Course Description :
This course will use a series of case studies to introduce students
to the field of applied biosciences. The objective is to show how basic
science and engineering tools are used in a coordinated way to solve public
health problems. The problems we address could range from those of environmental
pollution from industrial sources to the configuration of a biotechnology-based
company. The specific topic changes from year to year -- In previous offerings
we studied AIDS, breast cancer, liver cancer and tuberculosis -- but our true
goal in the course is to teach strategy to approach the analysis or solution
of complex biomedical problems. From a pedagogical standpoint, the course
uses Case Studies as its teaching method.
The course progresses through the following phases:
- Case studies on specific topics underpinned by complex biology, such as
the biological basis for short stature syndromes (dwarfism). The case study
would continue with an analysis of how this syndrome has been treated in the
past and is at present. Production of growth hormone, demonstration of
safety and efficacy, clinical trials and ethical issues associated with its
use will be addressed.
- The second phase of the course is a description by the instructors of the
case study to be addressed by the students. For example, if the project were
liver cancer, the instructors will describe the pathophysiology of the disease,
including its unusual origin as a disease with a composite etiology involving a
chemical and infectious agent.
- The third phase of the course involves analysis of the primary literature
of the field by the students in the course, with help from the teaching staff.
In depth analysis of key papers will be done with the idea of integrating knowledge
and identifying cutting edge ideas to be formulated into research proposals.
- The fourth section of the course will involve the division of the class
into teams of approximately four students each. Each group will develop a unique
research proposal in the format of a thesis proposition. Twice per week the student
teams will present their evolving ideas to the class and staff for analysis.
- The fifth portion of the course involves the writing of the model thesis proposal.
The staff will work with the students to help with issues of content, format, clarity
and documentation.
- The last part of the course will involve presentation of an executive summary of
each research proposal to a team of experts recruited from CRI and the parent
universities of the teaching staff.
|