This course will provide first-year students with an enhanced understanding of critical issues in global health, science and technology. It will explore cultural awareness and perspectives as well as the consequences of individual and group decisions on the health of communities.

This course will cover the foundations of cellular biology and will focus on the integration of cell structure and function as a platform for advanced work in courses such as molecular biology, endocrinology, pharmacology, histology, anatomy & physiology, neuroscience, microbiology, pathology and related areas of study.

Learn how to change your mind. This course explores the evolving field of psychophysiology and its applications for therapeutic self-regulation in health care as well as its implications for the related fields of psychology, biomedical engineering, computer science, and medical economics. By focusing on the mind as an emergent phenomenon of bidirectional brain and body interaction, we realize how much of our own physiology we can and do self-regulate. We will review research on hypnosis, biofeedback, meditative strategies, and psychophysiological monitoring. The course structure integrates lecture, demonstration, discussion and individual self-monitoring projects. Weekly quizzes provide feedback on learning.

This course will explore key ethical principles, guidelines and regulations that inform decision making and best practices in biomedical research, public health and clinical medicine including issues of informed consent, experimental design, acceptable risk, research integrity, medical errors, for-profit medicine, refusal of care, end-of-life decisions, physician assisted death, substance abuse and ethical use of animals in research. Students will also have multiple opportunities to further develop critical thinking and effective professional communication skills in a seminar format.

This course will combine lecture, literature review, and small group discussions/presentations to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of human endocrinology. Topics covered will include: digestion and metabolism; growth and aging; arousal/mood; sexual dimorphism and reproduction; and neuroendocrinology. Discussion of relevant human diseases/disorders will be used to illustrate related biochemical/anatomical pathways and mechanisms.

This course will provide a survey of the primary biological events, mechanisms and underpinnings of human development from conception through aging. It will use case studies, human clinical and laboratory research papers to enrich and illustrate key points related to human developmental milestones. A significant emphasis will be placed on understanding developmental disabilities and adult-onset degenerative disorders, and also in relating biological events to an individual’s larger psychosocial functioning. Students will also improve professional communication skills through discussions, writing and revision.

This course will provide students the opportunity for independent study in a topic of strong interest.