COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This multidisciplinary course will investigate the pathobiology of human diseases and relevant animal models. Topics will include cellular pathology and the mechanisms of cell injury and repair. The course will emphasize the immunologic, molecular, genetic, and biochemical mechanisms that result in the gross and microscopic changes taking place within affected tissues. Types of injury to be explored in depth will include: biochemical/genetic (mechanisms of neurodegeneration, lysosomal disease, chromosomal abnormalities), aging, cancer, infectious, inflammatory, immunologic injury (Tuberculosis, Ebola, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis), and environmental (DNA damage).

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The course will provide background knowledge of pathologic processes, including genetic, biochemical, inflammatory and immunological mechanisms, and neoplasia.  The goal is to demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis and mechanisms of several diseases.  Knowledge of gross and histopathologic morphology of diseased and normal organ function will be examined.  An understanding of the strategies employed to study disease pathogenesis and models to advance treatment and function.  Demonstrate an understanding of select mycobacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites with respect to their epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and their potential treatment in select models of disease.  An understanding of the rationale behind the translational approach and the research to explore and reduce the pathogenesis of the disease state.

PREREQUISITES:
Knowledge of Immunology and Biochemistry is helpful.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
The course requirements will be assigned readings and open discussion, 2 oral presentations and a written assignment.

SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS:
Yes.
Limited to 11 students.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:
Grading will be based on class participation (25%) and oral presentations (50%), and a follow-up assignment(s) (25%).  Attendance is mandatory for all lectures.

For class participation: students will be expected to prepare to discuss the papers at each class. Participation quality will be prioritized over quantity.
For oral presentations: presenting student will prepare with a deeper understanding of the paper and topic, understanding the nuances of the approaches, results, the gaps in knowledge, implications of the work, limitations, and next steps. Presenter will be responsible for conducting an effective journal club discussion and incorporating peers in the conversation.
Follow- up assignment will be based on the presentation, developing next steps in the form of a short grant aim.

Grading will be honors/pass/fail. Completion of all assignments will be required for passing. Honors will be based on quality of class participation, depth and quality of oral presentations, and quality of the follow-up assignment.

CREDIT HOURS: 3.0