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.

Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Laboratory
AS.250.254 (21)

A project laboratory where students will use the techniques of protein engineering to attempt to modify existing proteins to endow them with new structural or physical properties. This course will provide an introduction to standard biochemistry laboratory practice and to protein science, including experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification and characterization of proteins in regard to structure, function and stability.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 5/28
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Protein Biochemistry and Engineering Laboratory
AS.250.254 (11)

A project laboratory where students will use the techniques of protein engineering to attempt to modify existing proteins to endow them with new structural or physical properties. This course will provide an introduction to standard biochemistry laboratory practice and to protein science, including experiments in site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification and characterization of proteins in regard to structure, function and stability.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Canceled
  • Seats Available: 24/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.250.254 (21)Protein Biochemistry and Engineering LaboratoryMTWF 1:00PM - 6:00PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.254 (11)Protein Biochemistry and Engineering LaboratoryMTWF 1:30PM - 6:00PMFitch, Carolyn A 

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 (04)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: 4/36
  • 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: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (06)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: 10/36
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

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? 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. Possible films to be discussed: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Her, Ex Machina, GATTACA, Minority Report, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Forbidden Planet, The Matrix, and more. Attendance at weekly screenings required.

  • Credits: 2.00
  • Level: Lower Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 3/45
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (03)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: 2/36
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (05)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: 1/36
  • 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: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (01)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: 1/36
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (07)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: Canceled
  • Seats Available: 36/36
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

Introduction to Computing
AS.250.205 (02)

This course will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications and disciplines, not only the life sciences. 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: 0/36
  • PosTag(s): GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP

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: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

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: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/24
  • 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: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Single Molecule & Cell Biophysics
AS.250.335 (01)

This (elective) course offers an introduction to the field of single molecule and single cell biophysics to second and third year undergraduate students in biophysics. We will examine technologies such as single molecule fluorescence, force measurements and single cell fluorescence detections that enable high precision molecular visualizations in vitro and in cells. In addition, we will cover topics of genome engineering, cell mechanics and optogenetics toward the end of the semester. Each student is expected to read two articles assigned for each week and submit a written summary. All students will take turns presenting the assigned articles to class.

  • Credits: 3.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/18
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Biochemistry I
AS.250.315 (01)

Foundation for advanced classes in Biophysics and other quantitative biological disciplines. Lecture and computer laboratory. This class is the first semester of a two semester course in biochemistry. Topics in Biochemistry I include chemical and physical properties of biomolecules and energetic principles of catabolic pathways. Computer labs include extensive use of molecular graphics and modelling of reaction kinetics and pathway flux. Co-listed with AS.030.315

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/34
  • 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 kinetics of this system; chromatography, spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance), calorimetry, analytical centrifugation, X-ray crystallography 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 (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: 10/24
  • 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: 2/24
  • PosTag(s): n/a

Molecular and Cellular System Biology
AS.250.313 (01)

This course covers the principles of biological networks, with an emphasis on computational analysis. Networks ranging from simple biochemical pathways to genome-scale metabolic, regulatory, and signaling networks will be studied. Topics include dynamic modeling of biochemical pathways, steady-state analysis of cellular metabolic networks, inference of gene regulatory networks using –omics data, and systems biology approaches to studying signal transduction. Recommended course background: Calculus (AS.110.106 and AS.110.107), Biochemistry (AS.250.315 or AS.020.305 or equivalent). Prior exposure to programming is recommended.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Open
  • Seats Available: 11/35
  • 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: 8/24
  • 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 Mathematica and will use it for data fitting and for statistical and mathematical analysis. Background: Calculus, Introductory Organic Chemistry, and Introductory Physics.

  • Credits: 4.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/35
  • PosTag(s): BIOL-UL

Reproductive Physiology
AS.250.351 (01)

Focuses on reproductive physiology and biochemical and molecular regulation of the female and male reproductive tracts. Topics include the hypothalamus and pituitary, peptide and steroid hormone action, epididymis and male accessory sex organs, female reproductive tract, menstrual cycle, ovulation and gamete transport, fertilization and fertility enhancement, sexually transmitted diseases, and male and female contraceptive methods. Introductory lectures on each topic followed by research-oriented lectures and readings from current literature.

  • Credits: 2.00
  • Level: Upper Level Undergraduate
  • Status: Waitlist Only
  • Seats Available: 0/100
  • PosTag(s): BIOL-UL, BEHB-BIOBEH

Course # (Section) Title Day/Times Instructor Room PosTag(s) Info
AS.250.205 (04)Introduction to ComputingTTh 9:00AM - 10:15AMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.253 (02)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabT 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.205 (06)Introduction to ComputingTTh 3:00PM - 4:15PMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.105 (01)Science and FilmF 1:30PM - 2:45PM, W 6:30PM - 9:00PM ScreeningsDeLibero, Linda, Procopio, Maria 
AS.250.205 (03)Introduction to ComputingMWF 3:00PM - 3:50PMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.205 (05)Introduction to ComputingTTh 12:00PM - 1:15PMProcopio, MariaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.253 (01)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabM 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.205 (01)Introduction to ComputingMWF 10:00AM - 10:50AMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.205 (07)Introduction to ComputingMWF 12:00PM - 12:50PMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.205 (02)Introduction to ComputingMWF 11:00AM - 11:50AMDamjanovic, AnaUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G98GECS-SCI, COGS-COMPCG, NEUR-CP
AS.250.253 (03)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabW 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (04)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabF 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (05)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabM 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.335 (01)Single Molecule & Cell BiophysicsT 3:00PM - 5:30PMHa, Taekjip, Myong, SuaJenkins 107
AS.250.315 (01)Biochemistry ITTh 12:00PM - 12:50PM, MW 12:00PM - 12:50PMGarcia-Moreno, BertrandBloomberg 176
AS.250.383 (01)Molecular Biophysics LaboratoryTh 1:30PM - 5:30PMFitch, Carolyn AUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (08)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabTh 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.253 (06)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabT 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.313 (01)Molecular and Cellular System BiologyTTh 10:30AM - 11:45AM, M 2:00PM - 3:00PMRoberts, ElijahJenkins 107
AS.250.253 (07)Protein Engineering and Biochemistry LabW 6:00PM - 10:00PMSorenson, Jaime LynnUG Teaching Lab (UTL) G96
AS.250.372 (01)Biophysical ChemistryMWF 10:00AM - 10:50AM, F 12:00PM - 12:50PMBarrick, DougHodson 305BIOL-UL
AS.250.351 (01)Reproductive PhysiologyW 3:00PM - 4:45PMZirkin, Barry RShaffer 301BIOL-UL, BEHB-BIOBEH