College of Health Sciences

Glendale, AZ Campus

Midwestern University

Course Descriptions

Master of Biomedical Sciences Degree Program

Prerequisites are listed for those courses with such requirements. When no prerequisite is listed in a course description, it is implied that there is no prerequisite.

ANAT 503

Human Anatomy with Laboratory

This course provides an introduction to the study of human anatomy in a lecture and laboratory format. The course focuses on the gross anatomy of the body cavities, upper extremity, and head. Relevant embryological development of these regions is also included. Laboratory sessions include study of human cadaver prosections and dissection of portions of other vertebrate specimens. Student progress is evaluated through written and practical examinations.

Credits: 4

BMED 510

Research Topics and Methods

The course explores a variety of research and professional issues pertinent to the basic scientist such as current policy, bioethical issues, and funding issues. Fundamentals of the scientific method and its limitations, research design, descriptive statistics, and information gathering are also discussed. The format of the class includes both lecture and small group discussion. The course is intended to provide each student with a broad understanding of professional research topics and issues with a view toward stimulating ideas for the master's research project.

Credits: 2

BMED 511

Research Design and Statistics

This course provides an overview of research designs and basic statistical approaches used in basic science, applied and descriptive research. The course teaches basic research skills used in all disciplines of the health professions, lays the groundwork for each student's master's project, and aids in the interpretation of research presented in the literature.

Credits: 3

BMED 512

Research Literature Review

This course is an independent study course designed to give master's students the opportunity to perform the literature research necessary for completion of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree.

Credits: 2

BMED 515

Research Protocol

This course is an independent study course designed to give master's students the opportunity to develop a specific, comprehensive research protocol that will be implemented during completion of the Master of Biomedical Sciences Degree.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: BMED 512 Research Literature Review

BMED 519

Laboratory Rotation

Rotations are designed to introduce students to laboratory research in a practical setting. They also assist the student in choosing a laboratory for thesis work. The quarter will be divided into three, 3-week sections. In each section, students will perform a 20-hour rotation in a research laboratory under the supervision of a faculty preceptor. During rotations, students will learn laboratory safety, notebook keeping, and basic laboratory techniques.

Credits: 1.5

BMED 524

Immunology

This is a basic immunology course focusing on the concepts and components of the human immune system, with clinical examples presented when appropriate for enhancing comprehension of the material. The course will discuss established paradigms, experimental approaches, and biotechnological applications of immunology. Instruction and assessment will focus on acquisition and application of basic knowledge, as well as creative and critical thinking skills.

Credits: 2

BMED 525

Microbiology I

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

BMED 526

Microbiology II

This course uses the transcendent concepts introduced in BMED 525 Microbiology I to study infection, mechanisms of pathogenicity, and specific bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic diseases. The course includes student reviews of the microbiological literature, discussion of concepts, and integration of current topics.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites: BMED 524 Immunology; BMED 525 Microbiology I

BMED 541

Genetics

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

BMED 550

Biochemistry

This course covers the structures, properties, chemistry, and metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids within the context of human biochemistry. The regulation and integration of metabolism at the cellular and tissue levels within the human body during the fed and fasting states will be emphasized. Correlations to disease processes are used to illustrate clinical applications of biochemical concepts. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed with problem sets.

Credits: 3

BMED 554

Molecular Cell Biology

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

BMED 574, 575

Pharmacology I, II

These courses introduce students to the general principles of drug action, drug dynamics and kinetics, toxicities, and therapeutic uses as related to humans. Students learn about common drugs affecting major organ systems of the body, namely, the autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, cardiovascular and renal systems. Specific drugs for the treatment of arrhythmias, angina, congestive heart failure, hypertension and hyperlipdemias will be discussed. (Core Sequence 3)

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Prerequisite for BMED 575 Pharmacology II: BMED 574 Pharmacology I

BMED 594

Research Seminar

This course is designed to expose students to a variety of scientific disciplines and projects, accomplished by attendance at the research faculty seminar series. Additionally, each student will be expected to present a seminar to the faculty on the subject of his or her choice.

Credits: 1

BMED 605-609

Journal Club

This 5-quarter sequence consists of weekly meetings for in-depth discussions of current research articles. These classes will greatly enhance the opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking skills. In the Winter Quarter, both first-year and second-year students will be in the class, allowing interactions between advanced and beginning students.

Credits: 1

BMED 612

Good Laboratory Practice

This course reviews requirements and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and International Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Compliance issues and inspection procedures are covered for organizations involved in product safety testing in animals and the environment. A historical perspective is presented as to the development of the regulations and non-traditional safety testing. Quality assurance programs and management's responsibility will also be discussed.

Credits: 3

BMED 614

Advanced Research Design and Statistics

This course follows from BMED 511 Research Design and Statistics and reviews advanced statistics used in biomedical and educational research. Topics covered include two and three-way analysis of variance, multiple regression and correlation analysis, nested designs, post hoc analysis, advanced non-parametric analysis, meta analysis, survey design, etc.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: BMED 511 Research Design and Statistics

BMED 680-689

Laboratory Research

The program culminates in a laboratory or clinical research project. It is the student's responsibility to identify a research mentor and laboratory (or clinical setting) in which to conduct their research. The student is required to take one or more credits of Laboratory Research each quarter beginning spring of the first year. Credits taken each quarter will depend on the research project, elective courses, and credits needed to retain full time status. A minimum of 24 credit hours is required for the degree. There is no limit to number of research credits that can be taken.

Credits: 1-10 credits per quarter

Prerequisites: BMED 510 Research Topics and Methods; BMED 511 Research Design and Statistics; BMED 512 Research Literature Review

BMED 690-697

Research Thesis

The thesis is the culmination of the program. It describes the objective, research question, and design of the project; data analysis; and conclusions based on the information gathered. The student's Research Committee approves the proposal, oversees the research project, and approves the final research thesis. Credits taken each quarter will depend on the research project, laboratory research, elective courses, and credits needed to retain full time status. A minimum of 4 credit hours is required for the degree.

Credits: 1-4 credits per quarter

Prerequisites: BMED 510 Research Topics and Methods; BMED 511 Research Design and Statistics; BMED 512 Research Literature Review; BMED 515 Research Protocol

HIST 502

Histology

The purpose of histology is to acquire a basic foundation in the structure of cells, tissues, and selected organ systems. This knowledge assists the healthcare professional in interpreting laboratory test results and in assessing normal versus pathologic structure. The histology terminology taught is the vocabulary for continuing medical education used throughout the healthcare professional's career.

Credits: 3

PHYS 1571, 1582

Human Physiology I, II

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

College of Health Sciences

Glendale, AZ Campus

Midwestern University

Course Descriptions

Master of Biomedical Sciences Degree Program

Abbreviation/Number

Course Name