Pre-requisite: CGET 501 Integrated Life Sciences
3 Credits
Biological networks make it possible for organisms to engage in complex functions. This course introduces the concepts of systems biology, in which biological networks operate at the levels of the cell, tissues and the organism. The class is taught in parallel with CGAB 502, which presents the experimental approaches of modern applied biology, and CGAB 504, which presents pathophysiology. Students in the three courses will work together as a team to formulate an original research proposal. The topic this year is the role of inflammation in diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The course will cover the following topics:
Molecular Level: Central Dogma and DNA Replication
Molecular Level: Transcription
Molecular Level: Translation
Molecular Level: Spontaneous and Induced Mutations as Drivers of Evolution
Molecular Level: MMR and Evolution
Molecular Level: Cancer
Cellular View of Cancer
Cell Level: Innate Immunity
Cell Level to Organ Level
Cells to Tissues
Cancer at the Clinical Level
Lodish H et al. (2008) Molecular Cell Biology, 6 edn. W. H. Freemann and Company, New York.
The course will mainly use lectures to impart knowledge and understanding of the aforementioned topics, complemented by a class project. The course has no text, but requires a firm background in biochemistry. Readings from the primary literature will be assigned. Some of class time will be devoted to discussion of key primary journal articles describing important contributions to hierarchical systems biology.
A term project undertaken by subgroups of the class working as integrated teams will involve the preparation of a structured research project, similar to a thesis proposal, in an area of biological networks. The topic will change yearly, and the written product of the case study will be evaluated by a committee of experts.
The term grade will derive from the exams, home-assignments and written paper and oral presentations along with participation in class-period discussions.
Grade will be weighted as follows:
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Exam 1&2
Home-assignment
Class participation
Presentation 1
Presentation 2
Final Presentation
Proposal writing
Participation in proposal discussion
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45%
5%
5%
7.5%
7.5%
10%
15%
5%
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Be on time. Class will start at the indicated time. Late attendance will affect your grade.
Plagiarism is not an acceptable behavior.
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