Didactic Basic Science Course Descriptions
Summer Semester
60:111 Gross Human Anatomy (6 s.h.)
Regional dissection, programmed instruction, lectures, and demonstrations with special emphasis on the use of gross human anatomy in physical diagnosis. Full cadaver dissection with 4 students to a cadaver.
72:164 Human Physiology (4 s.h.)
Required for and open to only to students in the Physician Assistant Program. Taught in conjunction with anatomy and biochemistry. Lectures, Laboratory and discussion.
99:164 Biochemistry (3 s.h.)
As a second course in biochemistry, lectures and readings will focus on the interrelationships between biochemistry and human disease, using diabetes mellitus as a model illustrating these relationships.
117:101 Introduction to the Medical History and Physical Examination (3 s.h.)
Students will receive a description of sound, basic examination techniques required in clinical data gathering. The concept of problem-oriented medical records will be reviewed and applied to (1) obtaining an accurate health history and (2) detecting variations from the normal state through the physical exam. Interviewing skills, the art of inspection and observation, and the use of medical equipment will be included.
117:103 Clinical Decision Making I (1 s.h.)
Students will participate in a focused review of the basic concepts of research design and statistics as they apply specifically to the medical research literature, in order to form a basis for sound, evidence-based, clinical decision making.
Fall Semester
50:174 Foundations of Clinical Practice III (5 s.h.)
This course acquaints students with the clinical skills necessary for becoming a practitioner. Students experience early interaction with patients and focus on the necessary communication skills. Through problem-based learning, the course also fosters independent learning methods, including self-directed learning and analytical skills. Taken with second year medical students.
61:104 Principles of Infectious Disease (5 s.h.)
Principles and methods essential to the study of microorganisms, their isolation and identification; microorganisms in infectious diseases; current immunology concepts. Taken with second year medical students.
69:133 Introduction to Human Pathology (4 s.h.)
Comprehensive analysis of human disease by organ systems and analysis of case problems utilizing morphology and clinical laboratory observations.
71:125 Pharmacology (6 s.h.)
Lectures and discussions; general principles; correlates pharmacodynamic actions and therapeutic uses of drugs; emphasis on pharmacologic approach to treatment of disease in man. Taken with second-year medical students.
Spring Semester
50:175 Foundations of Clinical Practice IV (13 s.h.)
A hands-on introduction to the clinical disciplines where students apply basic medical science knowledge to the care of patients. Includes preventive and behavioral medicine and human sexuality. After completing this course, students are able to obtain a medical history and perform a thorough physical examination, and systematically apply their findings to formulate a diagnosis. Taken with second year medical students.
50:182 Ethics, Law & Policy (2 s.h.)
Introduces M.D. and PA students to health care ethics, law, and policy. Students learn to appreciate the inseparable relationship between medicine and ethics, recognize key ethical obligations and challenges common in medical practice, identify sources of ethical value commonly used in ethical reasoning, and apply a systematic approach to clinical ethical reasoning. They learn fundamental legal doctrines and theories that relate to business and professional aspects of the law pertaining to health care delivery. They also develop an understanding of the relationship and contrasts between ethics and law in medical practice, and they gain familiarity with the ways in which health policy influences medical practice. Taken with second year medical students.
69:130 Clinical Lab Medicine (1 s.h.)
Lectures and laboratory; theory and practice of selected clinical laboratory techniques and procedures, with emphasis on effective utilization of the clinical laboratory in the diagnosis and management of disease states.
117:104 Clinical Decision Making II (1 s.h.)
An introduction to the core concepts of evidenced-based medicine in which students will develop the knowledge and practical skills to search any medical literature for answers to clinical questions, and then critically appraise the evidence that they find.