Integrated Basic Sciences

This course spans four modules that cover cell and tissue structure, cell signaling and metabolism, molecular biology and inheritance, and nutrition and cancer. Module 1: Cell and Tissue Structure. The disciplines of Biochemistry and Histology cover general cell structure and function. Topics include cell structure, muscle, epithelium and connective tissue, amino acid and protein structure, enzyme regulation and hemoglobin as well as a virtual histology laboratory. Module 2: Cell Signaling and Metabolism. Topics include second messenger, catalytic and steroid signaling, regulation of membrane transport, intermediary metabolism and bioenergetics, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism and the biochemical foundations of diabetes mellitus. Module 3: Molecular Biology and Inheritance. Topics include the human genome, DNA replication, repair and mutations, transcription, translation and trafficking, genetic risk, autosomal dominant, recessive, sex-linked, mitochondrial and multifactorial inheritance as well as chromosomal abnormalities, genetic screening, diagnosis and gene therapy. Module 4: Nutrition and Cancer. Topics include macronutrients, vitamins, alcohol, iron and mineral metabolism, malnutrition and obesity as well as apoptosis, regulation of the cell cycle, histopathology of cancer, the molecular basis of cancer, tumor promotion and cancer metabolism.

​​This course spans three modules to provide an overview of blood, lymphoid tissue, immunology and white blood cell disorders. Module 1: Biochemistry and Histology of Blood and Lymphoid Tissue. The disciplines of biochemistry, pathology, and anatomy present the topics of hemostasis, anemia, hematopoiesis, and the histology and anatomy of lymphoid organs. Module 2: Innate and Adaptive Immune System. The microbiology and immunology department presents topics including antibodies, complement, phagocytosis, inflammation, T cells, B cells, and integrated immune responses to pathogens. Module 3: White Blood Cell disorders and Clinical Immunology. The disciplines of pathology and immunology present the topics of vaccines, wound healing, cancer immunology, transplant immunology, hypersensitivities, immune deficiencies, autoimmunity, white blood cell disorders and neoplastic blood disorders.​ 

​​This course contains three interdisciplinary modules that cover the structure, function, and relevant pathology of the peripheral nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. The disciplines of embryology, gross anatomy, histology, physiology, and pathology cover the basic structure and function of the nervous system with an emphasis on the peripheral nervous system, as well as the basic principles of musculoskeletal structure and function. Neural topics include the embryological development, histology and structure of the nervous system, physiology of nerve and neuromuscular transmission and peripheral neuromuscular disease. Musculoskeletal topics include histology of muscle and bone, gross anatomy of the upper extremity, physiology of skeletal muscle, and muscle metabolism. In addition, non-neoplastic bone diseases and diseases of muscle and joints are presented.​ 

This course spans three modules that present principles of infectious disease, followed by a discussion of skin and blood disorders. Module 1: Introduction to Infectious Disease. Fundamentals of infectious disease and epidemiology are covered in this module. Topics include taxonomy, structure, identification and virulence determinants of infectious agents, and principles of infection control. Module 2: Integument. The disciplines of anatomy, microbiology and pathology cover normal skin structure and function, and mechanisms of the clinical course of relevant integument disorders and diseases. Module 3: Lymphoreticular system. The disciples of microbiology and pathology cover topics that include bacterial, fungal, viral, and other blood-borne pathogens, in addition to medically relevant arthropods and the pathologic basis of various neoplastic diseases.​ 

​​This course presents an interdisciplinary approach to the cardiovascular system and respiratory systems over four modules. The disciplines of gross anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, microbiology and pathology cover the development, structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cardiovascular topics include: gross anatomy, histology and embryology of the cardiovascular system, cardiac and smooth muscle, cardiac function, systemic and microcirculatory hemodynamics, control of blood pressure, infective endocarditis and cardiac disease. Respiratory topics include: gross anatomy, and histology of the respiratory system, pulmonary mechanics, gas exchange, and control of ventilation, as well as infections and diseases of the respiratory system.​ 

This course presents an interdisciplinary approach to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The disciplines of gross anatomy, histology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and pathology cover structure, function and common pathologies of the tube of the GI tract and its associated secretory organs.

​​This course spans four interdisciplinary modules that provide a basic overview of the endocrine, urogenital and reproductive systems, somatic growth, and aging. Module (1): Endocrinology. The disciplines of histology, physiology, and pathology cover the basic structure and function of the endocrine system. Topics include histology of endocrine glands, regulation of hormonal secretion, physiological effects of hormones, and common disorders and diseases of the endocrine system, with an emphasis on diabetes. Module (2): Urinary System. The disciplines of gross anatomy, histology and physiology cover the structure and function of the urinary system. Topics include the gross anatomy and histology of the urinary systems, physiology of renal blood flow, tubular transport, and control of extracellular fluid volume and composition. Module (3): Acid Base/Renal pathophysiology/Female Reproductive System. The disciplines of anatomy, histology, physiology and pathology complete the coverage of the urinary system and survey the structure, function and pathology of the female reproductive system. Topics include acid base physiology, renal pathophysiology, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and common pathologies of the female reproductive system. Module (4): Male Reproductive System/Growth and Aging. The disciplines of gross anatomy, histology, physiology, microbiology, and pathology cover structure, function, and pathologies of the male reproductive system and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, the disciplines of physiology and biochemistry cover growth hormones, somatic growth, puberty, and aging.​ 

​​Head & Neck Anatomy is an integrated, interdisciplinary course that includes detailed study of gross anatomy of the head and neck relevant to dental and optometric medicine. The course consists of didactic lectures and guided, cadaver-based prosection laboratory activities. Integrated lectures are given by faculty in the Departments of Anatomy, Microbiology & Immunology, and Pathology. Emphasis is placed on clinical application of anatomical knowledge. The course is organized as a series of modules that provide an in-depth look at the structure and function of the following: Module 1: Skull, Face and Cranial Nerves, Module 2: Neck, Pharynx, Larynx and Nasal Cavity, Module 3: Orbit, Ear and Oral Cavity.​ 

​​This course presents an interdisciplinary approach to clinical neuroscience. The disciplines of anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pathology will cover the gross anatomy and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Topics include structure of the nervous system, somatosensory function, special senses, CNS infectious disease, the motor system and higher cortical function.​