Vertebrate Endocrinology

Catalog description

Signal transduction and hormonal control of gene expression are some of the hottest fields in contemporary biology, and considerations of hormone action and hormone receptor interactions are key to many of these processes. Course examines the importance of chemical messengers of both endocrine or neural origin in control of physiological processes. Recent endocrine methodologies are considered. Structure and function of major endocrine organs are examined and the roles of hormones in regulation of physiological processes, including seasonality and reproduction, growth and metabolism, and ions, minerals and water balance, are explored. Cellular and biochemical mechanisms of hormone synthesis and action and hormone receptors are covered. Emphasizes primarily vertebrate endocrine systems. Applied and clinical aspects are also addressed. Prerequisites: BIOL 430 or BIOL 311 or graduate level standing.