Biology in the Real World – Lynn Carpenter (Session 3) FULL
So many times, we take biology courses and just work to remember the information, without realizing how important this information is and how often we apply it in everyday life. The purpose of this course is to give students an intensive, yet fun, hands-on course where students are introduced to the methods and techniques behind how biologists investigate real-world problems. We will focus on a variety of topics, from molecular biology and genetics to ecology, health and biotechnology. Each day we will blend short lectures, collaborative labs, and authentic research activities that will mirror professional scientific inquiry. Students will be asked to help design and run experiments as well as collect data, analyze their results (with help) and present their findings in a final showcase.
Biophysics: From Physics through Biology to Medicine – Ari Gafni (Session 1) FULL
From its humble beginning in the early 19th century in explaining the mechanics of steam engines, the branch of physics called thermodynamics evolved to provide a foundation on which the scientific discipline called biophysics was built. Current biophysicists use a variety of concepts and tools from physics chemistry and biology to address important problems in basic, applied, and medical sciences. In this course we will discover how biophysicists approach scientific problems, what tools they use in their research, and highlight several interesting areas of current research. The lectures will begin by reviewing the rules of thermodynamics in a clear and intuitive way, including demonstrations and lab experiments. We will then move to discuss the intriguing and complicated question of how a protein molecule, initially produced as a long linear chain of amino acids devoid of biological activity, undergoes metamorphosis into a precisely folded structure that is perfectly designed to fulfill its specific function. This question, called the protein folding problem, has been studied by both theoretical and experimental approaches and therefore serves as an excellent introduction into biophysics. Using hemoglobin as our protein example, we will explore its biological function in transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and discuss how it performs this task with great efficiency. We will learn how hemoglobin’s structure was solved and how this knowledge has been used to explain in detail its mechanism of function. Finally, we will see how using purely biophysical approaches led to the discovery of the molecular origin of the devastating disease sickle cell disease, a disease that involves an aberrantly folded hemoglobin molecule. This discovery led to the development of a therapeutic approach to this disease. We will end by discussing several other protein folding diseases where research to explain their molecular origin is still at the forefront of biophysics.
Dissecting Life: Human Anatomy and Physiology – Mary Orczykowski (Session 1) FULL
What are the systems of the human body and how do they work together to allow us to exist in the world? How can unique adaptations in animals teach us more about ourselves? In Dissecting Life, students will work together to learn the complexities and wonders of the human body through comparative anatomy dissections, observation of anatomy in action, case discussions, and studying plastinated and osteological anatomical donors within the University of Michigan Medical School’s Gross Anatomy Laboratories. Through this course, students will learn gross anatomy in detail and gain a basic understanding of physiology and histology as a foundation to study form and function.
Human Identification: Forensic Anthropology Methods – Emily Orlikoff (Session 2 FULL & 3 FULL)
Forensic anthropology methods are used to aid in human identification with skeletal remains. Applications of forensic anthropology lie in the criminal justice system and mass disaster response. In this course, we will address questions such as: What are important differences between male and female skeletons? Utilizing skeletal remains, how would you tell the difference between a 20-year old and an 80-year old? How do you distinguish between blunt force and sharp force trauma on the skull? In this hands-on, laboratory-based course, you will become familiar with human osteology (the study of bones) and bone biology. Through our exploration of forensic and biological anthropology methods, you will learn how to develop a biological profile (estimates of age at death, sex, ancestry, and stature), assess manner of death, estimate postmortem interval, investigate skeletal trauma and pathology, and provide evidence for a positive identification from skeletal remains. Additionally, we will explore various forensic recovery techniques as they apply to an outdoor context, including various mapping techniques. Towards the end of the course, you will work in small groups in a mock recovery of human remains and analyze the case utilizing the forensic anthropological methods learned throughout the course.
