Molecular Pathology

[ program | faculty ]

Courses

For course descriptions not found in the UC San Diego General Catalog, 2012–13, please contact the department for more information.

PATH 220/BIOM 220. Mechanisms of Neurological Disease (4)

The course covers the molecular and structural basis of neurodegenerative diseases. Emphasis is placed on both the underlying mechanisms and potential avenues for therapeutic intervention. Course goals are to develop skills in critical reading, analysis, presentation, and creative hypothesis formulation using nine neurological diseases as a knowledge base (one lecture and one discussion session each). Passing requirements are full attendance, participation, and an oral presentation.

PATH 221/BIOM 256. Molecular Pathology of Cancer (4)

This course outlines a current understanding of genetic mechanisms that underlie carcinogenesis and their impact on cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and survival. The topics of tumor histopathology, the tumor stem cell phenotype, and cancer drug design are also addressed. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

PATH 223/BIOM 227. Mouse Models of Human Disease (2)

This course provides an overview of the use of mouse models in biomedical research. Sessions will cover general mouse biology, genetics, and technologies for generating mutant mice; and will focus on model selection, methodological approaches, data interpretation, experimental design, and ethics of animal research. Student participation and discussion will be encouraged. Prerequisites: graduate standing or consent of instructor.

PATH 225/BIOM 277. Seminars in Molecular Pathology (2)

This course presents developments in cellular and molecular pathology research ongoing in the Molecular Pathology division of Biomedical Sciences. Each session is comprised of three fifteen-minute presentations from different faculty members. Discussion questions are fielded during or after each presentation. Prerequisites: limited to Biomedical Sciences graduate students except by permission from instructor.

PATH 228/PHAR 228/BIOM 228. Modern Drug Discovery Technologies (2)

Drug discovery is an emerging science available to academic investigators. This course provides an overview of these drug discovery techniques, including high through-put screening, cell-based screening, computational methods of lead compound discovery, and chemical methods of optimization. Prerequisites: graduate student status or consent of graduate program director.

PATH 230G. Molecular Biology of the Cell (6)

This course offers a concise overview of the biochemical basis of gene expression and of diverse signal transduction pathways, and integrates this background in the context of cellular processes such as cell division, development, cell-cell interactions, and inflammation. This course will highlight recent discoveries in cellular and molecular biology and will highlight human diseases that result from inappropriate regulation of cellular processes.

PATH 231. Modern Methods in Molecular and Cell Biology (4)

This course presents key concepts and methodologies used in cellular and molecular pathology research. Topics include protein purification, biochemical characterization, identification of post-translational modifications, DNA/protein microinjection, immunofluorescence, digital imaging, electron microscopy, stem cell culture, gene/promoter analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis using the yeast 2-hybrid system, transgenic and knockout mouse construction, analysis of bacterial virulence factors, and genomic/proteinomic approaches to disease analysis.

PATH 234/MED 234/BIOM 238/BGGN 234. Practical Histopathology and Mouse Models of Human Disease (2)

This course is designed to train  those who need to analyze mouse models of human disease which are an essential part of their research. Sessions will include hematology, chemistry, histology, and immunohistochemistry methods used in the phenotyping assays. Prerequisites: standard undergraduate biology courses.

PATH 296. Directed Reading (1–4)

Reading and laboratory study of special topics under the direction of a faculty member. Exact subject matter to be arranged in individual cases.

PATH 299. Independent Study or Research (1–12)

Independent study or research.

SPPS 215. Human Disease (3)

This introduction to human disease includes etiology and mechanisms of common disease states and integrates pathology with previous core curriculum. Students will focus on an understanding of disease processes and the dynamics of changes related to drug therapy. Prerequisites: admission to the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences or admission to the molecular pathology graduate program or consent of instructor.

SPPS 240. Histology (2)

This course presents the structural basis of normal histology essential for understanding both altered structure and function of cells, tissues and organs in disease and sites of drug action. Students are expected to identify the specialized cells, tissues and organs of the human body and understand the structural basis of their function. Prerequisites: admission to the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences or instructor consent.