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.

Science and Film
AS.250.105 (01)

From the origins of cinema to the present, science and technology have remained the most reliably popular subjects for filmmakers and audiences alike. This course will address that enduring fascination, exploring the meanings and uses of science and technology in film through guest lectures and discussion of cinematic examples both recent and historic. Lectures and discussion will focus on a range of questions: How does film both reflect and shape our understanding of scientific concepts and technologies, from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering? How does science fiction reveal contemporary cultural anxieties and address ethical questions? How “fictional” is the science in science fiction film, and how have science fiction films inspired science and technology? What can we learn about “real” science from the movies? In addition to exploring science through film, students will learn the tools of film analysis through lecture, close viewing, and completion of a series of short written responses. In lieu of a short written response, student may choose to work in a team to create a short (1-3 minute) video response. Possible scientific topics: Genetics and Bioethics, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Climate Change and Public Health and Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences. Possible films to be discussed: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Blade Runner, GATTACA, The Martian, Interstellar, WALL-E, Children of Men and more. Attendance at weekly screenings at the Parkway Theater is required.

  • Credits: 2.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: F 12:00PM - 1:15PM, W 6:00PM - 9:00PM
  • Instructor: DeLibero, Linda, Porter, annette, Procopio, Maria
  • Room: Hodson 305
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/35
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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 will learn to work in the Unix environment, and write bash shells scripts. They will learn to program using the Python programming language, including Python libraries for graphing, fitting and for numerical and statistical computing, such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 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
  • Days/Times: MWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM
  • Instructor: Damjanovic, Ana
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 16/36
  • PosTag(s): COGS-COMPCG

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 will learn to work in the Unix environment, and write bash shells scripts. They will learn to program using the Python programming language, including Python libraries for graphing, fitting and for numerical and statistical computing, such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 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
  • Days/Times: MWF 11:00AM - 11:50AM
  • Instructor: Damjanovic, Ana
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 7/36
  • PosTag(s): COGS-COMPCG

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 will learn to work in the Unix environment, and write bash shells scripts. They will learn to program using the Python programming language, including Python libraries for graphing, fitting and for numerical and statistical computing, such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 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
  • Days/Times: MWF 3:00PM - 3:50PM
  • Instructor: Damjanovic, Ana
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 30/36
  • PosTag(s): COGS-COMPCG

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 will learn to work in the Unix environment, and write bash shells scripts. They will learn to program using the Python programming language, including Python libraries for graphing, fitting and for numerical and statistical computing, such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 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
  • Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Instructor: Procopio, Maria
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 13/36
  • PosTag(s): COGS-COMPCG

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 will learn to work in the Unix environment, and write bash shells scripts. They will learn to program using the Python programming language, including Python libraries for graphing, fitting and for numerical and statistical computing, such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 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
  • Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
  • Instructor: Procopio, Maria
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/36
  • PosTag(s): COGS-COMPCG

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 will learn to work in the Unix environment, and write bash shells scripts. They will learn to program using the Python programming language, including Python libraries for graphing, fitting and for numerical and statistical computing, such as NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib. 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
  • Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Procopio, Maria
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 15/36
  • PosTag(s): COGS-COMPCG

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
  • Days/Times: M 1:30PM - 5:30PM
  • Instructor: Sorenson, Jaime
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 9/24
  • PosTag(s): CHBE-ACBE

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
  • Days/Times: T 1:30PM - 5:30PM
  • Instructor: Sorenson, Jaime
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 8/24
  • PosTag(s): CHBE-ACBE

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
  • Days/Times: F 1:30PM - 5:30PM
  • Instructor: Robinson, Aaron
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 5/12
  • PosTag(s): CHBE-ACBE

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
  • Days/Times: T 6:00PM - 10:00PM
  • Instructor: Robinson, Aaron
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/12
  • PosTag(s): CHBE-ACBE

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
  • Days/Times: W 6:00PM - 10:00PM
  • Instructor: Sorenson, Jaime
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 4/12
  • PosTag(s): CHBE-ACBE

Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab
AS.250.253 (09)

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
  • Days/Times: Th 6:00PM - 10:00PM
  • Instructor: Sorenson, Jaime
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 2/12
  • PosTag(s): CHBE-ACBE

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 and solid state. A wide variety of biophysical properties can be studied by solution state NMR, such as the three dimensional structures of biological macromolecules, their dynamical properties in solution, interactions with other molecules and their physical and chemical properties which modulate structure-function relationships (such electrostatics and redox chemistry). 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, and the global properties of a molecule can be deconstructed in terms of detailed, atomic level information. In addition, interactions between nuclei can be exploited to enhance the information content of NMR spectra via multidimensional (2D and 3D) spectroscopy. Since these properties can be studied in solution, NMR methods serve as an effective complement to X-Ray crystallography and electron microscopy. 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.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: TTh 12:00PM - 1:15PM
  • Instructor: Majumdar, Ananya
  • Room:  
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 8/10
  • 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
  • Days/Times: TTh 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Instructor: Rokita, Steven, Woodson, Sarah
  • Room: Hodson 305
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 26/35
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Biophysical Chemistry
AS.250.372 (01)

Course covers classical and statistical thermodynamics, spanning from simple to complex systems. Major topics include the first and second law, gases, liquids, chemical mixtures and reactions, partition functions, conformational transitions in peptides and proteins, ligand binding, and allostery. Methods for thermodynamic analysis will be discussed, including calorimetry and spectroscopy. Students will develop and apply different thermodynamic potentials, learn about different types of ensembles and partition functions. Students will learn to use Python and will use it for data fitting and for statistical and mathematical analysis. Background: Calculus and Introductory Physics.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM, W 12:00PM - 12:50PM
  • Instructor: Barrick, Doug
  • Room: Ames 234
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 28/49
  • 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
  • Days/Times: MWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM
  • Instructor: Lecomte, Juliette
  • Room: Hodson 305
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 17/35
  • 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
  • Days/Times: W 1:30PM - 5:00PM
  • Instructor: Robinson, Aaron
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G89
  • Status: Approval Required
  • Seats Available: 12/12
  • 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
  • Days/Times: Th 1:30PM - 5:00PM
  • Instructor: Robinson, Aaron
  • Room: UG Teaching Lab (UTL) G89
  • Status: Approval Required
  • Seats Available: 11/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Advanced Seminar in Bioenergetics
AS.250.403 (01)

The trait shared by all living systems is the capacity to perform energy transduction. This biophysics/biochemistry course examines the physico-chemical and structural basis of biological energy transduction. Emphasis is on understanding the molecular and cellular logic of the flow of energy in living systems. The course explores the connection between fundamental physical requirements for energy transduction and the organization, evolution and possibly even the origins of biological molecules, cells, and organisms. Implications for planet earth¹s energy balance and for the design of synthetic organisms and of artificial energy transducing machines will be discussed, time permitting. Recommended Course Background: One semester of Biochemistry. Recommended Course Background: One semester of Biochemistry

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: MWF 8:00AM - 8:50AM
  • Instructor: Garcia-Moreno, Bertrand
  • Room: Gilman 217
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 12/15
  • PosTag(s): ENGY-SCIPOL

Genome Maintenance and Genome Engineering
AS.250.410 (01)

Advanced seminar for biophysics undergraduates. We focus on topics of genome maintenance via telomere regulation and genome engineering by CRISPR-Cas systems. The course will have lecture, scientific article reading, small and large group discussion.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Days/Times: M 3:00PM - 5:30PM
  • Instructor: Ha, Taekjip, Myong, Sua
  • Room: Hodson 301
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/25
  • 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
  • Days/Times: TTh 3:00PM - 4:15PM
  • Instructor: Bowman, Greg D
  • Room: Jenkins 102
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/12
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.250.105 (01)Science and FilmF 12:00PM - 1:15PM, W 6:00PM - 9:00PMDeLibero, Linda, Porter, annette, Procopio, MariaHodson 305
AS.250.205 (01)Introduction to ComputingMWF 10:00AM - 10:50AMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98COGS-COMPCG
AS.250.205 (02)Introduction to ComputingMWF 11:00AM - 11:50AMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98COGS-COMPCG
AS.250.205 (03)Introduction to ComputingMWF 3:00PM - 3:50PMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98COGS-COMPCG
AS.250.205 (04)Introduction to ComputingTTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98COGS-COMPCG
AS.250.205 (05)Introduction to ComputingTTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98COGS-COMPCG
AS.250.205 (06)Introduction to ComputingTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98COGS-COMPCG
AS.250.253 (01)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabM 1:30PM - 5:30PMSorenson, JaimeUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96CHBE-ACBE
AS.250.253 (02)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabT 1:30PM - 5:30PMSorenson, JaimeUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96CHBE-ACBE
AS.250.253 (05)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabF 1:30PM - 5:30PMRobinson, AaronUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96CHBE-ACBE
AS.250.253 (07)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabT 6:00PM - 10:00PMRobinson, AaronUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96CHBE-ACBE
AS.250.253 (08)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabW 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, JaimeUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96CHBE-ACBE
AS.250.253 (09)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabTh 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, JaimeUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96CHBE-ACBE
AS.250.310 (01)Exploring Protein Biophysics using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) SpectroscopyTTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMMajumdar, Ananya 
AS.250.316 (01)Biochemistry IITTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMRokita, Steven, Woodson, SarahHodson 305
AS.250.372 (01)Biophysical ChemistryMWF 9:00AM - 9:50AM, W 12:00PM - 12:50PMBarrick, DougAmes 234
AS.250.381 (01)Spectroscopy and Its Application in Biophysical ReactionsMWF 9:00AM - 9:50AMLecomte, JulietteHodson 305
AS.250.383 (01)Molecular Biophysics LaboratoryW 1:30PM - 5:00PMRobinson, AaronUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G89
AS.250.383 (02)Molecular Biophysics LaboratoryTh 1:30PM - 5:00PMRobinson, AaronUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G89
AS.250.403 (01)Advanced Seminar in BioenergeticsMWF 8:00AM - 8:50AMGarcia-Moreno, BertrandGilman 217ENGY-SCIPOL
AS.250.410 (01)Genome Maintenance and Genome EngineeringM 3:00PM - 5:30PMHa, Taekjip, Myong, SuaHodson 301
AS.250.411 (01)Advanced Seminar in Structural Biology of ChromatinTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMBowman, Greg DJenkins 102