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PTH 504 - Current Topics in Experimental Pathology
This course uses the seminar format to introduce students to diverse experimental and intellectual approaches to studying disease processes. Students alternate with investigators from both outside and within the University in presenting their current research at the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine seminar series. This seminar is usually held on Mondays at noon.
The Student Seminar Series is also a component of PTH 504. Each student gains experience in oral presentations by presenting his/her research work to the faculty and fellow students on a yearly basis. This series is held on Wednesdays at 3 PM.
Credit: One hour. Prerequisite: permission of the instruction (email). Course Director: Therese Wiedmer
PTH 507 - Cancer Biology
The lectures will provide historical perspectives of cancer incidence, treatment, and early scientific inquiry as a foundation for understanding the current state of cancer research. Leading basic and translational scientists will discuss the genetic basis of cancer in both familial cancer syndromes and acquired somatic mutations. Research on the normal cellular functions such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, and signal transduction that become aberrant in cancer progression will also be discussed. Additionally, the mechanism of chemical and viral induction of cancer will also be explored.
The second half of the course will focus on clinical identification and treatment of cancer as well as the mechanism of therapeutic action in prevention of carcinogenesis. Lectures from leading clinician-scientists will provide insight for cancer treatment with goals of understanding the human impact of the disease and identifying common themes, as well as distinctive characteristics of cancer.
This course is offered as a mandatory requirement for post-doctoral fellows on the Cancer Center Training Grant and as an upper level elective for graduate students campus-wide.
Spring semester. Three 1-hour sessions per week. Credit: three hours. Prerequisite: permission of the course director (e-mail Dr. Lee or Dr. Ricke). Course Directors: Yi-Fen Lee and William Ricke
PTH 509/510 - Pathways of Human Disease I and II
This two-semester course is the signature course of the graduate program in Pathology. Its objective is to provide students with an introduction to human disease processes with an emphasis on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease. Students will learn the basic anatomy, histology, and physiology of all major organ systems in the context of examples of human disease. They will complete the course with an understanding of the basic principles of human disease processes at the whole animal, organ, cellular, and molecular levels. They will also gain insight into current applications and limitations of modern diagnostic medicine and the importance of basic translational research.
Lectures are complemented by interactive labs and journal clubs to expand on what is taught in class. In journal club sessions, students will learn to critically read and evaluate scientific papers and will gain experience in presenting to their peers.
Two 1 1/2-hour lectures and one 1 1/2-hour lab or journal club per week. Credit: four hours. Prerequisite: permission of the course director (e-mail). Course Director: Therese Wiedmer
PTH 593 - Molecular Basis of Disease
This course provides translational medicine-oriented lectures to help students understand the utilization of molecular, cellular and genetic approaches to investigate human diseases and disease-related animal models. Significant emphasis will be placed on the current understanding of disease processes, limitations, and strategies for innovative experimentation that should lead to breakthrough discoveries and cures. Discussions will address various diseases including but not limited to cardiovascular, neurological and musculoskeletal abnormalities, autoimmunity, endocrine defects and cancer. The course is composed of lectures and journal club style paper presentations. Students will be assigned scientific papers of interest that they will present and discuss with their peers at the second session provided by each faculty.
Fall semester. Two 1 1/2-hour sessions per week. Credit: three hours. Prerequisite: Previous completion of Molecular Biology and Genetics (IND 410), Cell Biology (IND 409) and Biochemistry (IND 408) classes is required. Course Director: Lianping Xing
PTH 595 - Ph.D. Research
Ph.D. research, done under the direction of a faculty member in any of the the graduate Ph.D. programs at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Credit: to be arranged.
IND 593 - Skeletal Biology and Pathology
This course starts by elaborating the basic cellular and molecular processes that govern skeletal development and homeostasis, with a central focus on the function/activity of the cells that comprise cartilage and bone.
Then, having introduced these basic concepts, the course switches its focus to the molecular/cellular mechanisms of disease in pathologic situations such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and skeletal cancers. A study of the genetic basis for skeletal dysplasias is also included.
One 1 1/2-hour session per week. Credit: two hours. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor (e-mail). Course Director: Michael Zuscik
