BIOL 337 (Syllabus)- Molecular Biology of Death
Course Description
This course reviews recent developments regarding the regulation of the different modes of cell deaths in normal development and in pathologies. It aims at providing a general understanding of the variety of cell death signaling pathways. Interest in cell death research is escalating as it offers means of manipulating the system for their activation in cells refractory to cell death, such as cancer, and the prevention of excessive death in neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders.
General Instructional Objectives
At the completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the different modes of cell death;
- Understand applications of latest development in cell death research techniques;
- Develop critical thinking skills in cell death research;
- Demonstrate competence in getting and communicating relevant scientific information from databases and library resources both orally and in writing.
Specific Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, a student will be able to:
- Describe the different modes of cell death at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels;
- Analyze cell death signaling pathways in normal development and anomalies;
- Prepare strategies to manipulate excessive or refractory cell death signaling pathways in pathologies;
- Analyze how current genetic developments in cell death research are used in cancer management and other diseases;
- Deliver an oral presentation in a recent area in cell death research;
- Write a research proposal investigating a recent area in cell death research.
Resources Available to Students
- Our lectures will be available in PowerPoint format at the Jafet Library (Electronic Resources; E-Reserve Jafet Library) and at the AUB bookstore.
- Additional readings from the literature are assigned and will be made available.
University library and databases resources will be required for some topic assignments.
Grading Criteria
Your grade will be based on four parts:
Attendance, class participation, and paper discussion (10%)
Oral presentations (30%)
Homework (30%)
Final project (30%)
A required oral presentation reviewing a topic related to the Biology of Cell Death and a recent primary research paper.
Take-home assignments will be given during the semester to provide familiarity with the research literature in the Biology of Cell Death.
A final group research proposal, outlining a series of experiments designed to investigate a recent topic related to the Biology of Cell Death, will be submitted.
Course Outline
I. Introduction and Syllabus
II. Cell Death - Past, Present, and Future
III. Apoptosis and Caspase Cascade
IV. Regulation of Apoptosis by the Bcl-2 Protein Family
V. Autophagy: Dual Role in Life and Death
VI. Senescence and Aging
VII. Necrosis and Mitotic Catastrophe
VIII. Viral Modulation of Apoptosis
IX. Apoptotic Signals - Death Receptors
X. Role of Sphingolipids in Stress Responses and Apoptosis
XI. Cell Death and Inflammation
XII. Cell to Cell Communication in Cell Death
XIII. Plant-Derived Anticancer Drugs: Cell Death Signaling Pathways
XIV. Cell Death in Normal Development and Pathologies of the Nervous and
Cardiovascular Systems
XV. Genetic Developments and Techniques in Cell Death Research
Course Policy
Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes. This is an interactive course that is research oriented and is heavily based on discussions. If you do not attend, you will not be able to participate. The tolerated limit of necessary absences is two class meetings.
Assignments: You are expected to submit assignments on time. Late assignments may result in a lower grade. A research project will be handled on the 9th week of the course and should be returned during the final exams schedule.
Academic Integrity: Any act of cheating and plagiarism is not tolerated.
Please refer to AUB Policies and Procedures on academic integrity.