Academics

Professional Development Courses

PMD 101. Explorations in Healthcare Careers (1).

Explores the various career pathways in healthcare and helps students considering a career in a healthcare field develop a comprehensive plan of preparation for admission to medical school or other healthcare profession school. This professional development course is for all students considering a career in healthcare. Credit/no-credit only.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

PMD 301. Navigating Healthcare Professional School Admissions (1).

Prepares students to navigate the healthcare professional school admissions process. Students reflect on their motivation for becoming a healthcare provider and develop personal statements and descriptions of activities for their applications. The final product will be completion of a mock application to a healthcare professional school and mock interview. This professional development course will be of interest to students applying to medical or other health profession schools. Credit/no-credit only.

Offered most spring semesters.

Seminar/Discussion Courses

PMD 320: Topics in Healthcare (1)

This seminar is designed as a topics course so that a more complete exploration of the world of healthcare can occur over multiple semesters. PMD 320 addresses topics such as differences among medical specialties, or differences among healthcare professions etc.

Offered most spring semesters.

PMD 410: Issues in Healthcare (1)

This seminar is similar in format to PMD 320, but as a 400-level course, more complex issues in healthcare will be addressed (cost of healthcare, end-of-life issues, etc.)

ATH 248. Introduction to Medical Anthropology. (3)

Topics and theoretical approaches of medical anthropology. Explores why disease emerges within particular socio-cultural settings and how people in those settings understand and treat their ills. Topics include historical and current pandemics, culturally specific illnesses, local medical practices, and individuals' struggles with particular ills. PA-1C, PA-4C, SI-05, CAS-C

Offered most fall semesters.

ATH 255. Introduction to Biological Anthropology. (3)

Introduction to biological anthropology, including evolutionary theory, human origins, models of human evolution, human variation, and primatology. PA-2B, CAS-C, CAS-D

Offered fall and spring semesters.

ATH 258. The Sciences of Mental Health. (3)

Students examine the neurobiological, psychological, and cultural contributors to mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse - as well as the ability of the brain to change in response to positive and negative experiences. Symptoms, mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and societal responses to mental health disorders will be covered with focus on resilience as students explore the ways their perception and engagement with the world impacts brain function, and vice versa. IVA, IC. PA-2B, PA-4B, SI-02, SI-05. CAS-C, CAS-D. Cross-listed with BIO 258 and PSY 258.

Offered every other year.

ATH 378. Doctors, Clinics, and Epidemics. (3)

Explores the contemporary social, cultural, and communicative practices of biomedicine, and links these to the responses to epidemics and social hierarchies that form its European roots. Engages various understandings of clinical language, communication, and structural inequities that challenge the efficacy of medical practice. CAS-B

Offered every other year.

ATH 448. Developing Solutions in Global Health. (3)

Global health is the study of illness and health as a consequence of bio-cultural processes that are both local and global. This is a transdisciplinary capstone encouraging teamwork to understand the complexities of and develop a grant proposal to address a student-identified global health problem. When paired with ATH 248, counts as an ADVW sequence. PA-1C

Offered most spring semesters.

ATH 498. Evolution of Human Behavior. (3)

Ethology and ecology of Homo sapiens, from comparative and evolutionary perspectives, drawing on primatology, paleoanthropology, and sociocultural studies of traditional societies. SC, CAS-C.
Prerequisites: junior or senior status; nine advanced hours of BIO; permission of instructor.

Cross-listed with BIO 498.

Offered every other year.

ART 194. Introduction to Art Therapy. (3)

Introductory seminar to the field of art therapy as a career, history and origins of the field, education standards and application, and art experientials.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

BSC 313. Microbial Diversity. (4)

Molecular, biochemical and evolutionary diversity of the microbial world, including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes. Taught in Hamilton and Middletown only.

Prerequisites: BIO/MBI 116 or MBI 161 or permission from instructor.

Offered on regionals only

BSC 415. Approaches to Problem Solving and Research in Applied Biology Capstone. (3)

An exploration into the manner in which we seek solutions to real world problems and the way in which we answer scientific questions in the biological sciences. The specific focus will vary and will either be related to the environment or to human health. SC.

Prerequisites: Senior level standing and have completed at least 9 credit hours at the 200 level or above in natural sciences.

Offered on regionals only

BIO 161. Principles of Human Physiology. (4)

Examines physiological systems of the human body. Lecture provides basic information regarding function of these systems from an integrative perspective. In laboratory, use hands-on approach and work in small groups to conduct experiments and/or carry out projects to illustrate the physiological concepts presented in lecture. Not open to Biology, Botany, or Zoology majors. IVA, LAB. CAS-D/LAB. PA-2B. CAS-QL. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

Offered most spring, summer, and fall semesters.

BIO 201. Human Anatomy. (4)

The study of structure and function of human tissues, organs, and organ systems. Designed for pre-professional health sciences students and those preparing for graduate study.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

BIO 305. Human Physiology. (4)

Study of general physiological principles necessary for basic understanding of life processes. 

Prerequisites: one year of chemistry, junior standing, and BIO 203 or MBI 365, or permission of instructor.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

BIO 325. Pathophysiology. (4)

Study of relationship between normal body functioning and physiologic changes that occur as the result of illness.

Prerequisites: BIO 171 and 172; or BIO 201 and 305.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

BIO 342. Genetics. (3)

Introduction to basic principles of genetic organization, function, and inheritance.

Prerequisites: one year of chemistry, junior standing, and at least one 200-level biology course, or permission of instructor.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

BIO 361. Patterns in Development. (4)

Cellular, molecular and genetic analysis of developmental processes by which a single celled zygote is transformed into a multi-cellular organism, comparative analyses of the mechanisms across animals, and an understanding of classical and modern experimental approaches in Developmental Biology. CAS-D/LAB. 3 Lec. 1 Lab.

Prerequisites: BIO 203.

Offered most spring semesters.

BIO 400. Capstone Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Biology. (3)

Requires seniors to critically evaluate and form positions on current biological issues of national interest. Format, theme, and topics change from term to term. Examples of themes include the management and use of natural resources, preservation of biological diversity, nature of the medical profession, and issues raised by advances in biotechnology. Faculty as well as other recognized authorities participate.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

BIO 449/BIO 549. Biology of Cancer. (3)

Study of cancer in animals at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels. Causes, development, and treatment of cancer are examined as well as the characteristics of the 10 most common cancers in humans.

Recommended Prerequisites: BIO 203 and organic chemistry.

Offered most fall semesters.

BIO 454/BIO 554. Endocrinology. (3)

Study of the role of chemical messengers and hormones from endocrine and neural origin, in control of physiological processes. Includes review and discussion of current techniques and methodologies in the literature.

Prerequisites: BIO 305, or both BIO 161 and BIO 203.

Offered most fall semesters.

BIO 469/BIO 569. Neurophysiology. (3)

Study of the physiology of the central nervous system with emphasis on the cellular and molecular basis of signal transmission in the brain. Includes a review of current techniques and topics in the literature.

Prerequisites: BIO 305, or both BIO 161 and BIO 203; graduate standing for 569.

Offered most fall semesters.

BIO 471/BIO 571. Molecular Physiology. (3)

Emphasis on how modern biological techniques are applied to the understanding of molecular physiology in both the normal and abnormal disease states. Specific topics will be complemented with current literature to illustrate investigations into physiology at the cellular and molecular level.

Prerequisites: BIO 305 and a 200-level (or higher) course in molecular/cell biology.

Offered most spring semesters.

CPB 428. Engineering Principles in Medical Device Design (3)

Application of engineering principles to medical device design, including statics, electric circuits, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. Introduces modeling and computational methods to the design of medical devices with an emphasis on surgical instruments.

Prerequisites: ECE 205 and (CPB 219 or MME 211) and (CPB 324 or MME 202 or ECE 302 or CSE 271) or equivalent.

Offered most spring semesters.

CPB 402/CPB 502. Introduction to Clinical Engineering. (3)

Introduction to Clinical Engineering provides an overview of medical technology in a variety of healthcare settings and the engineering problems a clinical engineer will encounter in hospital facilities. Students are introduced to the concepts of the management of healthcare technology, human factors, systems engineering, data analytics, financial management, regulatory affairs, electronic medical record management, cybersecurity, human resources, and strategic planning. 

Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and any biology course. 

Offered online-asynchronous in fall semesters.

CPB 448/CPB 548. Hospital Rotation. (3)

Student preparation and presentation of lectures on engineering and management topics related to hospital operations. Lectures on human factors, sterilization, critical review of the literature, safety and related topics are provided by professional guest lecturers.

Prerequisites: CPB 402.

Offered hybrid asynchronous in spring semesters.

CPB 421. Bioethics. (1)

The application of ethical theories and codes of ethics to the ethical decision-making processes. Ethical issues involved around making choices about human life saving and enhancing its quality, human and animal experimentation, regulation involving bio-related research and data collection and analysis, standards for the design of medical devices and their certification. Other related issues such as intellectual property rights will be considered.

Prerequisites: senior standing or permission of instructor.

Offered most fall semesters.

CHM 466/CHM 566. Bioinformatics Computing Skills. (3)

Study of the core computational and biological concepts in bioinformatics, with programming in Python, MySQL and Ubuntu OS. You will gain hands-on experience in popular bioinformatics applications, including BLAST, sequence alignment, genome browser, and gene annotation, among others.

Prerequisites: BIO 256; or CSE 174; or permission of instructor.

Cross-listed with BIO/CSE/MBI.

Offered most fall semesters.

CMR 224. Medical Terminology. (3)

Covers medical terms including definitions, spelling, and pronunciation along with their use in a workplace setting.

Regionals, open to Oxford.

CIT 231. Healthcare Information Technology Around the World. (3)

This course provides a background into the history of, and a current overview of, healthcare IT in the US and around the world. Students will examine how clinical, financial, and administrative data flows through the healthcare organization, and how information technology can be used to improve patient outcomes. IIIB. PA-4C, SI-03, SI-05.

Regionals, open to Oxford.

CIT 331. Healthcare Workflow and Process Improvement. (3)

Examination of how data can be used to improve workflow and assist in continuous quality improvement in healthcare settings. Emphasis is on the analysis of data needs, interpretation of workflow analysis.

Prerequisites: CIT 231. Co-requisite: CIT 338.

CSE 256. Introduction to Programming for the Life Sciences. (3)

Introduction to programming for majors in the life sciences. The ability to write programs to perform tasks related to the organization and analysis of biological data has become a highly-valued skill for researchers in the life sciences, allowing wet-lab researchers to quickly process and sort through large amounts of data to find information relative to their own work. This course serves as an introduction to programming designed specifically for life science majors, targeting the specific skills and techniques commonly needed and explaining the fundamental methods of working with biological data while centering programming assignments around topics of interest to those studying the life sciences. Topics covered include basic programming techniques, representation and manipulation of genomic and protein sequence data, and the automated interface with BLAST and the NCBI GenBank database.

Cross-listed with BIO/MBI.

DST 272. Introduction to Disability Studies. (3)

Explores the link between the social construction of disability and that of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation as they pertain to social justice in a multicultural and democratic society. Promotes critical analysis of dominant and nondominant perspectives on disability. IC, IIC. PA-2A, PA-4B. CAS-C.

Cross-listed with EDP/SOC.

Offered most semesters, including winter and summer.

DST 278. Women and (Dis)ability: Fictions and Contaminations of Identity. (3)

Provides a critical analysis of the historical, sociological, cultural, media and educational images and representations of women with disabilities. Current research and theories from Disabilities Studies and Womens Studies will serve as the lenses for the exploration of disability as a social construct. The course will focus on exploration of oppressive social forces embedded in the re/presentations of and by women with disabilities which transform and complicate such images.

Cross-listed with EDP/WGS.

Offered some spring semesters.

ECO 332. Health Economics (3)

Investigation of the markets for health care and related sectors of the economy with attention to institutions and data for the U.S. health care sector. Emphasizes the presence of moral hazard and asymmetric information in various health care markets. Topics may include proposals for reform, malpractice, drug regulation, Medicare and Medicaid, problems of access to care for the uninsured, and cross country comparisons.

Prerequisites: ECO 201.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

EDP 272. Introduction to Disability Studies. (3)

Explores the link between the social construction of disability and that of race, class, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation as they pertain to social justice in a multicultural and democratic society. Promotes critical analysis of dominant and nondominant perspectives on disability. IC, IIC. PA-2A, PA-4B. CAS-C.

Cross-listed with DST/SOC.

Offered most semesters, including winter and summer.

EDP 278. Women and (Dis)ability: Fictions and Contaminations of Identity. (3)

Provides a critical analysis of the historical, sociological, cultural, media and educational images and representations of women with disabilities. Current research and theories from Disabilities Studies and Womens Studies will serve as the lenses for the exploration of disability as a social construct. The course will focus on exploration of oppressive social forces embedded in the re/presentations of and by women with disabilities which transform and complicate such images.

Cross-listed with DST/WGS.

Offered some spring semesters.

ENG 263. Literature and Medicine. (3)

What does storytelling have to do with medicine? Turns out, a lot. Every patient has a story, and the skill of reading for pattern, symptom, and causality lies at the heart of the medical arts. This course examines a wide range of texts about illness, disability, diagnosis, and healing. It is designed for pre-health majors and all students seeking a deeper engagement with medical ethics, history, and storytelling. Through reading, writing, and discussion, students will investigate the different perspectives and belief systems that come into play in medical contexts, addressing issues of medical authority, end of life, the role of genre and technology in healthcare, and the social and cultural dimensions of illness and medicine. IIB, IC. PA-3B, PA-4B, SI-05. CAS-B-LIT.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

ENG/EGS 319. Medical Writing. (3)

Introduces students to a range of strategies used in medical writing for general and specialized audiences. The primary focus will be on audience, argument, style, and conventions, as well as different genres and contexts of medical writing. Students will evaluate the most common types of scientific writing, such as presentations, manuscripts and grant applications, both individually and in collaboration with others. Students will develop their own scientific research documents with attention to visual design and format as well as content. ADVW. PA-1C, SI-05.

Cross-listed with EGS 319.

Offered every year.

FSW 306. Trauma Responsive Assessment and Intervention. (3)

This course prepares students for generalist practice with individuals and families by incorporating a trauma-responsive lens to understand the impacts adverse experiences have on neurobiological and psychosocial development on individuals and family systems. This course provides students opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate client progress in direct practice settings.

Prerequisites: FSW 201, FSW 206, and declared social work major.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: FSW 304.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

FSW 318. Child Life Theory and Practice. (3)

Application of knowledge of child and adolescent development to educate, prepare, and support children and their families in healthcare settings and the changes in family dynamics related to illness they experience. This course is taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist and meets one of the requirements of the Child Life Council to become a Certified Child Life Specialist.

GTY 110. Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Volunteer Experience. (1; maximum 3)

OMA is an intergenerational visual art program for people with dementia. It is grounded in the belief that people with dementia are capable of expressing themselves creatively. Its approach is to capitalize on what people with dementia can still do. OMA currently offers its program at multiple sites that serve people with dementia in long-term care facilities, adult day centers and those living at home. OMA has four primary goals: 1) to promote the social engagement, autonomy, and dignity of people with dementia by providing creative self-expression opportunities; 2) to provide staff and volunteers with opportunities to build close relationships with people with dementia; 3) to show the public the creative self-expression capacities of people with dementia through exhibitions of their artwork; and 4) to contribute to the scholarly literature on dementia care and the arts. In this Service-Learning course you will volunteer weekly in the OMA program. IC.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

GTY 254. Global Aging. (3)

This course serves as an introduction to the phenomenon of global aging. Topics include demographic trends in population aging, cultural views on aging, cross-national similarities and differences in health and disease, long-term care, social relationships, pensions and retirement. The course also considers how country- and individual-level wealth, race/ethnicity, gender, attitudes and other intersectionalities affect the experience of growing old. In this course you will learn and practice civic-mindedness and social engagement through group projects and self reflection. You will systematically research complex issues by collecting and analyzing evidence and forming sound conclusions and judgments. You will explore and utilize technological resources, evaluate the credibility of sources and demonstrate creative thinking, expression and communication skills. The group projects give you the opportunity to develop effective team work skills, adaptability, creativity, entrepreneurship, leadership and technology literacy. IC. CAS-C.

Offered most fall, winter, and spring semesters.

GTY 318. Social Forces and Aging. (3)

Examines the social forces that shape the diverse experiences of aging for individuals and the social structures in which they live. Particular emphasis is given to sociological issues such as age stratification, the life course, demographic change and its effects, and societal aging as a force in social change. IC. CAS-C.

Cross-listed with SOC 318.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

GTY 354. Issues & Controversies in Aging. (3)

In this course, students learn and apply concepts from gerontology to current controversies and issues in aging. The course is applicable to one’s professional life as students learn to research and critically and respectfully argue in support or opposition to contemporary issues affecting aging societies. CAS-W.

Offered most fall semesters.

GTY 357. Medical Sociology. (3)

Sociological study of illness, patients, medical professionals, and problems inherent in the delivery of health care services.

Prerequisites: SOC 151, SOC 153 or GTY 154.

Cross-listed with SOC 357.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

GTY 365. Social Policy and Programs in Gerontology. (3)

Provides practical information about working in programs serving older people. Topics include social policy and old age, health policy and programs, federal economic reform, grantsmanship, program planning and coordination, and professions in the field of aging.

Prerequisites: GTY 154.

Offered most fall semesters.

GTY 456/GTY 556. Aging & Health. (3)

As individuals grow older, they experience a variety of physical and social changes that influence their health and well-being. In this course, topics such as age-related changes in health and illness, psychosocial and behavioral factors that contribute to those changes, and health promotion and disease management among older adults are explored.

Prerequisites: GTY 154.

Offered most spring semesters.

GTY 479/GTY 579. Research on Inequality in Aging & Health. (4)

This course examines health inequalities, unequal access, and usage of health care as they relate to aging. Topics include health conditions, social environments, caregiving, and access to and utilization of health services and resources. The emphasis is on intersections of various inequality systems (e.g., race/ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender) and how age interacts with them to produce and reinforce health inequalities.

Offered every other fall semester.

GHS 101. Gateway to Global Health. (3)

Invites students to engage with the complexity and ethical dilemmas of global health as a practical field that seeks to work with organizations and local communities to improve health equity. Through engaged learning opportunities, students will gain skills in understanding, describing, and applying the transdisciplinary approaches of global health to problems of health inequity. This course is the required gateway to the Global Health Minor. CAS-C. PA-4C, SI-05

Offered most fall semesters, and an occasional spring semester.

HST 236. Medicine and Disease in Modern Society. (3)

Explores the history of medicine and disease in Europe and America from the late eighteenth century to the present. The focus is on the rise of scientific medicine emphasizing the methods of social, intellectual, and cultural history. This approach rejects traditional progressionist accounts of the rise of scientific medicine and seeks to place medicine in a wider context. The predominant theme is that of the increasing influence of medical theory and medical institutions on society, and the growing concern of the state with public health. The course includes an exploration of the connections between medicine and ideas about class, race, gender, nation, and disease. This course requires no previous knowledge of modern history.

Offered every other year.

HST 237. Plagues, Pandemics, & Peoples. (3)

This course explores the history of large-scale infectious disease events from the ancient world to the present. SI-05. CAS-B.

HST 385. Race, Science & Disease. (3)

Course Description: 385 Race, Science, and Disease in the Americas (3) Surveys a variety of debates over race and disease since the European overseas expansion to the Americas, particularly in those regions that developed plantation-based agriculture. Begins with the medical and scientific construction of ideas about race from the conquest to the eighteenth century. Places the development of racial theories of sickness and health in a broad social and political context, and, in particular, explains the medical salience of race in the settings of slavery and colonialism. Discussions will focus primarily on Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, but will also explore the making of knowledge about race in global setting. Cross-listed with CRE 385 and LAS 385.

LAS 385. Race, Science, and Disease in the Americas. (3)

Surveys a variety of debates over race and disease since the European overseas expansion to the Americas, particularly in those regions that developed plantation-based agriculture. Begins with the medical and scientific construction of ideas about race from the conquest to the eighteenth century. Places the development of racial theories of sickness and health in a broad social and political context, and, in particular, explains the medical salience of race in the settings of slavery and colonialism. Discussions will focus primarily on Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, but will also explore the making of knowledge about race in global setting.

Cross-listed with CRE 385 and HST 385.

MKT 475.  Healthcare Sales. (3)

This course is designed specifically for students enrolled in the Healthcare Sales Certificate Program.  The course focuses on the complexity of the healthcare industry, its structure, the regulatory environment, and the players in the marketplace that salespeople must work with.   Students will engage with professionals in the field, physicians, operating room personnel, and industry specialists.

New offering, planned for fall and spring semesters.

MTH 135. Introductory Mathematics for Science Applications. (3)

Service course. Concepts, terminology and problem-solving skills important in chemistry, physics, and biology. Ratios and proportions, significant figures, scientific notation, moles and molarity, linear, quadratic, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometry, vectors, algebraic systems, rates of change, and elements of probability and statistics with focus on using these topics in science applications. Qualitative reasoning is emphasized and quantitative problem-solving skills are developed. PA-1A, SI-03. CAS-E.

Prerequisites: An ACT Math Score of 22 or higher, or an SAT Math Score of 530 or higher, or a Miami Math Placement Test score of 8 or higher, or a Miami Precalc Placement Test score of 8 or higher, or successful completion of MTH 025.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

MBI 361. Fundamentals of Epidemiology. (3)

Consideration of the epidemic nature, etiology, and characteristics of infectious and organic diseases, and methods used to analyze their control within the framework of environmental and population variables.

Prerequisites: two hours of microbiology or biology or permission of instructor.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

MBI 405/MBI 505. Medical Bacteriology. (4)

Pathogenic bacteria, their identification, and mechanisms by which they cause disease. 

3 Lec. 1 Lab.

Prerequisites: MBI 201 and either MBI 365 or BIO 203.

Offered most spring semesters.

MBI 414/MBI 514. Immunology Principles. (3)

Lectures covering molecules, cells, tissues, and organs of the immune system. Primary emphasis on mechanisms involved in immune responses.

Prerequisites: MBI 365 or BIO 203, and CHM 242 or CHM 332.

Offered most fall semesters.

MBI 415/MBI 515. Immunology Principles and Practice. (4)

Covers the same lecture content as MBI 414/MBI 514, but adds laboratory exercises and demonstrations illustrating a variety of immunologic phenomena, techniques, and applications. Credit not given for both MBI 414/MBI 514 and MBI 415/MBI 515. 

3 Lec. 1 Lab.

Prerequisites: MBI 365 or BIO 203, and CHM 242 or CHM 332.

Offered most fall semesters.

MBI 464/MBI 564. Human Viruses. (3)

Study of the physical and chemical characteristics of viruses, virus replication mechanisms, disease causation and host response, and tumor induction.

Prerequisites: MBI 365 or BIO 203 and BIO 342 or permission of instructor.

Offered most spring semesters.

PHL 205. Science and Culture. (3)

This course will examine philosophical questions that arise at the intersection of scientific understanding and everyday ways of living. Looking at the cultural, ethical, political, and social dimensions of various sciences, and reading across multiple genres, we will explore a variety of arenas where scientific knowledge and technological development have transformed human experience (including experience with the non-human world), and, conversely, arenas where reflection and insight are necessary to confront and navigate conundrums of meaning, value, and action presented by scientific endeavors. Potential topics might include: the roles of scientific, political, and ethical reasoning in considerations of public health; human/non-human animal relations; climate change and collective agency; the impact of new media and communication technologies on the boundary between public and private; the social transmission of (mis-)information; and the significance of social identity for scientific investigation. CAS-B.

Offered most fall semesters.

PHL 265. Confronting Death. (3)

Explores philosophical approaches to death and dying. What does human mortality mean for how we should live? Topics might range from suicide, grief, and euthanasia to the immortality of the soul. Ideas will be taken up through a variety of sources, including history, literature, and film. PA-3B, SI-05. CAS-B.

Offered most spring semesters.

PHL 375. Medical Ethics. (4)

Purpose of course is to think together in an informed and critical manner about selected issues in the field of health care. Attempt made with each issue addressed to consider distinctive interests and perspectives of physicians, nurses, patients, and the public. Issues considered include physician/patient relationships; lying, truth-telling, paternalism, and trust; death and dying, including suicide, euthanasia, and treatment of defective newborns; treatment of mental illness and patient rights; allocating scarce resources; nature of health and purposes of medicine.

Offered most spring semesters.

PHY 421/PHY 521. Molecular and Cellular Biophysics. (4)

Introduction to physical phenomena acting on molecular and cellular size scales, including transport properties; thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of reactions; self-assembly; and fluctuations. Development of physical models for biological systems and phenomena, including cooperative behavior in macromolecules; enzyme activity; molecular motors and machines; energy transduction; and nerve transmission.

Prerequisites: PHY 162 or PHY 192, MTH 252, or permission of instructor.

Offered occasionally.

PSY 231. Developmental Psychology. (3)

Psychological development over the lifespan; research and theory in physical, perceptual, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development.

Prerequisites: PSY 111 or EDP 101.

Offered most semesters, including summer and winter.

PSY 242. Introduction to Psychopathology. (3)

In-depth survey of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of major psychological disorders including psychosis, personality disorders, affective disorders and suicide, trauma-related disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use difficulties, intellectual disability, and difficulties associated with childhood, adolescence, family, and old age.

Prerequisites: PSY 111.

Offered most semesters, including summer and winter.

PSY 251. Introduction to Biopsychology. (3)

Introduction to basic research and theory in physiological psychology: brain mechanisms and consciousness, memory, thought, emotion, and stress. Basic neurophysiology and neuroanatomy, as well as nervous system-endocrine system integration are included.

Offered most semesters, including summer and winter.

PSY 331. Infant Development. (3)

A survey of research and theory on physical, cognitive and social development in infancy.

Prerequisites: PSY 231 and PSY 294.

Offered most fall and spring semesters. 

PSY 332. Child Development. (3)

A survey of research and theory on physical, cognitive and social development in infancy and childhood.

Prerequisites: PSY 231 and PSY 294.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

PSY 333. Adolescent Development. (3)

Survey of research and theory on physical, cognitive, and social development in adolescence.

Prerequisites: PSY 231 and PSY 294.

Offered most spring semesters. 

PSY 334. Adulthood and Aging. (3)

Psycho-social functioning across adulthood with a focus on middle and old age. Changes in and determinants of body structures and functions, motor skills, intelligence and cognition, personality, and social behavior.

Prerequisites: PSY 231 and PSY 294.

Offered occasionally.

PSY 356. Psychopharmacology. (3)

Survey of the major classes of psychoactive drugs. In addition to behavioral and psychological effects, emphasis is placed on sites and mechanisms of drug action.

Prerequisites: (PSY 251 and (PSY 294 or PSY 294H)) or (PSY 251 and (BIO 305 or BIO 305W)) or (PSY 251 and (BIO 203 or BIO 203H or BIO 203W) and (BIO 161 or BIO 161H)).

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

SOC 221. Sexualities. (3)

Introduction to the study of human sexual behavior with particular attention paid to the issues of gender development; premarital, marital, and post-marital sexual patterns; birth control; sexual dysfunction; cross-cultural sexual patterns; and diverse sexual lifestyles. PA-4A.

Cross-listed with FSW 221 and WGS 221.

Offered occasionally, mainly summer and winter.

SOC 357. Medical Sociology. (3)

Sociological study of illness, patients, medical professionals, and problems inherent in the delivery of health care services.

Prerequisites: SOC 151 or SOC 153; or SOC/SJS 165; or GTY 154.

Cross-listed with GTY.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

SOC 358. The Sociology of Mental Disorders. (3)

Study of social factors in cause, perpetuation, and treatment of emotional problems.

Prerequisites: SOC 151 or SOC 153; or SOC/SJS 165.

Offered occasionally in the fall or spring.

SOC 435. Death Studies. (3)

Examines social processes involved in the meaning, management, and experience of death and dying. Analyzes death as it relates to social structure, patterns of social interactions, and human experience.

Prerequisites: SOC 151 or SOC 153; SOC/SJS 165; or GTY 154; or FSW 261.

Cross-listed with FSW.

Offered most spring semesters.

SPN 103. Latino Health in the U.S.. (3)

SPN 103 equips students with the skills necessary for careers working with Latino patients in the health care industry. The course examines how social determinants of health contribute to health disparities affecting the Latino community in the U.S. Students will gain cultural competency by exploring the social, cultural, and political issues that create barriers to health care access in the U.S., through the analysis of articles, documentaries, and literary texts. This course is taught primarily in English, with some terminology introduced In Spanish, and will serve as the foundation for the Medical Spanish and Latino Health Certificate (currently in development). PA-4A, SI-05

New offering, offered most fall and spring semesters.

SPN 203. Spanish for Healthcare Professions. (3)

An intermediate level course geared towards students planning to work in the health care field. Designed to familiarize students with medical vocabulary and cultural issues they may encounter while working with Hispanic patients. Spanish 203 is also designed to further student's knowledge of Spanish grammar while continuing the development of speaking, reading and writing skills. Students earn graduation credit for 202 or 203, but not both. CAS-A.

Prerequisites: SPN 201 or placement exam score.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

SPN 322. Issues Affecting Hispanic Health Care in the U.S.. (3)

Explore social, political, and cultural issues that affect access to health care and wellness for Hispanic patients within the U.S. Designed to build cultural competency while continuing to develop linguistic knowledge of specialized vocabulary and content through readings, and intensive oral practice. Students will interact with healthcare professionals, community organizations, and Hispanic patients through a 20-hour Service-Learning project as part of this course. Previous enrollment in SPN 203 is recommended, but not required. Counts toward the Spanish minor and major. Service-Learning designated course. PA-4B.

Prerequisites: SPN 311.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

SPN 331. Spanish for Community Work. (3)

An introduction to the Hispanic community with an examination of the achievements and challenges of this community at a national and local level. Designed to familiarize students with the necessary information and skills to be able to work effectively with a partnering organization in ways that benefit the local immigrant community. Spanish 331 is also designed to further students' oral proficiency through intensive oral practice. Students will participate in a 20-hour service-learning project as a part of this course. IC, EL. PA-4B. CAS-B-LIT. 

Prerequisites: SPN 311.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

SPA 127. Introduction to Communication Disorders. (3)

Overview of disorders of communication, special problems of speech, language and hearing impairments, and treatment. IIC. PA-2A. CAS-C.

Offered most fall and spring semesters.

SPA 312. American Deaf Cultures. (3)

This course will provide an introduction to the American Deaf community. Students will be introduced to the medical and cultural models of deafness, and the differences that result from these two perspectives in terms of identity, language, behavior, values, education, and/or intervention. IC, IIC, IIIB. PA-4A, SI-02.

Offered most spring, summer, and fall semesters.

THE 224. Acting for Medical Simulation. (3)

Ever wonder how medical professionals prepare to care for real-world patients while still in school? They use real people trained to act as standardized patients in encounters that simulate different medical scenarios. In this course, students from any major will learn practical skills in improvisation, analyzing/memorizing a medical case, embodying patient symptoms, and giving effective feedback. They will apply their skills to portray a patient in a simulation with health care students, e.g. in nursing, speech pathology or the physician’s associate program. IC. PA-4B, SI-05.