Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
SSTP 2004 - Interdisciplinary Honors Seminar (IDH)
The purpose of IDH is to teach the participants how to perform and communicate extensive journal research. Strong emphasis is placed on the understanding of in-depth scientific research and analytical processes. Upon completion of this seminar course, students are able to perform background literature research in complicated scientific areas and to discuss his or her understanding of the information in detail.
Application of Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery
Nanotechnology has been the subject of much research in recent years. Nanoparticles have a wide range of applications; one such application is drug delivery. This course gives an overview of nanoparticles and drug delivery methods, as well as teaches about how nanoparticles may be used as drug delivery vehicles. The conventional drug delivery methods such as use of pills are very inefficient, and nanoparticles can potentially improve the delivery of drugs by targeting a specific tissue and by releasing drugs at a controlled rate. In this course, you will learn about different types of nanoparticles, their applications, and synthesis procedures. Additionally, you will learn about various methods of drug delivery. You will also be exposed to some of the most current research going on in the field of drug delivery.
Controversies in Health Care and Biomedical Science:
Sorting Out the Ethical and Legal Issues
This seminar explores many of the current ethical and legal issues and problems facing Health Care and Biomedical Science. Initial lectures explore and identify ways to address and resolve ethical and legal problems, providing both a theoretical background in ethics and law, as well as practical problem resolving approaches and strategies. Students are assigned selected topics. Students work together on the entire project, researching topics both using internet and library resources to identify the core issues and various positions different authors present on the topic. They present the results of their research to the class during a 20-30 minute presentation, followed by class discussion. Each project results in one 3-6 page research paper. Topics include "Assisted Suicide", "Cloning", "Stem Cell Research", "How Cultural Differences Affect Medicine", "Prenatal Drug Testing", and "The Rights of Minors to Decide about Their Medical Treatment".
Introduction to Molecular Virology and Viral Genetics
The field of Virology is by nature interdisciplinary. On the whole, Virology incorporates Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, and even some pharmacology and physiology. In addition to all of these disciplines, Virology includes knowledge and techniques that are unique to the field. It is primarily for this reason that most general biology and microbiology courses only briefly touch on this subject area, and why many undergraduate institutions have few, if any Virology course offerings. This course gives an overview of the field of Virology, with a focus on medically relevant pathogens as well as popular research models. Additionally, students get extensive experience finding, reading, discussing, and presenting both review and primary literature from a variety of peer-reviewed journals. By the end of this course, students have a better understanding of the current state of Virology research, and the ability to critically read and discuss scientific literature.
Medicine and Technology (Physics)
In this age of technological advancement, it is truly amazing what can be accomplished in the field of medicine. From using quantum mechanics to examine the molecules within the body to using PDAs to check for drug interactions or analyze lab results, technology has revolutionized medicine unlike any other area. So it is important for future physicians and medical scientists to have a broad area of knowledge. In order to develop the knowledge necessary to contribute to these areas of medicine we will discuss the essential physics that not only help us determine what is possible but what is necessary for us to diagnose and treat patients. In addition, we will outline the clinical aspects of these topics and the evolving roles of a physician.
Neuroimmunology:
Significant Interactions Between the Immune and Central Nervous System
The central nervous system (CNS), once thought to be an immune privileged site, appears to interact with various aspects of the immune system. Both cell mediated (macrophages and T cells) and humoral immunity (antibody mediated) have the capacity to interact with elements of the CNS (glia or neurons). Whether the immune system plays a detrimental role in the CNS is a controversial topic among researchers today. It has been shown that the immune system is capable of attacking the nervous system with devastating consequences (Myasthenia Gravis) as well as conferring neuroprotection following injury (nerve transection). This course covers 1) how immune cells penetrate the CNS, 2) the immune cells’ ability to be neuroprotective in the injured brain, 3) the damaging effects of the immune system on the nervous system and 4) future immune based therapies for nervous system disorders. We will examine these novel concepts by looking at the diseases caused by neuroimmune interactions.
Stem Cell Biology
Stem cells are a very popular and misunderstood topic in biomedical science today. The purpose of this class is to familiarize the students with the basic types of stem cells, their cellular biology, and their potential use as therapies. We will go in depth into several different diseases to learn more about them, and how they might one day be used to treat diseases.
The first day of class review papers are assigned. Students are divided up into small groups to present a short review of their assigned paper to the class. The purpose of this is to teach students to read scientific literature critically and to be able to present the relevant information to their peers. In addition each small group will prepare a short handout summarizing the research, methods, and results to give to the class. Prior to each presentation the group leaders will give a short lecture on the topic so that everyone can participate in analyzing the paper.
Structural Biology and Biophysics
What are proteins? What is their origin and importance in living cells? Is structure important for protein function, and how is that structure determined? Why are we interested in their structural features? Through a combination of discussions united with a survey of landmark papers and current literature we will delve into each of these questions. Students will analyze scientific papers covering a range of topics in structural biology and biophysics. Discussions will focus on the techniques and methodologies pertaining to each paper. Emphasis will be placed on ascertaining whether the authors’ conclusions are justified by the experimental results.
Topics in Cardiovascular Physiology
This course provides a broad overview of the function (and dysfunction) of the cardiovascular system, beginning with an introduction to basic cardiovascular anatomy. Students learn about the causes, effects, and social impact of several common cardiovascular diseases. Finally, this course highlights current therapies and emerging strategies for treating cardiovascular disease. By listening to short lectures and participating in discussions covering critical topics in cardiovascular physiology, students leave this course with a basic understanding of the form and function of the heart, the devastating impact of heart disease, and the current and future trends in cardiovascular medicine.
