Introduction to Protein Structure: From Disease to Therapy - Instructor

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Proteins are involved in almost every physiological process that occurs within the body. They are necessary for countless metabolic processes, including converting glucose into energy, carrying oxygen in your blood, and recognizing and destroying foreign pathogens. Knowing the structure of the proteins that perform these essential functions is paramount to understanding how they work normally and why mutations lead to disease.

Although proteins are involved in innumerable diseases, they may also be key in the development of therapeutic treatments. By understanding protein structure, scientists can design small molecules and even novel proteins that can treat a variety of diseases. This course provides an introduction to protein and nucleic acid structure as it relates to the essential functions that these macromolecules perform within cells.

Lectures focus on how protein structure relates to a variety of common human pathologies and on the therapies that are used to treat these diseases.

The Department of Public Health and Sustainability at UCLA Extension offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses including transfer-credit (XL), post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit-bearing general interest courses. UCLA Extension courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who hold advanced degrees, are passionate about teaching and impart knowledge within their field of expertise.

Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool. Qualified applicants who have a PhD in a discipline relevant to the course being taught plus a minimum of two years of professional experience in the field; or, MS/MA in a discipline relevant to the course being taught plus a minimum of five years of professional experience in the discipline encouraged to apply.

College-level teaching experience required. This course will be offered in the live online instruction format using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Course schedule for the Winter 2027 quarter:
Thursdays, 1/7/27-3/11/27 6:30PM-9:30PM PT

• Update course syllabus in consultation with the UCLA Extension Program Director using an approved syllabus template
• Prepare and deliver course materials and learning assessments in assigned format
• As clearly outlined in the syllabus, communicate the Teaching Objectives and Specific Learning Outcomes to students and review the grading policies of the course
• Throughout the quarter, provide timely feedback on outcome of all learning assessments. Post individual student scores on secure Canvas LMS no later than one week from the date of exam/assignment
• Evaluate student achievement of Specific Learning Outcomes and assign grades
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner no later than 2 weeks after the last date of course meeting
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner
• Communicate about administrative matters with Program Director and Program Representative in a timely manner
• Utilize the Canvas LMS as the platform for this course which is offered in the online instruction format
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: complete all hiring paperwork; submit updated quarterly syllabus; post bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website; review and sign quarterly contract; order required texts
• Employ cultural humility and competent teaching methodologies in the classroom inclusive of a diverse domestic and international student population
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Program Director as needed
• Keep final exams/papers for up to 13 weeks following the last class session of each course and allow students to access them during that time period

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies. For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits
, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges.

• PhD in a discipline relevant to the course being taught plus a minimum of two years of professional experience in the field; or, MS/MA in a discipline relevant to the course being taught plus a minimum of five years of professional experience in the discipline
• College-level…