Master's of Science in Medical Science Course Descriptions

MSMS700 - Gross Anatomy, Embryology, and Imaging

The Human Gross Anatomy, Embryology & Imaging course consists of a detailed study of the normal structure, development, and organization of the human body. This course undertakes a regional approach rather than a systemic approach to Human Gross Anatomy, Embryology & Imaging. It is distributed into three block contents. Gross structures are studied in the laboratory by the use of virtual applications. The radiology component of Gross Anatomy serves as the introduction to radiology and prepares the student for further development. Lectures stress the contribution of developmental events to gross anatomical organization and the correlation of this organization with clinically relevant conditions.

MSMS7011 - Physiology I

Physiology I is the comprehensive study of the function of the human body on an organ system basis. Emphasis is on the integration of functions from the cellular level to that of the total organism and the application of physiology concepts to problem solving. The following units will be covered in the Physiology I course: Membrane and Action Potentials, Cellular and Systemic Physiology of the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems. The course includes in-class lectures, group discussions, and computer assisted instruction. Case studies are used to apply physiologic principles to the solution of problems in a patient care setting. Medical Physiology comprised of two courses, one-semester-long each, Physiology I and Physiology II. The course consists of recorded lectures, in-class sessions using audience response systems, self-directed learning, small group discussions, plus examinations (including NBME subject exam in Physiology). The content is designed for medical students but is also a required course for students in the Master Program in Medical Sciences and graduate students in the Biomedical Sciences. Areas to be covered will include: cell and muscle, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

MSMS702 - Physiology II

Physiology II is the comprehensive study of the function of the human body on an organ system basis. Emphasis is on the integration of functions from the cellular level to that of the total organism and the application of physiology concepts to problem solving. Course includes in-class lectures, group discussions, and computer assisted instruction. Case studies are used to apply physiologic principles to the solution of problems in a patient care setting. Medical Physiology comprised of two courses, one-semester-long each, Physiology I and Physiology II. The course consists of recorded lectures, in-class sessions using audience response systems, self-directed learning, small group discussions, plus examinations (including NBME subject exam in Physiology). The content is designed for medical students but is also a required course for students in the Master Program in Medical Sciences and graduate students in the Biomedical Sciences. Areas to be covered will include: cell and muscle, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

MSMS703 - Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Course will teach you brain function in health and disease. The course covers neuroanatomy/histology (33 lecture hours) and neurophysiology (21 lecture hours). There is also a brain dissection laboratory (7.5 hours), small group discussion sections (6 hours). For this course, efficient use of independent study time is essential. The Neuroscience Course is delivered by previously recorded sessions (available in Canvas). In-Class Sessions (ICS) will follow a flipped-classroom format. Students must watch and learn the material from the recorded lectures prior to the interactive discussion session (ICS) for that material. Preparation will be assessed by participation in clicker questions during the interactive session.

MSMS704 - Microbiology I

During the first year, medical students learn about all the most common pathogens involved in infectious illness and their characteristics. This course strives to prepare students for their licensing examinations by providing the clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills they need to approve them. Because it is very important for any physician to recognize, early in the course of any infectious disease, its etiologic agents, imparting this knowledge is the main goal and objective of the courses.

MSMS705 - Histology and Cell Biology

This course emphasizes the many different aspects of the internal structure of cells, tissues and organs in the human body, presenting a comprehensive survey of many of their complex interrelationships.

MSMS706 - Medical Ethics

This course will attempt to provide didactic experiences for medical students in specific areas within the field of medical ethics. The need for these experiences stems from the recognition that ethical dilemmas are inherent in medical care. Although dramatic issues such as cloning, abortion and organ donation have strong ethical implications, it is important to realize that the practicing doctor will face ethical decisions every day while solving more commonplace problems. Most everyday ethical questions have well-accepted answers; only the most difficult ethical questions seem to defy resolution. Even so, it is important for physicians to develop an understanding of the principles of medical ethics and a system of ethical reasoning that will result in consistent decisions.

MSMS707 - Medical Biochemistry I

Biochemistry is the science concerned with studying the various molecules, chemical reactions, and processes related to living cells and organisms. Medical Biochemistry is a two-semester long course presented to medical and graduate students in their first year. Medical Biochemistry I include the following units: Structural and functional relationships of proteins, Energy generation and storage from carbohydrate metabolism. Medical aspects are emphasized to build up the necessary background for future application in other basic sciences and clinical courses. The courses are delivered in the form of recorded lectures with accompanying in class-sessions using the flipped classroom model, together with small group discussions of clinical cases. One of the main intentions of the small group discussions is for the MSMS students to apply the biochemical concepts learned in lectures to understand the molecular basis of a given disease.

MSMS708 - Medical Biochemistry II

Biochemistry is the science concerned with studying the various molecules, chemical reactions, and processes related to living cells and organisms. Medical Biochemistry is a two-semester long course presented to medical and graduate students in their first year. Medical Biochemistry I include the following units: Structural and functional relationships of proteins, Energy generation and storage from carbohydrate metabolism. Medical aspects are emphasized to build up the necessary background for future application in other basic sciences and clinical courses. The courses are delivered in the form of recorded lectures with accompanying in class-sessions using the flipped classroom model, together with small group discussions of clinical cases. One of the main intentions of the small group discussions is for the medical students to apply the biochemical concepts learned in lectures to understand the molecular basis of a given disease. PhD students, on the other hand, will be required to attend and participate in the discussions of research papers in relevant areas of modern Biochemistry.

MSMS709 - Interprofessional Perspectives in Health Disparities

This course is designed to provide a general overview of gaps in health outcomes associated with health disparities. A special emphasis will be given to the social determinants of health such as race/ethnicity, social class, socioeconomic status, sex, sexuality, nationality, and migration status. The course will focus on the impact of health disparities’ impact at multiple system’s levels (e.g. Individual, patient-clinician, healthcare system, etc.).