MCS Course Design (2/21/08)
Course Name: Molecular and Cellular Systems
Class Hours:
Instructor: Sanjay I. Bidichandani, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
Office: BRC458
Telephone: 405-271-1360
Email: Sanjay-Bidichandani@ouhsc.edu
Course Description:
This is a six-week course designed to introduce foundational concepts of human
genetics, molecular biology, medical biochemistry, cell biology and human
development. The goal is to provide an integrated overview of our molecular and
cellular organization, as it relates to human disease. The course is delivered using
didactic lectures, and small group activities designed to promote self-directed learning.
Learning Objectives:
(I) Medical knowledge
Goal 1: Introduction to essential vocabulary
Objective: Define key terms and concepts [BLUE words]
Goal 2: Learn the structure and function of genes, molecules and cells
Topic 1: Integrated overview of molecular and cellular organization
Objective:
 Describe the relationship between various molecular and sub-cellular processes
in the cell – and their role in disease processes
Topic 2: Human Genetics
Objectives:
 Describe genetic and epigenetic organization and function
 Describe methodology and interpret results of cytogenetic and DNA analysis
Topic 3: Medical Biochemistry
Objectives:
 Describe the synthesis of macromolecules (DNA, RNA, protein)
 Explain the relationship between protein structure and function, with an emphasis
on enzymes
 Describe basic concepts of metabolic pathways
Topic 4: Cell Growth and Regulation
1
MCS Course Design (2/21/08)
Objectives:
 Describe the processes of cell division (mitosis & meiosis), cell cycle,
proliferation, and apoptosis
 Describe basic concepts of cell signaling
Topic 5: Human Development
Objective:
 Describe overall scheme of human development, recognizing the embryonic
origin of organs and tissues
Goal 3: Appreciate the role of genetic, molecular, and cellular dysfunction in
disease states
Topic 1: Genetic Basis of Human Disease
Objectives:
 Describe the causes and consequences of genetic, epigenetic, and chromosomal
defects
 Perform pedigree analysis and predict simple genetic risks
 Utilize the principles of population genetics to calculate genetic risks
 Understand the genetic basis of multifactorial disease
 Describe methods to prevent and treat genetic disease: population screening
programs, prenatal diagnosis, and gene therapy
 Explain the genetic basis of cancer
Topic 2: Biochemical Basis of Human Disease
Objectives:
 Explain the relationship between molecular structure and function, and the roles
of gain / loss of function in human diseases and therapeutic strategies
 Describe the role of molecular kinetics in diseases and therapeutic strategies
Topic 3: Cellular Basis of Human Disease
XYZ (cancer)
Topic 4: Disorders of Growth and Development
XYZ (common malformations)
Goal 4: Recognize the concept of “systems biology” i.e., the human body is
comprised of a complex set of molecular interactions
Objectives:
 Recognize the network of molecular interactions: protein-protein, protein-gene,
protein-RNA, and gene-gene interactions; genomics and proteomics; signal
transduction; feedback systems
 Contrast the Garrodian and Oslerian views of disease
(II) Skills for independent learning
Objectives:
2
MCS Course Design (2/21/08)



Access biomedical information from multiple sources
Assess relative credibility of sources of information
Recognize the concept and importance of the continuously evolving nature of
biomedical information
(III) Interpersonal and communication skills
Objectives:
 Interact in small groups and contribute to in-class presentations and discussions
Conduct of the Course:
Format: A combination of didactic lectures (~60%), clinical correlations, TBL, reviews
using the audience response system, self-study, in-class and take-home assignments.
Assigned reading: (TBD)
Assignments: (TBD)
Examinations: Formative evaluations will be performed via online self-tests through the
first five weeks of the course, followed by a final exam in the sixth week. Participation in
other activities, such as TBL, may also count towards the final grade.
Method of Evaluation and Grading:
Grading scale
Graded components and how they will be weighted
Course Materials:
Course Outline:
3