Holly Jones-Taggart, PhD
Associate Professor
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Dr. Jones-Taggart’s laboratory-based research involves investigating cancer cell responses to extracellular stimuli that are known activators of motility, growth and survival pathways in cells—how environmental toxins and hormones affect gene expression and cell signalling.
Full biography
After earning her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Western University in London, Ontario, Dr. Holly Jones-Taggart spent three years in a post-doctoral research position at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. At , Dr. Jones-Taggart’s laboratory-based research involves investigating cancer cell responses to extracellular stimuli that are known activators of motility, growth and survival pathways in cells—how environmental toxins and hormones affect gene expression and cell signalling. She is also involved in projects concerning nutritional genomics education and case-study integration into health sciences courses because of her interest in technology-enhanced teaching and learning. Ontario Tech University
Areas of expertise
Courses
- HLSC 3463UHuman Genetics in SocietyWe are living in the post-genomics era. The human genome has been sequenced and the analysis of its code to reveal the function of its genes in health and disease is making breathtaking progress. There is considerable new knowledge that must now be applied in the health professions, and an understanding of the exciting topics within the field of genetics is an essential component of health sciences education. This course will begin by covering the principles of human genetics and heredity while highlighting the issues of genetics in our society. The second half of the course will concentrate on understanding the genetic basis of human disease and the impacts of genomics on healthcare.
- HLSC 0880UScience BridgeThis course provides students with opportunity to review and enrich their knowledge in science concepts which are fundamental to the study of health science. Review of essential mathematics, physics, chemistry and human biology will be provided. Assignments will be designed to assess and develop skills in scientific inquiry and application of fundamental science and mathematics to situations encountered in professional practice.
- HLSC 2462UAltered Physiology: Mechanisms of Disease IThis course is an introduction to how normal physiology becomes altered through the course of human disease and focuses on the biological mechanisms that drive those changes. It initially concentrates on central concepts of human disease, such as abnormal states in cell and tissue biology, the principles behind genetic disorders, immunity, inflammation, hypersensitivities, stress and disease and cancer. These principles become essential to understanding the pathogenesis of common diseases affecting the neurological, urinary, digestive,reproductive and hematologic systems.
- HLSC 2463UAltered Physiology: Mechanisms of Disease IIThis course continues to build on the mechanisms of disease progression occurring in specific systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine musculo‐skeletal, and integumentary. A good understanding of normal anatomy and physiology, and a solid understanding of disease concepts from Altered Physiology I are essential prerequisites.
- HLSC 1200UAnatomy and Physiology IThis course introduces normal anatomy and physiology as scientific disciplines. Focusing on homeostasis and the interrelationships of structure and function as the underpinnings for the maintenance of life, the human organization from the molecular to the system levels will be studied, with specific attention to the organization of the human body, principles of support and movement, and the nervous system. Students will also develop a working scientific vocabulary to communicate effectively within the scientific community. This is the introductory component of a two-semester investigation of human biology.
- HLSC 1201UAnatomy and Physiology IIThis course is a continuation of HLSC 1200U – Anatomy and Physiology I. With continued focus on homeostasis and the interrelationships of structure and function, focus will be on the systems level of human physiology. The scientific investigation of the circulatory systems including both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems are further areas of study, along with the respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The concept of homeostasis will be investigated in depth as it relates to fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balances.
- BIOL 2030UCell BiologyProvides a basic knowledge of the structural and functional properties of cells. Emphasizes the mechanisms by which signalling molecules and the process of signal transduction integrate and co-ordinate the functions of many individual cells in a multi-cellular organism. Explores factors regulating the cell cycle and growth.
- BIOL 2020UGenetics and Molecular BiologyAn introduction to the fields of genetics and molecular biology. Topics include the science of inheritance, DNA structure and replication, meiosis, regulation of gene expression, sex-linked inheritance, analyzing inheritance and heredity, human genetic disorders, and the molecular biology technology on which DNA cloning, and construction of recombinant DNA and of transgenic organisms are based on.
- APBS 6700GAdvances in Applied BioscienceThis course will explore the current state of research in applied biosciences through a combination of group discussions and presentations. Students will be expected to utilize library resources and online databases to search for pertinent information on new, state-of-the-art technologies and fundamental advances in knowledge within the diverse field of bioscience.
- HLSC 5060GSpecial Topics in Health Sciences ResearchThis course is designed to enable students to focus their research on a particular area in health sciences under the supervision of the thesis supervisor or other qualified faculty. Students investigate specific areas of interest to further their theoretical and research foundation in the health sciences.
Education
- PhD in Molecular BiologyUniversity of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
- BScH in BiologyQueen's University, Kingston, Ontario