Lectures and discussions provide an analysis of current biochemical topics and an introduction to those areas of biochemistry that are especially relevant in medicine. Emphasis is placed on metabolic pathways, endocrine control, and related clinical problems. A diversity of microbiology and related subtopics are studied within this course, including immunology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and aspects of infectious disease. While primary emphasis is on the biology and pathogenic mechanisms of individual organisms, issues relating to host-microbe relationships. The study of the physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems.
Emphasis is placed on medical aspects of human physiology.
Student participation laboratories are used to demonstrate classic physiologic principles and current bioanalytic techniques. In small groups facilitated by primary care and behavioral science faculty, students direct their learning toward the complexity of the context from which a patient seeks medical care. In order to achieve this, students examine normal human behavior and development throughout the life cycle. Issues addressed include preventive health care, sexuality, cultural diversity, minority health issues, religion and spirituality, family dynamics, the economics of health care, and death and dying. Faye L. Magneson, M.D., F.A.C.P., Paul Macri, M.D. and Staff.