Topics in Biology (345-0-3)

Topic

Endocrinology

Instructors

John Mordacq
8474917835
Tech MG79, 2145 Sheridan

Meeting Info

Technological Institute MG68: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

This course is designed to investigate the human endocrine system. The topics will cover the primary glands and organs that make and secrete hormones including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas and reproductive organs. The topics covered will be a more in-depth analysis and review of the material learned in NU's introductory biology courses, specifically cell and molecular biology including ligand receptor interactions, cellular signaling, and gene expression.

At the end of this course, students are expected be able to read, interpret and discuss primary research articles, define key terminology, have an enhanced grasp of concepts learned in previous courses, describe the processes within a cell that maintain hormone regulation, interpret the complex feedback loops that regulate the system, and explain the relationship between breakdown of various aspects of the endocrine system and the disease state.

Evaluation Method

Problem sets completed in a collaborative learning environment assess a student's ability to explain to their peers how hormone/receptor interactions work (using appropriate terminology), the complex control of the various endocrine organs (feedback loops), and complications that certain "roadblocks" within the loop might create.

Exams will cover the material presented in lecture including the instructor's presentation of various experiments published in recent journal articles. The students are expected to be able to define key terminology. The exams will test for a basic understanding of how each endocrine gland functions as well as student's ability to analyze data, interpret data, and evaluate conclusions from the research experiments presented by the instructor.

The group presentations will demonstrate the students' ability to search for a model research article that emphasizes an updated understanding of hormone function. The group should be able to identify an appropriate article and then interpret the article for the entire class. This should include a critical evaluation of the evidence presented and interpretation of the scientific data.

For the final assessment, each student will critic their own group's presentation as well as the other student presentations in the course. Students should demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the published scientific results presented and describe the significance of the work.

Attendance and participation - 10%

Attendance at lecture is required. During the last 10-15 minutes of each lecture there will be a group problem set activity followed by a class discussion led by each team of four students working together.


Exams - 60% (Exams 1, 2 and 3 - 20% each)


Presentation - 15%

Group of four students present a research paper covering one of the course topics. This should emphasize next steps to better understand how the system works with an emphasis on endocrine disorders.


Final Assessment - 15%

This will be a detailed analysis of your group's presentation as well as the other group presentations.

Class Materials (Required)

Course 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.

Class Attributes

Prerequisites apply, see description
SoC Additional Distro

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment 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.