COURSE UNIT TITLE

Offered By

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Level of Course Unit

Third Cycle Programmes (Doctorate Degree)

Course Coordinator

PROFESSOR DOCTOR ŞERMIN GENÇ

Offered to

Molecular Biology and Genetics
Molecular Biology and Genetics

Course Objective

This course is designed for graduate students with a basic knowledge of biology. This course will cover the mechanisms of the neurodegenerative diseases at a molecular and cellular level. This course will familiarize students with advances in our understanding of the clinical features and pathogenesis of a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases and disease processes. Students will analyse original research reports of proposed pathological processes that may represent steps in cell death pathways leading to the neuronal dysfunction and death seen in these diseases. Representative topics will include accumulation of misfolded and aberrant proteins, inflammatory response and release of neurotoxic cytokines. Significant emphasis will be placed on the fast-expanding field exploring genetic contributions to neurodegenerative disease. Identification of genetic mutations pathogenic for familial neurodegenerative diseases has been a major driving force in neurodegenerative research. Strategies for therapeutic intervention in the management, prevention, and cure of neurodegenerative disease will be addressed. Diseases affecting the nervous system will be discussed each week.

Learning Outcomes of the Course Unit

Mode of Delivery

Face -to- Face

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

None

Recomended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Contents

Recomended or Required Reading

Textbook(s): Recent scientific research and review papers will be used for class.
Supplementary Book(s):
References:
Principles of Neural science, Kandel, Schwartz, Jessel, Appleton and Lange.
Neuroscience: Neuroscience, Exploring the Brain, by M.F. Bear, B.W. Connors, and
M.A. Paradiso, 3rd edition, 2007, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
Materials: In addition to the lectures and text readings, papers related to various diseases of the nervous system with be assigned. These will be discussed in class. It is expected that the papers will be read by the assigned date and that
students will be prepared to participate in class discussion. Some topics will be decided by the class, but multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Alzheimer s Disease, Parkinson s Disease, and schizophrenia will be covered.
Approximately ten neurological diseases will be studied. Primary literature sources will be used.

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lectures and problem based study
The material presented in the lectures will cover the most important parts of the text reading assignments, therefore class attendance is important.

Assessment Methods

Further Notes About Assessment Methods

None

Assessment Criteria

Knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the neurodegenerative diseases and strategies for therapeutic intervention will be evaluated by exams.
Tests will be composed of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer
questions.

Grade %
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
E <60

Language of Instruction

English

Course Policies and Rules

To be announced.

Contact Details for the Lecturer(s)

To be announced.

Office Hours

To be announced.

Work Placement(s)

None

Workload Calculation

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes