Teaching

This course will provide an overview of the current knowledge in obesity research as it pertains to (1) the physiology of energy intake and expenditure of obesity, (2) genetics of obesity, (3) the physiological and cellular basis for increased risk of metabolic diseases, and (4) the role of diet, exercise and pharmaceuticals or surgical interventions on factors regulating weight homeostasis and effects on health. The class will incorporate individual and group projects that aim to inspire students to be creative thinkers and problem-solvers. This course is not a nutrition or dietetics class; we will not cover specific exercise programs for weight loss. We will discuss the efficacy of diet and exercise in weight loss and weight maintenance focusing on the metabolic adaptations to weight loss. 

The primary goal of the course is for students to advance their understanding of systems physiology by exposure to complementary knowledge in areas of metabolism, endocrinology, genetics, and neuroscience as is necessary for understanding a complex disease like obesity. Students will develop skills in science literacy through research-based projects that require critical & creative thinking about obesity science and effective oral and written communication. This class will use student centered learning that will rely on student preparedness, curiosity, and participation.

Endocrinology overview: This integrative physiology course will introduce graduate students to key concept in endocrine physiology. This will include mechanisms of regulatory control of active hormone concentration, tissue cross talk and basic signal transduction pathways. This course will also prepare students for more advanced courses in signal transduction. This course will approach learning endocrine signaling and tissue crosstalk by focusing on a functional physiological outcome and identifying the hormones that initiate the response and the cellular pathways that are activated to propagate the response. 

The endocrine physiology textbook (listed below) is required. Any additional reading material will be provided as PDFs directly through canvas. Students will demonstrate their mastery of the material through in-class discussion, quizzes, group activities and exam. Students will be expected to come to class having completed all assignments. 

This course is designed to (1) review basic knowledge of endocrine physiology, (2) build on the metabolism section of this course, (3) test critical thinking and (4) prepare students for understanding the role of signaling pathways in mediating the action of regulatory hormones.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the underlying endocrine signal and cellular pathways that are essential in the regulation of key physiological responses.
• Demonstrate knowledge of various types of receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways.
• Identify key physiological mechanisms important in regulating circulating hormone concentrations.
• Expand critical thinking and problem-solving skills.