CHEMENG 480: Metabolism in Health and Disease: From Technological Advances to Novel Insights

Course Description

Metabolism plays a central role in organismal homeostasis, orchestrating the biochemical processes that fuel our cells and sustain our bodies. This course provides overview of cellular metabolism and then dives into the essential role of metabolism in human health and disease, blending core concepts with the latest in research and technological advancements. Students will explore major metabolic processes and their role in diseases like diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Emphasizing the power of modern quantitative tools, from metabolomics to flux analysis, the course highlights cutting-edge methods in metabolic research. The course will feature guest speakers who are experts in these fields. A journal club component encourages critical engagement with seminal literature, fostering skills in analysis and scientific communication. Overall, students will gain insights into the complexities of the metabolism field and its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention while showcasing the role of technology in informing biological discoveries.