The molecular basis of inheritance of simple Mendelian and non-Mendelian polygenic conditions, mitochondrial inheritance, somatic and geminal mosaicism, genetic predisposition, environment and genetic interactions.

BIO 620 Selected Topics in Cell Biology
In depth study of selected topics in cutting edge international research in cell biology. Indicative lecture titles include the following:

BIO 650 Special Topics in Bioinformatics
This course provides an in-depth discussion of bioinformatics methods and algorithms routinely used in fields such as Molecular Biology, Genetics and Genomics. Main objective of the course is that postgraduate students become aware of the principles on which commonly used bioinformatics tools are based, instead of using applications in a 'black box' fashion. This approach is of outmost importance, both for the rational usage and for the correct assessment of the results obtained by such methods. This will be achieved through series of lectures and discussion sessions. Students will give oral presentations of selected research papers where usage of Bioinformatics methods has provided significant input to wet-lab biological research.

BIO 670 Optical Imaging in Biology
The optical microscope has undergone a radical transformation. Recent innovations in lasers, chemistry, molecular biology, detectors, computation and optics have propelled the microscope to the cutting edge of modern biology. These complex machines are now the tools of choice for revealing structure and function in biology. This course explores the principles and practice of modern microscopy. It consists of lectures, demonstrations, discussions and laboratory exercises. In addition students will also be expected to present and discuss keystone primary research papers in class. Starting with basic optical theory, the course advances through transmitted, fluorescence, confocal and finally multiphoton microscopies. The techniques used for live cell imaging will be emphasized as well as the technologies for labeling of target molecules. The course will be updated every year to take into account new developments in cell imaging approaches and closely related technologies. It is structured towards a technical understanding of techniques, as once they are mastered they can be applied to almost any cell / tissue system or research project.

BIO 700 Molecular Biology II
Membrane structure, lipid bilayer, membrane proteins and membrane transport. Carrier proteins, ion channels, membrane potential, intracellular membrane compartments and transport. Regulation of cell cycle and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

BIO 710 Special Topics in Human Medical Genetics
Presentation of various classes of inherited conditions concerning different human systems such as Nephrogenetics, Neurogenetics, Cardiac genetics, Connective tissue conditions, Cytogenetics and others. Emphasis shall be given to common diseases or paradigm diseases such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, Tuberous Sclerosis, Huntington's Chorea, Myotonic Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Thalassaemia, Cardiovascular conditions, Chromosomal abnormalities and others.

BIO 720 Special Topics of Biochemistry
Presentation of selected topics of biochemical processes and their potential involvement in disease progression. Examples of topics to be covered are post-translational protein modifications, signal transduction and signalling pathways, receptors and receptor mediated endocytosis, hormonal regulation of metabolism and others. These and other topics will be taught with the use of classical textbooks and the use of recent publications of original work and review articles in scientific journals.

BIO 730 Molecular Diagnostics
Presentation of the available techniques for routine molecular diagnostic methodology in a clinical set up. Commonly used techniques will be presented and their strengths and limitations discussed. Such techniques are DNA and RT-PCR sequencing, PCR and restriction digests, Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism analysis (SSCP), Primer/ restriction digest engineering, Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), Single Nucleotide Primer Extension, Allele Specific Amplification, Denaturing High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (DHPLC).

BIO 740 Cellular Communication
Mechanisms and pathways of intercellular communication, signaling molecules, their membrane and intracellular receptors, signaling cascades and signal transduction, cellular responses and molecular evolution of intercellular communication. Intracellular signaling and transport. Neuronal communication, small molecule and peptide neurotransmitters, understanding neuronal function through the contributions of Structural Biology.

BIO 750 Cancer Biology
Carcinogenesis, carcinogens, anti-tumor substances, chemoprophylaxis and chemotheraphy. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, leukemia. Use of animal models for the study and prevention of cancer.

BIO 760 Selected Topics in Genomics and Proteomics
Genome Projects of model organisms: lessons learned through the use of novel technology about the structure, functional organization and the evolution of genetic information. The post-genomic era and the challenge of deciphering gene product function through the use of DNA arrays for high throughput gene expression analysis, protein and antibody arrays, high throughput protein-protein interaction and crystallography approaches.

BIO 770 Biostatistics
Study of statistics methodology and analysis and their application in biological systems. Statistics and epidemiology, survival models.

BIO 780 Autonomous Study I
BIO 790 Autonomous Study II
Bibliographical in depth research essay on front line research topics that are relevant to the content of the postgraduate curriculum. The student is expected to make use of original and review publications in international journals and prepare a written report of 25-30 pages. It is possible to undertake and prepare two such essays per semester.

BIO800- BIO 803 Graduate Seminars
The students are expected to attend a series of lectures during which invited speakers present research work in the general field of Biological Sciences.