Download SPRING 2017 BIOLOGY SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE OFFERINGS[1]

SPRING 2017 BIOLOGY SPECIAL TOPICS COURSE OFFERINGS
BIOL 3409, Current Topics in Biology, Section 1 (33203)
Dr. Michail Sitkovsky
Weds: 11:45-1:25 (HYBRID)
Special Topic: Introduction to Immunotherapy
This course will describe the basic principles and the current promises and
disappointments with immunotherapies of cancer. It will also provide the historic
overview of the main barriers between tumors and anti-tumor killer cells. The unifying
focus of lectures in this course will be the explanation of the role of immunological and
physiological negative regulators i.e. “breaks” of anti-tumor immune response. A
significant part of the course will be dedicated to the retrospective evaluation of the last
three decades of the immunological and biochemical studies that culminated in
identification of the “chief of tumor defense operations”, i.e. a hypoxia-adenosinergic
pathway in tumor microenvironment. The data from experimental studies and from large
scale prospective epidemiological studies will illustrate the importance of modulation of
the immune response in the future of molecular and personalized medicine.
BIOL 3409, Current Topics in Biology, Section 2 (37746)
Dr. Jamie Bunce
Mon, Weds, Thurs: 9:15-10:20
Special Topic: Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
This course approaches learning and memory from the multidisciplinary perspective of
neuroscience. We will explore the neurobiology of learning and memory from the level
of the synapse up to the neural systems underlying emergent mnemonic function. Topics
include the synaptic mechanisms underlying neural plasticity; the molecular basis of
mnemonic processes; and the neural circuits serving distinct memory systems. In
addition to lecture based material, students will be introduced to the current scientific
literature and will become proficient in reading, interpreting and evaluating primary
research and review articles via presentations and active discussions in the classroom.
The overarching goal of the course is to provide a neurobiological perspective on how
information is encoded, consolidated and later retrieved and the significance of
dysfunction in these processes associated with neurologic disease.
BIOL 3409, Current Topics in Biology, Section 3 (37747)
Dr. Glover Martin
Tues, Fri: 1:35-3:15
Special Topic: The Biology of Cancer
'Cancer' is recognized to be not a single disease. Instead, the term refers to a diverse
collection of diseases characterized by uncontrolled survival and/or proliferation of cells
which leads to tumor formation. This course explores some common genetic, molecular,
and cellular mechanisms, which underlie these diseases. In particular, the dysregulation
of 1) signal transduction pathways; 2) cell cycle entry and progression; 3) programmed
cell death; 4) immune responses will be explored in detail. Historical perspective is
provided through examination of some of the discoveries that have been key in the
fundamental understanding of oncogenesis, angiogenesis, metastasis. Throughout the
course, the development of diagnostic and treatment approaches is emphasized.
BIOL 3409, Current Topics in Biology, Section 4 (37952)
Dr. Veronica Godoy-Carter
Tues, Fri: 3:25-5:05
Special Topic: Molecular Biology: How do we know what we know?
This course will survey the key experiments that make up the bases of our understanding
today in molecular biology. The topics will be covered with a historical perspective to
understand the tools at the researchers' disposal at the time of the findings. Students are
expected to be active participants in their own learning.
BIOL 3409, Current Topics in Biology, Section 5 (37856)
Dr. Nikolaos Soukos
Mon, Weds, Thurs: 10:30-11:35
Special Topic: From Molecular Biology to Molecular Medicine: A Translational
Journey
The principal goal of this course is to outline how the accomplishments of molecular
biology are beginning to translate into benefits for humans. This course will prepare
students to excel in the new landscape of Molecular Medicine by exposing them to a
translational journey that includes progression of research from basic molecular biology
discovery to proposed human application, to effective clinical treatment, to clinical
practice, and finally, to public health impact. This novel course will introduce a cultural
shift in the way Translational Medicine is practiced today.