governing the structure/function relationship of biological macromolecules. Students will investigate a “model protein”, staphylococcal nuclease, the “hydrogen atom” of biophysics. Using a vast library of variants, the effect of small changes in protein sequence will be explored. A variety of techniques will be used to probe the equilibrium thermodynamics and kinetic properties of this system; chromatography, spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance), calorimetry, analytical centrifugation, X-ray crystallography, mass spectroscopy, and computational methods as needed for analysis. These methods coupled with perturbations to the molecular environment (ligands, co-solvents, and temperature) will help to elucidate protein function. Prerequisite: Introduction to Scientific Computing (250.205) or equivalent. Biophysical Chemistry (250.372 or 020.370) or equivalent. Course taught in Fall and Spring.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Canceled
  • Seats Available: 10/10
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Spectroscopy and Its Application in Biophysical Reactions
AS.250.381 (01)

Continues Biophysical Chemistry (AS.250.372). Fundamentals of quantum mechanics underlying various spectroscopies (absorbance, circular dichroism, fluorescence, NMR); application to characterization of enzymes and nucleic acids.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/25
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Biomedical Research and Careers III
AS.250.306 (01)

Lecture Series designed for those curious about a career in life sciences, medicine and public health. A novel format combining presentation with didactic interviews gives a broad view of a range of research topics, experimental approaches and logistics, and practical applications as well as career paths. Emphasis is on the excitement of scientific explorations not an abundance of the technical facts and figures. Freshmen and non-science majors. Co-listed with AS.250.106 and AS.250.300

  • Credits: 1.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/10
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Biochemistry II
AS.250.316 (01)

Biochemical anabolism, nucleic acid structure, molecular basis of transcription, translation and regulation, signal transduction with an emphasis on physical concepts and chemical mechanisms. Format will include lectures and class discussion of readings from the literature.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/30
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Molecular Biophysics Laboratory
AS.250.383 (01)

An advanced inquiry based laboratory course covering experimental biophysical techniques to introduce fundamental physical principles governing the structure/function relationship of biological macromolecules. Students will investigate a “model protein”, staphylococcal nuclease, the “hydrogen atom” of biophysics. Using a vast library of variants, the effect of small changes in protein sequence will be explored. A variety of techniques will be used to probe the equilibrium thermodynamics and kinetic properties of this system; chromatography, spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance), calorimetry, analytical centrifugation, X-ray crystallography, mass spectroscopy, and computational methods as needed for analysis. These methods coupled with perturbations to the molecular environment (ligands, co-solvents, and temperature) will help to elucidate protein function. Prerequisite: Introduction to Scientific Computing (250.205) or equivalent. Biophysical Chemistry (250.372 or 020.370) or equivalent. Course taught in Fall and Spring.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (06)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Advanced Seminar in Structural Biology of Chromatin
AS.250.411 (01)

Focus is on structural and physical aspects of DNA processes in cells, such as nucleosomal packaging, DNA helicases, RNA polymerase, and RNA inhibition machinery. Topics are meant to illustrate how the structural and chemical aspects of how proteins and nucleic acids are studied to understand current biological questions. Recommended Course Background: Biochemistry I (AS.250.315) and Biochemistry II (AS.250.316) or Biochemistry (AS.020.305) and Intro to Biophys Chem (AS.250.372)

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Modeling the Living Cell
AS.250.302 (01)

Previously titled "Models and Algorithms in Biophysics." Introduction to physical and mathematical models used to represent biophysical systems and phenomena. Students will learn algorithms for implementing models computationally and perform basic implementations. We will discuss the types of approximations made to develop useful models of complex biological systems, and the comparison of model predictions with experiment.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/25
  • PosTag(s): NEUR-CP

Exploring Protein Biophysics using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
AS.250.310 (01)

NMR is a spectroscopic technique which provides unique, atomic level insights into the inner workings of biomolecules in aqueous solution. A wide variety of biophysical properties can be studied by NMR. For example, we can use the technique to determine three dimensional structure of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, probe their dynamical properties in solution, study their interaction with other molecules and understand how physico-chemical properties (such electrostatics and redox chemistry) affects and modulates structure-function relationships. NMR exploits the exquisite sensitivity of magnetic properties of atomic nuclei to their local electronic (and therefore, chemical) environment. As a result, biophysical properties can be studied at atomic resolution. That is to say, we can deconstruct global properties of a molecule in terms of detailed, atomic level information. In addition, interactions between nuclei can be exploited to enhance the information content of NMR spectra via multi-dimensional (2D and 3D) spectroscopy. Since these properties can be studied in solution, NMR methods serve as an effective complement to X-Ray crystallography, which also provides detailed, atomic level information in the solid state. In this course, we will learn about the basics of NMR spectroscopy, acquire 1D and 2D NMR spectra and use various NMR experiments to characterize and probe biophysical properties of proteins at an atomic level. Juniors and Seniors Only.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 2/8
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Macromolecular Binding
AS.250.320 (01)

All biological processes require the interactions of macromolecules with each other or with ligands that activate or inhibit their activities in a controlled manner. This course will discuss theoretical principles, logic, approaches and practical considerations used to study these binding processes from a quantitative perspective. Topics will include thermodynamics, single and multiple binding equilibria, linkage relationships, cooperativity, allostery, and macromolecular assembly. Some biophysical methods used in the study of binding reactions will be discussed. Computer simulation and analysis of binding curves will be used to analyze binding data, and binding schemes and examples from the scientific literature will be reviewed and discussed. Recommended Course Background: AS.250.372 Biophysical Chemistry

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 8/15
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (08)

This laboratory examines the relationship between genes and proteins in the context of disease and evolution. It is a research project lab in which the structural and functional consequences of mutations are determined for a model protein. Students will learn basic protein science and standard biochemical techniques and methods in protein engineering. They will perform experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, and structural, functional and physical characterization of proteins. No prerequisites. Courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 18/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Bioinformatics
AS.250.265 (01)

Algorithms and databases for biological information. A mostly computer lab course covering basic programming; algorithms for comparison of sequence, protein structure and gene expression; protein structure prediction and an introduction to major databases. Students will complete a genomics database project and will prepare and discuss on-line presentations on topics related to the use of genomic information. No programming experience necessary. Preference to Biophysics majors.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 10/46
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.250.205 (06)Introduction to ComputingTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.205 (03)Introduction to ComputingMWF 3:00PM - 3:50PMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.205 (01)Introduction to ComputingMWF 10:00AM - 10:50AMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.253 (02)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabTh 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.205 (02)Introduction to ComputingMWF 11:00AM - 11:50AMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.131 (01)Freshman Seminar in BiophysicsW 1:30PM - 2:50PMFleming, Karen G, Roberts, ElijahJenkins 107
AS.250.205 (04)Introduction to ComputingTTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.253 (01)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabT 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (03)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabF 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.106 (01)Introduction to Biomedical Research and Careers IT 7:30PM - 8:50PMHuang, P CMudd 100
AS.250.205 (05)Introduction to ComputingTTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.253 (04)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabM 1:30PM - 5:30PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (05)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabM 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.300 (01)Introduction to Biomedical Research and Careers IIT 7:30PM - 8:50PMHuang, P CMudd 100
AS.250.253 (07)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabW 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.383 (02)Molecular Biophysics LaboratoryW 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.381 (01)Spectroscopy and Its Application in Biophysical ReactionsMWF 9:00AM - 9:50AMLecomte, JulietteJenkins 107
AS.250.306 (01)Introduction to Biomedical Research and Careers IIIT 7:30PM - 8:50PMHuang, P CMudd 100
AS.250.316 (01)Biochemistry IITTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMRokita, Steven, Woodson, SarahJenkins 107
AS.250.383 (01)Molecular Biophysics LaboratoryW 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (06)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabT 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.411 (01)Advanced Seminar in Structural Biology of ChromatinT 2:00PM - 4:30PMBowman, Gregory DJenkins 102
AS.250.302 (01)Modeling the Living CellTTh 1:30PM - 2:45PM, M 5:00PM - 6:00PMJohnson, Margaret EJenkins 107NEUR-CP
AS.250.310 (01)Exploring Protein Biophysics using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) SpectroscopyTTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMMajumdar, AnanyaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) 189
AS.250.320 (01)Macromolecular BindingTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMFleming, Karen GUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G89
AS.250.253 (08)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabTh 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.265 (01)Introduction to BioinformaticsTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AMFleming, PatrickUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98