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. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week.
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. Three lectures and one four-hour laboratory per week.
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.
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.
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. The laboratory involves an introduction to common techniques employed in molecular biology followed by directed research projects of the student’s choosing.
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.
In this class, we will study the principles that govern the process of modern drug discovery & development and to gain insight to the modes of activity of the major classes of drugs (antibiotics, antivirals, analgesics, anticancer, steroids, antihistamines, etc.) Students will primarily be evaluated based on appropriate scientific writing.
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.
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.
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.
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 5 times each week. Students will have access to their course tools for 6 months. Students will receive a pass/fail grade for this course.