Course descriptions
BMS 6003 Medical Genetics (3 credits)
The course covers fundamental principles of medical genetics integrated with biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology, supplemented with case presentations and problem solving. Medical Genetics introduces and reinforces fundamental concepts of human genetics through lectures, clinical scenarios and problem solving formats. Class topics will be covered in lecture and small and large-group discussion session formats.
BMS 6004 Medical Molecular Biology (3 credits)
The course covers fundamental concepts of prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology, as they relate to human health and diseases. The topics will be presented as lectures, team-based learning activities and whole class discussion. In addition, student will evaluate current scientific literature related to course topics. The course introduces and reinforces some of the fundamental basic science concepts through the examples of human diseases and experimental data. Throughout the course an effort will be made to indicate the relevance of prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology to clinical medicine. Discussions will emphasize the implications of research data in medicine. Course content will be covered in lecture and small-group discussion formats. Students within the groups will have to work collaboratively as well as independently.
BMS 6013 Medical Cell Biology and Biochemistry (3 credits)
The course covers fundamental concepts of cell biology and biochemistry, as they relate to human health and diseases. The topics will be presented as lectures, team-based learning activities and whole class discussion. In addition, students will evaluate current scientific literature related to course topics. The course introduces and reinforces some of the fundamental basic science concepts through the examples of human diseases and experimental data. Throughout the course an effort will be made to indicate the relevance of cell biology and biochemistry to clinical medicine. Discussions will emphasize the implications of research data in medicine. Course content will be covered in lecture and small-group discussion formats. Students within the groups will have to work collaboratively as well as independently.
BMS 6130 Pathology and Medical Histology (3 credits)
Pathology and Medical Histology is an introductory course in the study of normal tissues and organs and how these are affected by disease. The course focuses on educating students on the appropriate vocabulary as it relates to histology and pathology, to the art and skill needed to understand images and interpret what they are and what they imply regarding health and disease, and to concepts related to the basis of clinical laboratory medicine.
BMS 6301 Medical Microbiology and Immunology (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the students to the general principles of infections, host responses and the pathogen's evasion of these protections that are relevant for a foundation in clinical medicine. An overview of microbes (bacteria, viruses, prions, protozoa, fungi, and parasites) important to human disease, their diseases and disease processes will be presented. The beneficial and pathogenic aspects of the antimicrobial immune response will be introduced. The discussion will also include evasion strategies used by pathogens against the antimicrobial immune response and antimicrobial therapies. The material will be introduced to the basic concepts, model microbes and their diseases and immunology through lecture and will be guided through self learning strategies with case based presentations, small, clinically relevant group discussions and daily formative quizzes.
BMS 6501 Medical Physiology (3 credits)
This course is designed to introduce students to the essential concepts of Medical Physiology. Medical Physiology will be taught using an organ system approach, emphasizing the interplay of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and systems to maintain normal function of the human body. The course will employ a combination of didactic lectures, covering normal body function, and small group activities, which will include case based discussions and application exercises. Clinical correlates will be included whenever possible. Students are expected to gain knowledge in physiology, and to apply this knowledge in the appropriate clinical context.
GMS 6922 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences I (1 credit)
GMS 6923 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences II (1 credit)
The aim of this two-semester course sequence is to provide students with a small structured learning environment in which to analyze the relationships between concepts, and develop the ability to evaluate, synthesize and integrate information. These are skills necessary for success in science and non-science courses, as well as for success on standardized exams. A primary emphasis of the course is developing a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and professional skills in the medical sciences, through detailed analysis of problems, discussion and learning issues. In addition, students will learn strategies for developing and addressing medical issues, concept mapping, and using literature, websites and textbooks effectively. Students will meet regularly with an advisor.
