Drug resistance is a major problem that complicates the treatments of infectious diseases. It is a consequence of genetic changes in a microbe, and molecular mechanisms vary widely including mutations of target enzymes, increased expression of efflux pump, horizontal transfer of resistance gene, and induction of inactivating enzymes.

Nearly 70% of Americans are obese or overweight. The distribution of the epidemic correlates strongly with poverty and access to high quality food. Students in this class will engage in directed literature research and discussion. Topics will start by examining risks factors for obesity including genetic, macro genetic/microbiome, societal (commercial, race, poverty). The goal of this course is to examine the obesity pandemic using a multidisciplinary approach with the aim of identifying any evidence for effective approaches to changing obesity rates.

Man has used breeding programs for the last 3000 years to increase yields of plants, to incorporate specific traits into farm animals and pets. Early motivation was probably first survival then commerce. Early tools were based in careful observation. Today, we have biotechnology: the ability to genetically engineer almost any organism. The ability to change and/or create any bio-molecule, drug, antibiotic, fuel or crop is almost at our fingertips. But what will make it happen?

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