Biomedical Sciences

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 poster and manuscript format in the spring quarter. The course will focus on critical review of pre-clinical and clinical literature, research topic selection, and the requirements for the Capstone project. Successful completion of the course requires selecting research team members, identifying a healthcare topic with a biomedical focus, and completion of critical thinking assignments.

This course provides an introduction to the foundational philosophical concepts that underpin and justify research in the biomedical sciences, including epistemology (theories of knowledge), ontology (theories of being) and ethics (theories of responsible conduct). The course aims to develop critical thinking and writing skills and to familiarize students with factors that both legitimize and establish the limits of scientific inquiry as well as guide its everyday practice.

The objectives of this course are to improve critical thinking skills, introduce argumentation and argumentative writing, and to familiarize the student with some of the prominent ethical dilemmas in contemporary clinical medicine.

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.

Graduate level introduction to central microbiological concepts orients students to current ideas and directions in the field. The course covers the basic biology of the major groups of microbiota; the relationships between microbes and their environment, between microbes, and between microbes and their hosts; genetics and evolution of microbes through the mechanisms of genome plasticity; and the relationship between microbial evolution and disease.

This course uses the transcendent concepts from Microbiology I to study viruses, fungi, eukaryotic parasites and prions. Mechanisms of virulence, specific infectious diseases, and treatment options are addressed. The course includes guest lectures from prominent experts in infectious disease and public heath, and special topics.

This course will introduce the student to classical, population, quantitative, and molecular genetics. In general, the course will be taught from a medical perspective, while keeping in mind the evolutionary significance of pathological alleles. Topics included are: the human genome, core DNA technologies, genetic variation, mendelian transmission of traits, genetic basis of diseases, epigenetics, cancer genetics, genetic approaches to treating disease, risk assessment, genetic counseling, and ethical issues in clinical genetics.

This course covers the structures, functions and metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids within the context of medical biochemistry. The regulation and integration of metabolism at the cellular and tissue levels during the fed and fasting states will be emphasized. Correlations to disease processes and the biochemical basis of common clinical laboratory tests are used to illustrate clinical applications of biochemical concepts. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed using weekly problem sessions.

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, DNA replication, regulation of gene expression, protein trafficking and turnover, cell signaling and regulation of cell survival and death. The course ends with a discussion of cell biology concepts in the context of human disease. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are assessed as students are trained for professional level courses.

This course begins with principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics as related to humans. The underlying physiology and pathology of disease is discussed as students learn about common drugs affecting major organ systems of the body, in particular the autonomic nervous system.

This course continues on the material presented in BMMAG 574, covering pathophysiology and drugs of the cardiovascular and renal systems, the central nervous system, hemostasis, the autocoids, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the endocrine system, and chemotherapy.

The program culminates in a laboratory (or clinical research) project. It is the student’s responsibility to identify a research advisor/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 winter 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 the number of research credits that can be taken.

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 manuscript on a topic of the student’s choice and presentation of the topic in a research poster format. Throughout the course, the student is required to show progression on the project through submission of outlines and drafts of thee student’s manuscript and poster. This course will be initiated during the winter quarter and will be completed during the spring quarter.

The purpose of this course is to help students understand the admissions process for postbaccalaureate programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health professional programs. This is accomplished by discussing the variety of healthcare professions available and assisting the student in the skills necessary to be a successful candidate (interviewing skills, writing a personal statement, creating a resume, and selecting an appropriate professional school).

This course consists of weekly meetings for in-depth discussions of current research articles. This class will greatly enhance the opportunities for students to develop their critical thinking skills.

This course focuses on the molecular and biological aspects of human viruses. Emphasis will be placed on the viral genetics, viral replication cycle, and diseases caused by members of the major virus families. Additionally, the historical significance of specific viruses will be highlighted along with current outbreaks around the globe.

This course provides an introduction to the study of physical activity and its effects on human health. Emphasis will be on acute and chronic physiologic responses to various types of exercise. Human adaptations to physical activity and animal models of those human adaptations will be discussed based on reviews of current literature. For those seeking careers in the health professions or graduate school, it provides an evidence-based perspective of how physical activity impacts human health and performance.

This course (consisting of lecture and workshops) introduces the principles of precision medicine, the application of genomics research and technology in the clinic. The course is taught from an applied medical perspective, keeping in mind the role of genomics and evolution in health and disease. Topics include the genomic basis of disease, cancer genomics, genomic profiling technology and analysis platforms, bioinformatics, molecular sequence analysis, multiomics, genomic medicine, genetic counseling, and ethical issues in clinical genomics.

This course provides an introduction to cancer and the biological aspects of tumor growth. Emphasis will be on the development and progression of cancer. Selected methods of cancer diagnosis and therapy will be discussed based on reviews of current literature. For those seeking careers in the health professions or graduate school, it provides perspective and foundation.

This course is an introductory survey intended to provide basic understanding of the nervous system from anatomical to cellular levels. Topics of focus include nervous system development and organization, basic neuronal function, sensory perception, and pathology and treatment of prevalent neurologic/psychiatric disorders. This interdisciplinary course integrates basic concepts in cellular, biology, pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology and provides context to the most recent advances in our understanding of neuropathology.

The program culminates in a laboratory (or clinical research) project. It is the student’s responsibility to identify a research advisor/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 winter 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 the number of research credits that can be taken.

The Advanced Topics series is an opportunity for students to receive individualized or small group instruction on advanced topics in the biomedical sciences as well as topics related to broader aspects of biomedicine, such as public health, social aspects of clinical practice, and research in basic and applied sciences. Course formats may include lecture, discussion, laboratory, workshop or other forms.

The Advanced Topics series is an opportunity for students to receive individualized or small group instruction on advanced topics in the biomedical sciences as well as topics related to broader aspects of biomedicine, such as public health, social aspects of clinical practice, and research in basic and applied sciences. Course formats may include lecture, discussion, laboratory, workshop or other forms.

This independent study-style course is intended to allow students to explore topics of interest not otherwise covered in the curriculum. Students must identify a faculty member to oversee and approve the independent study and meet with faculty to discuss the topic and formulate a plan of study. Students will present generalized findings at the end of the course. Usually, the course will involve an academic review of pertinent literature and the writing of a review paper.

This course provides an introduction to the foundational philosophical concepts that underpin and justify research in the biomedical sciences, including epistemology (theories of knowledge), ontology (theories of being) and ethics (theories of responsible conduct). The course aims to develop critical thinking and writing skills and to familiarize students with factors that both legitimize and establish the limits of scientific inquiry as well as guide its everyday practice.

Rotations are designed to introduce students to laboratory research in a practical setting. The rotations 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.

Graduate level introduction to central microbiological concepts orients students to current ideas and directions in the field. The course covers the basic biology of the major groups of microbiota; the relationships between microbes and their environment, between microbes, and between microbes and their hosts; genetics and evolution of microbes through the mechanisms of genome plasticity; and the relationship between microbial evolution and disease. (Core Sequence 2)

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.

These courses provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn and fine-tune their skills in oral scientific presentation in front of an audience (faculty, research staff and peers), provide exposure to other research areas and disciplines and promote interprofessional collaborations on Midwestern University campus. The topic for oral presentations will be chosen by the graduate student in consultation with the student’s research supervisor(s).

These courses provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn and fine-tune their skills in oral scientific presentation in front of an audience (faculty, research staff and peers), provide exposure to other research areas and disciplines and promote interprofessional collaborations on Midwestern University campus. The topic for oral presentations will be chosen by the graduate student in consultation with the student’s research supervisor(s).

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.

This course provides an introduction to the foundational philosophical concepts that underpin and justify research in the biomedical sciences, including epistemology (theories of knowledge), ontology (theories of being) and ethics (theories of responsible conduct). The course aims to develop critical thinking and writing skills and to familiarize students with factors that both legitimize and establish the limits of scientific inquiry as well as guide its everyday practice.