Teaching

Stem Cell Research: BIO 346 

Course Description: This course will focus on the most recent and important topics relevant to stem cell research and development. Topics will include nuclear reprogramming and pluripotency, environmental influences on stem cell differentiation, stem cells and cancer, stem-cell-based therapies for heart and neurodegenerative disorders, stem cells and ageing and an in-class discussion of the “politics” of stem cell research. 

 
Human Genetics: BIO 444/644 
(Undergraduate and Graduate level course) 

Course Description: This course will focus on the established fundamentals and principles of genetics, with an emphasis on their relevance to human genetics and disease. Topics will include human genetic diseases, pedigree analysis, genetic testing, cytogenetics, epigenetics, genetics of cancer, genetics of behavior, gene therapy, human genomics and biotechnology, imprinting and stem cell research. This course will explore these areas by reviewing specific and current topics in the field and then reinforcing these concepts by reading, presenting and critically evaluating selected papers in the literature.

Neurobiology of Autism Disorders: BIO 461

Course Description: Autism disorders arise from changes in neurodevelopment that deeply affect how individuals interact with the world around them. As study of autism has increased over the past several decades, it has become clear that autism actually comprises a large, heterogeneous set of similar disorders, most of which are genetic in origin. In this class, we will study how neuronal cell biology is disrupted in known forms of autism, and how distinct forms of autism can arise from alterations in common cellular pathways. Further, we will discuss how these discoveries may lead to eventual treatments or cures.