グローバル教養科目（Model Organisms in Biomedical Research）

Each week several model organisms will be introduced in the context of the scientific questions that are explored using those models. Examples of scientific techniques and terminology will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on the unique features of the organisms that make them well suited for the needs of specific research fields. Limitations of using these organisms as well as ethical issues will also be discussed. Week 1: Introduction to course; discussion of why animals are used for research and ethics of animal use Week 2: Inside the cell: genetics, biochemistry, cell-to-cell communication Microorganisms--E. coli, S. cerevisiae, S. pombe, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii; Week 3: Multicellularity and development and heredity I: Invertebrates: Nematode (C. elegans), Planarian, Fruit fly (Drosophila) Week 4: Multicellularity, development and heredity II: Vertebrates: mice, zebrafish, medaka, xenopus, chicken Week 5: Regeneration: Nematode (C. elegans), Planarian, Fruit fly (Drosophila), vertebrates Week 6: Neuroscience I: Invertebrates: Aplysia, Nematode (C. elegans), Fruit fly (Drosophila), Week 7: Neuroscience II: Vertebrates: rats and mice Week 8: Modeling Disease Mice, zebrafish, Drosophila Week 9: Primates: behavior and genetics marmoset, macaque, chimpanzees Week 10: Human as a model organism? Human tissues: cell culture; embryos Clinical studies Week 11: Ethical Issues in Animal Research and Future perspectives for alternatives Week 12: student presentations Week 13: student presentations

Each class will be a combination of lecture and group discussion of the class topic. The last two weeks will be devoted to student presentations

【Please note that this course uses a five-point grading scale of A+, A, B, C, or F(Fail).】 Students will be evaluated based on class participation, quizzes/exams, homework assignments, and final presentation.

None - required reading will be provided by the professor.

None - reference reading will be provided in class.

【If the number of students enrolling in this course exceeds 20, there may be a selection process. Instructions for the selection process will be given in the first class, so if you are interested in taking this course, please be sure to attend the first class.】 Some proficiency in English and willingness to communicate in English is recommended.