IDL 577 Introduction to Research Methods
Theoretical and practical training in basic skills utilized in basic medical science research laboratories, for students entering the first year interdisciplinary curriculum. Discussion of regulatory issues in biomedical research will be interwoven with hands-on laboratory exercises. Offered concurrently with IDL 580.

IDL 580 Fundamentals of Basic Medical Sciences I
First of a two-semester sequence designed for students in the first year interdisciplinary curriculum. In-depth exploration of the fundamentals of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology prerequisite to advanced study of basic medical sciences. Didactic lectures will be complemented with discussions of the literature.

IDL 581 Fundamentals of Basic Medical Sciences II
Second of a two-semester sequence designed for students in the first year interdisciplinary curriculum. Detailed exploration of the fundamentals of microbiology and immunology, developmental biology, integrative systems physiology, and mechanisms of drug action prerequisite to advanced study of basic medical sciences. Didactic lectures will be complemented with discussions of the literature. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Basic Medical Sciences I

IDL 590 Interdisciplinary Special Topics
In-depth tutorial exposure to specific interdisciplinary areas. Student and/or faculty presentations followed by group discussion examine the subject matter in an area of current interest. Credits and titles are arranged with faculty.

IDL 594 Interdisciplinary Directed Studies
Students participate in research under the direction of a graduate faculty member. This course should be taken by students in the first year interdisciplinary core curriculum completing laboratory rotations and until a mentor for advanced study is defined.

PHA 546 Literature Reports 1 credit
Students and faculty participate in a supervised reading of the current literature and meet periodically (usually once a week) to interact in a discussion of the selected article or topic. The goal of this course is to maintain the faculty’s and students’ level of information at a “state of the art” in both methods and theory in the discipline and to develop critical skills in reviewing the literature. Student presentation is required to receive credit.

IDL 635 Advanced Signal Transduction 4 credits
This course builds on signal transduction topics discussed in the Fundamentals course (IDL 580, 581). The mechanisms of more generalized signaling pathways (e.g., G-protein coupled pathways) to specific signaling pathways (e.g., TGF/BMP family) will be discussed. Signal transduction pathways will be examined using classic literature references, from the molecular details of pathway components to the effects on the organ system. The course consists of lectures, student presentations, and essay/problem solving examinations. Prerequisites: IDL 580, 581, or permission of Course Director.

PHA 643 Molecular and Cellular Toxicology 3 credits
This course is concerned with the mechanisms by which toxic substances exert their effects at the molecular and cellular level. Detailed analysis of the processes by which toxic materials are metabolized to toxic intermediate is addressed. The mode of action of how toxic compounds interact with structural proteins and other macromolecules, enzymes and receptors, and the genome is included. Examples of toxicity of the heart, liver, lung, pancreas and brain, including teratogenic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects are discussed at the mechanistic level.

PHA 799 Dissertation Research 1-6 credits
Independent research by the student under the sponsorship of the dissertation advisor. Students are required to submit a research project description form before enrolling in this course. Progress reports of the work accomplished are required every six months.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Depending on the student's academic background and research interest, students can enhance their knowledge by selecting from a variety of courses. These include:

IDL 590 Special Topics
In-depth tutorial exposure to specific interdisciplinary areas. Student and/or faculty presentations followed by group discussion examine the subject matter in an area of current interest. Credits and titles are arranged with faculty.

PHA 590 Special Topics
In-depth tutorial exposure to Pharmacology. Student and/or faculty presentations followed by group discussion examine the subject matter in an area of current interest. Credits and titles are arranged with faculty.

CH 551 Biophysical Chemistry 3 credits
The study of the hydrodynamic and optical properties and methods used to elucidate the structure, conformation, and function of biological macromolecules.

CH 570 Computational Chemistry (C) 4 credits
Designed to provide an introduction to some of the techniques used in molecular modeling and computational chemistry, and to illustrate how these techniques can be used to study physical, chemical and biological phenomena.

CH 314 Environmental Chemistry 4 credits
Introduces the cycling of elements in the earth as groundwork for understanding the chemical reactions and fate of chemical species introduced as contaminants to the environment. The chemistry of natural and anthropogenic contaminants in the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the lithosphere and the transport and transformation of chemical species in the environment are discussed. Laboratory component will use real-world samples to learn appropriate isolation techniques followed by chemical and instrumental analysis.

BLY 515 Ecotoxicology 3 credits
Dynamics and effects of toxic agents on ecosystems. Emphasis will be on application of toxicological principles to the environment, current problems, and state of art methodologies in evaluation of environmental health.