Topics in Biology (345-0-1)

Topic

Cell Division in Health and Disease

Instructors

Amanda Roca

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L221: Mon, Wed, Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

This course examines the molecular mechanisms of cell division and their consequences for human health and disease. Students will begin with an in-depth study of mitosis, including the key regulatory proteins that ensure accurate chromosome segregation. Building on this, students will explore how mitotic errors contribute to cancer, aneuploidy, and other diseases, and will evaluate the molecular rationale of chemotherapy. The second half of the course focuses on meiosis, with an emphasis on reproductive anatomy and the molecular factors underlying age-related decline in oocyte quality. The course ends with a grant proposal project in which students design and present an original research idea related to course content.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 240-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 234-0 to register for this course.

Teaching Method

This class will include a mix of lectures and discussions on primary scientific literature.

Evaluation Method

Exam 1 20%

Exam 2 20%

Exam 3 20%

Final project 20%

Article Summaries 15%

Participation 5%

Class Materials (Required)

Reading material will be assigned and available in Canvas. This will include all lecture PowerPoint slides, review articles to accompany weekly topics, and assigned primary scientific literature.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 240-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 234-0 to register for this course.