Description
This course incorporates a problem based learning (PBL) approach to investigate fundamental biomedical concepts within the context of clinical cases. The objective of the course is to promote student learning of the biochemical, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying normal physiology and metabolism, thus providing a foundation for understanding disease processes. The course provides a foundation in cellular and molecular biology, including cell structure, cellular macromolecules, DNA, and RNA structure and function, protein synthesis, and regulation of gene expression, energetics, metabolism, regulation, organization and function of cellular organelles, flow of genetic information and the regulation of selected cell activities. Critical thinking skills will be developed throughout the course as students discuss clinical cases in order to link the clinical presentation with the underlying molecular mechanisms of the disease state.