Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences is designed to reinforce foundational science concepts through the study of human disease and experimental data—providing a strong foundation for the clinical sciences. The curriculum mirrors content covered in the first year of medical school and is taught in person by College of Medicine faculty. The program includes a total of eight graduate-level courses delivered over two semesters.

• Courses

  Students take four courses each semester—three biomedical science courses and one professional skills course. The six biomedical science courses will be chosen from eight of the following courses:

  Course list

  BMS 6004 Medical Molecular Biology BMS 6013 Medical Cell Biology and Biochemistry BMS 6301 Medical Microbiology and Immunology GMS 6615 Descriptive Human Anatomy for Biomedical Sciences GMS 6922 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences I

  BMS 6003 Medical Genetics BMS 6130 Pathology and Medical Histology BMS 6501 Medical Physiology GMS 6922 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences I GMS 6923 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences II

• Course Descriptions

  BMS 6003 Medical Genetics
  Medical Genetics introduces and reinforces fundamental concepts of human genetics, integrated with biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology through lectures, case presentations, clinical scenarios, and problem-solving formats. The course is provided in lecture and small and large-group discussion session formats.

  BMS 6004 Medical Molecular Biology
  The course introduces and reinforces fundamental basic science concepts through examples of human diseases and experimental data. The course aims to indicate the relevance of prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology to clinical medicine. Discussions will emphasize the implications of research data in medicine. This course is held 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
  The course covers fundamental concepts of cell biology and biochemistry as they relate to human health and diseases. The course pursues the relevance of cell biology and biochemistry to clinical medicine. Discussions will emphasize the implications of research data in medicine. The course is 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
  Pathology and Medical Histology is an introductory course in the study of normal tissues and organs and how they are affected by diseases. The course focuses on educating students on the appropriate vocabulary relating to histology and pathology, the art and skill needed to understand images, how to interpret what they are and what they imply regarding health and disease, and concepts related to the basis of clinical laboratory medicine.

  BMS 6301 Medical Microbiology and Immunology
  This course will introduce students to the general principles of infections, host responses, and pathogen evasion of these protections that are relevant for a foundation in clinical medicine. Discussions will include evasion strategies pathogens use against the antimicrobial immune response and antimicrobial therapies, an overview of microbes important to human disease, their diseases and disease processes, and the beneficial and pathogenic aspects of the antimicrobial immune response. The material will be presented through lectures and guided with self-learning strategies, case-based presentations, small, clinically relevant group discussions, and daily formative quizzes.

  BMS 6404 Medical Pharmacology
  The course covers fundamental principles of basic and clinical pharmacology integrated with biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, physiology, pathology, and genetics. Medical Pharmacology introduces concepts of basic and clinical pharmacology through lectures, clinical scenarios, and problem-solving formats. Class topics will be covered in small & large-group discussion formats, and in-class labs.

  BMS 6501 Medical Physiology
  This course will introduce students to the essential concepts of medical physiology using an organ system approach. Coursework emphasizes 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, small group activities, case-based discussions, and application exercises. Clinical correlates will be included whenever possible. Students will learn physiology and how to apply it in the appropriate clinical context.

  BMS 6551 Descriptive Human Anatomy for Biomedical Sciences
  The course offers a comprehensive exploration of human anatomy within the context of modern biomedical sciences, integrating human anatomical studies with other disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and genetics. Students will engage with anatomical concepts through clinical case studies, medical imaging, and comparative analysis of healthy and disease states, thereby preparing students for advanced biomedical studies and health-related professional programs.

  GMS 6922 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences I
  GMS 6923 Professional Skills in Medical Sciences II
  This two-semester course sequence will provide students with a small, structured learning environment to analyze the relationships between concepts and develop the ability to evaluate, synthesize and integrate information. These skills are necessary for success in science and non-science courses and 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.