Cell Signaling & Therapeutics
- Course Number: GMS 6552
- Credit Hours: 2 credit hours
- Course Format: This online course is tailored for asynchronous distance learners.
- Course Syllabus: View Full Course Details
Course Description
This 2-credit course is for basic and clinical scientists and others that wish to gain knowledge of the signaling mechanisms that exist in human cells. These mechanisms are the source of many new drug targets and understanding their biology is critical for the development of new therapeutics and an advanced understanding of current treatment options.
Topics to be discussed include G-protein coupled receptors, NF-κB, receptor tyrosine kinases, TGF-β, mTORC, apoptosis and ion channels, among others.
Concepts are taught using a combination of online lectures and online problem sets. The problem sets are designed to help the student reinforce and understand these fundamental concepts. The ultimate goal is for students to develop an understanding of the core principles of medical pharmacology and therapeutics, as well as the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills necessary to study pharmacology and therapeutics in the context of human disease.
Prerequisites
This course requires a BA or BS and a strong science foundation with at least five full semester courses related to biology, chemistry and/or physics.
Schedule
This course is designed to be taken as an elective in the medical physiology and pharmacology master’s degree program.
Course Goals
Successful completion of this course will prepare students to study pharmacology and therapeutics in the context of translational research and specific human physiologies and pathophysiologies. These students will be able to:
- Understand the biochemical mechanisms that function to allow signaling within human cells.
- Integrate knowledge of biochemical mechanisms to recognize their impact on drug discovery, development and therapeutic use.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply pharmacological principles of clinical and basic science relevancy through multiple choice examinations, written answer examinations and homework exercises.
