Oral Biology

• GMS OB 700: Biostatistics
  Introduces the concepts and techniques of biostatistics used in dental research. Emphasizes the fundamentals of statistical logic and presents the basic principles of experimental design, statistical inference, and probability. Examples from current basic sciences research, survey research, and clinical trials augment the presentation of statistical theory. 2 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS OB 761: Oral Microbiology
  Distribution, ecology, and pathogenic potential of oral microbiota. Pathogenicity of components of bacterial plaque and their role in the development of oral diseases. Mechanisms of local and systematic resistance to pathogenic oral microbiota. 2 cr, Spring sem. Not offered in 2015-2016.
• GMS OB 763: Basic Processes in Oral Biology
  An introductory survey course that examines biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Provides a basis to understand the events that regulate inflammation; wound healing; bone formation and resorption; salivary proteins and physiology; tooth development, eruption, and movement; and fluoride action. 2 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS OB 764: Basic Processes in Oral Biology
  An introductory survey course that examines biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Provides a basis to understand the events that regulate inflammation; wound healing; bone formation and resorption; salivary proteins and physiology; tooth development, eruption, and movement; and fluoride action. 2 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS OB 766: Oral Immunology and Microbiology
  This course has two modules: oral immunology and oral microbiology. The purpose of this course is to present material relative to the subject of oral immunobiology. The course will deal with the basics of the immune reaction from a subcellular level to an entire host reaction as they pertain to the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease processes in the oral cavity. This course will relate basic science findings to the clinical situations with an emphasis on treatment modalities for delivering clinical care. It is also the purpose of the course to provide an understanding of disease pathogenesis so that an informed basis of therapy can be recommended. The course will examine the complex microbial ecology of the mouth, with focus on the key microbes involved in dental diseases. The lectures will include the basic aspects of oral biofilm formation and microbial pathogenicity, with focus on the microbial diversity involved in caries, periodontal and periapical infections. There will be a short analysis of diagnostic microbial identification, as well as treatment modalities. The overall goal of the second module will be to link microbial clinical problems with basic infectious disease concepts, for a well informed approach to treatment. 2 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS OB 767: Molecular Parasitology
  This course teaches the fundamentals of molecular parasitology based on recent advances in understanding cellular structures, gene expression mechanisms and signaling pathways in apicomplexan and kinetoplastid unicellular parasites, and model nematodes. It focuses on research applications targeting parasite-specific cellular processes and parasite- host interactions as potential points of therapeutic intervention. Current state-of-the-art genetics, genomics, proteomics and structural approaches used in parasite research will be emphasized. Class meetings include a didactic lecture followed by discussion of the original research paper related to the lecture's topic. The research paper is presented in-depth by assigned group of 2-3 students with instructor acting as moderator. All students are required to read the selected papers before each class meeting and participate in discussion. Lectures are given by experts in respective topics. Course Director will participate in all class meetings to ensure quality of instruction, cohesiveness of topics and to handle student concerns. The course is expected to draw students from Master Programs in Biomedical Research Technologies and Medical Sciences, and PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences. It is expected that all students will have a solid foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and microbiology, but not specific prerequisites are set forth. 2 cred. Fall semester.
• GMS OB 800: Advanced Oral Biology
  Graduate Prerequisites: GMS OB763 and OB 764; GMS BI755 and BI 756 - This advanced course will explore in-depth current topics in oral biology research. The format of the course consists primarily of formal didactic lectures, but students will also be challenged to analyze experimental approaches and methods from current literature in a group-discussion "journal" club format in which papers from current literature are assigned and discussed. This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge and to develop critical thinking abilities. Topics will include host molecular, cellular, and genetic bases of periodontal diseases; microbiology of periodontal diseases; molecular events in inflammation, wound healing, and periodontal tissue regeneration; molecular components and function of the periodontal ligament, cementum, and attachment structures; extracellular matrix accumulation and turnover in mineralized and non- mineralized tissues; the etiology and complications of diabetes, with emphasis on oral tissue pathology and mechanisms, biosynthesis and functions of oral mucins, endocrine-dependent periodontal changes, effects of growth factors on periodontal tissues and cells, biosynthesis and structure of salivary proteins, and mechanisms of non-immune antibacterial processes in the oral cavity. 4 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS OB 805: Oral Biology Seminar
  All PhD candidates will attend a weekly seminar series organized by the Department of Translational Dental Medicine. Faculty and invited speakers will give seminars, as will students nearing completion of their thesis research projects. Students will be encouraged to suggest invited speakers. Enrollment in this course will be required for two years (2 credits per semester, for a total of eight credits). All PhD candidates are required to attend all seminars for their entire period of study. 2 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS OB 806: Oral Biology Seminar
  All PhD candidates will attend a weekly seminar series organized by the Department of Translational Dental Medicine. Faculty and invited speakers will give seminars, as will students nearing completion of their thesis research projects. Students will be encouraged to suggest invited speakers. Enrollment in this course will be required for two years (2 credits per semester, for a total of eight credits). All PhD candidates are required to attend all seminars for their entire period of study. 2 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS OB 900: Oral Biology Research
  Var cr
• GMS OB 901: Oral Biology Research
  Var cr