Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• GMS BT 456: Endocrinology
  Prereq: A&P 1 & 2 or Med Term 1 & 2 plus GMS BT 342 Cell Biology or consent of program director. This course will present a thorough study of the endocrine system, examining each of its member glands and tissues as well as the mechanisms by which hormones operate between them. Specific topics of endocrine function include: the gastrointestinal tract, energy metabolism, calcium metabolism, hypothalamus-pituitary complex, thyroid gland, adrenal gland and male and female reproductive systems. For each of these topics, there will be a focus on the pathophysiology of relevent endocrine diseases (e.g. type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis) and new developments in their current treatment regimens. 4 cr.
• GMS BT 460: Drug Discovery
  Prereq: One semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry and BT 405 (Biochem). This course covers laboratory technologies utilized in the pre-clinical drug development phase with emphasis on the issues and challenges of molecular targeted therapeutics, a new paradigm in drug discovery. In addition, DNA, RNA and protein-based therapeutics, and gene and stem cell therapies are discussed. Students learn about translational technologies used to identify and validate drug targets, as well as lead optimization and selection of drug candidates. A hands-on laboratory component reinforces drug discovery concepts.
• GMS BT 462: Drug Development
  Prereq: One semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry, and BT 405 (Biochem). BT 575 (Design & Conduct of Clin Trials) recommended. This course explores how drugs developed at the bench transition to clinical testing and subsequently to the market. The translational approach in drug development is discussed as well as current translational technologies. Topics include the molecular and pathophysiological basis of select diseases; drug design; pre-clinical testing; clinical evaluation of drugs; regulatory requirements for drug approval; and the frontiers of translational research. Lectures are combined with discussions and presentations.
• GMS BT 470: Technologies in Clinical Research
  Prereq: 1-2 years clinical research experience or one of the following-- BT 540 (Reg & Compl, BT 560 (GCP), BT 575 (Design & Conduct of Clin Trials). This course explores the multiple technologies that govern key aspects of clinical trial management and regulatory filings. Students learn how to identify the various technologies that are used in the conduct of clinical trials, the regulations that govern their use, and the issues that companies face in deploying the various tools. Students also examine a sample company with a clinical portfolio and identify the timing, importance, and integration requirements of the various technologies with emphasis on strengths and weaknesses associated with the conduct of the trial. The course also includes an introduction to the use of social media in clinical trials.
• GMS BT 475: Infectious Diseases
  Prereq: One semester of biology, BT 413 (Mol Bio) or BT 436 (Genetics). This course explores principles of infection, host factors, epidemiology, treatment, prevention, and clinical approach to infection of different organs and systems as well as basic description of medically important infectious agents, i.e. bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Upon successful completion of this course students will understand principles of infection, its epidemiology, treatment, and prevention, as will have knowledge of major pathogens, including all of the significant etiologic agents of newly emerging infections, and will be able to critically assess the outstanding issues of infection control and prevention.
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• GMS BT 480: Planning and Operations in Clinical Research
  Prereq: BT 560 (GCP), BT 575 (Design & Conduct of Clin Trials) or consent of program director. This course integrates a comprehensive review of the good clinical practice core principles and project management strategies applicable to clinical research. Through lectures, case studies and discussions, students examine the concepts and applied techniques for cost estimation, budgeting, allocation of resources, risk management and quality assurance for clinical research projects. Project management principles and methodologies are discussed with a special focus on planning, controlling, and coordinating individual and group efforts.
• GMS BT 482: Advanced Biomedical Research Laboratory Techniques
  This course will focus on more advanced laboratory skills that students would benefit from as they prepare for a career in the biomedical sciences. The course emphasizes the theoretical as well as the applied aspects of advanced research techniques in the biomedical sciences. The course is reinforced with applied, hands-on laboratory sessions that would provide practical experience in the topics covered in the preceding lectures. The majority of class time will be designed to provide students with ample hands-on time in the lab to practice their skills in the presence of the course instructor. The course will focus on providing students with a set of specialized laboratory skills, such as advanced cell culture practices, protein purification, and biospecimen processing and imaging. Students will also be educated in research methodology, data analysis, and data presentation. Topics covered include: transfections; reporter assays and a variety of optical assays; chromatography, electrophoresis and blotting techniques; dissection, tissue preservation techniques, and photomicroscopy. Students, even those with some previous laboratory hands-on experience, will benefit from this course because of its combined focus on the theoretical and applied aspects of advance laboratory techniques/methods.
• GMS BT 484: Advanced Cell Culture Techniques
  Prereq: one semester of biology, two semesters of chemistry, BT 454 (Cell Culture) and BT 413 (Mol Bio) or consent of program director. Cell culture has become an indispensable tool for all areas of biomedical science. In the course, students develop the necessary routine for work in a cell culture lab by passaging cell lines throughout the course and determining growth characteristics under different conditions. At the same time, students isolate and analyze biomolecules from these cell lines and perform experiments using advanced techniques, such as transfections, reporter gene assays, as well as a variety of optical assays (absorbance, luminescence, and fluorescence assays). At the end of the course, students communicate their work and results during a poster session. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 510: Ethico-Legal Issues in Bioscience
  In this course, students study existing laws and legal cases pertaining to topics such as genetic testing, gene therapy, and forensic uses of DNA. Class discussions, student presentations, case analyses and in- class lectures are supplemented with online activities as well as the composition of a legal brief.
• GMS BT 520: Biology of Cancer
  Prereq: BT 405 (Biochem) and BT 413 (Mol Bio) or consent of program director. This course focuses on the cellular and molecular changes that underlie the development and progression of human cancer. Students examine the pathways and processes that involve oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to understand how they can contribute to cancer. Complex interactions including angiogenesis, tumor immunology, invasion and metastasis are studied as well. In addition,the course covers targeted approaches to cancer therapy and the latest scientific research including cancer epigenetics, microRNAs and cancer stem cells.
• GMS BT 530: Introductory Pharmacology
  Prereq: one semester biology and 2 semesters of chemistry, BT405 recommended. This course introduces the basic principles of pharmacology and several major classes of therapeutic agents, with attention to their mechanisms of action. Issues of current and future directions in pharmacology are addressed including the source of information about pharmacologic agents, the ethics of human experimentation, the drug development process, and new biotechnological approaches to drug design.
• GMS BT 532: Histopathology
  Prereq: BT 104 (Med Term) and BT 342 (Cell Bio), or consent of program director. The goal of the course is to give students a fundamental knowledge and practical experience of human histology, pathology and the techniques used to study cells and tissues in the normal and diseased state. This course familiarizes students with biospecimen processing and management at the organ, tissue, cellular and molecular levels. By studying different organs and organ systems, including: gastrointestinal, breast, respiratory, neuro-muscular, skin, brain, kidney and liver, students develop an understanding of the normal and diseased state at the macro and microscopic levels. Furthermore, the course provides hands-on experience, including: dissection, preservation, processing, microtomy, photomicroscopy, macro-photography, electron microscopy, and archiving. Students apply their understanding of medical terminology and cell biology. This course can help prepare a student for graduate work in pathology, for a Pathologists' Assistant program or for a career as a histotechnologists in a diagnostic or research laboratory. Laboratory course.
• GMS BT 540: Regulatory and Compliance Issues
  Clinical research is conducted to meet the needs of the intended patient population with an investigational medical intervention. But a favorable medical outcome is not the only criterion that is used to judge whether a product can be marketed. Clinical research needs to meet the rigorous standards of the regulators, the ethicists, and the auditors. This course reviews the laws that are in place that are designed to guide the complexities of clinical research. We will use case studies to illustrate what can really happen when clinical studies are conducted -- you may be surprised with what you find. Using group activities and exercises, we will explore the options and approaches used to manage these clinical research issues. 4 cr.
• GMS BT 550: Clinical Data Management
  Introduces students to the technology, process, and responsibilities of clinical data management. Students examine study setup, case report form (CRF) design, and the data life cycle, including data collection, data validation, coding of adverse events using standard dictionaries (such as ICD-9 or MedDRA), data review, and database lock. Data Management SOP's are discussed within this context. An industry-leading clinical data management system (CDMS) is utilized. Students also explore how new technologies, such as electronic data capture (EDC), affect these processes.
• GMS BT 560: Good Clinical Practices (GCP) in Clinical Research
  This course introduces the international standards for ethical conduct of research and maintaining the highest level of scientific quality when conducting clinical trials. Topics include the regulatory responsibilities of sponsors, monitors, and investigators conducting clinical trials; the phases of clinical trials leading up to FDA approval of a new drug or device; and how to get a trial up and running including the selection of qualified investigators, obtaining approval to conduct the study from an ethics committee, and completing the regulatory documentation that is required for getting a site ready to enroll patients. The course also covers ensuring data integrity, handling ethical dilemmas, and reporting of serious adverse events. Case studies, review of current media, and exercises will be used to practice the application of information provided in class and to demonstrate GCP compliance from an industry perspective. Group discussions, individual and group projects, and guest speakers help students learn the practical skills used in the field.
• GMS BT 575: Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
  Prereq: knowledge of biostatistics. This course covers basic principles and current methodologies used in the design and responsible conduct of clinical trials. Topics include statistical design of clinical trials, sample selection, data collection and management, patient recruitment strategies, adverse event reporting, and compliance monitoring. Practical exercises include writing clinical research protocols and informed consent forms, and designing case report forms.
• GMS BT 591: Research Practicum
  This is course will provide senior BLCS students the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory research experience. The research practicum will give each student the opportunity to work closely with a BUSM faculty member on a hypothesis-driven research project. You will be trained in a cutting-edge laboratory setting that will allow you to develop and practice various research methods/techniques in a guided/mentored study. Research projects will be either part of a study faculty are currently involved and/or a project faculty would like to pursue. Students will discuss and design a project together with your faculty mentor and work in the lab to fulfill the calculated work hour requirements.
• GMS BT 592: Research Practicum
  This is course will provide senior BLCS students the opportunity to gain hands-on laboratory research experience. The research practicum will give each student the opportunity to work closely with a BUSM faculty member on a hypothesis-driven research project. You will be trained in a cutting-edge laboratory setting that will allow you to develop and practice various research methods/techniques in a guided/mentored study. Research projects will be either part of a study faculty are currently involved and/or a project faculty would like to pursue. Students will discuss and design a project together with your faculty mentor and work in the lab to fulfill the calculated work hour requirements.
• GMS BT 594: Clinical Research Practicum
  for Fall and Summer 1 semesters. Prereq: 16 credits in clinical research. Directed study offering direct experience with the conduct of a clinical trial. Student will work on a supervised project within an approved clinical research site. For matriculated students only; register via the program director.
• GMS BT 595: Clinical Research Practicum
  for Spring and Summer 2 semesters. Prereq: 16 credits in clinical research. Directed study offering direct experience with the conduct of a clinical trial. Student will work on a supervised project within an approved clinical research site. For matriculated students only; register via the program director.

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