Cell Division in Human Health and Disease (316-0-1)

Instructors

Amanda Roca

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G15: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

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 mechanistic differences between sperm and oocyte meiosis. Finally, the course explores the molecular factors underlying age-related decline in oocyte quality.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 201 or BIOL_SCI 239, 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)

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.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 201-0, BIOL_SCI 202-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0.