3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This course will examine the underlying biology of multiple neurodegenerative disorders, ranging from the well known (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.) to the rare (Cockayne syndrome, Salla disease, etc.). For each disease, relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms important for normal functioning of the nervous system will be examined, followed by exploration of the errors that can occur in these processes and give rise to disease states. Specific cellular activities to be explored include protein folding and stability, DNA repair, and lysosomal trafficking and degradation. Popular topics in biology and neuroscience (e.g., personal genome sequencing, CRISPR-based gene editing, microbiomes) will also be covered.