BMS 260 -- Introduction to Biomedical Sciences

Course Description: Opportunities and challenges in biomedical sciences; business of science, ethics, model systems, cellular and systemic physiology.

Course Objectives: The overall goal of this course is to provide second semester students majoring in Biomedical Sciences exposure to subjects relevant to their major. These topics range from the "business" of science to science and ethics to model systems and finally to cellular and systemic physiology.

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

1. Describe the type of research being conducted by faculty in the biomedical sciences and the relevance of the research.
2. Discuss examples of current opportunities and challenges presented in the broad field of biomedical sciences.
3. Design, construct and present a scientific poster on a current topic in biomedical science.
4. Describe issues associated with the ethical dimensions of biomedical research including animal welfare, scientific misconduct and how science and the public need to interact in considering the broader implications of emerging technologies (e.g. embryonic stem cells and cloning).

Prerequisites: LIFE 102

Format: 3 credits - 2 hours lecture and 1 hour recitation per week

Semesters Offered: Spring

Coordinator: C. Clay

Text:

The Human Body in Health and Disease. (2007) Frederic H. Martini, Edwin F. Bartholomew, Kathleen Welch, Edwin Bartholomew.

Course Outline:

	Week 1:	What is biomedical science? Business of Biomedical Science (funding sources, grant and contract application processes and careers).
	Week 2:	Models (organisms to systems to cells and molecules).
	Week 3:	Communication and interpretation in biological systems (neuronal, autocrine, paracrine, endocrine). Neurophysiology: The plasma membrane and membrane potential. Neurophysiology: Organization of nervous system, central, peripheral and special senses.
	Week 4:	Communication and interpretation in biological systems, Neurophysiology: Organization of nervous system, central, peripheral, special senses.
	Week 5:	Communication and interpretation in biological systems. Endocrinology-glands of secretion and hormones.
	Week 6:	Communication with the cell. Receptors and ligands; intracellular signaling. (Examination).
	Week 7:	Muscles and movement. Muscle physiology (skeletal, cardiac and smooth).
	Week 8:	Homeostasis-gas exchange. The heart and lungs.
	Week 9:	Homeostasis-fluid volumes and blood pressure. Blood vessels and blood pressure.
	Week 10:	Homeostasis-fluids, electrolyte and acid/base; kidneys and renal physiology.
	Week 11:	Accessing and metabolizing energy. Digestive physiology.
	Week 12:	Homeostasis: Energy balance. Blood glucose and energy utilization.
	Week 13:	Reproduction: Reproductive physiology-male. Reproductive physiology-female.
	Week 14:	Reproduction: Pregnancy and placentation.
	Week 15:	Poster Sessions.
	Week 16:	Final Examination

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