Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: GENE THERAPY

Department: Bioengineering

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: Gene therapy suffered from major clinical setbacks in the late 1990’s, putting the entire field of genetic medicine at a standstill. However, through perseverance and strategic re-thinking of how viruses and cells could be used as therapeutics, the field is currently experiencing a biotechnological revolution. In December of 2017, a virus-based gene therapy drug was approved by the FDA, making it the first of its kind for the treatment of an inherited disease. This landmark achievement is just the beginning of a new era of human therapeutics. This class will discuss the gene therapy field – where it was and where it is now. Clinically important vectors currently under human testing, and opportunities for the next generation of improved gene delivery vectors will be presented. The biological and physiological barriers to efficient gene delivery will be investigated in order to spur new ideas for improving vector efficiency and specificity. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: BIOE 422. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for BIOE 522 if student has credit for BIOE 422.