Biomedicine Graduate Program

Course Listing and Description

Courses in the Biomedicine graduate program fall into various categories, which are described by their lettered prefixes and numbering system. Some of the science courses are dual-listed, meaning they are found both in the undergraduate and in the graduate curriculum. While their descriptions and much of their content are similar, the graduate version of the course involves more in-depth work and a greater amount of content in comparison to the undergraduate course. The graduate numbering system for these dual-listed courses are in the 500s, and their undergraduate designation (department and undergraduate number) are also listed. Generally, the number series – 500s, 600s – reflect progressive increases in course complexity or difficulty. Courses designated with an asterisk (*) are alternate year courses, and the semester in which they are scheduled are indicated in [brackets]. Course letter designations are as follows:

BMC – designates a core science course in biomedicine that is typically required (with some exceptions). If the BMC number is in the 500s, it is sometimes dual-listed as an undergraduate course typically in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or physics and has additional graduate requirements from the undergraduate course. Most courses numbering in the 600s are graduate courses only.

BMX – designates a cross-discipline studies course in social science, cross-cultural practicum, or ethics/theology. The cross-cultural practicum and science, faith, and ethics course requirements are unique for this program. All are graduate-only courses.

BMS – designates a required science course or an elective in the concentration of science. Some are dual-listed as undergraduate courses with additional graduate requirements; others are graduate level only. To enhance transdisciplinary education, the elective selection array is very broad and represents multiple academic disciplines including biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and psychology.

EDCC, EDCI, or EDCT – designates a course in the biomedical teaching concentration which is typically cross-listed as an EDCC, EDCI, or EDCT course in the MA in Education program.

Required Biomedicine Core Courses

Prerequisites

The following courses are required for Biomedical Science Concentration students if not successfully completed as a prerequisite. These are dual-listed courses and require significant additional graduate work beyond the undergraduate requirements.

BMS 501 (CHEM 315) Biomedical Organic Chemistry I (4) [Fall] 

Study of the relationship between the three-dimensional structure and the reactivity of carbon compounds. The chemical and physical properties of organic compounds will be linked to an understanding of orbital theory, electronegativity, strain, and sterics. Reactions of simple organic compounds will be described in terms of electron movement (mechanisms) and kinetic vs. thermodynamic parameters. The laboratory sessions emphasize purification, isolation, and identification techniques, particularly chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic spectroscopy.

BMS 502 (CHEM 316) Biomedical Organic Chemistry II (4) [Spring] 

Building on the prior course, this course deduces “new” mechanisms based on key principles of conformational preference, sterics, polarity, and bond strength. Aromatic compounds as well as oxygen and nitrogen containing compounds are studied so that the chemistry of biomolecules can be introduced. Structural determination of increasingly complex compounds by instrumental techniques, such as GC-MS, NMR, and IR will also be emphasized. The laboratory involves multi-step transformations, purifications, and advanced structure determination using primarily instrumental techniques.

Core Courses (30 SH)

BMC 561 (BIOCH 376) Biochemistry Foundations (3) [Fall]
A survey of structure-function relationships of biological molecules and systems. Emphasis is placed on enzymology, intermediary metabolism, and metabolic control.

BMC 562 (BIOL 447) Human Physiology (4) [Spring]
An investigative study of selected body systems including neuro-muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and endocrine physiology. Extensive laboratory work emphases quantification and experimentation while using live materials and physiologic instrumentation.

BMC 598 Biomedicine Practicum (1-4) [Summer]
This course features experiential community learning in areas related to future vocation. Assigned shadowing or interactive experiences require 30 hours per semester credit hour outside of class as well as completing assigned related readings, maintaining a journal of experiences, and providing feedback to other students. Typical experiences may involve interactions within hospitals, with health care professionals, biomedical organizations, clinics, rescue squads, health departments, or in life science education settings. A maximum of 4 SH of practicum credit can be applied toward a degree.

BMC 610 Interdisciplinary Seminar I (2) [Spring] 
This course involves a first orientation to the biomedicine program. Major discussion topics include the current status of biomedicine and healthcare in the United States, quality improvement in healthcare, discovering biomedicine in the humanities, secular and religious approaches to bioethics, holistic healing, and integrative medicine.

BMC 611 Interdisciplinary Seminar II (2) [Fall]
This course challenges students to grow in capacity for leadership in the medical field. Strategies include: reflection on leadership history, aptitudes and style; creating an inventory of current leadership skills while identifying gaps for future growth. Special attention is also given to addressing population management risks as well as public health promotion opportunities. The course concludes with transformative medical leadership applications on the individual and collective levels.

BMC 612 (BIOL 437) Human Gross and Microscopic Anatomy (4) [Fall]
A comprehensive overview of the anatomy of the human body, both on the microscopic and whole-organ level. The laboratory section of this course will utilize human cadaver dissection for the hands-on identification of the structures discussed in lecture.

BMC 613 Biomedical Research Design & Statistics (2) [Spring] 
This course covers basic principles of research methodology and experimental design. Topics include research design, measurements, hypothesis testing, statistical significance and the analysis of data. A computer statistical package is used to analyze data. Students critically evaluate published reports of biomedical studies with specific attention to their experimental design and the application of statistics.

BMC 623 Research in Biomedicine [Summer (1)/Fall (2)] 
Under the direction of a faculty member, this course guides a student through the process of developing an original research project. Each student selects a specific biomedicine-related topic, develops a hypothesis and research proposal, and then tests and analyzes the data that they generate. By gathering and analyzing their own original data in relation to other relevant literature, students gain understanding and insight on their chosen topic and contribute to new information that is being generated in their field. The outcome includes preparing and defending an oral presentation and a research paper written in a CSE style. This is a series of two courses. Students enrolled in BMC 623 Research in Biomedicine in the summer will subsequently be enrolled in BMC 623 Research in Biomedicine in the fall.

BMS 517 (BIOL 307) Developmental & Stem Cell Biology (4) [Fall]
This course provides students with an introduction to development and stem cell biology that emphasizes the molecular influences and cellular interactions involved in specification, differentiation and regeneration. Topics include: descriptive and experimental approaches in development, methodologies in stem cell research, embryonic and adult stem cells, stem cell cloning, cell reprogramming and cancer stem cells. Laboratory sessions will explore topics at the intersection of developmental biology and stem cells, and will use a variety of model organisms.

BMX 603 Cross Cultural Health Care (3) [Summer]
This summer course is experiential based and requires involvement and study in another cultural-setting for a three-week period. Students, under guidance from the instructor, explore values, methods, and outcomes of health care or the practice of biomedicine in a unique cultural setting. Differentiation of resources, social, psychological, and spiritual ideas contrasting the student’s personal culture with the explored culture are examined. Involvements with alternative medicine and healing practices are considered as are examination of traditional health care delivery methods in the studied culture. Cross-cultural settings may vary but frequently include trips to Guatemala, Honduras and/or Peru. A 3.0 GPA is required at the end of fall semester to be eligible to take BMX 603 the following summer.

BMX 611 Biomedicine, Faith, and Ethics (2) [Spring] 
This course explores relationships between science and Christian faith by investigating scientific foundational ideas and their interaction with theology. Topics such as global and human origins, chance and complexity, human nature, mind, health and healing, environmental and medical ethics are examined and viewed through the lenses of Scripture, theology, and natural science. Students will be led to form and articulate a multidimensional world view that incorporates the realities of science and a holistic Christian faith.

Biomedical Science Concentration Courses (18 SH)

*BMC 552 (BIOCH 398) Cell Biology (3) [Fall]
A study of cellular architecture, communication, transport, motility, division, growth and death. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of cancer at the cellular level, and on a quantitative (mathematical) understanding of cellular movements. Students read and report on research articles.

BMS 530 MCAT Preparation Course (3) [Spring]
This course will provide a comprehensive review of all topics found on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The following subjects will be covered: Math/Research and Reasoning Skills, Critical Analysis and Reading Skills (CARS), Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology. The course will be conducted entirely online via NextStepMCAT.com. Instruction is offered in both videos available on demand 24/7 and live sessions offered 10 times each week. Students will have access to their course tools for 6 months. Students will receive a pass/fail grade for this course. To enroll, students must have EMU GPA of 3.2 and must be applying to medical school in the upcoming application cycle with EMU's support. Students who have taken and passed the course previously may not re-enroll in the course.

BMS 531 DAT Preparation Course (3 SH) [Spring]
This course will provide a comprehensive review of all topics found on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The following subjects will be covered: Natural Sciences including, Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Students will utilize online and print materials to review and practice DAT subject material. Students will receive a pass/fail grade for this course. To enroll, students must have an EMU GPA of 3.2 and must be applying to dental school in the upcoming application cycle with EMU's support. Students who have taken and passed the course previously may not re-enroll in the course.

BMS 561 (BIOL 337) Immunology (3) [Fall]
Survey of immunology including the nature of antigens and antibodies, the reactions between them, applications of these reactions to clinical diagnosis and the cellular events which occur during the immune response. Beneficial and pathological aspects of immunity are included.

*BMS 562 (BIOL 478) Advanced Neurobiology (3) [Spring]
This course explores the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience with an emphasis on the biology of the nervous system. It includes the structure of the nervous system, how neurons communicate electrically and chemically, sensory systems, motor systems, and the neural basis of behavior. Two lecture periods and one lab per week.

 *BMS 563 (BIOCHEM 438) Molecular Genetics (3) [Spring]
A study of the mechanisms of gene structure, stability, replication, transmission, and expression in eukaryotes. Themes include molecular evolution, viruses (including HIV), and heritable diseases. Students read and report on research articles.

*BMS 570 (BIOL 327) Medical Microbiology (3) [Spring] 
A comprehensive study of the field of microbiology, emphasizing the principles of medical microbiology and human symbioses. Included in the discussion will be additional focus on disease, treatment, emerging infectious diseases, biotechnology and global public health. Topics will be discussed using lectures, short lab periods, case studies and problem-based learning.

BMS 571 (PSYC 331) Abnormal Psychology (3) [Fall] 
An interdisciplinary approach to understanding abnormal (maladaptive) behavior emphasizing the crucial roles of learning and life stressors in the development and maintenance of abnormal behaviors. The clinical characteristics, causal factors, and treatments of maladaptive behavior patterns are examined, including the areas of assessment, therapy and prevention. Positive emotions and strengths that promote mental health will be integrated throughout the course.

BMS 572 (PSYC 341) Cognitive Psychology (3) [Spring] 
The field of cognitive psychology involves studying and thinking about thinking. Questions are asked about how we acquire, store, retrieve, and use knowledge. Students will actively study and apply various theories about human thinking. Topics such as models of memory, imaging, language comprehension, problem-solving, creativity and cognitive development will be covered.

BMS 574 (PSYC 451) Neuropsychology (3) [Spring] 
Survey of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, including the function of sensory receptors and hormones. Emphasis is placed on the role of general neurophysiological principles that affect human behavior.

BMS 585 Infectious Diseases (3) [Summer] 
This online course will take an introductory look at infectious disease from a public health perspective. We will focus on factors that contribute to disease transmission in global populations and will introduce basic concepts of epidemiology, human disease, microbiology, immunology, and vaccination to provide a foundation for understanding health promotion and health behavior with regard to controlling the spread of infection through a community. This course will use lecture, discussion, case study, videos, and relevant current events to explore infection and infection control.

BMS 595 Bioinformatics (2) [Spring]
This course teaches the bioinformatics skills used in academic and biotech laboratories for analyzing individual DNA and protein sequences. The focus is extensive hands-on experience using mainstream web-based bioinformatics tools. Laboratory based course that addresses biological questions by analyzing sequences, searching databases, using sophisticated software, and interpreting results.

Please see a listing towards the end of this document outlining other electives that can be taken.

Biomedical Teaching Concentration Courses (Education, 18 SH)

The following course is required for Biomedical Teaching concentration students if not completed as an undergraduate prerequisite. This course is dual-listed and requires significant additional graduate work beyond the undergraduate requirements.

BMS 501 (CHEM 315) Biomedical Organic Chemistry I: Basic Principles (4) [Fall]

Required Teaching Core (6 SH)

The following courses are offered alternate years. Contact the MAED program for course schedule.

EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change (3)
Explores practical implications of the constructivist theory in classrooms. Emphasizes concepts such as reflective practice, student-centered learning, and processes for change.

EDCC 531 Social and Ethical Issues in Education (3) Online
Examines educational and ethical values through discussion of case studies and current issues in education. Analyzes how public policy in education is shaped via the community’s social and ethical concerns.

Education Electives (12 SH)

EDCI  501 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies (3)
Examines the philosophical foundations of curriculum development and implementation. Curriculum mapping, interdisciplinary inquiry, activity curricula and culturally responsive development will be discussed.

EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3)
Focuses on the application of integrated strategies, differentiated instruction, curriculum compacting and adaptations for diverse populations, i.e. students served under alternative education, special education services, ESL and gifted/talented programs.

EDCI 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3)
Focuses on collaborative strategies for teaming among educators, parents and community agencies. Examines models of consensus building, team leadership, team planning, collaborative strategies and school-community partnerships within the context of inclusive classrooms and transition programs for at-risk learners.

EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3) [Summer]
Explores peacebuilding and conflict resolution within educational contexts. Focuses on peaceable climates and conflict transformation approaches and integrates peace curricula for individual classroom settings and within specific schools.

EDSL 581 Language and Culture – classroom (3) Online
Enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate ways in which culture and language influence each other. Surveys the basics of sociolinguistics and language policy through case studies from communities around the world. Includes a critical evaluation of the role of culture in the second-language classroom.

EDCT 681 Online Learning Tools for the Classroom (3) Online
Enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate ways in which culture and language influence each other. Surveys the basics of sociolinguistics and language policy through case studies from communities around the world. Includes a critical evaluation of the role of culture in the second-language classroom.

EDCT 541 Instructional Technology for Problem-Based Learning (PBL) (3) Online 
Explores 21st century workplace success beyond basic knowledge and skills. In Problem-Based Learning, students not only understand content more deeply but also learn how to take responsibility and build confidence, solve problems, work collaboratively, communicate ideas, and be creative innovators. Participants will identify, use and evaluate technology resources in the context of designing and delivering instruction using the Problem-Based Learning instructional method. 

EDCT 531 Everything Google for the Classroom (3) Online
Explores Google tools that can be used in the classroom to assist with classroom management and instruction. Participants will collaborate on ways to use these tools to have the greatest positive impact in their classrooms. Participants should be comfortable with surfing the web.  

Other Electives

Elective Courses for any Concentration (Courses are offered based on adequate enrollment)

*BMS 557 (BIOL 458) Advanced Ecology and Field Biology (4)
Advanced ecology course emphasizing population ecology and investigative field techniques. Extended field projects focusing on animal behavior, population surveys, vegetative sampling, and landscape ecology will be combined with population dynamic modeling and simulations. Also, includes an introduction to ecological research design and data analysis.

BMS 573 (PSYC 361) Theories of Personality (3)
Empirical strategies that are particularly relevant to the study of personality process, human behavior and human experience provide a systematic study of the person. Major theories and principles of personality adjustment are studied, such as dispositional, genetic, cognitive and biological factors related to the understanding of personality.

*BMS 579 (CHEM 325) Analytical Chemistry I (2)
An overview of the various aspects of analytical chemistry such as sampling, statistical analysis of data sets, quantitative and qualitative analysis, spectroscopy and chromatography, and trouble-shooting/ instrument design and maintenance. Emphasis will be given to Gravimetric and Titrimetric analysis, Ultraviolet and visible spectroscopy, Advanced GCMS and ion-selective electrodes. One lecture, four hours of laboratory

*BMS 580 (CHEM 345) Analytical Chemistry II (2)
An overview of the various aspects of analytical chemistry such as sampling, statistical analysis of data sets, quantitative and qualitative analysis, spectroscopy and chromatography, and trouble-shooting/ instrument design and maintenance. Emphasis will be given to Atomic spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy including multi-dimensional analysis and nuclei beyond C and H, HPLC. One lecture, four hours of laboratory.

*BMS 582 (CHEM 405) Thermodynamics (3)
A computation intensive foundational study of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Topics include gases, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, chemical and phase equilibria, statistical thermodynamics, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Three lectures and one laboratory/recitation period per week .

*BMS 583 (CHEM 406) Quantum Mechanics (3)
A quantitative study of quantum mechanics as related to atomic and molecular structure and spectroscopy. Three lectures and one laboratory/recitation period per week.

BMS 599 Independent/Directed Study (1-3 SH)
This course designation covers various elective or topical studies that are offered on a periodic basis, depending on available faculty and resources. This may include credit for group book study or project (typically 1 SH) or in some cases may be a more extensive seminar course dealing with a specific topic that is of current interest (typically 2-3 SH). Typically reflective/research papers and oral presentations by student comprise the basis for academic evaluation. Enrollment based on instructor permission.

Additional graduate level courses in other programs such as nursing, organizational leadership, counseling, justice, and peacebuilding or seminary may be selected as cross-discipline elective courses pending faculty approval, adequate enrollment space, and if the student has completed the appropriate undergraduate prerequisites.

* Offered alternating years

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