This course is graded pass/fail, and the grade depends on attendance, participation, and the successful completion of two papers.
Literature Questions
To facilitate discussion and participation, you are required to email me two questions regarding each paper you have read prior to our meeting. These questions must be handed in no later than 8 pm of the day before the session.
Paper 1
The text of a paper with the abstract and title omitted will be given to you. You will be expected to write a title and an abstract based on your in-depth reading and analysis of the paper. Due on Ses #6.
Assignment 1 (PDF)
Paper 2
Using the general subject of your own research projects, identify an area in which altered ROS levels or oxidative stress may be playing a critical physiological role. Based on this, write a 2-3 page double-spaced project proposal which should include the following:
- An introduction to the area of interest and why ROS may be playing a critical role
- The question you wish to pose
- The experimental strategies (with descriptions of the appropriate controls) utilized to answer the proposed question
- Possible outcomes and a brief discussion of what these might imply
- A brief comment on how your studies might impact the development of therapeutic strategies in the pathology you're studying
Your final presentation should also be broken up along similar categories - please make sure that your talk is no more than 15 minutes, with5 additional minutes for questions.
Your introductory paragraphs should be submitted for critique and suggestions regarding the final paper and presentation.
Paper 2 Topics
The students taking the course were each involved in research projects in areas that were relevant to the assignment.The areas of research and the titles of their papersare as follows:
- Diabetes: Thiazolidinediones and Reactive Oxygen Species.
- Cancer and Aging: Ascorbic Acid May Provide Immune Protection Through its Antioxidant Capabilities.
- Aging and Caloric Restriction: The Role of ROS in SirT3-Mediated Lifespan Extension.
- Neurodegenerative Disease: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Formation of Beta-Amyloid Plaques Characteristic of Alzheimer's Disease.
- Nitric Oxide Signaling: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species Inhibition on the Disease-Course of C. rodentium Infections.