Course Syllabus

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Diabetes: Diagnoses and Diseases

Fall 2017
Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:05-11:25, V10-D14
Credits: 3

Instructor

picture_Christine_Bonnesen.jpg Christine Bonnesen
Ph.D. (Department of Biomedicine Research Centre, University of Dundee, Scotland, 2001). Master of Science (Molecular Biology and Chemistry, Roskilde University, 1998). Employment at Novo Nordisk with particular interest in drug development and safety assessment of insulin analogues. Ten years’ experience with research and teaching. With DIS since 2017.

 

DIS contacts

Lisbeth Borbye, Program Director, lbo@dis.dk, +45 3376 5485
Susana Dietrich, Assistant Program Director, sd@dis.dk, +45 3376 5442
Bethany Cucka, Program Assistant, bcu@dis.dk, +45 3376 5789


Disciplines

Biology, Pre-medicine/Health Science, Biomedicine/Biotechnology

Prerequisites

One year of biology and one year of biochemistry/chemistry at the undergraduate level


Course description

In this course, we will build an in depth understanding of diabetes pathophysiology, diabetes biology, diabetes prevention and diabetes therapy. Current and historic milestones of diabetes research, prevalence, diagnosis, and therapy are introduced throughout the course, yet the scientific disciplines of biology and pathophysiology are the primary competences supported on the course. During this course, we will also discuss various psychosocial aspects of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

 

Learning outcomes

Upon active participation in this course you will be able to:

  • Describe and differentiate pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic complications
  • Integrate carbohydrate metabolism, diabetes pathophysiology, and carbohydrate biology
  • Outline the history and prevalence of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic complications
  • Outline diagnostic criteria, biomarkers, and current clinical goals for type 1 and type 2 diabetes therapy
  • Present pharmacological principles and mode of action of major drugs used for the treatment of diabetes and its complications
  • List major principles of diabetes research activities, diabetes risk factors/genetics, and co-morbidities of diabetes
  • Discuss burdens of diabetes to people, families, and society
  • Debate lifestyle management and psychosocial aspects of diabetes
  • Compose a diabetes research project proposal
  • Use a critical mindset to identify and discuss relevant information in scientific research and review papers within diabetes

 

Required readings

  • Rang & Dale’s Pharmacology, 8th by Rang, Ritter, Flower, Henderson; Elsevier 2015 (hereafter referred to as R&D)
  • Reading compendium
  1. Jones, Peter M.; Holt, Richard I.G.; Goldstein, Barry J.; Flyvbjerg, Allan; Cockram, Clive S.: Islet Function and Insulin Secretion. Textbook of Diabetes, 4th Ed.Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. ISBN: 9781405191814
  2. Garvey, W. Timothy; Holt, Richard I.G.; Cockran, Clive; Goldstein, Barry J.; Flyvbjerg, Allan; Wu, Xuxia: Insulin Action. Textbook of Diabetes, 4th Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. ISBN: 9781405191814
  3. Red.: Skyler, Jay S.; Atkinson, Mark A.: Type 1 Diabetes. Atlas of Diabetes. Springer, 2012. ISBN: 978146141070
  4. Gerich, John E.; Alsahli, Mazen; Red.: Skyler, Jay S.: Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes. Atlas of Diabetes. Springer, 2012. ISBN: 978146141070
  5. Roden, Michael; Petersen, Kitt Falk: Where does insulin resistance start; contribution to the development of diabetes? Evidence-Based Management of Diabetes. Tfm Pub Ltd, 2012. ISBN: 1903378788
  6. Bain, Stephen C.: Genetic studies in diabetes- how do they help? Evidence-Based Management of Diabetes. Tfm Pub Ltd, 2012. ISBN: 1903378788
  7. Red.: Poretsky, Leonid; Leu, James P.: Diagnostic Criteria and Classification of DiabetesPrinciples of Diabetes Mellitus. Springer, 2010. ISBN: 9780387098418. EAN: 5711901016568
  8. Brillon, David J.: Glycemic Goals. Principles of Diabetes Mellitus Springer, 2010. ISBN: 9780387098418
  9. Herzlinger, Susan: Treating Type 2 Diabetes. Principles of Diabetes Mellitus Springer, 2010. ISBN: 9780387098418
  10. Gough, Stephen; Narendran, Parth: Insulin and Insulin Treatment. Textbook of Diabetes, 4th Ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. ISBN: 9781405191814
  11. Horton, Edward S.: Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Principles of Diabetes Mellitus Springer, 2010. ISBN: 9780387098418
  12. 12 Aroda, Vanita R.; Ratner, Robert E.: Prevention of type 2 in high-risk individuals: achievable? Evidence-Based Management of Diabetes Tfm Pub Ltd, 2012. ISBN: 1903378788
  13. Brownlee, Michael; Merlin, Thomas C.: Diabetic kidney disease. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, Vol. 1, 2015 Macmillan. ISSN: Intet
  14. Antonetti, David; Gardner, Thomas; Klein, Ronald: Diabetic Retinopathy. New England Journal of Medicine, March 29, 2012 New England Journal of Medicine. ISSN: Intet
  • Extra material posted on Canvas: to be posted

 

Approach to teaching

Lectures, class discussions, -essays and -presentations, journal clubs (incl. critical scientific data analysis), guest lectures, field studies, project report preparation and presentation (‘Grant proposal’)

 

Expectations of the students

You are expected to have done the reading for each class ahead of class and to participate actively in class discussions and presentations.

Interaction and participation are encouraged in a number of ways. You are encouraged to ask questions, participate in discussions as much as possible, and to bring other relevant material/experiences into class. You are welcome to suggest discussions relevant to the topic.

All classes are compulsory and attendance will be taken. You are expected to be in the classroom and ready for class at 10:05 and to be back on time after breaks to avoid disturbing the lesson.

 

Please bring your smartphones and PCs to class. However, use of laptops and smartphones during class is limited to class discussions and related activities requiring internet access for research. We will occasionally use ‘Socrative Student’ (free App to be installed on your smartphone) to recap learnings of the day.

 

Evaluation and grading

To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.

The factors influencing the final grade and the weight of each factor are reported below:

Class participation

1.     Attendance, Engagement, Listening, Preparation

2.     Contributions to class discussions and journal clubs

10%

Presentations at Journal Clubs

10%

Test 1

20%

Test 2

20%

Test 3

20%

Grant proposal report and presentation

1.     Late hand in will reduce your grade by half a letter/day

20%





















Tests: Three tests will be given during the course (dates to be confirmed)

Test 1: Basics of diabetes

Test 2: Diagnosis, in depth pathophysiology and diabetes therapy and prevention

Test 3: Experimental diabetes therapy and prevention, genetics, basics of diabetes drug development

 

Each test will be covering major learnings from the preceding modules of lessons, journal clubs and guest lectures. The test will consist of 5-10 mixed short essays and ‘short answer questions’ which should be answered with a few concise sentences, and 5-10 multiple choice questions. Tests are held in class and last 40 mins.

Journal clubs

Journal clubs consists of group work, presentations, and class discussions. They serve as an exercise of critical thinking, critical reading, team work, structuring information for presentations and maturation of your presentation skills. You will be divided in groups each responsible for presenting a specific journal, available on Canvas. The rest of the class should read the paper and prepare 1-2 questions for the presenting group. The journal club presentation should have a logical and clear structure and provide most relevant information on the background, methods, conclusions, and perspectives of the paper. The findings and conclusions of the paper should be presented and discussed in a clear way within 15-25 min.

Grant proposal

As part of the course you will prepare a Grant Proposal (individually or in small groups). The purpose of the grant proposal is to learn and practice how to design, write, and present a concise project proposal to receive funding. It aims to develop your ability to think and formulate theoretical hypothesis and research plans within academic diabetes research, diabetes drug target evaluations, or diabetes lifestyle intervention projects. The grant proposal consists of a written (3-5 pages) and an oral part (10 min presentation). Detailed information will be given.

Field Studies

Throughout the semester, you will have 2 field studies.  Both are meant to provide you with new perspectives on topics being learned in class. These take place on Wednesdays so as not to interfere with your other classes.

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Disability and resource statement

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the office of academic support (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this.  In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.

 

Policies

Attendance
You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled.  If you miss multiple classes the Director of Teaching and Learning, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well.  Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS.  Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences you will need to provide a doctor’s note.

 

Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment
DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others.   Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software.  See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due