Integrated treatment of human biochemistry and selected topics on the biochemical basis of human disease. Examples will be given of inheritable and acquired disorders.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: A term paper is required.
Athena Title
Human Biochemistry and Disease
Prerequisite
BCMB(BIOL)(CHEM) 3100 or BCMB 4010/6010
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will elaborate on the interplay of the four biomolecules of life and assess their impact on cellular, organ, and whole system (patho)physiology as well as their ability to be manipulated by modern medicine.
Students will compare and contrast organelle/tissue/organ specific biochemistry and metabolism and their role in whole system health and opportunities for intervention in disease states.
Students will describe biochemical aspects of immune system function and assess the role of different components of the immune system in human health.
Students will examine the nervous system from a biochemistry perspective and discuss the influence of biochemistry in understanding and treating neural developmental, psychiatric, and degenerative diseases.
Students will analyze the role of iron, copper, and heme in red blood cell life cycle and metabolism and apply that knowledge to recognizing related pathophysiology.
Students will investigate the function and dysfunction of other selected organ systems.
Students will appraise primary literature to comprehend and critique current theories of and therapies for human disorders.
Topical Outline
Macromolecular structure and function in human processes and systems, including:
- Fertilization, Implantation, and Early Development
- Sexual Differentiation
- Endocrine (Reproductive, Thyroid and Adrenal)
- Nervous system
- Muscular system, including Cardiac Biochemistry and Vascular Biology
- Digestion, Glucose Homeostasis, and Diabetes
- Hepatic and Integrative Metabolism
- Immune system
- Connective Tissue and Calcium Homeostasis
- Blood and Acid-Base Balance
- Heme Metabolism, Red Blood Cell Development, and Hemoglobinopathies
- Trace Metal Metabolism and Related Disorders
- Stem Cells and Stem Cell-Based Therapies
- Cell Signaling
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
