Critical Thinking Using the Scientific Method*

ELEC 849 / PCBP 660

Department
Cancer Biology and Pharmacology

Clinical or Non-Clinical Course
Non-Clinical

Physician Assessed Patient Facing
No

Prerequisites
Completion of Phase 2 Clerkships
Other
Previous Lab Experience

Goal

This course is intended to introduce the student to the critical thinking foundations of scientific research, including developing a research proposal, formulating testable hypotheses, collecting reliable and valid data, and preparing written reports of the experimental findings. Critical thinking is intended to cultivate problem-solving skills, nurture the spirit of inquiry, and encourage individualized learning. The elective is designed to encourage expansion of knowledge and self-directed learning, essential components of the scientific research method. Also emphasized are writing and presenting skills necessary for reporting results, important for interactions within the scientific community.

Possible research areas include:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease and brain metabolism
  • Innate Immunity in Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s immunotherapy
  • Brain tumor animal modeling
  • Endogenous regulation of inflammatory pain; role of oxytocin on TRPV1
  • Epigenetic aberrations including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling & non- coding cancer
  • Immuno-metabolic targeting in glioblastoma and medulloblastoma
  • Introduction to basic and translation research methods in CNS tumors
  • Neuroprotection & neurological recovery after gene therapy in ischemic stroke
  • Metabolic targeting of glioblastoma
  • Neuroprotection & neurological recovery after stem cell therapy in ischemic stroke
  • Nervous system tumors4Neural stem cells (radial glia)
  • Pain perception: nociceptors
  • Pain-sensing TRP channels
  • Pluripotent stem cells
  • Role of immune checkpoints in tumor microenvironment & novel immunotherapy approaches to treat cancer
  • Role of TRPM8 in prostate cancer
  • Role of testosterone-receptor TRPM8 in sexual and social behaviors

Objectives

Upon completion of the Laboratory portion of this elective, the student will be able to:
1. Write a research proposal.
2. Conduct a research project.
3. Write a report of the research.

Method of Assessment
Standard Non-clinical Evaluation - Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Additional Methods
The faculty will base their evaluation on:
1. Periodic conferences to assess progress and discuss problem areas.
2. Writing of research proposal.
3. Conducting the research project.
4. Written report of research project.
5. Professionalism.

Course Director
S. Asuthkar, K. Fukuchi, K. Velpula, S. Malchenko, K. Veeravalli

Course Coordinator
Jeanne Reddy
jreddy@uic.edu
309-671-3414

Location
UICOMP

Setting
Neither Outpatient nor Inpatient

Night Call
No

Laboratory
Yes

Weekends
Yes
Please Specify
Possible

House Staff
No

Number of Learners per Block
Variable

Duration
2 or 4 weeks

Who is this elective available to
M4s (in Phase 3)

Blocks Available
Upon approval of Director. 4-8 week course. Contact Department for information