BIOMG 4390

Molecular and Cellular Basis of Human Disease

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

How do we go from identifying human pathologies to understanding the origin of the disease? Cells are the basic unit of life and the ultimate patient. Understanding normal cellular processes at the molecular level, and how they go awry, is essential to determining the pathogenesis of disease and developing effective therapies to improve human health. In this course, we will discuss the fundamental concepts and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to the functional organization of human cells and tissues and how disruption of these pathways due to genetic mutations or environmental factors leads to human diseases. We will also discuss methods and experimental approaches used to identify the underlying biochemical and genetic bases of diseases, as well as pharmaceutical and genetic therapies for treating the diseases.

Prerequisites BIOMG 1350; BIOMG 2800; BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3310; BIOMG 3320 or BIOMG 3350.

Distribution Requirements (OPHLS-AG), (BIO-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2024SP, 2023SP, 2022SP, 2021SP

Learning Outcomes

• Students will formulate the fundamental concepts and biochemical mechanisms that contribute to the functional organization of human cells and tissues. Students will be able to implement these principles to illustrate pathways altered in diseases.
• Students will be able to describe the basic principles of key experimental approaches in cell and molecular biology and use them to design experimental strategies to identify the molecular and cellular basis of human disease.
• Students will improve their ability to communicate biomedical and scientific concepts orally and in writing.
• Students will appraise the importance of rigor and reproducibility in molecular and cell biology research.

View Enrollment Information