Course Descriptions

PTH 504 - Current Topics in Experimental Pathology

This course uses the seminar format to introduce students to diverse experimental and intellectual approaches to studying disease processes. Students alternate with investigators from both outside and within the University in presenting their current research at the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine seminar series. This seminar is usually held on Mondays at noon.

The Student Seminar Series is also a component of PTH 504. Each student gains experience in oral presentations by presenting his/her research work to the faculty and fellow students on a yearly basis. This series is held on Wednesdays at 3 PM.

Credit: One hour. Prerequisite: permission of the instruction (e-mail). Instructor: Robert Mooney

 

PTH 507 - Cancer Biology

The course is intended primarily for students interested in cancer research. Cancer biology is introduced through lectures on the history of early scientific inquiry as a foundation for understanding the current state of cancer research. The genetic basis of cancer is emphasized in familial cancer syndromes, acquired somatic mutations and micro-evolution of neoplasia. Background is provided on normal cellular functions, such as cell cycle control, and signal transduction, that go awry in cancer. Epidemiology, environmental carcinogenesis, the impact of tobacco use and chemoprevention are thoroughly explored. The remainder of the course focuses on specific cancer sites with lectures by experts on various cancers with goals of understanding the human impact of the disease and identifying common themes as well as distinctive characteristics. Grades are based on two exams and a written essay that is also presented to the class.

Spring semester. Three 1-hour sessions per week. Credit: three hours. Prerequisite: permission of the course director (e-mail Dr. Lee or Dr. Ricke). Course directors: Yi-Fen Lee and William Ricke.

 

PTH 509/510 - Pathways of Human Disease I and II

This two-semester course is the signature course of the graduate program in Pathology. Its objective is to provide students with an introduction to human disease processes with an emphasis on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease. Students will learn the basic anatomy, histology, and physiology of all major organ systems in the context of examples of human disease. They will complete the course with an understanding of the basic principles of human disease processes at the whole animal, organ, cellular, and molecular levels. Additionally, they will have an understanding of the current applications and limitations of modern diagnostic medicine and the importance of basic translational research.

The course is divided into six modules, three per semester. Each module uses two organ systems (e.g. the cardiovascular system, the musculoskeletal system, the liver, the respiratory system, etc.) as the basis for an in-depth discussion of one major theme of human pathobiology. Laboratory exercises utilize the vast resources of the Medical Center in order to provide practical experience in current and cutting-edge analytical methodologies.

Two 1 1/2-hour lectures and One 1 1/2-hour lab per week. Credit: four hours. Prerequisite: permission of the course director (e-mail). Course Director: Robert Mooney.

 

PTH 593 - Molecular Basis of Disease

The focus of this course is the presentation of current knowledge of the underlying cellular processes and molecular events which cause human disease. Using the lecture format, faculty discuss the background, etiology, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions for a selected panel of human diseases. A significant emphasis is placed on defining the limits of current understanding of the disease processes at the cellular and molecular level and strategies for future experimentation that will lead to breakthrough discoveries and, potentially, cures. Discussions will include areas of current investigation into the mechanism of disease and therpaeutic approaches.

Fall semester. Two 90-minute sessions per week. Credit: four hours. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Instructor: TBD.

 

PTH 595 - Ph.D. Research

Ph.D. research, done under the direction of a faculty member in the Ph.D. program in pathology.

Credit: to be arranged.

 

IND 593 - Skeletal Biology and Pathology

This course starts by elaborating the basic cellular and molecular processes that govern skeletal development and homeostasis, with a central focus on the function/activity of the cells that comprise cartilage and bone.

Then, having introduced these basic concepts, the course switches its focus to the molecular/cellular mechanisms of disease in pathologic situations such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and skeletal cancers. A study of the genetic basis for skeletal dysplasias is also included.

One 1 1/2-hour session per week. Credit: two hours. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor (e-mail). Course Director: Michael Zuscik