Biomedical Sciences

Courses

BISCD 0530: Professional Development

Credits 1.0
The purpose of this required pass/fail course is to provide students with skills that are necessary for professional development. The course will feature professionals from different disciplines who will discuss their professions and career paths. The course will also provide students training in interviewing, writing resumes/CVs, and personal statements.

BISCD 0540: Pathophysiology

Credits 4.0
This course is designed to discuss the etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of selected human disease conditions. A brief review of the normal physiology of each organ system will be discussed prior to presenting prominent disease conditions in each of the following areas: immune regulation; wound healing; hematologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, neural, and musculoskeletal systems. The information presented in this course will build on previous information obtained in Human Physiology I and II.

BISCD 0550: Professional Development

Credits 1.0
The purpose of this required pass/fail course is to provide students with skills that are necessary for professional development. The course will feature professionals from different disciplines who will discuss their professions and career paths. The course will also provide students training in interviewing, writing resumes/CVs, and personal statements.

BISCD 0552: Fundamentals of Research

Credits 3.0
The purpose of this required course is to provide students with basic training in common laboratory techniques. The course will also introduce students to issues related to biosafety, radiation safety, and good practices in research.

BISCD 0556: Research Design and Methodology

Credits 3.0
This course overviews the uses, values, and limitations of the scientific method. Quantitative, conceptual and model analysis, in-depth research techniques, current research of the literature, research design methods, and theory construction are presented.

BISCD 0557: Principles of Biostatistics

Credits 3.0
This course teaches students how to apply analytical and statistical techniques to make inferences about research findings. This course covers core principles of biostatistics including basic statistical techniques, introduction to descriptive statistics, statistical inference, significance tests, multiple comparisons tests, correlation and regression analyses. This course also teaches students how to run statistical analyses and create publication-ready figures using GraphPad Prism software.

BISCD 0560: Laboratory Research for Thesis

Credits 3.0

This required independent laboratory research project is the main objective of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree program. The project entails original research on a current basic science question. The intent of the project is to develop an appropriate research question, design the proper laboratory methodology to answer the question, and collect the appropriate data. This course can be taken for variable credit (1-6 credits) with prior program approval.

BISCD 0570: Ethics of Research and Experimentation

Credits 2.0
This course is intended to give students a broad overview of research ethics and regulation as it relates to human and animal research. Students develop an understanding of the historic and moral basis of research ethics including scientific integrity, research misconduct, research with human subjects, research with animal subjects, peer-review, plagiarism, and conflicts of interest.

BISCD 0581: Journal Club

Credits 2.0
This course will teach students how to build formal presentations and critique findings from published research articles. The instructor will provide lecture materials and interactive computer workshops designed to improve students' PowerPoint skills and public speaking abilities. Students will be required to read current, peer-reviewed primary research articles and summarize the findings into original, visually-oriented presentations. Individual feedback sessions with honest, constructive criticism will help students reach their potential as effective science communicators.

BISCD 0653: Seminar in the Biomedical Sciences

Credits 1.0

This course consists of students attending research seminars offered through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Seminar Series and Midwestern University’s Research Committee, as well as attending seminars presented by students enrolled in the course. In this required course each student must present one 30-minute seminar on an approved Biomedical Sciences topic of their choice that is not related to their research and complete required assignments designed to enhance the student’s scientific communication skills.

BISCD 0654: Seminar in the Biomedical Sciences

Credits 1.0

This course consists of students attending research seminars offered through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Seminar Series and Midwestern University’s Research Committee, as well as attending seminars presented by other students enrolled in the seminar course. In this required course, each student will present a 35- to 45-minute update of their thesis research project and complete required assignments designed to enhance the student’s scientific communication skills.

BISCD 0655, 0656: Seminar in the Biomedical Sciences for Dual Degree

Credits 1.0

These courses are designed to expose the student to a variety of scientific topics. This is accomplished by attendance at the research seminar series. The student is also expected to present a seminar on their thesis research and a seminar on a Biomedical Sciences topic of their choice.

BISCD 0660: Laboratory Research for Thesis

Credits 3.0

This required independent laboratory research project is the main objective of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree program. The project entails original research on a current basic science question. The intent of the project is to develop an appropriate research question, design the proper laboratory methodology to answer the question, and collect the appropriate data. This course can be taken for variable credit (1-6 credits) with prior program approval.

BISCD 0661: Laboratory Research for Thesis

Credits 4.0

This required independent laboratory research project is the main objective of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree program. The project entails original research on a current basic science question. The intent of the project is to develop an appropriate research question, design the proper laboratory methodology to answer the question, and collect the appropriate data. This course can be taken for variable credit (1-6 credits) with prior program approval.

BISCD 0662: Laboratory Research for Thesis

Credits 4.0

This required independent laboratory research project is the main objective of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree program. The project entails original research on a current basic science question. The intent of the project is to develop an appropriate research question, design the proper laboratory methodology to answer the question, and collect the appropriate data. This course can be taken for variable credit (1-6 credits) with prior program approval.

BISCD 0663: Laboratory Research for Thesis

Credits 3.0

This required independent laboratory research project is the main objective of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree program. The project entails original research on a current basic science question. The intent of the project is to develop an appropriate research question, design the proper laboratory methodology to answer the question, and collect the appropriate data. This course can be taken for variable credit (1-6 credits) with prior program approval.

BISCD 0665: Thesis Proposal

Credits 3.0

This course is an independent study course designed to give students the opportunity to perform literature research and develop a thesis proposal necessary for completion of the Master of Biomedical Sciences degree.

BISCD 0680: Thesis

Credits 4.0

The research project culminates with the analysis of experimental data, development of appropriate conclusions based on the information gathered, and summarizing the research findings in publication format. The student will also make a public presentation of the project to the Midwestern University community. The Thesis Committee approves the proposal, oversees the research project, and approves the final research thesis. Students who do not complete all thesis requirements will be enrolled in thesis continuation for subsequent quarters.

BISCD 0681: Literature Review

Credits 2.0
The purpose of this required course is to teach students how to access and search the scientific literature for the purpose of writing a comprehensive literature review related to their thesis topic.

BISCD 0690-0699: Thesis Continuation

Credits 0.5

These courses are reserved for students needing additional quarters beyond the spring quarter of Year 2 for completion of the research project and thesis. A fee is assessed with enrollment in these courses.

BISCD 0812: Fundamentals of Research

Credits 3.0
The purpose of this course is to provide students with basic training in common laboratory techniques. The course will also introduce students to issues related to biosafety, radiation safety, and good practices in research.

BISCD 0813: Nutrition Therapy

Credits 1.0

This course introduces students to medical nutrition therapy which involves the use of nutritional interventions to manage common diseases in the health care setting. A general overview of nutrition management and intervention approaches will be provided including biochemical and physiological considerations for the diseases presented that include metabolic, gastrointestinal and renal disorders.

BISCD 0820: Ethics of Research and Experimentation

Credits 2.0
This course is intended to give students a broad overview of research ethics and regulation as it relates to human and animal research. Students develop an understanding of the historic and moral basis of research ethics including scientific integrity, research misconduct, research with human subjects, research with animal subjects, peer-review, plagiarism, and conflicts of interest.

BISCD 0826: Research Design and Methodology

Credits 3.0
This course overviews the uses, values, and limitations of the scientific method. Quantitative, conceptual and model analysis, in-depth research techniques, current research of the literature, research design methods, and theory construction are presented.

BISCD 0828: Environmental Health Sciences

Credits 2.0
The purpose of this elective course is to introduce foundational principles, theories and research practices in environmental health sciences. Risks and reasons for pollution, contamination and the use of hazardous techniques/chemicals will be discussed, as well as the principles and practices used to address them. Lectures focus on primary principles and approaches in this field, while workshops focus on the practical applications of biomedical science in EHS and its contributions to public safety and policy.

BISCD 0844: Biomedical Imaging

Credits 3.0

This course covers various forms of clinical and research-grade microscopy. The format will consist of a weekly one hour lecture and a two and a half hour lab workshop (hands-on experience with compound, fluorescence, confocal, and electron microscopes, as well as computer programs for image analysis).

BISCD 0845: Biomarkers in Health and Disease

Credits 2.0

The purpose of this elective course is to present the concept and importance of biomarkers in health and disease. Generally speaking, a biomarker is anything that can be used as an indicator of a particular disease state or some other physiological state. We will cover the fundamentals of biomarker development, describe research methodologies for identification and detection of biomarkers and review several biomarkers currently used in the clinic along with some promising candidate biomarkers.

BISCD 0850: Microbiome in Health and Disease

Credits 2.0

This course will discuss the composition and function of the unique microbial communities harbored in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, oral cavity, and skin.  Lifestyle factors that alter the healthy balance within each of these communities will be described. Therapeutic modalities to restore microbial balance will be considered with emphasis on restoring homeostasis and health. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding and appreciation for these unique communities and their profound contribution.

BISCD 0856-0859: Advanced Topics

Credits 1.0 3.0

Advanced Topics is an opportunity for students to receive individualized or small group instruction on selected advanced topics in any of the basic science disciplines. Format or instruction includes mentoring by individual faculty, case study discussion, review of landmark publications and class presentations. Students are expected to master major concepts specific to the discipline selected. The mentoring faculty individualize evaluation of the student.

BISCD 0860: Research Elective

Credits 1.0 4.0

The purpose of this course is to give students hands-on experience in a basic science research laboratory. Students will participate in an ongoing project in the laboratory of a research mentor where they will learn various research techniques and methodologies.

BISCD 0861: Research Elective

Credits 1.0 4.0

The purpose of this course is to give students hands-on experience in a basic science research laboratory. Students will participate in an ongoing project in the laboratory of a research mentor where they will learn various research techniques and methodologies.

BISCD 0862: Research Elective

Credits 1.0 4.0

The purpose of this course is to give students hands-on experience in a basic science research laboratory. Students will participate in an ongoing project in the laboratory of a research mentor where they will learn various research techniques and methodologies.

BISCD 0863: Hormones and Behavior

Credits 2.0
This course is intended to give students a broad overview of the role hormones play in modulating behaviors in humans and in animals. Students will develop an understanding of endocrine system function, research techniques used to study hormone effects on behaviors, the modulating role of hormones in behaviors across sexes and species, seminal research that established the field of behavioral endocrinology, and ongoing research on the role of hormones in behavior.

BISCD 0881: Journal Club

Credits 2.0

This course will teach students how to build formal presentations and critique findings from published research articles. The instructor will provide lecture materials and interactive computer workshops designed to improve students' PowerPoint skills and public speaking abilities. Students will be required to read current, peer-reviewed primary research articles and summarize the findings into original, visually-oriented presentations. Individual feedback sessions with honest, constructive criticism will help students reach their potential as effective science communicators.

BISCD 0913: Nutrition Therapy

Credits 1.0

This course introduces students to medical nutrition therapy which involves the use of nutritional interventions to manage common diseases in the health care setting. A general overview of nutrition management and intervention approaches will be provided including biochemical and physiological considerations for the diseases presented that include metabolic, gastrointestinal and renal disorders.

BISCD 0928: Environmental Health Sciences

Credits 2.0
The purpose of this elective course is to introduce foundational principles, theories and research practices in environmental health sciences. Risks and reasons for pollution, contamination and the use of hazardous techniques/chemicals will be discussed, as well as the principles and practices used to address them. Lectures focus on primary principles and approaches in this field, while workshops focus on the practical applications of biomedical science in EHS and its contributions to public safety and policy.

BISCD 0944: Biomedical Imaging

Credits 3.0

This course covers various forms of clinical and research-grade microscopy. The format will consist of a weekly one hour lecture and a two and a half hour lab exercise (hands-on experience with compound, fluorescence, confocal, and electron microscopes, as well as computer programs for image analysis).

BISCD 0945: Biomarkers in Health and Disease

Credits 2.0

The purpose of this elective course is to present the concept and importance of biomarkers in health and disease. Generally speaking, a biomarker is anything that can be used as an indicator of a particular disease state or some other physiological state. We will cover the fundamentals of biomarker development, describe research methodologies for identification and detection of biomarkers and review several biomarkers currently used in the clinic along with some promising candidate biomarkers.

BISCD 0950: Microbiome in Health and Disease

Credits 2.0

This course will discuss the composition and function of the unique microbial communities harbored in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, oral cavity, and skin.  Lifestyle factors that alter the healthy balance within each of these communities will be described. Therapeutic modalities to restore microbial balance will be considered with emphasis on restoring homeostasis and health. This course is designed to provide a basic understanding and appreciation for these unique communities and their profound contribution.

BISCD 0956-0960: Advanced Topics

Credits 1.0 3.0

The Advanced Topic Series is an opportunity for students to receive individualized or small group instruction on selected advanced topics in any of the basic science disciplines. Format for instruction includes mentoring by individual faculty, case study discussion, review of landmark publications, and class presentations. Students are expected to master major concepts specific to the discipline selected. The mentoring faculty individualize evaluation of the student.

BISCD 0963: Hormones and Behavior

Credits 2.0
This course is intended to give students a broad overview of the role hormones play in modulating behaviors in humans and in animals. Students will develop an understanding of endocrine system function, research techniques used to study hormone effects on behaviors, the modulating role of hormones in behaviors across sexes and species, seminal research that established the field of behavioral endocrinology, and ongoing research on the role of hormones in behavior.

BISCD 0970-0972: Research Elective

Credits 1.0 4.0

The purpose of this course is to give students hands-on experience in a basic science research laboratory. Students will participate in an ongoing project in the laboratory of a research mentor where they will learn various research techniques and methodologies.

BISCD 0980: Pathophysiology

Credits 4.0

This course is designed to discuss the etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of selected human disease conditions. A brief review of the normal physiology of each organ system will be discussed prior to presenting prominent disease conditions in each of the following areas: immune regulation; wound healing; hematologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, neural, and musculoskeletal systems. The information presented in this course will build on previous information obtained in Human Physiology I and II.