Undergraduate Specialization - Endocrinology

After taking the following three courses, students majoring in biological sciences will be recognized as having completed a specialization in endocrinology. Students who complete the specialization will be well versed in all aspects of endocrinology, ranging from basic cell signaling to the integration of endocrine systems and their dysregulation in human disease. Students will also have the option of participating in a hands-on research component in an endocrinology lab. The prerequisite for these courses is completion of the Fundamentals Sequence, and prior completion of a biochemistry course is strongly recommended. However, the specialization can be completed either as Endocrinology I, II, III or as Endocrinology II, III, I:

25226. Endocrinology I: Cell Signaling. (=CPHY 33600, NPHP 33600) PQ: BIOS 20200. The subject matter of this course considers the wide variety of intracellular mechanisms that, when activated, change cell behavior. We cover aspects of intracellular signaling, the latter including detailed discussions of receptors, G-proteins, cyclic nucleotides, calcium and calcium-binding proteins, phosphoinositides, protein kinases, and phosphatases. M. Brady, C. Palfrey, M. Roe, J. Sun. Autumn.

25227. Endocrinology II: Systems and Physiology. PQ: A Fundamentals Sequence (BIOS 20180s or 20190s, or AP 5 sequence). Endocrinology is the study of hormones, which are chemical messengers released by tissues that regulate the activity of other cells in the body. This course covers the classical hormone systems, including hormones regulating metabolism, energy mobilization and storage, calcium and phosphate metabolism, reproduction, growth, “fight or flight,” and circadian rhythms. We focus on historical perspective, the mechanisms of action, homeostatic regulation, and relevant human diseases for each system. M. Brady, R. Cohen. Winter.

25228. Endocrinology III: Human Disease. A Fundamentals Sequence (BIOS 20180s or 20190s, or AP 5 sequence) and BIOS 25227 recommended but not required. This course is a modern overview of the patho-physiologic, genetic, and molecular basis of human diseases with nutritional perspectives. We discuss human diseases (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, alopecia). Y. C. Li, M. Musch. Spring.

The specialization in endocrinology is administered by the Sections of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, and the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition.  For more information, consult Matthew Brady (mbrady@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu).