An introductory survey course in basic human physiology. (3) 

Prereq: One semester of college biology.

Group discussions of clinical cases and clinical applications relevant to human physiology. (1)

Prereq: PGY 206 or its equivalent. May be taken concurrently.

PGY 312, Cell Physiology and Pathophysiology, is a 3 credit-hour course that will provide students with an understanding of the structure and diverse functions of human cells. The general purpose of the lectures is not only to provide a fundamental overview of structure and function of human cell organelles in the context of cellular homeostasis, but also to discuss genetic and/or environmental factors that can impact the structure and function of one or multiple cell organelles. Discussion will include examples of human diseases such as cystic fibrosis, myopathy, and Diabetes Mellitus, wherever possible. (3)

Prereq: An introductory college-level Biology course (e.g., BIO 148)

PGY 394 is designed to provide students with an intensive experience in laboratory or field research. Participants should take an active role in the design and execution of experiments and in the analysis and interpretation of data. They should be capable of “independent research” in the sense that they can conduct the experiments with little direct supervision. Students are expected to become familiar with related research in the current literature by regularly reading scientific journals. The student is expected to devote at least 3-5 hours per week for each credit hour enrolled to laboratory work, although often more time is necessary (1-3)

The objective of this course is to cultivate a student’s curiosity in the field of human reproductive biology, modern technological advancements such as contraception, assisted reproduction and stem cell research, and the social, economic, and ethical challenges and issues they create. Class topics will include basic reproductive processes from gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and embryogenesis, issues that may hamper reproductive successes, and technological advancements in reproductive medicine such as contraceptives, assisted reproductive technologies, prenatal genetic diagnosis, and stem cells. The social impacts of current and future reproductive medicine will also be discussed. (3)

Prereq: Elementary Physiology (e.g., PGY 206) or Biochemistry (BCH 401G) or consent by the instructor.

The objective of this course is to provide the basic physiological mechanisms of human body function and physiological integration of the organ systems to maintain homeostasis. Students will be learning what the different organ systems do and how they do it. With this knowledge a student should be able to form a general understanding of how the body functions in health and disease. The general purpose of the lectures is to reinforce and expand upon the material presented in the text, with a focus on concepts and problem solving skills. Lectures will be further developed with reading assignments and discussion. (4)

Prereq: One year biology or PGY 206.

This is a 1 credit course designed for current and former students in PGY 412G, Principles of Human Physiology. This is a companion course for PGY 412G, Principles of Human Physiology. The objective of this course is to guide students to reinforce and apply physiological concepts to real-life scenarios. Through interactive group discussion formats, students will enhance their critical thinking and problem solving skills using questions, problems and/or case studies corresponding to PGY 412G material. (1)

Prereq: Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in PGY 412G.

RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and microarray techniques are powerful tools for global analyses of transcriptomes and gene expression. This advanced hands-on course is designed for students who desire to become research scientists in any of the many areas of biology that use these techniques. Lectures on fundamental concepts, experimental design, and the impact of understanding gene expression patterns are combined with computer labs where students analyze RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and microarray data. (2)

Prereq: A course in Cell Biology or Molecular Biology.

This course will serve as an introduction to the field of neuroendocrinology – the study of the interactions between the body’s two major integrative control systems. The course will provide an overview of how the brain and the endocrine system interact to regulate growth and development, the response to stress, appetite and body weight, sex differentiation and behavior, mental health, and circadian rhythms. (3)

Prereq: PGY 206, BIO 302, or BIO 350 or instructor approval.

PGY/BIO 502 is a team-taught, lecture-based course that provides an integrated in-depth understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the human cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, neural, renal and respiratory organ systems. Lectures are supplemented with assigned readings, hands-on demonstrations, and problem-oriented study sessions. (5)

Prereq: An introductory physiology course (for example PGY 206), and an understanding of fundamental undergraduate-level chemical and physical concepts is recommended but not required. (Same as BIO 502.)

A study of some advanced problems in physiology under the direct supervision of the instructor. Discussion period, one hour; laboratory, four hours. May be repeated to a maximum of eight credits. (2-4)

Prereq: Consent of instructor.

This online course surveys the consequences of evolution on human function and disease. Lecture materials, online discussions, and reading and writing assignments will expand on examples of the repercussions of evolutionary processes on health. (3)

Prereq: BIO 150-153 or equivalent introductory biology sequence, BIO 315 or equivalent, and an introductory physiology course (PGY 206, BIO 350, or PGY 412G)

The course consists of an introduction to neurophysiology and study of the neural basis of sensory processing and motor patterns. A comparative analysis of the neurobiological basis of behavioral responses will be made, utilizing a broad range of vertebrates and invertebrates.

Prereq: BIO 350 or consent of instructor. (Same as BIO 535.)

This course aims at the development of an integrative conception of the human organism, and involves the study of medical case histories. The complex network of physiologic interactions which underlie disease states is investigated. The physiologic bases of health, illness, dying, and death are explored. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits. (1)

Prereq: PGY 412G, PGY 502 or consent of instructor.

An introduction to the basic anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of endocrine systems with emphasis on mechanisms of hormone synthesis, secretion and action. Lectures and reading assignments will focus on endocrine function in mammalian species, including laboratory animals, humans and livestock. (3)

Prereq: BCH 401G and BIO 350 or equivalents. (Same as ASC 601.)

A critical evaluation at the advanced level of the literature of the major mammalian physiological systems at the organ, cellular and molecular level. The course is intended to be taken with and to complement PGY 502. It includes a critical reading of the primary literature. (3)

Prereq: One year each of physics, general chemistry; PGY 206 or equivalent.

The objective of this course is to examine in-depth the various functions of the cardiovascular system and their proposed mechanisms. (3)

Prereq: PGY 502 or consent of instructor

This is a course for students in the biomedical sciences interested in understanding the principles and pitfalls of experimental design and data analysis. The course focuses on why specific experimental design and analysis strategies are applied. (3)

Prereq: Consent of instructor. An introductory statistics course is recommended, e.g., STA 570 or STA 580.

The objective of the course will be to provide a general overview of the current state of knowledge concerning the pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches to central nervous system injury. The course will provide a strong working background concerning the issues, techniques and frontiers of neurotrauma therapeutic discovery research aimed at reducing acute post-traumatic neurodegeneration in the injured brain or spinal cord or enabling regeneration and repair. This course is a graduate level course intended for students who are in their second or subsequent years of graduate study and who are pursuing focused research training in neurotrauma research. No special prerequisites, other than graduate standing, are necessary. However, a background in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is highly recommended. (3)

Prereq: Permission of instructor. (Same as ANA 605.)

This course will examine in-depth the physiology and pathophysiology of the renal system, as well as provide an understanding of advanced renal physiological techniques. (3)

Prereq: PGY 412G, PGY 502 or consent of instructor.

This course will examine in-depth the physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system. (3)

Prereq: PGY 412G, PGY 502 or consent of instructor

A multidisciplinary discussion of how the process of aging affects biological systems. Coverage will be quite broad and includes topics such as subcellular and cellular aging, genetics, immunology, anatomy and physiology, animal model of aging, etc. (3)

Prereq: Enrollment in the doctoral program in Gerontology or a biomedical science department or consent of instructor. (Same as ANA/ BIO/GRN 612.)

A two (2) credit seminar course in which issues related to the theory and practice of life science education are discussed in a Socratic manner. May be repeated to a maximum of three credits. (2)

Prereq: Current enrollment in a life science graduate program. (Same as GRN 615.)

A two (2) credit experimental course in which students will directly participate in the teaching of Physiology under supervised conditions. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. (2)

Prereq: PGY 615 may be taken concurrently.

RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and microarray techniques are powerful tools for global analyses of transcriptomes and gene expression. They are widely used in biological and medical research. Lectures on fundamental concepts, experimental design, and the impact of understanding gene expression patterns are combined with computer labs where students analyze RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and microarray data. (2)

Prereq: IBS 603 or an equivalent course in Cell Biology or Molecular Biology. (Same as PHA 617.)

Muscle Forum is a course that will allow students to develop critical evaluatory skills for seminars and grant writing in the field of Muscle Biology. (1)

Prereq: Students need to be enrolled in the Rehabilitation Sciences doctoral program, one of the graduate programs of the Integrative Biomedical Sciences, or with permission of the course director. (Same as RHB 625.)

An intensive examination of theories, methods of investigation, and current developments in the field of physiological psychology. (3)

Prereq: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. (Same as PSY 627.)

Contemporary topics in physiology. Course designed to utilize the special research interests of resident and visiting faculty. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. (1-3)

Prereq: PGY 502 or consent of instructor.

An explanation of the processes which contribute to the development of the nervous system. Neurophysiological, cell biological and molecular approaches to cell differentiation, neuronal pathfinding and synapse formation and stabilization will be explored and discussed. Examples will be drawn from both vertebrate and invertebrate preparations. (3)

Prereq: BIO 535 or consent of instructor. (Same as ANA/BIO/PSY 638.)

Hands-on laboratory exercises in animal physiology. (3)

Prereq: Previous or concurrent enrollment in BIO 550. (Same as BIO 650.)

Advanced study of current topics in reproductive biology. The course is comprised equally of student-led discussions and lectures given by faculty with research expertise in selected topics. Readings will be taken from current and classic literature. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) molecular and cellular endocrinology, hormone receptors and mechanism of action, reproductive neuroendocrinology, reproductive behavior, gametogenesis, fertilization, sexual differentiation, puberty, menopause and environmental effects on reproduction. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis and understanding of the experimental basis for current concepts in reproductive biology.

Prereq: ASC/PGY 601 and ASC 364 or BIO/PGY 502 or consent of instructor. (Same as ANA 660 and ASC 660).

This course will examine the alterations in the brain that occur with aging and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The emphasis will be on human aging although the relevance of animal models to studies of human aging will be a recurrent theme. The course will examine aging at several levels, including molecular, cellular, organismic, and behavioral. A strong background in the basic sciences in encouraged. (Same as ANA/GRN/PHA 710.) (3)

Half-time to full-time work on thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters. (0)

Prereq: All course work toward the degree must be completed.

Half-time to full-time work on dissertation. May be repeated to a maximum of six semesters. (0)

Prereq: Registration for two full-time semesters of 769 residence credit following the successful completion of the qualifying exams.

A study of selected topics in behavioral neuroscience with emphasis on recent research and theory. May be repeated to a maximum of nine credits. Prereq: Consent of instructor. This course may be elected to fulfill requirements in the Psychology and Physiology graduate programs. (Same as PSY 766.) (3)

Residency credit for dissertation research after the qualifying examination. Students may register for this course in the semester of the qualifying examination. A minimum of two semesters are required as well as continuous enrollment (Fall and Spring) until the dissertation is completed and defended. (2)

May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. (1-6)

May be repeated indefinitely. (0-12)

A comprehensive discussion of topics in cellular physiology and biophysics using advanced texts and readings in the original literature. Includes such topics as biological membranes, transport mechanisms, effects of hormones on membranes. (2)

Prereq: Graduate student in physiology and biophysics or consent of Director of Graduate Study.

A discussion-based course for physiology graduate students and other advanced students interested in physiology. The students learn how to understand and critique research papers and how to review a research manuscript. The full potential of the course is realized in conjunction with the Physiology Seminar Series, because the material of the course prepares the students for these Seminars. Students are encouraged to participate until they are heavily involved in their research project. (1)

May be repeated to a maximum of 15 credits. (1-15)

Prereq: Consent of instructor

The brain uses electrical signals to process all information it receives and analyzes. Individual neurons encode complex information into simple electrical signals; the meaning behind these signals is derived from the specific interconnections of neurons. The purpose of neurophysiology is to describe how the neuron produces electrical and chemical signals and illustrate how these signals are involved in the functional organization of neural circuits. This course also describes how the central nervous system analyzes and integrates the various inputs, elicits command decisions that determine the motor and/or endocrine responses. Lecture: three hours per week for five weeks. (1)

Prereq: Admission to the College of Dentistry, or consent of the Course Director. (Same as OBI 813.)

This course enables student dentists to understand the basic principles of human physiology, especially as it relates to the practice of dentistry. The introduction of the course presents the basic physiology of cells, conducting and contracting tissues, lining and secretory tissues, and other special tissues. The course focuses on the major physiological systems and presents them at the system, cellular, and molecular levels; and emphasizes those aspects particularly relevant to dentistry - dentin sensitivity, dental and pulpal pain, muscle dysfunction, ischemic and, hypertensive heart disease, oral manifestations of endocrine abnormalities, temperature regulation, calcium-phosphate homeostasis, and the dental mineralized tissues. Upon successful completion of the course, student dentists will be able to rationally and scientifically apply basic cell, tissue, organ, and organ system function to clinical decision-making. Lectures with assigned reading: 68 hours. (4)

Prereq: OBI 812 or consent of the course director. (Same as OBI 814.)

With the advice and approval of his or her faculty adviser, the first-year student may choose approved electives offered by the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. The intent is to provide the student an opportunity for exploration and study in an area which supplements and/or complements required course work in the first-year curriculum. Pass-fail only. (1-3)

Prereq: Admission to first year, College of Medicine

This course provides in-depth instruction on the physiological mechanisms of body function from the single cell to the organism level. The course is team taught by medical scientists and clinicians. Teaching methodologies include didactic and Socratic lectures, small group discussions, demonstrations and live model and computer simulated laboratories. Lecture, 20 hours per week. (8)

Prereq: Admission to medical school (first year). (Same as OBI 814.)

With the advice and approval of his or her faculty adviser, the second-year student may choose approved electives offered by the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. The intent is to provide the student an opportunity for exploration and study in an area which supplements and/or complements required course work in the second-year curriculum. Pass-fail only. (1-4)

Prereq: Admission to second-year medical curriculum and approval of adviser

With the advice and approval of the faculty adviser and the Student Progress and Promotions Committee, the fourth-year student may choose approved electives offered by the various departments in the College of Medicine. The intent is to provide the student an opportunity to develop his fund of knowledge and clinical competence. (1-6)

Prereq: Admission to the fourth year, College of Medicine and/or permission of the Student Progress and Promotions Committee.

PGY 850 ELECTIVE: RESEARCH IN PHYSIOLOGY