Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Topics in molecular biology-based research into pathologies of disease related to drug and environmental exposures will be discussed. Focus on systems pharmacology and the molecular determinants of drug and toxicant action as they relate to gene expression and signal transduction.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the toxic actions of various substances that have a profound impact on human health. In addition, they will be provided with an in-depth survey of advanced molecular laboratory techniques used to investigate these phenomena by a careful examination of the current literature. The chemical nature of drug action and toxic substances, their mode of action, and the impact that they have on gene regulation will be emphasized. Molecular biological techniques for interrogating genomes at the epigenetic level will be introduced. Finally, students will be introduced to the topics of pharmacogenetics and toxicogenetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and quantitative approaches necessary to analyze these studies. This course is designed to prepare graduates with an interest in medicine and human health services to pursue careers in these fields. In addition, this course will serve as one of the units in the training of lab-based graduate students in the area of chronic disease and Environmental and Occupational Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The objectives of this course are to expose students to current molecular biological protocols, paradigms, and strategies commonly used in modern analytical and research laboratory settings. Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of epigenetics and gene regulation as they relate to the physiology of drug and toxicant action in the body. In addition, students should be able to examine a peer-reviewed article, clearly articulate the hypothesis and the main finding(s), and critically evaluate the rigour and validity of the study. To support their critiques, students should be able to cite relevant findings in the literature. By the end of the course, students should be able to describe multiple approaches to molecular-based methodologies for interrogating the genome as it relates to human physiological adaptation in response to drug action, environmental stress and cues. In particular, students should be able to demonstrate a firm understanding of toxico-genomics and the quantitative approaches used to interpret broad-based genomic studies regarding topical pharmaco-toxicological issues in human health.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: