HSS2305: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Semester:
Section:
Credits:
Location:
Schedule:

Fall 2016
A
3
SMD 425
Monday 10:00-11:30
Wednesday 8:30-10:00

Course Website: Virtual Campus Blackboard Learn

https://uottawa.blackboard.com/

Professor (up to Nov 2): Dr. Shannon Bainbridge

Assistant Professor
Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Email:
Shannon.bainbridge@uottawa.ca
Phone:
613-562-5800 ext 8569
Office Hours: Wed 10:30-12:00, location TBD
Professor (after Nov 2): Christine Nyiraneza
Email:
cnyirane@uottawa.ca
Office Hours: TBD

* Important Note: This syllabus, along with course assignments and due
dates, are subject to change. It is the students responsibility to check
Blackboard Learn for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any changes will
be clearly noted in course announcement or through Blackboard.

Course Description
Introduction to the major processes in molecular biology of health conditions. Examination of
the ethical considerations and complex interactions of genetics, environment and behaviour.
Prerequisites: BIO1140; Prerequisite or co-requisite: HSS1100
Previously: HSS3301

Course Outcomes
A solid understanding of molecular process that drive cell function is pivotal to the
appreciation of health and disease. In the context of the current course students will be
pushed to gain an appreciation of the complex machinery that is at work in every cell in the
human body. With this knowledge a student will be able to better understand underlying
causes of disease and gain insight into how these processes can be targeted in a therapeutic
setting.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course students will be expected to:

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3. Compare the influence of biological, social and environmental factors on

key molecular mechanisms of cell function

4. Identify key technological advances that have been made possible through
our detailed understanding of cellular and molecular biology
a. Identify and describe scientific techniques routinely used within the field of

molecular biology
b. Summarize the recent technological advances that have evolved into
important molecular screening tools and therapeutics
c. Describe the ethical considerations associated with several of these
technological advances

Teaching methods
In this course learning means...
Exchange of knowledge, ideas and perspectives
Acquisition of tools that promote further pursuit of knowledge
Continual evolution of knowledge and skill sets
In order to achieve this, the selected teaching approaches will rest on the following
principles...
Clear learning objectives and expectations that will challenge a students current
knowledgebase, ideas and perspectives
Establishment of relevant connections between course material and real world
Use of multiple learning and teaching modalities that will at times venture outside
conventional teaching methods
Use of active learning exercises, ensuring strong student interaction with both
course content and peers
Integration of transparent feedback tools

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Learning Materials
Required Textbook
Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments, 8th
Edition Gerald Karp, ISBN 978-1-118-88384-6 2016 (Can also
use previous editions).
Additional supplementary material to be provided on Blackboard
Vista (i.e. web-links, videos, audio clips, PDFs).

Course Calendar

Date

Topic

1. Wed Sept 7

Introduction to Molecular Biology (Review: Ch 1)

2. Mon Sept 12

Biological Molecules (Ch 2)

3. Wed Sept 14

Bioenergetics, Enzymes and Metabolism (Ch 3)

4. Mon Sept 19

Aerobic Respiration and the Mitochondria (Ch 5)

5. Wed Sept 21

Interactions between Cells and Environment (Ch 7)

6. Mon Sept 26

Genes and The Genome (Ch 10) A Decade Of The Human

Genome https://youtu.be/Fgq-XoyorWY
QUIZ (Lecture 1-5, 10%)

7. Wed Sept 28

Gene transcription and translation (Ch 11)

8. Mon Oct 3

Control of Gene expression (Ch 12)

9. Wed Oct 5

Gene-Environment Interactions Epigenetics (Ch 12 and PDFs)

10. Mon Oct 10

THANKSGIVING NO CLASS

11. Wed Oct 12

DNA Replication-DNA Damage-DNA Repair (Ch 13)

12. Mon Oct 17

Genetics and Disease

13. Wed Oct 19

Ethical, psychological and social consequences of genetics (PDFs)

Should I Test My Genes? The Price of Life
In class assignment (5%)

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14. Mon Oct 24

15. Wed Oct 26
16. Mon Oct 31

READING WEEK NO CLASS

READING WEEK NO CLASS
Experimental Molecular Biology Part 1 Molecular profiling to identify
distinct disease subclasses of PE (S. Bainbridge/S. Benton)

17. Wed Nov 2

MIDTERM EXAMINATION
Lectures 1-16, 35%

18. Mon Nov 7

Signal Transduction-Introduction, G-proteins (Ch 15)

19. Wed Nov 9

Signal Transduction-IP3, DAG and PKC (Ch 15)

20. Mon Nov 14

Signal Transduction: MAPK (Ch 15)

21. Wed Nov 16

Nuclear Receptors and Endocrinology (Ch 15, PDFs)

Great Invasion Documentary on Endocrine Disruptors
QUIZ (Lectures 17-21, 10%)

22. Mon Nov 21

Signal Transduction: Insulin Signaling, Diabetes (PDFs)

In class assignment (5%)

23. Wed Nov 23

Metabolomics

24. Mon Nov 28

Experimental Molecular Biology Part 2 (PDFs, Ch 18)

Guest lecturer TBD

25. Wed Nov 30

Cellular Proliferation and Apoptosis (Ch 14, 15)

26. Mon Dec 5

The Molecular Biology of Cancer (Ch 16)

27. Wed Dec 7

28. TBD

Experimental Molecular Biology Part 3 (Ch 18) Understanding the

molecular pathogenesis and mechanisms of human cancer
development: application to colorectal cancer (C. Nyiraneza).
FINAL EXAMINATION
Lectures 18-27, 35% (Exam period = Dec 9-22)

Evaluations
In Class Quiz #1
In Class Assignment #1
Mid-term examination
In Class Quiz # 2
In Class Assignment #2
Final examination

Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:

10%
5%
35%
10%
5%
35%

Date: Sept 26
Date: Oct 19
Date: Nov 2
Date: Nov 16
Date: Nov 21
Date: TBA (Between Dec 9-22)
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*** Final exams are not flexible. Travel/holiday plans will NOT be accommodated. Do NOT
book travel within the final exam schedule!
Exam/Quiz Format: In class quizzes and mid-terms will be multiple choice questions. In
class quizzes will be held during the first 20 minutes of class on the date indicated.

** Policy on Missed Evaluations: The dates listed above will not be

changed for any reason. There will be no make-ups scheduled unless a
valid medical note is provided (the professor can have these validated at
the Student Health Centre on campus). If an illness will prevent you from
attending an exam please contact the professor before the evaluation if
possible.
NOTE: If ANY methods of student evaluation (assignments, quizzes,
midterm or final exam) are not completed by the student, and no medical
note is provided, the student will receive an INCOMPLETE (EIN) for the
course

Professors Roles and Responsibilities

Altruism and Respect
I will strive to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior
I will display and expect non-discriminatory and respectful behavior towards my
students and support staff
Responsibility and Accountability
I will arrive on time for class
I will come prepared for each lecture
I will state outcomes clearly
I will be specific with my instructions
I will provide prompt and clear feedback on student work
I will make myself available for consultation during office hours
I will consult the course calendar regularly and do my best to keep the class on
schedule
I will present and conduct myself in a dignified, respectful and professional manner
Dedication and Self-Improvement
I will acknowledge and recognize my strengths and limitations
I will continuously strive to develop my knowledge, teaching skills and competence
I will assess my teaching progress
I will promote and uphold the educational standards of the Health Sciences Program
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Students Roles and Responsibilities

Honesty and integrity
I will adhere to and demonstrate the highest level of honesty in all academic activities
I will in no way unfairly attempt to advance my academic standing, nor will I be a party
to any such attempts, or assist another student to do so. I will neither provide nor make
any attempt to obtain any information, or assist anyone else in doing so, prior to, during
or after any examination
Altruism and Respect
I will strive to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior in
all academic settings
I will refrain from any form of discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, age or illness. I will avoid sexual and
all other forms of exploitation of members of the University of Ottawa, including abuse,
harassment or impropriety
I will display and expect non-discriminatory and respectful behavior towards and from
my peers, teachers and support staff
I will use appropriate salutations and methods of address for all email correspondence
I will address my academic concerns in a respectful manner with my professor
Responsibility and Accountability
I will arrive on time for class
I will come prepared for each lecture
I will be specific when I ask questions
I will hand in assignments on time
I will participate actively in class
I will demonstrate an ability to work independently while accepting direction
I will present and conduct myself in a dignified, respectful and professional manner
I will accept and be accountable for my performance in this course and not attempt to
rely on negotiation to improve my class standing
I will contact the professor via formal email procedures immediately upon missing
quizzes, midterms or exams due to illness or other valid reason
Dedication and Self-Improvement
I will continuously strive to develop my knowledge, skills and competence
I will assess my educational progress and determine my learning needs
I will pursue self-education through the use of appropriate resources
I will seek further instruction in areas of both strength and weakness
I will demonstrate a willingness to teach and share in the learning process with my
peers, staff and faculty and as such promote the student-teacher relationship and not
abuse this trust for personal gain
I will seek help from colleagues and appropriately qualified professionals for personal
problems that adversely affect my education.
I will promote and uphold the educational standards of the Health Sciences Program
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Additional Information
Evaluation of course by students
All students are asked to complete a course and professor evaluation. For further information
concerning course evaluations visit: http://www.evaluaction.uottawa.ca/
Fraud, cheating and plagiarism
The regulation regarding any of these practices by the students are described by the
University of Ottawa and definitions of these practices and consequences thereof are
described at the following address:
http://www.uottawa.ca/plagiarism.pdf#search=%22plagiarism%22
In the event of fraud, cheating or plagiarism the following options will be considered:
1. A mark of zero on the assignment, test or exam
2. A mark of zero (failure) for the course
3. Expulsion from the HSS program, and University of Ottawa.
Class Code of Conduct
Here we will strive to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment in
which all persons treat each other with respect and courtesy.
Cell Phones / Pagers
Use of cell phones in class is not permitted; they must be turned off or set to vibrate mode.
Pagers are permitted provided that ringers are silenced.
Laptops/Tablets
Use of laptops or tablets is permitted for taking notes or accessing course related material. If
it is deemed that you are using your laptop/tablet for personal use (i.e. checking facebook,
twitter) you may be asked to refrain from further use of the device. Please be cognizant of the
students around you. Your behavior can be a distraction to your classmates.
Noise and Conversation
Please refrain from conversations and discussion during lectures out of consideration for both
the professor and your classmates.
Campus Resources:

Access Services (http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/access/) - strategies and measures that

aim to reduce the barriers to learning for students who have learning disabilities,
health, psychiatric or physical conditions. If you require additional services related to
the learning or evaluation of this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning
of the semester and appropriate accommodations will be made.
Counselling and Coaching Services (http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/personal/)

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Career services (http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/careers/) - various services and

resources in career development to enable you to recognize and enhance the
employability skills you need in today's world of work
SASS (Student Academic Success Service
http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/welcome.php)

Sexual violence on campus

The University of Ottawa will not tolerate any act of sexual violence. This includes acts such as rape
and sexual harassment, as well as misconduct that take place without consent, which includes
cyberbullying. The University, as well as various employee and student groups, offers a variety of
services and resources to ensure that all uOttawa community members have access to confidential
support and information, and to procedures for reporting an incident or filing a complaint. For more
information, please visit http://www.uOttawa.ca/sexual-violence-supportand-prevention/

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