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Molecular and Cell Biology 90B, Section 1
Insulin as a Window on Discovery in Biology (1 unit, P/NP)
Professor Randy W. Schekman
Tuesday 3:00-4:00, 2066 Valley Life Sciences Building, CCN: 57868
The discovery and therapeutic application of insulin was one of the most dramatic developments in twentieth-century biomedical science. We will consider the impact of insulin in protein biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology. We will also explore the role of the individual scientist in the process of discovery and the importance of animal research in biomedical science. The Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss will be available in the student bookstore and Invisible Frontiers: The Race to Synthesize a Human Gene by Stephen S. Hall will be provided in class because it is out of print. Glory Enough For All, a Canadian film and dramatic portrayal of the insulin story, will be available for viewing. Students considering a major in Molecular and Cell Biology as well as all other interested students are welcome to enroll. This seminar is open to all students interested in the discovery process in the life sciences. A background in high school biology will be useful; AP biology is particularly appropriate preparation for the material we cover.
Randy Schekman is a Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and an Investigator in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Schekman is past Chair of the Department and currently is Chair of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Biology, a council that covers the span of life science research conducted on the Berkeley campus. Schekman also directs the campus program in stem cell biology. The research in Schekman's laboratory focuses on the mechanism of transport of membrane proteins within the eukaryotic cell. Website: http://www.hhmi.org/research/investigators/schekman.html
"The professor is very knowledgeable and passionate about this topic." – student in fall 2007 seminar
"I learned about the work, creativity, and enthusiasm involved in research." – student in fall 2007 seminar
"Highly enjoyable, personal atmosphere. Learned a lot." - student in fall 2006 seminar
"I enrolled in this seminar to find out more about how insulin was discovered and the impact of this discovery on the whole of society in lengthening and improving the quality of life for diabetics. I found my expectations well met and have enjoyed this course and learning about the biological and chemical processes." - student in fall 2006 seminar
I feel I learned a lot in this class. Because I knew Professor Schekman better, I felt more motivated to learn." -- student in fall 2004 seminar |
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