BMC 551 Developmental Biology (4 SH)
An investigative study of the topics of gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis and organogenesis. Molecular influences and cell interactions involved in differentiation and development are emphasized. Laboratory investigations use both descriptive and experimental approaches to study amphibian, bird, and mammal development. A research project and paper are required.
BMC 561 Biochemistry Foundations (3 SH)
A survey of structure-function relationships of biological molecules and systems. Emphasis is placed on enzymology, intermediary metabolism, and metabolic control. Laboratory focuses on protein chemistry and involves an extended independently guided research project in which students develop their own hypotheses and test them using the techniques learned early in the course. Three lecture periods and one lab per week.
BMC 610 Interdisciplinary Seminar I (2 SH)
This team-taught course involves a first orientation to the biomedicine program. Major discussion topics include library research techniques, technical writing practicums, creating an effective resume, survey of biomedicine-related careers, discovering biomedicine in the humanities, secular and religious approaches to bioethics, theologic themes in biomedicine, holistic healing, and complementary medicine.
BMC 611 Interdisciplinary Seminar II (2 SH)
This team-taught course challenges students to grow in capacity for leadership in the medical field. Strategies include: reflection on leadership history, aptitudes and style; creating an inventory of current leadership skills, while identifying gaps for future growth; strategies to effectively link leadership abilities with the social environment. Relational skills studied include: deep listening, empathic influence, compassionate communication, and the power of healing relationships. The course concludes with an emphasis on practicing professionalism as a future leader in the health field.
BMS 501 Organic Chemistry I (4 SH)
Study of the relationship between the three-dimensional structure and the reactivity of carbon compounds. The chemical and physical properties of organic compounds will be linked to an understanding of orbital theory, electronegativity, strain, and sterics. Reactions of simple organic compounds will be described in terms of electron movement (mechanisms) and kinetic vs. thermodynamic parameters. The laboratory sessions emphasize purification, isolation, and identification techniques, particularly chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week.
BMS 502 Organic Chemistry II (4 SH)
Building on the prior course, this course deduces “new” mechanisms based on key principles of conformational preference, sterics, polarity, and bond strength. Aromatic compounds as well as oxygen and nitrogen containing compounds are studied so that the chemistry of biomolecules can be introduced. Structural determination of increasingly complex compounds by instrumental techniques, such as GC-MS, NMR, and IR will also be emphasized. The laboratory involves multi-step transformations, purifications, and advanced structure determination using primarily instrumental techniques. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week.
BMS 561 Immunology (3 SH)
Survey of immunology including the nature of antigens and antibodies, the reactions between them, applications of these reactions to clinical diagnosis and the cellular events which occur during the immune response. Beneficial and pathological aspects of immunity are included. Three lectures and one laboratory/recitation period per week.
BMS 612 Human Gross and Microscopic Anatomy (4 SH)
Anatomical study of body systems using mammalian and human cadaver materials. Histological studies are correlated with the above anatomical studies. Laboratory work includes dissection, osteology, and microscopy.
BMC 623 Research in Biomedicine (3 SH)
Under the direction of a faculty member, this course guides a student through the process of library research. Each student selects a specific biomedicine-related topic and then researches primary and secondary literature to gain understanding and insight on their chosen topic. In addition to developing a mastery of the major components of the natural science aspect of the topic, the student is required to incorporate transdisciplinary elements of the topic that include social science, theology, and ethics. The outcome includes preparing an oral presentation and a review paper written in a CSE style. This course is a continuation of library research conducted during the summer after the first year of course work.
BMS 571 Abnormal Psychology (3 SH)
An interdisciplinary approach to understanding abnormal (maladaptive) behavior emphasizing the crucial roles of learning and life stressors in the development and maintenance of abnormal behaviors. The clinical characteristics, causal factors and treatments of maladaptive behavior patterns are examined, including the areas of assessment, therapy and prevention. Positive emotions and strengths that promote mental health will be integrated throughout the course.
BMC 562 Human Physiology (4 SH)
Investigative study of selected body systems including neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and endocrine physiology. Extensive laboratory work emphases quantification and experimentation while using live materials and physiologic instrumentation.
BMC 613 Biomedicial Research Design & Statistics (2 SH)
This course covers basic principles of research methodology and experimental design. Topics include research design, measurements, hypothesis testing, statistical significance and the analysis of data. A computer statistical package(SPSS) is used to analyze data. Students critically evaluate published reports of biomedical studies with specific attention to their experimental design and the application of statistics.
BMC 563 Molecular Genetics (3 SH)
A study of the mechanisms of gene structure, stability, replication, transmission, and expression in eukaryotes. Themes include molecular evolution, viruses (including HIV), and heritable diseases. Students read and report on research articles. The laboratory involves an introduction to common techniques employed in molecular biology followed by directed research projects of the student’s choosing. Two lecture periods and two laboratory/recitation periods per week.
BMS 572 Cognitive Psychology (3 SH)
The field of cognitive psychology involves studying and thinking about thinking. Questions are asked about how we acquire, store, retrieve, and use knowledge. Students will actively study and apply various theories about human thinking. Topics such as models of memory, imaging, language comprehension, problem solving, creativity and cognitive development will be covered.
BMX 611 Biomedicine, Faith & Ethics (3 SH)
This team-taught course explores relationships between science and Christian faith by investigating scientific foundational ideas and their interaction with theology. Topics such as global and human origins, chance and complexity, human nature, mind, health and healing, environmental and medical ethics are examined and viewed through the lenses of Scripture, theology, and natural science. Students will be led to form and articulate a multidimensional world view that incorporates the realities of science and a holistic Christian faith.
BMS 540 Drugs: Discovery, Design, Action (2 SH)
The intended audience for the class is chemistry, biochemistry and biology students, particularly those who are interested in pre-professional health careers, industrial careers in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, public health, or graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry or biology. In this class, we will study the principles that govern the process of modern drug discovery & development and to gain insight to the modes of activity of the major classes of drugs (antibiotics, antivirals, analgesics, anticancer, steroids, antihistamines, etc.) Students will primarily be evaluated based on appropriate scientific writing.
BMC 598 Biomedicine Practicum (1 SH)
This course features experiential community learning in areas related to future vocation. Assigned shadowing or interactive experiences require 30-40 hours/semester credit hour outside of class as well as completing assigned related readings, maintaining a journal of experiences, providing feedback to other students. Typical experiences may involve interactions within hospitals, health care professionals, biomedical organizations, clinics, rescue squads, health departments, or life science education settings. Prerequisites: satisfactory completion of at least two graduate level courses and/or instructor permission. A maximum of 4 SH of practicum credit can be applied toward a degree.