Course Syllabus and Overview: Molecular Mechanism of Disease (HSS 2305A)

Course Overview

This course, "Molecular Mechanism of Disease" (HSS 2305A), provides an in-depth exploration of the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases. It is designed for students with foundational knowledge in cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the interplay between molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and disease pathology.

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Ajoy Basak, Adjunct and Part-time Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa

• Contact: [e-mail]

• Office: Roger Guindon Building, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON

• Web: Faculty Profile

Course Structure and Schedule

The course consists of 23 lectures, delivered over the Fall 2025 semester. Lectures cover foundational and advanced topics in molecular biology, with a focus on disease mechanisms.

Lecture Topics

• Introduction to Molecular Biology, Biomolecules, and Disease

• Proteins and Enzymes: Biochemical Functions and Regulation

• Genetics: Chromosomes, DNA Replication, and Gene Expression

• Cell Signaling, Cell Cycle, and Apoptosis

• Pathogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

• Technological Advances in Molecular Biology

• Therapeutic Interventions and Drug Design

Sample Weekly Schedule

Week	Lecture Topic	Source/Reading
1	Introduction to Molecular Biology, Biomolecules, Disease	Ch 1 & 2
2	Proteins and Enzymes: Biochemical Functions and Regulation	Ch 3, 4, 5
3	Genetics: Chromosomes, DNA Replication, Gene Expression	Ch 6, 7, 8
4	Cell Signaling, Cell Cycle, Apoptosis	Ch 9, 10, 11
5	Pathogenesis: Molecular Mechanisms of Disease	Ch 12, 13
6	Technological Advances, Therapeutic Interventions	Ch 14, 15
7	Review and Exams	All

Additional info: The above table is a logical summary based on the provided schedule image and may not reflect the exact week-by-week breakdown.

Recommended Textbook

• Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments by Gerald Karp, 9th Edition (other editions acceptable)

• Supplementary readings from PubMed, NCBI, and Google Scholar as needed

Assessment and Grading

• Midterm Exam: 36% (Covers Lectures 1-10, multiple-choice format)

• Home Assignment: 20% (Write-up on a rare disease, due Nov 4, 2025)

• Final Exam: 44% (Covers Lectures 11-23, multiple-choice format)

• Class Attendance: May influence final grade if on the borderline

Course Policies

• Marks for assignments and exams are final and non-negotiable unless a valid error is found.

• Effort is encouraged but only performance (correct, evidence-based answers) is graded.

• Classroom etiquette: Respectful behavior, no cell phone use during class, and limited unrelated internet use.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Explain fundamental concepts of molecular biology and their relevance to genetics and biochemistry.

• Identify and describe the functions of cellular organelles.

• Summarize mechanisms of cellular response to environmental stimuli.

• Describe DNA replication, repair, gene and protein expression regulation.

• Explain key cell signaling pathways and regulatory processes in the cell cycle and programmed cell death.

• Discuss how molecular irregularities lead to disease.

• Describe technological advances and scientific techniques in molecular biology.

• Evaluate ethical considerations in molecular biology research and therapeutics.

Main Course Objective

The primary aim is to provide an overview of human diseases and the molecular mechanisms underlying their onset and progression. The course emphasizes understanding cellular function, signaling, trafficking, and regulatory pathways, as well as strategies for therapeutic intervention and drug design.