This course is designed to explore contemporary research on the molecular basis of diseases in a variety of tissues and organs within the body. The content of this course will introduce students to the structure and function of major organ systems including, but not limited to bone, heart, lungs, kidney, and brain, and then interrogate how molecular and cellular disorders in these organs can lead to physiologic dysfuntion and human disease. Examples of topics that will be covered include the molecular basis of sickle cell disease, inflammatory bowel disease, molecular basis of hematologic disorders, amyloidosis, endocrine function, and cystic fibrosis. 2 cr. (alternating years, offered Spring 2022)