Accelerated Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Credits: 4

This 2-semester course provides the student with an introduction to how organ systems, composed of cells and tissues, function in the body. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of basic mammalian and human physiology. This course will cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including organ systems, organs, cellular and subcellular levels. Organ systems covered in this 2-semester course include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal. Overall, students will gain a better understanding of body function. In addition, students will comprehend how certain basic and common pathological conditions alter human health and affect physiological function. This is a two-semester course, with part 1 running in the fall semester from August through December, and part 2 running from January through May.

Credits: 6

This course presents the structural organization and correlated function of the microanatomy of the human body. Since the cell is the basic element of all tissues, particular attention is paid to aspects of biochemical, molecular and cellular biological principles. The goal is to understand and apply the principles of biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and histology. Classes are taken alongside students enrolled in the school of medicine. This course runs for approximately 14 weeks.

Credits: 4

This course transitions the student from the “Foundational Principles" course and prepares the student to launch into the systems courses that proceed. The goal is to understand and apply the principles behind the susceptibility and development of disease in today’s population, with particular focus on genetics and metabolic pathways associated with disease. Students will also learn potential therapeutic strategies that aim to prevent and/or treat disease, illness and injury, along with clinical assessments needed for diagnosis. Classes are taken alongside students enrolled in the school of medicine. This course runs for approximately 5 weeks.

Credits: 1

This course presents the unique elements and strategies for effective scientific writing, using the review of select scientific journal articles as a working exercise for mastering this skill. “Foundational Principles” (BMSM 5110) is the companion course and needs to be taken in conjunction.

Credits: 4

This 2-semester course provides the student with an introduction to how organ systems, composed of cells and tissues, function in the body. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of basic mammalian and human physiology. This course will cover the functions of mammalian organisms on several levels including organ systems, organs, cellular and subcellular levels. Organ systems covered in this 2-semester course include cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal. Overall, students will gain a better understanding of body function. In addition, students will comprehend how certain basic and common pathological conditions alter human health and affect physiological function. This is a two-semester course, with part 1 running in the fall semester from August through December, and part 2 running from January through May. The course is composed of lectures, with 4 hours of lectures per week.

Credits: 8

This course will cover the basic principles by which our bodies defend against infectious diseases and aims to promote an understanding of the biology of pathogenic microorganisms in the disruption of cellular homeostatic processes. During the first part, emphasis will be placed on understanding canonical cellular interactions, pathways, and intricate regulatory circuits that underlie our immunologic responses to infections and towards understanding how select pathogens evade the defense system. In addition, components of the course will highlight how dysregulation of the immune system results in allergies, autoimmunity and ineffective responses to pathogens and cancer. Emphasis will also be placed on applying our knowledge towards understanding current vaccination and immunotherapeutic strategies, as well the development of future immunological-based therapies. As inflammation is a central component of our homeostatic repair process and the principles of “inflammation and repair” will also be covered. During the second part, principles of microbial pathogenicity will be presented from the perspective of both the microorganism and the host response. The concepts covered include the clinical significance and epidemiology/demographics, basic properties of microorganisms, their physiology, biochemistry and genetics, pertinent structures (virulence factors), pathogenesis (tissues and mechanism), clinical presentation and manifestations, antimicrobial therapeutics, antimicrobial resistance, host immune response (linked to the first part), laboratory diagnosis and disease prevention. Included are nosocomial infections and emerging and re-emerging diseases and global health issues and the role of the human microbiome in health and disease. Students are taking classes alongside students enrolled in the school of medicine. This course runs for approximately 8 weeks.

Prerequisites: BMSM 5110 and BMSM 5120. Limited to Accelerated Master's students only.

Credits: 5

This course will describe and relate neuroanatomical structures and their functional characteristics to the most common diseases of the nervous system. Particular attention is paid to the integration of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, etiology, epidemiology and principle of treatment as pertinent for nervous system diseases. The goal is to understand neuroscientific basis of neurological diseases (central / peripheral nervous systems and skeletal muscle). This course runs for approximately 8 weeks.

Credits: 0

This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the Master’s Literature Review is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School.