BIO 372 ENDOCRINOLOGY
The course focuses on the endocrine system. We will discuss synthesis, distribution and regulation of the endocrine system. In addition, contextual examples of these functions through endocrine disorders will also be explored. Besides discussing endocrine systems in mammals, we will use a comparative method and learn about endocrine functions in selected non-mammalian vertebrates. We will study topics such as gender differentiation, growth, reproduction, weight control, diabetes, the stress response, and environmental endocrine disruption. We will also examine steroid and peptide hormone action via paracrine, autocrine, and endocrine mechanisms; transmembrane and intracellular signal transduction; and regulation of nuclear gene transcription. The lectures will emphasize discussion and analysis of the scientific literature.