ENDOCRINOLOGY

BIOLOGY/ZOOLOGY 101

General biological principles. Topics include: evolution, ecology, animal behavior, cell structure and function, genetics and molecular genetics and the physiology of a variety of organ systems emphasizing function in humans.

OBS&GYN 710

A broad grounding in reproductive endocrine physiology at the graduate level, with an emphasis on human and human reproductive health wherever possible. Encompasses an overview of fundamental concepts in endocrinology, the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, steroidogenesis, early embryonic development, pregnancy and maternal-fetal adaptations, and pathologies associated with endocrine disruption and dysregulation. Provides more focus on pathologic pregnancies because such pregnancies lead to a higher risk of adult onset diseases including hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Covers pregnancy and pathologic pregnancy in detail.

NEURODPT/PSYCH/ZOOLOGY 674

Behavior results from a complex interplay among hormones, the brain, and environmental factors. Behaviors and their underlying neural substrates have evolved in response to specific environmental conditions, resulting in vast species diversity in behavioral and neuroendocrine solutions to environmental problems. Designed to explore the primary literature on the neuroendocrine underpinnings of behavior spanning from feeding to sex differences in complex social behaviors. A range of taxonomic groups will be discussed, including (but not limited to) mammals, birds, and fish.

MEDICINE 720

Provides a broad grounding in endocrinology and metabolism with an emphasis on human and human-related disorders wherever possible. Explores further the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which the endocrine regulation of metabolism acts to preserve mammalian health, and how dysfunction in these mechanisms leads to disease, with an emphasis on diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

PSYCH 513

Complex social behavior emerges from the interplay of hormones, the brain and environmental signals. Introduces how hormones and neurotransmitters shape brain and behavior in animals and humans. Review the mechanisms by which hormones shape brain sex differences and its consequences on juvenile (i.e. play) and adult behavior. Examine how hormones influence sexual behavior using basic animal models, and extend this to human sex differences, including sexual orientation. Additional topics include how hormones shape competitive and affiliative behaviors, eating disorders, and stress and mental health, as well as how individual variation occurs in response to the changing environment and genetic landscape, including epigenetics at an introductory level.