Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

Course Descriptions

Link to Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Programs

Undergraduate Courses/link to graduate courses

Brain Diseases: Mechanism and Therapy (BMS 4732) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course includes discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of brain diseases and provides the current status of therapeutic intervention for brain diseases.

Introduction to Radiation Biology (BSC 4833) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BSC 1010, PHY 2048, PHY 2049 and permission of instructor
An overview of the effects of ionizing radiation on humans and other biological systems. It involves consideration of cell survival after exposure to ionizing radiations, repair of radiation damage, radiosensitizers, radioprotectors, doses and risks in diagnostic radiology, cardiology and nuclear medicine, and basic safety rules.

RNA Biology and Diseases (PCB 4521) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course provides advanced-level training in molecular biology of RNA. It covers the fundamental principles of RNA structure, function and metabolism; methodologies for studying RNA; diseases related to RNA deficiencies; and applications of RNA technologies in research and clinical development.

Reproductive Endocrinology (PCB 4803) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 3033, BSC 1010 and BSC 1010L, BSC 1011 and BSC 1011L, CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L, CHM 2046 and CHM 2046L
Describes the origin, structure, properties and physiological actions of hormones related to reproductive function, as well as the clinical implications of their deficiency and excess at different stages of life. The anatomy, histology and physiology of reproductive organs and related endocrine glands are studied. This course is taught in a case-based manner. Participation in seminars presented by graduate students on topics related to the lectures is required at the end of the course.

Directed Independent Study (PCB 4905) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and Department
Independent research.

Special Topics (PCB 4930) 1-8 credits
Special topics of interest to biomedical students.

Graduate Courses

Integrated Medicine Clerkship (BCC 7110) 12 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Deals with the subspecialties of an internal medicine department. Encompasses training in the appropriate hospital, clinic and office settings.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship (BCC 7130) 6 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Includes hospital and clinic experiences related to obstetrics and gynecology. Covers important concepts related to labor and delivery, office practice and gynecological surgery.

Pediatrics Clerkship (BCC 7140) 6 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
A six-week clinical rotation that provides the third-year student with a solid foundation in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients from the neonatal period through adolescence.

Psychiatry Clerkship (BCC 7150) 6 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
A six-week clinical course that provides students with a solid foundation in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients with psychiatric illness.

Integrated Surgery Clerkship (BCC 7160) 12 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Offers students parallel training in surgery, anesthesiology and radiology. Surgery represents a core discipline. Students will acquire clinical and critical-thinking skills, knowledge and professional behaviors necessary to provide comprehensive pre-operative evaluation of patients, as well as acquire basic skills in intra-operative and post-operative care.

Family Medicine Clerkship (BCC 7175) 6 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Trains medical students in the discipline of family medicine as practiced in outpatient, hospital and clinic settings. Provides exposure to and training in the clinical problems encountered in a general medical practice.

Foundations of Medicine 1 (BMS 6015) 12 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate, informed, professional and conscientious physician with unique opportunities for direct patient care. Assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to interview and examine the patient, to answer clinical questions, to understand the importance of patient advocacy and disease prevention, to explore the barriers to healthcare and to instill the foundation for the ethical and legal framework of patient care.

Foundations of Medicine 2 (BMS 6016) 13 credits
Prerequisites: Medical students only; BMS 6015
A continuation in the Foundations of Medicine series. Provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate, informed, professional and conscientious physician with unique opportunities for direct patient care. Assists students in developing the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to interview and examine the patient, to answer clinical questions, to understand the importance of patient advocacy and disease prevention, to explore the barriers to healthcare and to instill the foundation for the ethical and legal framework of patient care.

Foundations of Medicine 3 (BMS 6017) 21 credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first year of the medical program; BMS 6015, BMS 6016
A continuation in the Foundations of Medicine series. Provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles necessary to become a competent, compassionate, informed, professional and conscientious physician with unique opportunities for direct patient care. Assists students in continuing to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed to interview and examine the patient, to answer clinical questions, to understand the importance of patient advocacy and disease prevention, to explore the barriers to healthcare and to instill the foundation for the ethical and legal framework of patient care.

Neuroscience and Behavior (BMS 6020) 10 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, sensory systems, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, neuropathology, neurology and psychiatry. Uses an integrated approach combining lectures, problem-based learning (PBL) and anatomy laboratory instruction. The PBL sessions in small groups provide the fundamental knowledge of common neurological and psychiatric disorders, complemented by lectures for specific diseases. The presentation of the neuroanatomy component emphasizes correlations with clinical cases and leads to the localization of brain lesions. The instruction in gross anatomy of the head and neck are integrated with clinical correlates.

Fundamentals of Biomedical Science 1 (BMS 6031) 7 credits
Prerequisite: Medical students only
First in the series of three fundamentals of basic science courses, this course provides
an introduction to molecular biology and genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, development and
histology, anatomy and pharmacology. The course is taught in eight weeks and consists of lectures, problem-based learning sessions, small group discussions and laboratory activities.

Fundamentals of Biomedical Science 2 (BMS 6032) 7 credits
Prerequisites: Medical students only, BMS 6031
The Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in critical biomedical science subject areas, including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, pathology, histology, physiology, anatomy and embryology. While the first course focuses on biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics and an introduction to the anatomical sciences, this course builds on and extends this basis into the areas of microbiology, immunology, inflammation and pharmacology while continuing anatomy.

Fundamentals of Biomedical Science 3 (BMS 6033) 7 credits
Prerequisites: Medical students only; BMS 6031, BMS 6032
The Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in critical biomedical science subject areas, including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, pathology, histology, physiology, anatomy and embryology. This course continues those themes and focuses on viral microbiology, immunology, inflammation, neoplasia and tissue repair, as well as histology, embryology and anatomy.

Integrated Morphology 1 (BMS 6102C) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course involves the developmental, microscopic and gross anatomical features of the organs located in the thorax and abdomen of the human. A laboratory includes a cadaveric dissection experience and examination of tissue samples using virtual microscopy.



Integrated Morphology 2 (BMS 6104C) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
This course involves the gross anatomical features of the structures of the back, limbs, head and neck of the human. A laboratory includes a cadaveric dissection experience.

Clinical Microbiology (BMS 6303) 3 credits
Prerequisite: MCB 3020
Students learn the relevant facts and principles underlying bacteria, parasites, pathogenicity and host resistance. Armed with this fundamental information, students will then be capable of understanding and utilizing contemporary modes of treatment and prevention.

Synthesis and Transition (BMS 6405) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all previous courses in the M.D. program
A four-week course at the end of year two designed to help students synthesize knowledge acquired in the first two years of Medical School to prepare them for a smooth transition to the year-three clerkships.

Autonomic Function and Diseases (BMS 6523) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course covers both the physiological and clinical study of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) emphasizing the neural circuitry aspects of systemic regulation. Topics are introduced in lectures and followed up by recent journal articles.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 1 (BMS 6541) 7 credits
Prerequisite: BMS 6020
Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the gastrointestinal and hepatic systems and human nutrition, including normal nutrition and diagnosis and management of common nutritional disorders. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 2 (BMS 6542) 13 credits
Prerequisite: BMS 6541
An 11-week course in the fall semester of year two. Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and related components of the hematologic system. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 3 (BMS 6543) 10 credits
Prerequisites: BMS 6541 and 6542
A nine-week course in the fall semester of year two. Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the renal system, the endocrine system, the reproductive system and related components of the hematologic system. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.

Pathophysiology and Therapeutics 4 (BMS 6544) 7 credits
Prerequisites: BMS 6541, 6542, 6543
A six-week course in the spring semester of year two. Provides the basic concepts and vocabulary in the areas of the anatomy, chemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology and physiology of the immunologic system, mechanisms of host-defense, infectious disease, including public health aspects, and common hematologic malignancies. Revisits and expands on concepts of immunity and infection and includes diseases of the dermatologic system and the eye. Uses an integrated approach by combining lectures, problem-based learning and simulated laboratory instruction.

Fundamentals of General Pathology (BMS 6601) 3 credits
Covers the basic pathophysiology of mechanisms of disease in medicine and incorporates gross pathologic, microscopic and radiologic material to assist in understanding fundamental disease.

Brain Diseases: Mechanism and Therapy (BMS 6736) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Discussion of the molecular and cellular basis of brain diseases and of the current status of therapeutic intervention for those diseases.

Introduction to Radiation Biology (BSC 6834) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BSC 1010, 1010L, PHY 2048, 2048L, 2049, 2049L and permission of instructor
An overview of the effects of ionizing radiations on human and other biological systems. The course involves consideration of cell survival after exposure to ionizing radiations, repair of radiation damage, radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, doses and risks in diagnostic radiology, cardiology, nuclear medicine, and basic safety rules. A student seminar is required at the end of the course.

Molecular Genetics of the Cell (GMS 6220) 3 credits
Prerequisite: BCH 3033 or PCB 3063 or equivalent
Provides a basic background in cell and molecular biology. Emphasis on human physiology and disease.

Macromolecules and Human Disease (GMS 6301) 3 credits
Prerequisite: BCH 3033 or PCB 4023 or equivalent
Explores structure and function of biological macromolecules with emphasis on DNA, RNA and proteins.

Molecular Basis of Disease and Therapy (GMS 6302) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 4035 and (PCB 4023 or PCB 4522)
Explores the molecular basis of selected viral pathogens, genetic diseases and cancer through lectures and presentations by faculty in the College of Science and College of Medicine, Scripps Florida and private industry representatives. Discusses novel technologies aimed at developing therapeutics together with the activity of modern biotechnology in drug development.

Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology (GMS 6735) 3 credits
Prerequisite: PSB 6037 or PSB 6345 or equivalent
Provides the fundamentals of molecular neuropharmacology as they relate to neurotransmitter signaling in the brain.

Host Defense and Inflammation (MCB 6208) 3 credits
Prerequisite: PCB 4233 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "B-"
Course covers the immunology emphasizing mechanisms of host defense and inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases. Mechanisms emphasized are roles of macrophages that are heterogeneous and diverse populations regulating host defense and inflammation. Mycobacterial infections and allergic asthma are presented as disease models of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Advanced Cell Physiology (PCB 6207) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course describes in-depth membrane physiology, intracellular signaling pathways and cellular function, with an emphasis on neurons and human muscle cells (skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle cells).

Molecular Basis of Human Cancer (PCB 6235) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PCB 4023 or BCH 3033 or PCB 6207 with minimum grade of "B-"
Course covers current concepts and knowledge of cancer, exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer progression with an aim to understand the processes of tumorigenesis.



Problem-Based Immunology (PCB 6238) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PCB 4233 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "B-"
Course provides an up-to-date understanding of the basic science of immunology and how that science applies to the realities of patient care. The fundamental mechanisms of immunity are illustrated by cases of genetic defects in the immune system, immune complex diseases, immune mediated hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune and alloimmune diseases.

Tumor Immunology (PCB 6239) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PCB 4233 or equivalent with a minimum grade of "B-"
Explores the role of the immune system in cancer and the implications for the host. The effect of the tumor-host interactions on the developing neoplasm are studied by considering related topics such as angiogenesis, MMPs, chemokines and metastasis. Additionally, the course explores the role of the immune system in defense against the tumors and the mechanism by which cancer cells escape the surveillance system.

RNA Biology and Diseases (PCB 6525) 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Course provides advanced-level training in molecular biology of RNA. Topics covered include principles of RNA structure, function and metabolism; methodologies for studying RNA; diseases related to RNA deficiencies; and applications of RNA technologies in research and clinical development.

Molecular Biology of the Cardiovascular System and Cardiac Disease (PCB 6705) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 3034, PCB 4023, or permission of instructor
Examination of the molecular biology of cellular function focused on tissue adaptation in cardiovascular disease. Investigation of survival responses to cellular stress in atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia and hypertension.

Reproductive Endocrinology (PCB 6804) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Course describes the origin, structure, properties and physiological actions of hormones related to reproductive function, as well as the clinical implications of their deficiency and excess at different stages of life. Anatomy, histology and physiology of reproductive organs and related endocrine glands are studied. This course is taught in a case-based manner. Students are required to prepare and present a topic related to the lectures at the end of the course.

Adult Neurogenesis (PCB 6848) 3 credits
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSB 6037 or PSB 6345 or equivalent
The background of stem cells and neuroscience is covered followed by several aspects of neurogenesis, including where neurogenesis happens in the brain, how it happens, why it happens and, more importantly, how it might help the brain heal itself.

Physiology of the Heart (PCB 6885) 3 credits
Prerequisites: BCH 3034, PCB 4023, or permission of instructor
Course emphasizes the relationship between the biochemical properties of the individual constituents of the heart cell (myocardium), the biophysics of cardiac muscle function and the performance of the intact heart. The course format will involve lectures, journal club presentations, round table discussions, invited speakers as well as special projects.

Directed Independent Study (PCB 6905) 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and Department
Independent research.

Special Topics (PCB 6933) 1-8 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Topics of interest to students in Biomedical Science, such as clinical microbiology and protein misfolding and disease.

Graduate Seminars (PCB 6934) 1-2 credits
Graduate students will give one to two presentations on research papers or specific topics (1-2 credits).
Grading: S/U

Master's Thesis (PCB 6971) 1-12 credits
Grading: S/U

Thesis-Related Research (PCB 6974) 2-3 credits
Prerequisite: Biomedical Science master's thesis students only
This course is a vehicle allowing students to conduct research for their master's thesis prior to writing and defending their proposal.

Developmental Neurobiology (PSB 6515) 3 credits
Prerequisites: PSY 1012 and PSB 3002
In-depth coverage of the principles and recent advances in the development of the brain and nervous system, including nerve cell migration, axon outgrowth, specificity, plasticity, neurotrophism, nerve cell death and the influence of experience on the nervous system.

Link to Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Programs