What Makes Us Sick: Exploring the Molecular Roots of Human Disease

Our health hinges on the functioning of factors invisible to the human eye.

Just one change to our genetic code or one virus thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair can mean the difference between health and sickness.

In this course, we will venture down the microscope to understand how four categories of human diseases occur at the molecular level and explore the innovative treatments and cures being developed to prevent them.

The course will begin by introducing the core elements of biology, offering a basic analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and their essential roles in genetic and cellular processes.

We will then focus on four categories: inherited diseases, infectious diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions.

We will uncover the causes of each and explore the groundbreaking biomedical research aimed at combating them.

For example, we'll examine how CRISPR is being used to potentially cure sickle cell anemia by editing defective genes and how immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment by harnessing the body’s immune system to target tumor cells.

By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the science underlying human diseases and the advancements that hold the potential to prevent and treat these conditions.

No previous experience with biology is required.