BMED
4961/6961; BIOL 4967
|
Biology and Engineering of
the Extracellular Matrix |
Spring 2007 |
|
Tuesday-Friday |
12:00-1:5 0 PM |
|
Instructor: Dr.
Email address: ploppg@rpi.edu
Phone: 276-8288; office location: Biotech 2115
Office Hours: Tuesday 9:00-10:00 AM, in
10:00 AM, in Ricketts 203.
Course Description: The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists
of the complex set of fibrous and linking proteins, as well as space-filling
proteoglycans, that surround cells in all tissues. It is becoming increasingly clear that the
ECM is important not only in the structure of tissues, but also in guiding and
maintaining appropriate cell function. This course is designed to provide students with
a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the extracellular
matrix (ECM) in a variety of tissues. Topics to be covered include: ECM
proteins, ECM signaling, mechanics of the ECM, ECM pathology and recent
advances in ECM research.
Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, but
students should have a rudimentary knowledge of cell biology and protein
structure (readings to provide this can be requested from the instructor).
Required Textbook: The only required text is Chapter 15 from the
textbook Cells, edited by Benjamin
Lewin. The campus bookstore has copies of this chapter on sale. Additional readings
will be taken from primary scientific literature.
In addition, students may wish to purchase or borrow an introductory
biology textbook as a reference. (e.g. Essential
Cell Biology by Alberts, Bray, Hopkin, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts,
Walter, or Molecular Biology of the Cell
by Alberts, Johnson, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, Walter, or similar texts).
Other Resources: Lecture
notes handed out in class.
Course
web site (http://www.rpi.edu/~ploppg/BEECM.html).
Concept
Mapping software: http://cmap.ihmc.us/
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the semester, students should have an
understanding of:
cell function as related to
interaction with the cellular microenvironment
the general structure of a variety of
tissues
the specific contribution of major
ECM components to tissue structure
cell signaling, especially as related
to the ECM
the contribution of ECM components to
tissue mechanical properties
diseases and conditions associated
with ECM dysfunction
the current state of the art in ECM
research and its application
Grading Scheme: Grades will be computed from the items listed below, and will be based on a standard percentage scale (A=100-88%, A minus=87-85%, B plus=84-82%, B=81-73%, B minus=72-20%, C plus=69-67%, C=66-63%, C minus= 62-60%, D plus=59-57%, D=56-50%, F=49% or lower) but may be curved or otherwise adjusted at the discretion of the instructor.
Class Participation 15% (includes attendance and in-class
participation)
Exam #1 10%
LBL Presentation 20%
Exam #2 15%
Research Paper 10%
Exam #3 20%
Concept Maps 10%
Mid-semester
assessment: Students
may ask the instructor at any point during the course for their standing in the
course.
NOTE ON GRADUATE-LEVEL SECTIONS OF COURSE:
Students taking this course for graduate-level credit (i.e. 6000 level)
will be required to answer additional questions on the in-class exams
(sufficient extra time will be given).
These additional questions will be integrative in nature, requiring the
student to draw on the knowledge gained in class and to apply it to the
analysis of a problem. In addition, the
Research Paper assignment will be expected to be more comprehensive, and
therefore longer. Details on the
graduate-level requirements will be given in class.
General Course Policies:
Attendance at lectures is required.
Students who must be absent due to religious observances or other
personal matters should notify the instructor in advance. Students with disabilities who require
special accommodations during classes, laboratories or examinations should
contact Disabled Student Services to ensure that appropriate arrangements are
made.
Assignments and examinations will be graded and returned
to students as soon as possible after being handed in. Students should check the grading
carefully. Any grade appeals must be
made within one week of the return of the assignment or exam.
The Rensselaer Handbook of
Student Rights and Responsibilities defines various forms of Academic
Dishonesty and students should familiarize themselves with these
definitions. Adherence to
In this class, all assignments
that are turned in for a grade must be the students own work. In cases where teamwork was allowed or a
student has received help, the nature of and participants in this collaboration
should be noted on the assignment.
Submission of any assignment that is in violation of this policy will
result in a grade of zero for that assignment.
Cheating on an interim exam will result in a grade of zero for that
particular exam. If you have any
questions concerning this policy before submitting an assignment or writing an
exam, please ask for clarification.
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at
all times.