Description: Regeneration involves the replacement of missing organs, appendages, or large body regions and has always been fascinating at the gross and morphological level. The course will detail the recent tremendous advances that have been made at the cellular and molecular level using highly regenerative model organisms. These studies will identify principles that explain how regeneration can occur so as to provide an understanding into this biological phenomenon. Additionally, these insights have also revealed common molecular pathways that are used in non-regenerating systems.
Structure: Two students will present at each session for 35 minutes and 10-minute question time. Each session will have a specific theme (species, pathway…).
Outcome: The combination of animal, tissue, cellular and molecular biology studies that the students hopefully will appreciate.
Grading: During each session, 1-2 students will give a presentation of the cellular and molecular basis of the regenerative capacity of a single organism. It is expected that all the students will have read the paper that forms the basis of the presentation and will participate in the discussion after the presentation. Students are expected to attend all classes. The presentation will constitute 50% of the grade, class participation 20%, 10% on papers not submitted by me and 20% on attendance.
Course Materials: Will be primary literature and review articles. Often, a portion of the review article will be required for a student presentation.