First-Year Curriculum
2002-2003 Catalog
| Course Biology of Cells and Tissues Clinical Ethics in Medicine Endocrinology Human Anatomy Human Behavior and Psychopathology Medical Biochemistry Medical Embryology Medical Genetics Medical Neuroscience Medical Physiology |
Credits 1.5 0.5 0.5 2.0 1.5 2.0 0.5 0.5 2.0 1.5 |
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Biology of Cells and Tissues
This is a lecture and laboratory course designed as an introduction to the study of cells, organized tissues and organ systems at levels of the light and electron microscopes. Emphasis is on structure-function interrelationships between specific cell types in organized tissue systems. The first part of the course covers the functional morphology of cells and their organelles, chemical composition of cellular components and products, cell surfaces and movement, and a histological and ultrastructural survey of cells and tissues. The bulk of the course is devoted to the systematic survey of the histology of the organ systems of the body. Approximately 50 laboratory hours are devoted to studies in ultrastructure and histology.Clinical Ethics in Medicine
In order to do ethical analysis, students must understand certain issues in clinical medicine and behavioral medicine. In this course, students are divided into small groups to discuss cases in a problem-based format. Each group has two faculty facilitators who guide the discussions. Cases revolve around important contemporary issues including confidentiality, doctor-patient relationship, advance directives, informed consent, competence, allocation of scarce resources, assisted suicide and domestic violence.Endocrinology
This course covers endocrinology, reproductive physiology, human development and selected aspects of endocrine pathophysiology in a multidisciplinary approach. The course offers an overview of the structural, functional and biochemical aspects of the cells and organs of internal secretion and of those tissues that are prime targets of hormones secreted by endocrine glands. The course consists of an in-depth consideration of hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, endocrine pancreas, parathyroid, adrenal and gonadal function as well as detailed discussion of such hormonally dependent exocrine glands as the seminal vesicles, prostate, endometrium and mammary glands. Special emphasis is placed on spermiation, ovulation, fertilization, implantation and pregnancy. In addition, human reproduction and the use of antifertility agents in the control of population growth are discussed. Although the course consists primarily of basic science material, a significant portion is devoted to the presentation and discussion of selected clinical cases that exemplify derangement of male and female endocrine and reproductive function.Human Anatomy
Students working in groups of four on a rotating schedule dissect the major structures of the human body. Prosections and demonstration specimens are provided for amplification and clarification of adult anatomy. Films that illustrate the anatomy and development of selected regions of the body are available for repetitive viewing by students. Lectures by staff and members of the volunteer faculty stress the more important aspects of anatomy and development, especially as they relate to the practice of medicine.The laboratory work is further supplemented by sessions directed by staff members from the Department of Radiology in which radiological techniques are used to illustrate parts of the bony skeleton as well as the thoracic and abdominal viscera.
Human Behavior and Psychopathology
This course combines discussion of the basic sciences concerning human behavior with the pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment of mental disorders. The semester-long course uses a range of educational techniques (small-group teaching, patient interviews, lectures, computer media and objective-criterion examinations) to permit a flexible approach to mastery of the course material. The course examines human psychosocial development, explores the biopsychosocial underpinnings of behavior, and provides an introduction to the clinical features, causes and treatment of mental disorders. While mastering this content, students may develop their first skills in clinical interviewing and examining patients, understanding their own and others' reactions to illness, and other aspects of the physician's professional role.Medical Biochemistry
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of modern biochemistry as applied to medicine. The course covers topics such as the nature and properties of enzymes; bioenergetics and the metabolism of carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds; lipids and hormones; and storage, transmission and expression of genetic information. Particular emphasis is placed on those aspects of biochemistry relevant to medical problems.Medical Embryology
Lectures are organized by organ system, beginning with a clinical problem and working to understand that problem through stages in development. Supplemental materials include a companion Web site, embryology textbooks on reserve and computerized teaching programs available in the student resource center.Medical Genetics
This course introduces the basic principles of human genetics and their application to clinical medicine -- chromosome abnormalities, genetic patterns of inheritance, inborn errors of metabolism, multifactorial inheritance, population genetics, gene mapping and identification, genetic screening, cancer genetics, pharmacogenetics, gene therapy, genetic counseling, and ethical issues and decision making in medical genetics.Medical Neuroscience
This course consists of lectures and laboratory work supplemented by group conferences. It is offered in conjunction with Medical Physiology by the Center for Basic Neuroscience and the Department of Physiology with assistance from the departments of Neurology, Internal Medicine, Cell Biology and Biochemistry. Basic concepts in anatomy and membrane physiology are emphasized early in the course. This is followed by a more comprehensive study of function based on organ systems. Emphasis is placed on the practical and integrative aspects of human physiology and neurobiology.The general purpose of the course is to offer students an opportunity not only to acquire knowledge of normal human body function but also to analyze physiologic problems that may be encountered in disease.
Medical Physiology
This course examines the physiological function and regulation of major organ systems of the human body. These systems include the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the renal system and the gastrointestinal system. Instruction consists of lectures, small-group conferences and computer-aided exercises. The course not only emphasizes mechanistic and integrative functions of normal physiology but also introduces and explores abnormal function that occurs in many human diseases.