Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, plays a key role in morphogenesis during development, in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis in adults, and has important consequences in many disease states, such as cancer, immune deficiency, and neurodegeneration. The mechanisms of cell death have been intensely studied, and the purpose of this two-credit course is to provide students with an understanding of the emerging concepts in the field using lecture presentations. In the first half of the course, detailed analysis will be given to the molecular and cellular regulatory mechanisms associated with apoptosis. In the second half of the course, special attention will be given to disease mechanisms and how apoptotic pathways can be clinically manipulated.
The course is designed for both master’s level and PhD level students starting graduate work in biomedical sciences. The course will meet for 16 evening sessions, twice per week for 2 hours each session. While there is no required textbook for the course, slides will be provided before each lecture via e-mail and students are expected to bring lectures to class. Students are encouraged, but not required, to purchase a textbook “Apoptosis: A Means to an End” by Doug Green. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, CSHL New York, 2011.
A few review papers may be assigned as supplementary reading. Students will be evaluated by a mid-term and a final examination.
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