This course integrates the contents of two sections of the medical school (M1) course Function of the Human Body course (PIO L301); with additional meetings to present discuss papers at graduate level (2 paper presentations per graduate student). In the Fall semester, students will review cell physiology and autonomic neuroscience, and will learn cardiovascular and renal physiology in depth. The course topics will include introductory cell & neurophysiology, skeletal and smooth muscle, cardiac electrophysiology, EKG, cardiac muscle mechanics, circulation, special circulations, and renal physiology. In the Spring semester, students will learn pulmonary, acid-base balance, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive physiology. Instructor Consent Required.

The major goal of the Cellular Physiology course is to define the molecular and cellular basis of systems Physiology and Pathophysiology. The course consists in distinct sessions of teaching, problem solving, and reviews.

This course will present the basic concepts and principles of human physiology. The course topics will include: introductory cell & neurophysiology, skeletal and smooth muscle, cardiac electrophysiology, EKG, cardiac muscle mechanics, circulation, special circulations and pulmonary physiology. The format will be lectures, simulations, small group problem sessions and scheduled reviews. Small group problem sessions will be held after each subject area and will focus on clinical application and integration of conceptual information presented in lectures. Small group sessions and reviews also will provide the student with the opportunity to obtain clarification from instructors of any outstanding questions and are designed to encourage active learning, as well as develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students will be evaluated by multiple choice and essay exams given after each of the 5 major topic areas. Course material will be geared toward non-thesis Masters students. Given that physiology is the basis of medicine, this course will prepare students with the basic science knowledge to successfully continue their professional development in future biomedical programs.

Enrollment limited to Masters of Science in Physiology students. This course presents the basic concepts and principles of human physiology. The course will be presented over one semester and the topics include: renal, acid-base balance, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive physiology. The format will be lectures, small group problem sessions and scheduled reviews.

Biochemical Physiology will give students knowledge of foundational processes that dictate cellular physiologic processes. Topics include the structure and properties of nucleic acids, amino acids, protein structure and folding, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways and intracellular signal transduction. The course will present the biochemical physiology.

The focus of this special topics course is on the unique physiological changes that occur with aging. Didactic instruction will be supplemented with readings from current primary literature in the field. Students will be responsible for reading and presenting articles for group discussion.

Enrollment limited to Masters of Science in Physiology students. This course will provide students with the basic concepts and facts of human gross anatomy as they related to physiology and function. Specific sections include the musculo-skeletal components of the extremities, trunk and head, the peripheral nervous system to include both the somatic and autonomic systems, the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system and reproductive system. Each system will integrate embryology, radiology and basic clinical applications.

This course imparts the basic concepts and fundamentals of Neurophysiology, with emphasis on concepts relevant to human neuroscience. Students will learn Neurophysiology fundamentals at the cellular, structural and physiological levels of various complex systems in the brain, with specific discussion of clinical correlates of Pathophysiological conditions.

Restricted to students in the Masters of Science in Physiology program. This course presents the basic concepts and principles of human pathophysiology. The course will be presented over one semester and the topics include: clinical evaluation of cardiac structure and function followed by a review of the major disorders of cardiovascular function.

Must be enrolled in the MSP program. Professional Development will meet once/month throughout the one-year MSP program. Students will receive information about the options available for a career in the health sciences and will enhance their professional portfolio by participating in a variety of workshops designed to better equip them for a health science career.

Professional Development will meet and have self-directed study time throughout the spring semester of the MSMP program. Students will receive bi-weekly, specific individualized one-on-one mentoring from their academic advisors and also meet with the course director for specific lectures on their AMCAS and AACOMAS applications for medical and DO schools. Students will continue to enhance their knowledge of the admissions process by having general lectures and individual sessions discussing their motivation, enhancing their self-awareness, writing their personal statements, their selection of appropriate medical schools, selection of activities (community and medical volunteering, health care exposure (shadowing, scribing, etc.), research for their application, overall discussions on writing their secondary statements, choice of letters of recommendation, etc. MSMP students only.