M.S. in Biomedical Sciences

Course Description

This course is general survey of the ethical issues relevant to the human life cycle. Topics such as organ transplants termination of life, euthanasia, abortion, genetic control and medical experimentation are discussed. This course is geared primarily for individuals with a back ground or interest in the health and medical technologists, radiologic technologists, nurses, health care administrators and other professionals in the health field.
On occasion, 3 credits

This course is an inquiry into the chemistry of amino acids, proteins and lipids. Enzymes and their role in cytoplasmic carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid synthesis are discussed. The role of the mitochondrion, especially the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, is explored. Same as BIO 513.
Spring, 3 credits

The course will be a study of the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic tools and management of certain infectious diseases and neoplasms affecting humans. Lectures in Pathophysiology I not only stress the molecular and cellular basis for immunity, but also introduce students to those disease states in which a basic knowledge of immunology is critical to an understanding of the disease. The course deals with the role of the immune system in health and disease, the expected and unexpected responses in fighting infections, allergy and hypersensitivity; Immune system's role in tissue transplantation, tissue graft rejection, immunosuppression, cancer, autoimmune diseases and congenital and acquired immune deficiencies including AIDS. The concepts of microbial infection pathogenesis with emphasis on the mechanisms employed by pathogenic microorganisms in establishing infection in the host and the response of the host to fight the infection will be discussed. Specific genetic, developmental and pediatric diseases and disorders of daily life and diet will also be covered.
Fall, 3 credits

This course covers the fundamentals of statistics as applied to medical and biological sciences, including measures of central tendency and variability, theory of sampling, theory of estimation, sample frequency functions, confidence limits, null hypothesis, linear regression and correlation, chi-squared test, t-Test, F-Test and analysis of variance, elements of sequential analysis, statistical techniques adapted to laboratory quality control and design of experiments. Use of statistical programs for analysis of data is integrated within the course.
Spring, 3 credits

This course is an introduction to the use of computers in the various fields of the health sciences. Review of statistical applications for data analysis is also included. Term project required.
On occasion, 3 credits

This course is an introduction to epidemiologic principles employed in the investigation of disease. A review of public health statistics in relation to disease rates and evaluation of community efforts toward the reduction of these rates is considered. The use of epidemiologic investigations of chronic physical and mental disease is discussed.
On Occasion, 3 credits

This course is designed to provide CLS students the appropriate experience to answering in ASCP and NCA certification examination questions and in case study analysis. The major categories of hematology, chemistry, immunology, immunohematology (blood bank), and microbiology are addressed. The sessions are team taught by practicing professionals and program faculty. This course provides a concise study tool for certification and licensure.
Spring, 1 credit

This seminar identifies the five components of Management in Laboratory Medicine: duties and responsibilities including problem solving and decision making processes; concepts of managerial leadership: communication skills; process of personnel administration: evaluation of employee performance; effective laboratory operations and principles of laboratory finance: cost containment. Additionally, information on teaching, professionalism, supervision, regulatory agency requirements, laboratory information systems, and the importance of continuing medical education are discussed. Case study assignments reflect typical laboratory problems encountered. Teaching principles include writing of objectives and educational methodology.
Spring, 2 credits

Resources Management is a course which addresses important topics in two areas of Laboratory Management: physical and human resources, both of which are essential for maintenance and growth of the clinical laboratory. Topics addressed in physical resources include: the accreditation process, certification and licensure of laboratory health professionals, laboratory policies and procedures, workload recording, budgets, purchasing and inventory control, laboratory design, space utilization and laboratory safety. Human resources topics involve the actual clinical laboratory organization, job descriptions, recruitment, hiring and orientation of laboratory personnel, their performance appraisal, staff development and those leadership qualities of management personnel. Their course emphasis is to highlight those laboratory resource issues in management that professionals must address in their daily work environment to recognize the problems and formulate their solutions.
Fall, 3 credits

This course is the introduction to the analysis of analytes in body fluids. Emphasis is placed on describing normal and pathophysiologic changes in disease. Quality control, evaluation, interpretation and laboratory tests used in quantitation are presented. The biomedical significance of metabolic disorders of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids is discussed.
Fall, 3 credits

This course introduces students to safety principles, quality control and laboratory math and the analysis, quantitation, the serum and urine specimen. Emphasis is based on the clinical correlations and analytical procedures commonly performed on serum to determine the quantity of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, and non-protein nitrogen substances and to assess cardiac, liver, renal, pancreatic and gastrointestinal function. Analysis of the physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine (urinalysis) is also presented along with the disease processes that hinder kidney function.
Spring, 3 credits

This course is a study of current principles of automated instrumentation analyses performed in the clinical setting. The course provides practical exposure to several commercially available systems.
Spring, 3 credits

This course describes the erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid differentiation pathways from the pluripotent stem cell to mature cells; describes the pathophysiology of anemias, leukemias, lymphomas and pathways for blood coagulation and coagulopathies; emphasizes theory and procedures necessary for diagnosis of disease of blood-forming tissues.
Fall and spring, 3 credits

This course is presented as advanced theory and practice in Hematology. Normal and abnormal cellular morphologies are differentiated and contrasted. Methods of assessment and the discussion of normal and abnormal findings are addressed. Correlation of laboratory data and clinical relevance with disease states are emphasized.
On occassion, 3 credits

This course covers the theoretical aspects of blood coagulation in normal and disease states, including laboratory methods which demonstrate various blood factors.
Fall, 3 credits

The formed elements of the peripheral blood, their precursors, function and structure – including basic methodologies for quantitation of cells and cellular components – are discussed. Normal and abnormal cellular morphologies, their clinical relevance in both the quantitative and qualitative assessment of disease in blood is also emphasized. Other body fluids are also addresses: cerebrospinal, synovial, pericardial, peritoneal, pleural, amniotic fluids and seminal fluid in terms of normal and abnormal findings, methods of collection and assessment.
Fall, 3 credits

This course is a study of the theory, application, and techniques useful for propagating tissues in the research laboratory. This intensive laboratory course is designed to provide students with state-of-the-art practical, hands-on experiences in the area of cell and in vitro tissue culturing. This course will focus on both qualitative and quantitative analysis of fundamental cell behavior, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and adhesion. Topics selected for study include sterile techniques, cell nutrition, media preparation, establishment and maintenance of callus and suspension cultures, growth measurement, morphogenesis, cell isolation, tissue and organ culture.
On occasion, 3 credits

The topics covered in this course include innate and adaptive immune systems, Cells and organs of the immune system, types of antigens, antigen recognition by T and B cells at both the cellular and molecular levels, various cellular and autocrine and exocrine interactions that regulate immunity; aberrant Immune activation; cellular, molecular and immunochemistry techniques; humoral and effector mechanisms.
Prerequisite None.
Fall and Spring, 3 credits

This course addresses the many aspects associated with transfusion medicine. Lecture and laboratory coursework are incorporated to address the theoretical aspects of Immunohematology supported by a technical emphasis on laboratory procedures performed in a hospital transfusion service.
Prerequisite BMS 587 or permission of instructor.
Fall, 3 credits

In addition to reviewing the cells and tissues of the immune system, specific and non-specific mechanisms of the immune response, the major histo-compatibility complex, hypersensitivities and tumor surveillance of the immune system, this course emphasizes immunologic techniques in the serologic identification of antigens and antibodies. Emphasis is made on measurement of the immune product or reaction which can yield significant information in the clinical differential diagnosis or monitoring the progress of a disorder / disease.
Prerequisite course in Immunology is required.
Spring, 3 credits

This course serves three purposes: (1) as a “refresher” course to those who are in the field; (2) as a prerequisite for further study in microbiology; and (3) as preparation for professional board examinations. The delineation of microbial species: bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses, rickettsiae, chlamydia, protozoa, helminths and other animal parasites implicated in disease are presented. The course covers methods used in diagnostic microbiology as well as medical, clinical, epidemiological and nosocomial aspects of microbial disease states. Additionally, computerization, instrumentation, miniaturization, and DNA recombinant studies applicable to microbiology are covered.
Fall and Spring, 3 credits

BMS 594 Medical Parasitology

This course examines host parasite relationships relative to disease transmission, pathology, immunology, epidemiology, survey and control. Emphasis on laboratory preparations and diagnosis of parasitic diseases includes those aspects of life cycles that are useful for clinical diagnosis.
On occasion, 3 credits

BMS 595 Zoonoses

Diseases of feral and domesticated animals communicable to man, which include bacterial, mycotic, rickettisial, chlamydial, viral, protozoal and helminthic infections are examined. Vectors associated with zoonoses are reviewed. The public health and the epidemiology of the diseases and the procedures used to prevent and control humane and animal infection are stressed. Overpopulation of animals as a threat to health and the sociological implications of pet ownership are also discussed.
On occasion, 3 credits

This course describes the selection and evaluation of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to coordinate and interface departments of clinical and anatomical pathology in the hospital setting. Problems concerning needs analysis, cost, value of the system and communication through computer technology are addressed. The usefulness of computer operations in charting, graphing, database analysis and online services is also presented. Students identify criteria to be considered to evaluate the success of LIS systems, quality management and their competency.
Prerequisite coursework in computers is required.
Spring, 1 credit

BMS 610 Histopathology

This course will teach the student the histologic and cellular composition of tissues in different disease states as compared to normal tissue. Emphasis is on major changes observed in tissues undergoing pathologic processes such as: inflammation, degenerations, necrosis, growth disorders; those changes that occur that influence the health and function of normal tissues within various body systems. Examination of pathology slides is an essential course requirement.
Fall, 3 credits

At the end of the course, the student should have a comprehensive knowledge regarding various inflammatory, neoplastic, congenital and acquired disease states affecting various organ systems of human body and to answer questions related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prognosis of the disease entities.
Spring and Fall, 3 credits

This course provides a one semester introduction and overview to the fields of bioinformatics and genomics. The focus will be on providing a practical description of the topics, tools, issues and current trends in bioinformatics. Topics to be discussed include 1) introduction to the storage, representation, analysis, and retrieval of bioinformatics data; 2) introduction to genomics and related fields including proteomics, and pharmacogenomics; 3) description and use of nucleic acid, protein, structure, sequence motif, genome and other relevant databases and 4) overview and discussion of basic sequence manipulations and analyses including sequence assembly and editing, coding region identification, database searching, retrieval, and similarity analysis, multiple sequence alignment, restriction analysis, PCR primer design.
Alternate spring, 3 credits

This course addresses the implementation of quality improvement principles for the Clinical Laboratory. It begins with a discussion of the rational about continuous quality improvement, the group or teamwork approach to quality improvement, and the process of formulating flowcharts, matrices and quality control charts to analyze and quantitate quality improvements measures. It ends by discussing and responding to actual case situations by utilizing clinical practice guideline that help to understand the nature of disease processes and outcomes of early interventions.
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 648 Microbial Physiology

This course examines the metabolic activities of bacteria and fungi. Emphasis is placed on the bacterial cell, enzymes, energy, respiration, fermentation, metabolism, synthesis, catabolic, anabolic and amphibolic pathways. Microbiological assays, spectrophotometry, complete fermentation study and other procedures utilizing basic and advanced techniques and equipment are included. Collateral readings and term report are required.
On occasion, 3 credits

This is an advanced course designed to provide in-depth understanding of the medical approach to evaluating disorders. Several topics are presented for review, analysis and discussion. This course also has a laboratory component which provides further emphasis about medically significant analytes.
Prerequisite of BMS 550 is required.
On occasion, 3 credits

BMS 651 Pharmacology

The purpose of this course is to understand the use of drugs and mechanisms of action states. The student develops and understanding of the pharmacodynamics and pharmocokinetics of drugs used to treat disease. The consequences and expectations of the drugs being administered (considering its pharmacodynamics, pharmaccognosy and pharmacokinetics) in that specific patient are presented..
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 652 Clinical Chemistry II & Instrumentation

This is an advanced course designed to provide in-depth understanding of the medical approach to evaluating disorders. Several topics are presented for review, analysis and discussion. This course also has a laboratory component which provides further emphasis about medically significant analytes.
Prerequisite of BMS 551 is required.
Fall, 3 credits

BMS 655 Toxicology and Therapeutic Monitoring

This course covers the instrumental methods of assay. Toxicologic and pharmacologic action on and by the host organism are examined along with a review of major drug and toxin types. Special topics of interest are covered in the detection and identification of drugs in biological fluids.
Fall, 3 credits

BMS 656 Molecular Diagnostics

Molecular diagnostics is the application of methods in molecular biology to the diagnosis of disease. Molecular biology examines what is going on inside the cell at the DNA/RNA/protein level. This course surveys some of the standard techniques used in molecular biology: cloning, blotting, cell extracts, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and microarrays. Formal lectures are followed by experiments in a laboratory equipped to perform many of the aforementioned techniques. Most of these techniques represent transferable technologies that may be used in various fields; i.e., forensic pathology, clinical laboratory medicine and cancer screening.
Fall and Spring, 3 credits

BMS 661 Hematological Malignancies

In-depth coverage of concepts of cell origin and differentiation, as well as the molecular concepts of disease and current trends in research are covered. Quality control experience in lab practice, marrow differential counts, histochemical and biochemical techniques are included in-depth.
Prerequisite of BMS 561 is required.
Spring, 3 credits

This course includes the development of techniques in experimental hematopoiesis, primarily on mammalian bone marrow. Instruction of students in techniques of altering hematopoiesis and evaluation of results is also included.
Prerequisite of BMS 561 is required.
On occasion, 3 credits

BMS 673 Molecular & Cellular Biology of Cancer

This course covers molecular biology of cancer, intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate cancer, cell cycle regulation, oncogenesis, tumor markers, angiogenesis, senescence, apoptosis, metastasis, immune and biotherapy. This course covers the assessment of the effects of various biological disciplines, i.e., genetics, biochemistry, virology, endocrinology, pathology, pharmacology, hematology and immunology, upon past and present efforts in cancer research.
Fall, 3 credits

The course is a comprehensive overview on current knowledge related to laboratory and clinical practice in Transfusion Medicine. The topics will cover blood donation process, testing, safety of blood supply, preparation of blood components, storage requirements and appropriate use for the blood components. This course reviews the need for special blood products in unique situations and special patient populations such as neonates, requiring modification of blood products. The course will provide basic understanding of immunohematology related to pre transfusion computability testing, blood administration, immune hemolysis and adverse effects of blood transfusion; Transplantation related topics such as overview of HLA, stem cell collection for transplantation, solid organ transplantation and transfusion support during transplants will also be covered. The course will be particularly relevant and useful for those pursuing patient care - related careers such as Nursing, Medical Technologists, Perfusionists, Physician Assistants and Physicians.
Prerequisite of BMS 561 or BMS 562 is required.
Alternate Fall, 3 credits

BMS 687 Molecular Immunology

This course examines immunology with emphasis on current areas of research. The course is designed to give a broad but thorough covering of immunology with an emphasis on regulation of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, B-cell and T cell differentiation, determination of self from non-self and antigen recognition by T and B cells at both the cellular and molecular levels; various cellular and autocrine and exocrine interactions that regulate immunity, receptor-mediated triggering of cellular responses via second messengers, the cellular, humoral and effector mechanisms; tumor immunology, immunotherapy and tumor vaccines.
Prerequisite of BMS 581 is required.
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 688 Laboratory Techniques in Immunochemistry

Lectures illustrate the quantitative and qualitative aspects of immunochemistry and state-of-the-art monoclonal developments. Laboratory exercises demonstrate molecular weight sieves, ion-exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, gel precipitation reactions, enzymatic cleavage of antibodies, labeling of antibodies and enzyme immunoassay procedures.
Prerequisite of BMS 581 is required.
On occasion, 3 credits

Isolation, identification and significance of microorganisms implicated in disease and as encountered in the clinical microbiology laboratory are covered in-depth. The significance of saprophytes found in the clinical specimen, unusual isolates and findings are discussed. Proficiency testing implemented as part of the practical microbiology, computerization, instrumentation, miniaturization and DNA recombinant studies applicable to microbiology are reviewed.
Prerequisite of BMS 591 is required.
Spring, 3 credits

This course will cover current topics in cancer biology including oncogenes, tumor suppressors, metastasis, cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA repair in a 3-module format.  Additionally, topics related to treatment of cancer (basic pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, and mechanism of action, and development of resistance) will be covered.  Each semester, three specific topics will be chosen and the students will be assigned readings from the primary literature and these articles will be discussed in a journal club format during these sessions.
Prerequisite of BMS 673 is required.
Spring, 3 credits

BMS 696 Medical Mycology

This course is a study of the classification, identification, life cycles morphology, physiology, biochemistry and immunology of fungi of medical and clinical significance. A discussion of the fungi as microbial entities and economic importance is included. The course employs the use of microbiological techniques in the elucidation of fungi implicated in disease as encountered in the clinical microbiology laboratory as well as the identification of other fungi. Proficiency testing is discussed and implemented as part of the practical aspects of the course.
Prerequisite of BMS 591 is required.
Alternate Spring, 3 credits

BMS 698 Medical Virology

Isolation, identification and classification of the viruses in man and animals with application to disease states such as causes, diagnosis and prevention are examined.
Prerequisite: Course in biochemistry or molecular biology.
Fall and Spring, 3 credits

BMS 699 Laboratory Techniques in Virology

Production, purification and quantitation of viruses, with analysis of virion structure and investigation of steps in viral replication are covered in this course.
Prerequisite of BMS 698 is required.
On occasion, 3 credits

This course examines a research problem under the guidance of a member of the Department of Biomedical Sciences faculty. Open only to matriculated students.
Students may register only once for this course. 1 or 2 credits, to be determined with the approval of the chairperson, the Graduate Committee and the mentor
On occasion, 1 or 2 credits

This is a course designed to provide practical tools for initiation and development of a research proposal. The scientific approaches to problem-solving, data collection and analysis are discussed.
Every Semester, 3 credits

BMS 704 Clinical Research Thesis

This course is a clinical research project designed to develop and enhance research skills appropriate to the area of specialization chosen for the M.S. degree. The research data is obtained from a health care facility, academic setting, business or industry, community program or clinical research facility. The collected data is analyzed and a thesis is written and presented to the department. Open only to matriculated students with approval by department chairperson, Graduate Committee and mentor.
Prerequisite of BMS 703 is required.
Every Semester, 3 credits

This seminar course deals with current topics and critiques and evaluates techniques used in the area of cardiovascular disease. Open only to matriculated students.
On occasion, 3 credits

This course provides another option for successful completion of the Master of Science degree through the completion of a research project and a comprehensive examination in the specialty. Open only to matriculated students with approval by department chairperson, Graduate Committee and mentor.
Prerequisite of BMS 703 is required.
Every Semester, 3 credits

Open only to matriculated students with the approval of a faculty mentor and department Chairperson. A student is provided with the opportunity to develop and enhance laboratory research skills leading to the design and completion of an experimental thesis (BMS 708).
On demand, 3 credits

For experimental theses, the model system may be animals, tissue cells or microbial agents. The topic selection for experimental thesis is generally decided by the mentor. The student (with the help of the mentor) has to have logically defined objectives and a clear hypothesis. In this course the student carries out the experiments, reviews relevant literature, collect all research data, formulates graphs, figures or tables and writes the results, discussion, summary, conclusions and defend the thesis with a PowerPoint presentation.
Prerequisite of BMS 703 or 707 is required.
Every semester, 3 credits

Degree Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 average and remain in good standing with the department. Grades below a B are unacceptable toward continuation in the major and may result in dismissal from the program.

Students in the M.S. in Biomedical Sciences program will complete 36 credits: 12 credits in core courses, 6 credits of electives, and 18 credits in the chosen specialization.

Biomedical Sciences Core Courses (12 credits) 
Courses Credits
BMS 520 Pathophysiology I 3
BMS 550 Clinical Biochemistry 3
BMS 612 Pathophysiology II 3
BMS 703 Research Methods  3

Immunology and Cancer Biology (18 credits)
Courses Credits
BMS 561 Hematology 3
BMS 581 Immunology/Serology 3
BMS 591 Medical Microbiology 3
BMS 656 Molecular Diagnostics 3
BMS 673 Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer 3
BMS 687 Molecular Immunology 3

Elective (6 credits)  **
BMS 540 Biostatistics 3 
BMS 562 Coagulation 3
BMS 594 Mycology/Parasitology 3
BMS 610 Histopathology 3
BMS 651 Pharmacology 3
BMS 661 Hematological Malignancies 3
BMS 698 Medical Virology 3
BMS 691 Infectious Diseases 3
BMS 705 Graduate Seminar 3

**Students take two electives: either two courses or one course and thesis (BMS 704 or BMS 706 or BMS 708)
Thesis options as follows:
BMS 704 Clinical Research Thesis OR 3
BMS 706 Research Project OR 3
BMS 707* Introduction to Research  3
(with permission from Chair in place of BMS 703) 

BMS 708 Experimental Research Thesis 3
(if taking BMS 707 you must take BMS 708)

*Requires the approval of the mentor and the department.

Microbiology/ Infectious Diseases (18 credits) 
Courses Credits
BMS 581 Immunology/Serology 3
BMS 591 Medical Microbiology 3
BMS 594 Mycology/Parasitology 3
BMS 687 Molecular Immunology 3
BMS 691 Infectious Diseases 3
BMS 698 Medical Virology 3

Elective (6 credits) * * 
BMS 540 Biostatistics 3 
BMS 561 Hematology 3
BMS 562 Coagulation 3
BMS 610 Histopathology 3
BMS 651 Pharmacology 3
BMS 656 Molecular Diagnostics 3
BMS 661 Hematological Malignancies 3
BMS 673 Cell and Molecular Biology Cancer 3
BMS 705 Graduate Seminar 3

**Students take two electives: either two courses or one course and thesis (BMS 704 or BMS 706 or BMS 708)

Typical Sequence