| Required Coursework |
Course Descriptions:
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Directors: |
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| Human Biology and Disease |
Shmuel Muallem
Keith Parker
Credit: 3 hours |
This course reviews the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for the integrated functioning of a number of physiologic systems, including cardiovascular, neuromuscular, respiratory, renal, metabolic and endocrine. Overviews are provided, but selective topics considered to be most important are highlighted. The course also addresses mechanisms of disease, integrating normal physiology with the genetic and pathophysiologic basis of disease. Emphasis is placed on how physiological investigation increases understanding of disease processes and how investigating the mechanisms of disease increases understanding of normal physiology.
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| Advanced Program Courses (Electives) |
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| Advanced Genetics I: Genetics of Unicellular Organisms |
Scott Cameraon
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| This course expands on the foundation of basic genetic methods included in the first-year Core Course by focusing on model experimental organisms. Classwork includes in-depth discussion of research papers that demonstrate modern genetic analyses of various topics in C. elegans, Drosophila and mouse. Topics adopted from current literature typically include the nature of mutations, control of the cell cycle, principles of recombination and meiotic inheritance, genetic analysis of gene expression and development, and genetic dissection of biochemical and signal-transduction pathways. |
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Advanced Genetics II: Human Genetics
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Andrew Zinn
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| The course introduces students to the conceptual basis of human genetics research. Some of the classes review basic principles of medical genetics, since many students do not have any prior exposure to this subject, but discussions emphasize research applications rather than clinical problems. Topics include discovering the molecular basis of Mendelian disorders and complex traits through molecular cytogenetics, genetic linkage, candidate gene and genomewide association methods. Discussion of research papers drawn from the current literature is used to illustrate each of these approaches. |
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Experimental Approaches to Complex Genetic Disease and Therapy
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Lisa Monteggia
Joachim J. A. Herz
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| This course offers a broad survey of currently available techniques for gene manipulation in cells and animals. Vectors and methods are reviewed first to allow a later survey of applications focused on experimental models of genetic diseases. In addition, several sessions are aimed at evaluating realistic prospects for gene therapy in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immunology and metabolic diseases. |
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Fundamentals of Neuroscience
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Kim Huber
Credit: 1.5 hours |
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The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to basic and fundamental concepts in the field of Neuroscience and prepare first year students for the advanced neuroscience courses. This course will provide an introduction and overview of several core neuroscience areas, including membrane physiology, ion channels, cellular neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, sensory and motor systems, brain regulation of behavior and body physiology, and neural development.
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Molecular Basis of Metabolic Regulation
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Joyce Repa
Credit: 1.5 hours |
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The complexity of animals, their tissues and even individual cells requires multilevel systems for regulation of metabolism. In this course, important cellular functions, such as the transport of molecules into cells, the use of fuels for energy generation and energy storage, and integration of metabolic pathways, are discussed. Discussion includes new information about the impact of gene expression and isozyme diversity on the control of metabolic flux, hormonal control of metabolism and consideration of more acute control mechanisms operating at the level of allosteric and colvalent modification of enzymes. There is a strong emphasis on presentation of these concepts in the context of genetically programmed metabolic disorders, and the material covered in this course provides tools to explore the phenotypes of genetically modified animals and discern the basis of human metabolic disease.
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| Responses to Stress |
Makoto Kuro-o
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| Biological responses to various types of stress serve to illustrate the adaptive functions of physiological systems. Molecular, cellular and/or organismal responses and adaptations to genetic and environmental stresses illustrate principles of feedback regulation in different systems. Responses to thermal, hypoxic and osmotic stress, as well as fasting, exercise and infection, are discussed in context of recent research. |
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Signal Transduction, Part 1
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Paul Sternweiss
Credit: 1.5 hours |
| This course offers an in-depth study of the interactions of neurotransmitter and polypeptide hormones with receptors and their subsequent regulation of cellular events. Topics emphasize basic physicochemical concepts of ligand interactions with biological systems and mechanisms of common signaling pathways. Quantitative approaches and current controversies are stressed where appropriate. Lectures are supported by discussion of classic and current research articles and presentations by students. |
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| Topics in Developmental Biology |
Michelle Tallquist
Credit: 1.5 hours |
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The main objective of this course is to provide the student with an in depth knowledge of the mechanisms of development and how these processes are relevant to understanding human disease. The topics include axis formation, asymmetric cell division, regeneration and the connectivity between developmental biology and cancer. Throughout the course students will become familiar with the range of techniques that are employed in model organisms to investigate the complex signals that direct developmental processes. The course uses a combination of lectures and small group discussions of relevant papers to learn about and evaluate the existing literature on a given topic.
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