Biomedical Science Core Curriculum
Drexel University College of Medicine
2011-12
The core curriculum is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program of study for all first year master‟s
and Ph.D. students in the Biomedical Graduate Programs. The goal of the core curriculum is to provide a
broad foundation in biomedical sciences and serve as a framework for advanced study in more specialized
areas. The fall semester course will cover topics in Biochemistry, Molecular Structure, Metabolism,
Molecular Biology and Genetics. The spring semester course will cover topics in Cell Biology, Cell
Signaling, Cell Cycle; and Integrated Systems. Below is a brief description of the lecture topics covered
in each semester. Several topics are integrated into more than one lecture, but in each case, the material is
approached from a different perspective. Conference sessions will be held throughout the year to provide
an opportunity to integrate lecture material and to apply knowledge to solve problems, generate
hypotheses, design experiments and interpret experimental data.
Required Textbook
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition (2008)
Alberts B., A. Johnson, J. Lewis, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter
Garland Science, New York, NY
Course Website – http://webcampus.drexelmed.edu/BGS/CoreCurriculum.
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND METABOLISM
FALL SEMESTER
Course Directors
Dr. Brad Jameson, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Dr. Pat Loll, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
This course will introduce students to fundamental concepts of molecular structure and function; these
will serve as a basis for understanding both the biochemical basis for topics such as metabolism as well as
aspects to be covered in the second semester such as membrane transport phenomena and second
messenger signaling. The basic concepts of prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA replication, transcription
and translation, as well as protein processing and trafficking will be discussed. The information learned
during this module will be the basis for understanding many of basic concepts in cell biology.
Introduction (1.5 hr) B. Jameson/P. Loll
What to expect from this module. Study strategies.
Fundamental Concepts (1.5 hrs) P. Loll
Water as a biological solvent, acid-base chemistry (pH, pK, Henderson-Hasselbalch equation), equilibrium (Gibbs free
energy, coupled reactions, K), kinetics (activation energy, catalysts).
Macromolecules - Proteins (2.5 hr) B. Jameson
Amino acid structure, classifications, abbreviations; acid-base properties of amino acids. Structure (with forces that
stabilize) and function of proteins: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure (with emphasis on peptide bond
formation and on protein folding); interaction of proteins with metals, lipids, sugars, and nucleic acids;
denaturation/renaturation. Hemoglobin as an example of protein structure/function: How the oxygen-carrying ability of
hemoglobin results from its primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
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Enzymes (4 hrs) M. Jorns
General properties, function as catalysts, types of catalysis (acid, base, covalent) using chymotrypsin as example,
coenzymes, kinetics (Michaelis-Menton equation, Lineweaver-Burk plots Km and Vmax), inhibition (competitive and non-
competitive), allosteric enzymes, regulation of enzyme activity, nomenclature.
Macromolecules – Carbohydrates (1 hr) P. Loll
Definition; classification as mono, di, and polysaccharides; isomers; redox reactions; linkage to proteins and lipids;
proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. .
Membranes (3 hrs) M. White
Membrane structure, transport across membranes (passive and facilitated diffusion and active transport), receptors and
their role in signal transduction (adrenergic, insulin, and steroid hormone receptors).
Protein Interactions (2 hrs) I. Chaiken
Protein interactions and networks on and in cells; fundamentals of self-recognition and protein assembly; cooperative
mechanisms of interaction; protein interactions and function in cell receptors and ribosomes; methods for measuring and
characterizing protein interactions; antagonist design in drug discovery using HIV-1 envelope protein interaction machine case
study.
Nucleic Acid Structure (2 hrs) T. Edlind
DNA and RNA structures and their relevance to cellular function and to widely used molecular biology methods
Nucleic Acid Analysis (2 hrs) T. Edlind
Specific methods, including nucleic acid purification, hybridization, sequencing, sequence analysis, gene expression
analysis and PCR
Recombinant DNA (2 hrs) M. Jorns
DNA cloning (including creation and screening of DNA libraries), expression of recombinant proteins and site-directed
mutagenesis (including selection of target sites, design principles).
DNA Replication (2 hrs) E. Noguchi
Basics of DNA replication, semiconservative replication, replication forks, origin of replication, semidiscontinuous
synthesis, primers, proof-reading, proteins of DNA replication, the replication of a bacterial chromosome; detailed look at
elongation and initiation of DNA replication, and replication of eukaryotic chromosomes including the replication of the ends
of linear chromosomes
DNA Mutation and Repair (2 hrs) A. Mazin
An overview of types of DNA damage, their causes, and the cell pathways that sense and repair this damage. DNA
damage results both from internal and external assaults on the cell. During the normal process of DNA replication, polymerase
errors not corrected lead to permanent changes in the nucleotide sequence that can have dire consequences on cell viability.
We are exposed every day to environmental factors such as alkylating agents, toxic hydrocarbons and pesticides, which target
and modify DNA in harmful ways.
Prokaryotic transcription (2 hrs) R. Rest
(I) RNA structure and transcription in prokaryotic cells, elements of bacterial promoters, structure and function of
bacterial RNA polymerase, processivity and transcription termination. (II) Regulation of transcription, binding of transcription
regulators to DNA, characteristics and function of DNA binding proteins, role of different sigma factors, negative and positive
regulation, two component regulatory systems and global gene regulation.
Eukaryotic transcription I & II (4 hrs) J. Clifford
Transcription in eukaryotic cells, the basic transcription unit including promoters, terminators, up- and downstream
regulatory sequences, transcription factors, cis and trans elements, as well as inhibitors of transcription and post-transcriptional
modifications to RNA
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RNA processing (2 hrs) G. Johannes
RNA processing in eukaryotic cells, types and structure of RNA, the processing of rRNA, tRNA, and mRNA, RNA
transport, RNA stability and RNA interference
Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Translation (2 hrs) M. Bouchard
Protein synthesis, the genetic code, the mechanism of protein synthesis, a comparison of the key features of prokaryotic
and eukaryotic translation machinery, and regulation and inhibition of protein synthesis
Translation Regulation (2 hrs) A. Vaidya
Regulatory aspects of translation, translational block of maternal mRNA, subcellular localization of mRNAs destined for
different parts of the cell, (using examples in the yeast and neurons)
Regulatory RNA (2 hrs) L. Steel
Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes by small RNAs, with emphasis on the role of small
interfering RNAs in transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation
Protein Processing Overview (2 hrs) M. Bouchard
Protein processing overview. Protein folding, Protein modification, Nuclear Targeting.
Protein Trafficking: (2 hrs) D. Marenda
Nucleus, ER, and Mitochondria
The general strategies by which proteins are transported into various organelles will be discussed. The specific
mechanisms and players involved in transport into the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria will then be described
in detail, including unique experimental approaches used to uncover the transport processes.
Protein Trafficking: (2 hrs) D. Marenda
ER to Golgi and Beyond
Protein trafficking from the ER through the Golgi Complex via the secretory pathway will be described. In particular, the
dynamic nature of the Golgi will be discussed, including vesicle formation, vesicle targeting, vesicle fusion, vesicle vs.
cisternal maturation, and sorting at the Trans-Golgi Network.
Protein degradation and ubiquitin-like modifications (2 hrs) E. Noguchi
The lecture will focus on how proteins are targeted for degradation by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. The role of protein
ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifications in the cellular processes will be discussed.
Introduction to Metabolism (1.5 hr) B. Jameson
Anabolism and catabolism, basal metabolic rate, basic thermodynamics and thermodynamic coupling, high energy bonds,
biological redox reactions, and intermediary metabolism (overview). Glycolysis as an example of an oxidative, catabolic
pathway.
Purine & Pyrimidine Synthesis & (2 hrs) A. Mazin
Catabolism
Structure, nomenclature, and functions; de novo synthesis and salvage pathways, their regulation. Degradation of
purines degradation of pyrimidines. The emphasis will be placed on the discussion of the biochemical mechanisms of the
reactions involved in biosynthesis and its regulation
Acetyl CoA Generation & Utilization (4.5 hrs) I. Chaiken
Mitochondrial Electron Transport
Mechanisms of ATP Generation; Ion Transport
Overview of catabolic pathways and central role of acetyl CoA in cellular formation of ATP energy source in cells;
molecular organization, cellular localization, and regulation of enzyme systems that convert pyruvate to ATP; enzyme
components, structural organization and regulation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex that forms acetyl
CoA from pyruvate; tricarboxylic acid cycle, its multienzyme molecular organization and reactions leading from acetyl CoA to
respiration and phosphorylation; biological oxidation and reduction; mitochondrial electron transport (respiratory chain), its
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organization in membranes and the function of ETC protein complexes to reduce oxygen and drive and the formation of proton
gradients in mitochondria ; the ATP synthase protein machine and its mechanism of function and regulation in the oxidative
phosphorylation that leads to ATP.
Glycogen Metabolism; (4.0 hrs) P. Loll
Regulation of Glycolysis; Gluconeogensis; Pentose Pathway
Structure and function of glycogen, storage sites, pathways of synthesis and degradation, regulation of the pathways by
covalent modification and allosteric effectors. Cellular uptake and utilization of glucose, regulation of glycolysis (with
emphasis on gluco/hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase); metabolism of fructose and galactose; pentose
phosphate pathway; gluconeogenesis reactions, regulation, compartmentalization.
Fatty Acid Synthesis (2.5 hrs) B. Jameson
Fatty Acid Oxidation; Ketones
Significance and overview, fatty acid synthesis, modification of endogenous and dietary fatty acids, fatty acid oxidation;
ketogenesis, peroxisomal degradation.
Lipids (4 hrs) P. Loll/B. Jameson
Triglycerides, Eicosanoids, Cholesterol Metabolism
Glycerol- and sphingosine-based polar lipids with emphasis on TG, PL and sphingoglycolipid synthesis; eicosanoid
metabolism and biological activities (emphasis on PGI2, TXA2, LTC4); cholesterol synthesis and regulation; overview of
digestion. Function, classification, structure, and function of lipoproteins.
Steroid Hormones & Nuclear Receptors (1 hr) B. Jameson
Amino Acid Metabolism (1.5 hrs) K. Vosseller
Overview of amino acid metabolism with emphasis on amino acid pool, nitrogen catabolism, urea cycle, use of alpha-keto
acid skeletons in energy metabolism (gluco- and ketogenic amino acids), metabolism of branched - chain amino acids with
emphasis on the production and roles of gln and ala.
Amino Acid Derived Hormones (1.5 hrs) J. Swaney
Synthesis and function of regulators derived from a single amino acid with emphasis on the catecholamines and melanin
from tyr, serotonin and melatonin from trp, histamine from his, and GABA from glu; degradation of these regulators; synthesis,
function and inactivation of NO.
Review & Integration of Metabolism (2 hrs) D. Ferrier
A refocus on the “big picture”; role of liver, muscle, adipose and brain in the fed and short-term fasted states; review
(overview) of the key pathways of the fed and fasted states with emphasis on regulation; tissue interrelationships; key
molecules; adaptation to long-term fasting with a focus on tissue inter-relationships; aerobic-anaerobic transitions; resting
muscle-contracting muscle transitions.
Conference Topics for Molecular Structure and Metabolism
Conference #1: Protein Folding (2 hrs) P. Loll
Conference #2: Ethylene Glycol Poisoning (2 hrs) M. Jorns
Conference #3: Transcription (2 hrs) J. Clifford
Conference #4: Protein Modification (2 hrs) M. Bouchard
Conference #5: Cholesterol (2 hrs) J. Swaney
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CELLS TO SYSTEMS
SPRING SEMESTER
Course Directors
Dr. Peter Baas, Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
Dr. Eishi Noguchi, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
This course will provide a foundation in cell biology, structure and function. Topics include
cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, basic membrane transport processes, the ionic basis of membrane excitability,
various types of ion channels, the process and role of endocytosis in cell function. Students will learn the
principles of intracellular signaling including the individual components of intracellular signaling
pathways from receptor-ligand interactions to modulators to second messengers to effectors as well as
signaling events associated with cell cycle, cell growth (cancer), cell senescence and cell death
(apoptosis). Students will be introduced to genetic methodologies used to manipulate, interpret and
define gene function. The final portion of the semester will cover selected topics designed to integrate
basic molecular and cellular biology concepts in a discussion of complex biological systems operating in
intact organism.
Cytoskeleton (2 hrs) P. Baas
This lecture begins with an overview of the functions of the cytoskeleton, and the three major polymeric filaments that
comprise the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. The lecture then focuses on microtubules and how their assembly is regulated.
Microtubules (2 hrs) P. Baas
This lecture continues with microtubules, and focuses on their interactions with molecular motor proteins as well as the
mechanisms by which microtubules are organized in cells.
Actin/Myosin (2 hrs) B. Moreland
This lecture focuses on the functions of actin filaments in living cells, and the mechanisms by which they are regulated and
organized. A number of different actin regulatory proteins are discussed, with a particular emphasis on the myosin family of
molecular motors that impose forces on actin filaments.
Cell Adhesion (2 hrs) D. Baird
This lecture focuses on the various types of cell junctions and modes for adhesion of cells to other cells and substrates.
Topics include embryogenesis, immune cell chemotaxis, tumor cell metastasis, as well as the types of adhesion molecules
involved in these processes and events.
Cell Motility (2 hrs) G. Gallo
This lecture utilizes information from the previous four lectures to provide a detailed view of how cells locomote through
their environment.
Mitochondria (2 hrs) A. Vaidya
This lecture deals with the variety of critical roles played by mitochondria in cellular physiology. Evolutionary origins of
mitochondria and the vast divergence of mitochondrial functions in different eukaryotic lineage are discussed. In addition to
the energy generation, the importance of mitochondria in regulating calcium levels in the cell as well the triggering of the
apoptotic pathway is described.
Endocytosis, Phagocytosis (2 hrs) A. Vaidya
and Autophagy
Molecular details of phagocytosis by professional and non-professional cells are introduced. The “eat me”, “don‟t eat me”
and “find me” signals in the removal of apoptotic cells are described. Clathrin-mediated and clathrin-independent mechanisms
of endocytosis are discussed.
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Membrane Transport (2 hrs) M. White
The basic physiochemical principles of solute diffusion across membranes are introduced. The major classes of transport
systems (Passive or Facilitated Diffusion, Cotransporters or Secondary Active Transporters, Ion Pumps or Active transporters)
are discussed, with examples of each type. Structural features of membrane transporters are also presented.
Membrane Potentials (2 hrs) M. White
and Action Potentials
The basics of diffusion or Nernst potentials are introduced, and then this is extended to cases where more than one ion is
permeant. Hodgkin-Katz-Goldman framework for generation of membrane potentials. Ionic basis of action potentials, with an
emphasis on the Hodgkin-Huxley experimental underpinnings. Basics of synaptic transmission.
Overview, Receptors (2 hrs) R. Raghupathi
This lecture will present an overview of signal transduction including a discussion of the components involved, different
type of signaling as well as divergence and convergence in signaling pathways. The second part of the lecture will focus on the
types of receptors in cell signaling, how they function, how they are turned on and turned off and how they can be studied in
the lab.
Calcium and cAMP Signaling (2 hrs) A. Fatatis
This lecture focuses on the cellular structures and mechanisms responsible for the generation and modulation of Ca
signals. Free cytosolic Ca is a crucial second messenger for metazoan cells. A large number of cellular events, ranging from
secretion and motility to proliferation and death are modulated by the spatial and temporal characteristics of Ca signals.
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases (2 hrs) R. Raghupathi
The first part of this lecture will cover the biochemistry of phosphorylation and the structure, activation and regulation of
members of the protein kinase families (Ser-Thr kinases, tyrosine kinases) and the role of protein kinases in DNA repair, cell
structure and motility. The second part of this lecture will then focus on structure, function, specificity, trafficking and
regulation of the major classes of protein phosphatases.
G Proteins (2 hrs) O. Meucci
This lecture will cover G-protein structure, mechanism of action, and function. Examples of the role of G proteins in
normal cell signaling and in disease processes will be provided with a major focus on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Lipids Signaling (2 hrs) T. Edlind
Membrane homeostasis requires signaling mechanisms that respond to membrane stress and maintain proper levels of
phospholipids and sterols. Lipids such as sphingosine-1-P play roles in intercellular signaling, while others such as ceramide
and diacylglycerol have intracellular signaling roles. Selected lipid signaling pathways, from yeast to humans, and their role in
disease and therapy, will be discussed.
Integrins and Extracellular Matrix (2 hrs) M. Reginato
Integrins are principal receptors used by cells to bind to extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrin/ECM interactions produce
mechanical attachments as well a produce intracellular signals that can influence almost any aspect of cell behavior. We will
focus on the molecular, cell biological and pathological role of integrin/ECM interactions.
Mitosis/Meiosis/Recombination (2 hrs) A. Mazin
Chromosome pairing, synaptonemal complex formation and genetic recombination during meiosis, coordination of these
processes with meiotic cell cycle progression, interhomolog interactions occurring during meiotic prophase and necessary for
reductional chromosome segregation at the first meiotic division, homologous chromosome pairing, assembly of the
synaptonemal complex, genetic recombination, and the formation of chiasmata.
Cell Cycle (2 hrs) B. Bergman
A cell divides by utilizing a precise pathway of distinct orderly events, in which it duplicates its contents and then divides
to produce two cells. This cycle of duplication and division is the essential mechanism by which all living cells divide. This
lecture will discuss the complex network of regulatory proteins that control this process of cell division in eukaryotic cells.
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Apoptosis (2 hrs) P. Katsikis
This lecture will cover the definitions of apoptosis and necrosis, the morphological and biochemical characteristics of
these forms of death, the role of apoptosis, the fate of apoptotic cells, the caspase and Bcl-2 families of molecules, death
receptor signaling and mitochondrial participation in apoptosis.
Overview of Development (2 hrs) M. George-Weinstein
and Differentiation
This lecture will cover the basic morphogenetic events that shape the early embryo and the basic mechanisms that direct
the specification and differentiation of cells in the embryo. Morphogenetic movements of embryonic cells will be correlated
with disease processes in the adult.
Cellular Senescence (2 hrs) C. Sell
Cellular aging or senescence has been identified as a tumor control mechanism that seems to be vital to preventing
tumor formation. However, there are consequences to the presence of senescent cells within a tissue that are thought to
contribute to age-related loss of function. These lectures will provide information regarding cellular aging, the cellular
mechanisms involved and the functional changes that occur as a result. Specific examples of organ function that may be
compromised as a result of the accumulation of senescent cells will be discussed.
Biology of Stem Cells (2 hrs) A. O‟Reilly
The goal of this lecture is to cover basic aspects of stem cell biology. This lecture will discuss topics including stem cell
potency, define self-renewal and differentiation and explore the role of the stem cell niche in regulation of stem cell function
and maintenance. The role of stem cells in regeneration is currently being explored and is important for potential use of stem
cells therapeutically. How stem cells contribute to regeneration including the presence of stem cells in tissues,
dedifferentiation, and trans-differentiation as regeneration mechanisms will be considered.
Therapeutic Stem Cells (2 hrs) I. Fischer
The goal of this class is to introduce the students to the emerging fields of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
The lecture will present the therapeutic challenges and opportunities associated with the use of stem cells. The aim is to
understand the steps leading to clinical trials with emphasis on transplantation strategies and examples derived from the
nervous system.
Genomics I and II (4 hrs) B. Bergman
Analysis of complete genome sequences and use of the information for whole genome expression analysis and genetic
analysis; analysis of recently completed genomes and genomic studies to illustrate how to sequence a genome, approaches to
gene prediction, and types and use of microarrays for whole genome expression analysis
Proteomics (2 hrs) K. Vosseller
Sample preparation involving sub-cellular fractionation, affinity isolation of post-translationally modified peptides and
protein complexes for analysis by mass spectrometry. Peptide chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Proteomic data
acquisition and peptide sequencing/interpretation with automated search algorithms and manual inspection. Quantitative
proteomics with differential isotopic labeling.
Bioinformatics I (2 hrs) B. Jameson
Relational databases, the differing algorithms for sequence alignments, scoring functions and the use of various sequence
search programs, such as BLAST and FASTA.
Bioinformatics II (2 hrs) U. Hershberg
In this class, various bioinformatics resources for the identification and analysis of transcriptional elements and their
activity will be explored. Transcriptional regulation of the anti-viral response will be used as an example for analysis. The
main purpose is to provide exposure and give some hands on experience with a number of different bioinformatics resources.
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Gene Inheritance and Mapping (2 hrs) L. Blankenhorn
Genetic maps allow a connection to be made between structure and function: gene-> protein -> function; genetic maps,
comparing and contrasting different kinds of maps, mapping methods, analysis of patterns of inheritance, and application of
genetic mapping to understanding genetic defects associated with disease
Transgenic Applications I and II (4 hrs) M. Bouchard
Model transgenic organisms in research; generation, use and analysis of transgenic plants (Agrobacterium), worms (C.
elegans), and insects (Drosophila); transgenic mice; gene targeting strategies to construct „knockout‟ and „knockin‟ organisms.
Conference Topics for Cells to Systems
Conference #1: Cytoskeleton (2 hrs) P. Baas
Conference #2: Studying Transporters and Ion Channels (2 hrs) M. White
Conference #3: Differentiation (2 hrs) B. Bergman
Conference #4: Bioinformatics (2 hrs) B. Jameson
Integrated Systems
The final section of the course will focus on the integration of molecular and cellular biological functions in the intact
organism. Each graduate program will provide three lectures/discussions in their respective disciplines. The primary emphasis
will be on how a given biological system or process functions through the integration of events at the molecular, cellular and
systems levels. The lectures will build on the information covered during the first year and be presented over six consecutive
weeks. Students are encouraged to attend all lectures. For the exam, students will be required to answer questions on 3 topics
areas/blocks outside of their own specific discipline/graduate program.
Week 1 Neuroscience
Principles of Central Nervous System Anatomy 2 hrs V. Tom
Pattern Generation and Spinal Circuit Structure 2 hrs C. Hart
Promoting Recovery following Spinal Cord Injury 2 hrs V. Tom
Week 2 Biochemistry
The biochemical basis of atherosclerosis 2 hrs B. Jameson
Clotting disorders and deep vein thrombosis 2 hrs B. Jameson
Channelopathies 2 hrs M. White
Week 3 Microbiology and Immunology
Immune System Overview 2 hrs J. Burns
Immune Response to Bacterial Infection 2 hrs J. Burns
Immune Response to Viral Infection 2 hrs P. Katsikis
Week 4 Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics & Fox Chase Cancer Center
Autophagy and Cancer 2 hrs M. Murphy
Signal Transduction and Cancer 2 hrs J. Peterson
Tumor Associated Fibroblasts and Cancer 2 hrs E. Cuckierman
Week 5 Pharmacology and Physiology
Physiopathology of Chemokine Receptors 2 hrs O. Meucci
Ecstasy - A Molecule of Many Consequences 2 hrs O. Mortensen
Cellular Protein Homestasis Networks 2 hrs F. Kim
Week 6 Molecular Pathobiology and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
Overview GI Tract/Endothelial Barrier Function 2 hrs M. Abedin/J. Mullin
Pancreatic Cancer/GI Tract and Aging 2 hrs J. Sawicki/C. Sell
Cancer Stems Cells 2 hrs M. Stearns
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Examinations and Grading
There will be at least 5 in-class examinations each semester. The format of each examination will be
determined by the faculty that lecture in each block and will vary somewhat throughout the course.
Additional details will be provided prior to each examination. One letter grade each will be issued for
Molecular Structure and Metabolism (fall semester) and for Cells to Systems (spring semester). Grades
will be determined from the weighted average of exams based on lecture hours covered per exam,
according to the following grading system:
Numerical Grade Letter Grade Numerical Grade Letter Grade
90+ A 77-79 B-
87-89 A- 74-76 C+
84-86 B+ 70-73 C
80-83 B Below 70 F
Grading Policy
1) Requests for a change in grade on individual examinations must be directed to the course
director before discussion with individual lecturers. Adjustments to correct errors in grading will be
made by the course director. This is not an opportunity to remediate poor performance.
2) A passing grade for Molecular Structure and Metabolism and for Cells to Systems is 80. An appeal of
a grade less than 80 must be directed to the Graduate Core Curriculum Subcommittee through the course
director.
3) The academic progress of students who fail Molecular Structure and Metabolism or Cells to Systems
will be discussed by the Biomedical Graduate Education Committee. BGEC will determine the next steps
(i.e. retake fall semester and/or spring semester, probation, dismissal, etc) considering the
recommendations of the Graduate Core Curriculum Subcommittee and the student‟s Program Director.
4) If a PhD-track student receives an average score of < 80 for Molecular Structure and Metabolism and
for Cells to Systems, his/her stipend support will no longer be provided by the Office of Biomedical
Graduate, Postdoctoral and Professional Studies in the second year of graduate training.
Tutoring
Student experiencing academic difficulties should contact one of the course directors and his/her Program
Director as soon as possible. Students will be given assistance to help improve performance.
Opportunities to work one-on-one with a tutor are available through each Program and through the Office
of Biomedical Graduate and Postgraduate Studies.
Academic Integrity and Professionalism
Students will adhere to professional standards of scholarly conduct as outlined in the Biomedical
Graduate Studies Student Handbook of Drexel University College of Medicine. The Code of Academic
Integrity and the Code of Professionalism can be viewed on our website at
(http://www.drexelmed.edu/biomedical-graduate-studies/program_biomedical_grad-student-handbook-2011.pdf).
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