The Basic Sciences Core Course is designed to provide the fundamental knowledge required to practice modern biomedical sciences to all basic science students at UT Southwestern. In the course students use this knowledge to:
- design experiments
- interpret experimental data
- read critically the primary research literature.
The Core Course also includes instruction in professional ethics, the use of scientific databases, and scientific writing.
The course meets it objectives through:
- lectures
- experimental design sessions
- small-group discussions
- small-group problem solving projects
- a writing tutorial
The course is 1.5 semesters in length, running from late August through early March, and is valued at 15 credit hours. At the end of the course, students join laboratories and graduate programs and begin advanced course work
Course content is organized into 3 “Threads” that interweave through the course.
Proteins Thread instruction includes the energetic basis of protein structure, stability, ligand binding and regulation, enzyme mechanics and kinetics, methods of purification and analysis by spectroscopic methods.
Genes Thread instruction includes molecular genetics of model organisms, DNA replication, repair and recombination, transcription, RNA catalysis, processing and interference, translation, protein turnover, development and genomics.
Cells Thread instruction includes cell structure, membrane biology, intracellular membrane and protein trafficking, energy conversion, signal transduction and second messengers, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, and basics of microbiology, immunology and neurobiology. 
The DBS course schedule details relevant dates, course rotations, professors, as well as the organization of class material. Please contact Dr. Leon Avery about any questions or conflicts.
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