Where is the class held?

The course is held in the library (room B402) of the department of Biochemistry in the Beckman Center. Biochemistry is located on the 4th floor.

 

Beckman Center

 

When is the class held?

This course meets twice a week from Sept. 29, 2008 thru Dec. 3, 2008:

Mondays 12-1 PM (lecture)
Wednesday 9-11 AM (student-led literature discussions )

What grading options are available to me? 

This course is offered as "Med Sat/NC". Meaning you will receive +/- if you are a medical student or a Sat/NC if you are a non-medical graduate student. NO LETTER GRADES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS COURSE!

What will my grade be based on?

Grading is based on your participation in the discussions and on your presentation during the one week that it is your turn to lead the literature discussion. Each student will lead the discussion for one paper, and two or three papers will be discussed each Monday. Attendance and participation at all discussions is expected.There will be no final exam.

What is the textbook for this course? 

There is NO textbook for this class. Readings come from scientific papers assigned by the instructors. A list of these papers can be found in the "syllabus". Pdf files of these articles and any other reading material given out in class can be found under "handouts".

Should I take this course? 

Biochem 230 is an elective course designed for first or second year M.D. students who plan to declare a concentration in the Molecular Basis of Medicine, for M.S.T.P. students, and for Ph.D. students with a strong interest in medicine. One of the goals is to understand how scientific discoveries are successfully (or unsuccessfully) translated into new medical treatments by a close critical reading of important papers in selected topics from both the primary scientific literature and the primary medical literature. If you believe that reading a review article in NEJM is only the first step in familiarizing yourself with a new medical topic, this course is for you.

Last Updated 09/22/08