In this course, we investigate an essential question in biology: how does an organism protect itself from foreign invaders? Simply put, the goals for BIOL466 are to master the fundamental principles of immunology. By the end of this course, you will not only understand the tissues, cells, and molecules responsible for these processes, but also the complex interplay between them. In addition to understanding the concepts of immunology, you will also participate in experimental science that has facilitated the interpretation of these concepts. Finally, you will gain an understanding and appreciation of the exciting future directions and applications of immunology.

In the simplest terms, molecular biology is the science focused on understanding
basic biological principles and processes at a molecular level. It is the study of
the essential cellular macromolecules (such as DNA, RNA, and proteins) and
how these building blocks work together to execute and regulate macromolecular
processes that are vital for life.
Molecular biology as a field of scientific interest has had a profound impact on
our daily lives. Diagnostic tests for genetic diseases, forensic analysis,
genetically modified crops with increased yields and disease resistance, cancer
therapies, generation of cleaner forms of energy, and many more advances that
we take for granted in our modern society were discovered due to advances
made in molecular biology.
The goals for BIOL 409 are to master the fundamental principles of molecular
biology. By the end of this course, you will not only understand the molecules
responsible for these processes, but also the complex interplay between them.
In addition to understanding the concepts of molecular biology, you will also have
an understanding of the experimental science that has facilitated the
interpretation of these concepts. Finally, you will gain an understanding and
appreciation of the exciting future directions and applications of molecular biology.

This course will provide you with exposure to
modern cellular biology techniques in the context of a research project investigating the hematopoietic system of the genetically amenable zebrafish (Danio rerio). The main goal of this class will be to identify novel bioactive compounds in vitro that have effects on the proliferation, differentiation, and/or survival of different hematopoietic
cell subtypes. Over the course of the semester, we will utilize several assays to help investigate these questions. First, we will collect and enumerate hematopoietic cells after culture on stromal cell layers with a hemocytometer. Secondly, we will cytospin these hematopoietic cells onto slides, staining them with May-­‐Grunwald-­‐Giemsa to identify them by their morphology. Finally, we will culture hematopoietic progenitors in methylcellulose and examine colony formation, proliferation, and morphology.
The assays and experiments you will perform in this class will allow further understanding on the molecular pathways involved in the expansion and lineage choices of HSPCs, and the possibility of modulating these processes to treat human disease. During this course you will be expected to actively contribute to in-­‐class discussions and laboratory experiments. In-­‐class discussions will focus on protocol and hypothesis development. Literature on hematopoietic development and immunology will also be introduced, discussed, and evaluated. You are expected to read all articles assigned. Lab work will be done with partners, and both members of the team are expected to contribute. There will be times when you will need to come in during non-­‐class hours to take care of your cell cultures. We expect that both partners will assist with this job.
 

This course will provide you with exposure to a multitude of different topics in stem cell biology. First, we will examine and discuss
primary stem cell research from the field’s inception during the 1940’s, moving on to the discovery of murine embryonic stem cells in the 1980’s, and human embryonic stem
cells in the 1990’s. Then, we will discuss the creation of induced pluripotent stem cells in the early 2000’s, as well as the recent use of tissue-­‐specific stem cells to treat and cure disease. The main goal of this class is to give students a clear understanding of stem cells and their utility in understanding animal development, evolution, and medicine. Students will achieve this by reading primary literature that describes these findings, analyzing these data, presenting these findings, and discussing the studies during class. Students will also be exposed to a multimedia approach; some assignments will be presented as short movies, podcasts, etc. Students will also be exposed to an essential issue in modern scientific research; media interpretation and hype of stem cell discoveries. Finally, students will also discuss recent issues of scientific misconduct, and how these cases have negatively affected the public’s trust in scientific research. This course is a follow-­‐up to BIOL 609, which dealt with developing and performing hands-­‐on assays to investigate the development of the hematopoietic and immune system. As such, BIOL 610 will focus on the tissue-­‐specific hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). We will discuss the discovery of HSCs, as well as current, groundbreaking studies in the field. During this course you will be expected to actively contribute to in-­‐class discussions of primary scientific literature. In-­‐class discussions will focus on hypothesis identification, interpretation of data, and developing relevant conclusions. You are expected to read, watch, or listen to all assignments. Certain projects will be performed with partners, and in these cases both members of the team are expected to contribute.

In this course, we will investigate one of the most fundamental questions in biology: how does a single cell develop into a fully developed organism, complete with different cell types, tissues, and organ systems? Simply put, the goals for BIOL426 are to master the fundamental principles of developmental
biology. By the end of this course, you will not only understand the molecules responsible for these processes, but also the complex interplay between them. In addition to understanding the concepts of
developmental biology, you will also participate in experimental science that has facilitated the interpretation of these concepts. Finally, you will gain an understanding and appreciation of the exciting future directions and applications of developmental biology. This course will teach you not only about the molecular regulation of embryonic development across multiple different species, but will also allow you to observe first-hand the development of the chicken and mouse embryo, zebrafish fin regeneration, and the development of bone and cartilage in embryonic mice. Additionally, you will perform hands-on experimentation to identify critical components affecting sea urchin fertilization and investigate the effect of altering the environment on zebrafish development.

Simply put, this is students performing research in the Stachura Laboratory on independent research projects.  The expectation is that they will present their data to the public in the form of manuscripts and presentations.  Check here to see a list of manuscripts, posters, and presentations given by undergraduate students in the Stachura Laboratory.   

Simply put, this is students performing research in the Stachura Laboratory on independent research projects.  The expectation is that they will present their data to the public in the form of manuscripts and presentations.  The difference between this class and BIOL 399 is that there is a written thesis component to this class and you need a certain GPA to participate.  This class gives you "Honors" in the major, which appears on your diploma.  Check here to see a list of manuscripts, posters, and presentations given by undergraduate students in the Stachura Laboratory.   

The best way to learn science is by doing science; this class is focused on that very concept.  Students are encouraged to find a company or outside entity where they can perform scientific inquiry and sharpen their skills.  Unpaid internship?  Paid on-the-job training?  Anything qualifies, as long as you are using the scientific method, honing your skills as a molecular biologist, and developing critical thinking skills. 

In this course, you will learn what it is like to be a physician by shadowing several over the semester. Simply put, the goals for BIOL 389 are to experience what being a physician is on a day-to-day basis. By the end of this course, you will have experienced and have an appreciation for the exciting future directions and applications of clinical medicine and your place in it. 

This was a new course developed by Dr. Stachura in collaboration with physicians at  Enloe Health, in Chico CA.

This class is focused on Master's students performing independent research on their thesis projects.  The expectation is that they will present their data to the public in the form of manuscripts and presentations.  Check here to see a list of manuscripts, posters, and presentations given by Master's students in the Stachura Laboratory.

This class is focused on Master's students performing independent research on their thesis projects, as well as writing, revising, and presenting their thesis to the public.  Check here to see a list of manuscripts generated by Master's students in the Stachura Laboratory.

In this course, we will develop one of the most important skills that you need as a scientist: the ability to read, analyze, evaluate, and critique current primary scientific literature. You will also present background information that explains the underlying reasons that experiments were performed, what studies mean in the context of other research findings, and describe the next steps likely to be conducted by the authors. As a scientist, you will always be reading and interpreting other people’s research to understand and utilize their findings to further your field of study and science in general. This course will help you develop and practice this important skill.