BIOL2115 - 01 - Determ. of Health/Disease

The objective of this course is to offer insight into selected determinants of human health and disease. We will learn that disease in humans is complex and multifactorial, with genetic, biochemical, environmental and socio-economic inputs. Content will vary and will reflect student input. There is a strong communication component to this course as students will give multiple oral presentations on topics such as cancer (oncogenes, tumor suppressors), infectious diseases (tuberculosis, salmonella, hepatitis), genetic disorders (obesity, cystic fibrosis, pituitary dwarfism, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy), immune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, AIDS, diabetes), diseases of the nervous system (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression), respiratory diseases (emphysema) and others. Reading materials will consists of primary literature, review articles and other sources.