Overview of BIOM 502/503—The Disease Modules
BIOM 502 – Disease module 1 (Fall semester, second year)
BIOM 503 – Disease module 2 (Spring semester, second year)
GTMS 502 & 503 are designed to introduce graduate students to several examples of human diseases. In each module the students will learn how to approach the study of a disease by first investigating the anatomy, histology and physiology of the organ(s) involved in the disease. Then they will investigate the known mechanisms involved in the disease and the consequences of the disease process on the patient. They will learn current approaches to treatment of the disease, based on our understanding of the mechanisms involved. Finally, they will discuss current areas of research for each disease that address clinically relevant issues.
By reviewing these different diseases, most of the organ systems in the body will be covered. More importantly, the students will develop a method for how to investigate and learn about any disease occurring in any organ, and how to think about clinically relevant problems and the research approaches that may be applied to solving them.
This course will be structured similarly to BIOM 501 and will consist of virtual lectures, reading assignments (text or journal articles), and one 2-hour discussion class every week. In addition, the students will have access to a series of recorded lectures on DVD from The Teaching Company. The DVD course is called “Understanding the Human Body: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology.” The lectures are extremely well done and directed at a level appropriate for this general survey course.
The discussion groups will focus on the specific disease that has been selected for that organ system. The emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms involved, the impact of the disease on the patient, current therapies based on interventions targeted to the specific underlying mechanisms and research that is being done to helping to solve clinically significant issues. The discussion sessions will vary from week to week. Some will focus on an assigned scientific paper that complements the particular topic, others will review clinical problem sets that illustrate key concepts. Students can access the assigned papers or assigned problem sets on the course website. Students will be expected to “attend” the virtual lectures, participate in discussion groups, and hand in assignments. As the Spring 2007 course is a pilot program, students will also be required to critically evaluate all aspects of this course.
Texts:
1. Tortora and Grabowski. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 10th Edition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002
2. Kumar, Cotran and Robbins. Basic Pathology, 7th Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders. 2003.
3. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary (or equivalent)
Electronic resources:
1. DVD set: “Understanding the Human Body: An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology.” The Teaching Company
2. Course Website
3. WebPath : http://www-medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/webpath.html
Excellent on-line resource for General and Organ Pathology.
Evaluation
Evaluation of students in the GTMS program:
This is a pass/fail program. One paper will be due at the end of each semester.
For BIOM 502 & 503:
A short 3-5 page paper will be due at the end of each semester. Students will be given a list of topics to choose from that correlate with the Organ Systems covered during the semester. Students will research their topic, using any available resources. Part of their answer will include an explanation of how the topic bridges research and clinical medicine and contributes to the field of translational research.