Course Descriptions

This course helps the student begin the necessary preparation for the Capstone Project; an integrative summation of learning on a selected topic presented in a portfolio and poster in the spring quarter. The course will focus on poster topic selection, including basic science aspects, and the requirements for the Capstone Portfolio. Successful completion of the course requires selecting partners, identifying a disease/healthcare topic and biomedical focus, submitting a proposed poster outline, and developing a Portfolio Education Plan.

Credits: 1

This introduction to the central concepts of microbiology is intended to orient students to current ideas and directions in microbiology. Objectives include: 1) introduce the basic structures and biological activities of the major groups of microbiota, 2) develop an understanding of the relationship between microbes, and between microbes and their hosts, and 3) provide students with an appreciation of the relationship between microbial evolution and disease. The course includes student reviews of the microbiological literature, discussion of concepts, and integration of topics.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

BMED 550 Biochemistry

This lecture course will introduce the student to the principles of genetics from a medical perspective, with specific topics drawn from classical, population, quantitative, and molecular genetics. The course will include topics such as clinical cytogenetics, genetics of common disorders, genetic counseling, and personalized genetic medicine, in addition to the Mendelian transmission of traits, the Central Dogma and the analysis of protein structure and function, an understanding of biological variation in populations, and principles of polygenic inheritance.

Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the function of eukaryotic cells at the molecular level. Topics covered include cell structure, gene transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression, DNA replication, cell signaling, regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed using problem sets.

Credits: 3

This course represents the integrative summation of the required coursework in the Master's curriculum. Successful completion of the course requires the preparation of a scholarly, literature-based portfolio on a topic of the student's choice (usually a disease condition) and presentation of the topic in a research poster format. Throughout the course, the student is required to show progression on their topic through submission of outlines and drafts of their portfolio and poster presentation.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites

Successful completion of the first two quarters of the MA curriculum

In this two-quarter series, students are introduced to the basic physiological principles that underlie normal function of various organs and organ systems. Emphasis is given to developing an understanding of health in physiological terms and appreciating the diverse regulatory processes that maintain the homeostasis of the human body. Topics presented include a general study of cell function; properties of excitable cells; and the function of the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems.

Credits: 4 credits each course