This course is no longer offered

20513 Differentiation of Blood Cells

Credits: 3 advanced credits in Life Sciences

Prerequisites: 36 credits in the Sciences, including Cell Structure and Function. Students must also fulfill all English requirements and take bibliographic instruction in the Library.

Required: Human Physiology, Immunology

Recommended: Genetics, Biochemistry II

The course is based on a reader edited by Eitan Fibach.

Study of cell reproduction and differentiation processes is vital to understanding basic life processes and the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases, particularly malignant processes. The blood cell generating system reflects the complexity of control mechanisms functioning in cell reproduction and differentiation processes and the interrelationships between various factors involved in these processes. The course introduces the student to a variety of topics related to normal control mechanisms and to interference in the functioning of these mechanisms, as reflected in various diseases such as leukemia. It also deals with basic research in the field and its application in innovative diagnosis and treatment methods.

Students are required to submit assignments and write a seminar paper at the end of the course.

Suggested seminar paper topics: Molecular mechanisms in Thalassemia; Bone marrow transplants – biological and clinical aspects; Induction of cell differentiation as a treatment approach in malignant disease.