New course Biol B317, first offered Spring 2022
An opportunity to apply evolutionary thinking to the prevention and treatment of human disease. Course themes include: pathogen evolution; evolution of defense mechanisms; reproductive medicine; cancer as an evolutionary process; disease-associated allele frequencies in populations; individual health versus population health. A problem-based seminar course with a focus on the primary research literature. Three hours of course meetings per week. Pre-requisites: Biol BIOL 110 and 111 or permission of instructor. At least one of the following courses is recommended but not required: BIOL 201 (Genetics), BIOL 206 (Genomics), or BIOL 236 (Evolution).
An introduction to immunology with a focus on the dynamic network of molecules and cells underlying the vertebrate immune response. This problem-based workshop course uses primary research articles and a curiosity-driven, open-ended laboratory research project to make sense of complicated biology and empower each student to build a big-picture view of this fast-moving, interdisciplinary field. Key themes include: immune cell specification and development; molecular recognition and immune cell signaling; generation of immunological memory; and cancer immunotherapies. Learning strategies include problem solving, small group discussion, and critical analysis of the primary literature. Three hours of class meetings and three hours of lab per week. Prerequisite: BIOL B110 (Cell & Molecular Introductory Course).
Spring 2021 Course Information
Workshop and Journal Club Schedule
Immunology Lab Syllabus
A senior seminar broadly focused on cancer biology. Students will investigate the biology of cancer through critical reading of the primary literature and other sources and draw on findings, approaches, and ideas that cross disciplines. Students will also write and present a capstone independent research paper and facilitate a class discussion about their topic. Possible topics for student research are based on your interests and might include: the molecular and cellular development of cancer; cancer and environmental justice; tumor evasion/suppression of immunity; cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we will explore new innovations in cancer research led by researchers in industry and academia working in the Philadelphia area.
Welcome to introduction to health studies, the multidisciplinary foundation for the health studies minor. In this course you will be introduced to theories and methods from the life sciences, social sciences, and humanities and will learn to apply them to problems of health and illness. Topics include epidemiological, public health, and biomedical perspectives on health and disease; social, behavioral, and environmental determinants of health; globalization of health issues; health inequalities, social justice, and health as a human right.