Course Information

Course Description: BioC 1010 provides an introduction to the molecular basis of common human diseases. We will begin by introducing the fundamental concepts of cellular and molecular biology, biochemical reactions, and the biochemical underpinnings of health and disease. Topics to be presented include Inherited Diseases (cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia), Metabolic Diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, asthma, alcoholism), and Infectious Diseases (influenza, malaria, AIDS). In addition we will discuss Disease of Aging (osteoporosis, Alzheimer's). Also included will be methods to diagnosis, treat and prevent disease, discussions of gene therapy, regenerative medicine (stem cells), and traditional drug-based interventions. Serveral class periods will be devoted to discussions of case studies (patients with particular diseases). We will also discuss social impact of individual disease.