Molecular endocrinology

Summary

We will define the concept of homeostasis and principles of hormone action and the molecular mechanisms underlying them. Interactions with the environment and pertinent public health issues will be analyzed and preventative strategies will be discussed.

Content

Keywords

endocrine system, endocrine disruptors, physiology, reproduction, sex differentation, estrogen receptor, homeostasis, diabetes, hormone dependent cancers

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

None

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Explain principles of endocrine regulation.
• Interpret data in published papers.
• Propose different experimental approaches.
• Present a research project orally.
• Defend a research project.
• Synthesize published data to produce a project.

Transversal skills

• Summarize an article or a technical report.
• Make an oral presentation.
• Manage priorities.
• Take feedback (critique) and respond in an appropriate manner.
• Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
• Use both general and domain specific IT resources and tools

Teaching methods

Ex-cathedra lectures, journal club: oral presentation and written report, practical session

Expected student activities

Presentation and critical analysis of papers.
Group project: movie for lay public.

Assessment methods

Continuous exams: 80%
Group project (movie) 20%

Supervision

Resources

Bibliography

No prerequisite.

Notes/Handbook

copies of the slides are provided.

Suggested readings.

Websites

• http://useful links are shared

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/BIO-450