Spring 2019 - BISC 455 D100

Endocrinology (3)

Class Number: 2587

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 10, 2019
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 305 and one of BISC 306 or 316 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A study of endocrine organs and their role in integrating physiological functions in animals.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Website: SFU CANVAS

Why did the Church encourage castration of young boys in 18th century Italy? Why does "sex chemistry" last 2 years for newlyweds? Is there really such a thing as male menopause? Did Shakespeare know about oxytocin when he said "trust none for oaths are straws"? Do hormones make woman bad drivers? Why are a man's sweaty armpits sexually attractive to females?

We'll try and deal with some of these questions in this course while reviewing endocrine systems, and the hormonal regulation and integration of physiological function in animals, from the molecular to the whole-organism level. Following a general overview, we will focus on the major endocrine axes regulating such modern day issue as sex, obesity, stress, ageing, etc. There will not be an exclusive focus on humans: this will be a comparative course.

Outline of Topics:  History, development and relevance of endocrinology; techniques in endocrinology; molecular action of hormones; function and evolution of neuroendocrine systems in invertebrates and vertebrates; and hormonal regulation of some or all of the following, a) growth, food intake, and obesity, b) stress, c) reproduction, d) mood

Grading

  • Midterm 25%
  • Final exam 45%
  • Tutorials and Assignments - these will discuss current topics in endocrinology; you will reach present and discuss one (1) journal article (provided) during the semester 10%
  • Term paper - an abstract/summary of your proposed topic (5%) and a 10-12 page review on an endocrinology-related topic of your choice (15%) 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook required

RECOMMENDED READING:

Campbell & Reece's Biology will be useful (review Chapter 45!), plus other texts which will be on reserve in the library

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS