Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
About the Program
The MS in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (MIHS) is a continuation of the Interdisciplinary Health Science Certificate program, This second year of the program requires students to complete a research project and elect coursework primarily from within a declared area of specialization in the biomedical sciences. The program's advanced educational experience confers a unique perspective that is well-suited to understanding the numerous complexities and professional interrelationships of the current health care system. Upon completion, students will have a strong, integrated view of the medical sciences—providing numerous advantages to graduates, whether utilizing the degree as a springboard for further professional education or subsequently entering the healthcare workforce.
Students already participating in the Interdisciplinary Health Science (IHS) Certificate program who qualify (see admissions guidelines) and wish to obtain additional, more focused education within the medically related health sciences can earn a Master of Science degree. Having obtained a broad exposure to a variety of health care and medically related sciences during the first year, the MIHS year will permit students to refine their knowledge and further explore closely related subjects in their chosen area of focus in greater depth.
During their participation in the MIHS year of the program, students will complete 24 additional credit hours of graduate course work (for a total minimum of 48 hours in entire 2 year program) including a final research paper. The Master of Science (MS) will be awarded contingent upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements, including an earned GPA of no less than 3.0.
For more information about this program, visit the College of Medicine's Professional Studies programs page.
Admission Requirements
Students cannot apply directly to the Master of Science (MS) in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program. The MS in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program is a second-year continuation of the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) Certificate Program
Applicants to the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) Certificate program are required to have a bachelor’s degree from a US accredited institution, or its equivalent. The student should have successfully completed the minimum science courses required for application to medical school and have a minimum GPA of approximately 2.75 or better. In addition, students should have approximately a 20 or better on the MCAT exam with no science section below 7, or have scores in the 50th percentile on the general GRE.
After successful completion of the IHS Certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.0, students will be guaranteed admission into the MIHS program. Students with a graduate level GPA below a 3.0 from the IHS Certificate Program will be considered on an individual basis. Upon admission to the MIHS year, students will be required to declare a concentration track. See the curriculum page for more details about the concentrations.
For more information about applying to the program, visit the College of Medicine's Professional Studies programs page.
Degree Requirements
24.0 additional semester credits for a total minimum of 48.0 semester credits in the two-year program
After completing the Interdisciplinary Health Science Certificate requirements, students complete 24.0 additional credit hours of graduate course work. Students select a concentration track, and complete a final research paper. Students may take courses from other areas that are relevant to their concentration. For additional guidance on the research paper requirements, students should contact the MIHS Program Director.
| Fall | ||
| Interdisciplinary Health Science Core Course | 3.0 | |
| Concentration Track Courses (See Below) | 9.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| MLAS 530S | Biostats In Vet Science | 3.0 |
| Concentration Track Courses (See Below) | 9.0 | |
| Total Credits | 24.0 | |
Concentration Tracks
| Clinical Research, Management and Laboratory Skills | 18.0 | |
| Select six from the following: | ||
| Biotech/Research | ||
| Health Policy and Economics | ||
| Pharmacotherapy in New Drug R&D | ||
| Financial Mgmt In Lab Anim Sci | ||
| Organizational Management | ||
| Laboratory Management | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Leadership Skills for the Medical Profession | ||
| Medical Ethics | ||
| Biology & Care Of Lab Animals | ||
| Animal Models for Biomedical Research | ||
| Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
| Biochemical and Pharmacologic Principles | 18.0 | |
| Select six of the following: | ||
| Forensic Toxicology II | ||
| Forensic Microbiology | ||
| Biochemical Basis of Disease (Upenn) | ||
| Molecular Genetics | ||
| Selected Topic in Pharmacology | ||
| Concepts in Bioch & Cell Biolo | ||
| Biological Function & Regulati | ||
| Biological Aspects of the Forensic Sciences | ||
| GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY | ||
| Drug Discovery and Development I | ||
| GRADUATE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
| Concepts in Anatomy and Pathology | 18.0 | |
| Select six of the following: | ||
| Forensic Anthropology and Topics in Human Identification | ||
| Principles of Forensic Pathology | ||
| Human Osteology and Calcified Tissue Biology II | ||
| Biochemical Basis of Disease (Upenn) | ||
| Embryology | ||
| Animal Models for Biomedical Research | ||
| Fundamentals of Histology | ||
| Applied Anatomic Pathology | ||
| Medical Pathology I | ||
| Medical Pathology II | ||
| Special Topics in Anatomy | ||
| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
| Laboratory Techniques | 18.0 | |
| Select six of the following: | ||
| Forensic Microbiology | ||
| Forensic Photography | ||
| Forensic DNA Analysis | ||
| Biology & Care Of Lab Animals | ||
| Animal Models for Biomedical Research | ||
| Fundamentals of Histology | ||
| Medical Terminology | ||
| Histotechnology I | ||
| Medical Microbiology I | ||
| Medical Pathology II | ||
| Medical Ethics | ||
| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
| Medical Science | ||
| Required Courses for this Concentration | ||
| IMSP 502S | Medicine and Society I | 3.0 |
| IMSP 503S | Medicine and Society II | 2.0 |
| IMSP 510S | Medical Biochemistry I | 7.5 |
| IMSP 511S | Medical Biochemistry II | 0.5 |
| IMSP 520S | Medical Physiology I | 3.5 |
| IMSP 521S | Medical Physiology II | 3.5 |
| IMSP 540S | Cell Biology & Microanatomy I | 5.0 |
| IMSP 541S | Cell Biology and Microanatomy II | 3.0 |
| IMSP 560S | Medical Neuroscience | 6.0 |
| Total Credits | 34.0 | |
Medical Technology
(Concentration is under development)
For more information, visit the visit the College of Medicine's Professional Studies programs page.
Facilities
The Drexel University College of Medicine is the consolidation of two venerable medical schools with rich and intertwined histories: Hahnemann Medical College and Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Established in 1848 and 1850, respectively, they were two of the earliest medical colleges in the United States, and Woman’s was the very first medical school for women in the nation.
The medical college is a living laboratory, giving students hands-on experience. Along with clinical rotations in hospitals, pathologists’ assistant students benefit from the physical plant, which has some of the latest, most advanced facilities in health care. The New College Building at the Center City Hahnemann campus is designed for the purpose of teaching basic sciences and clinical skills. The College of Medicine provides wireless Internet access to curricular resources from anywhere on campus. Computers, multimedia technology, and the Internet have opened impressive avenues of education, allowing students to augment the information and skills they learn from classes, print materials, and clinical rotations.
College of Medicine faculty members have been leaders in developing interactive computer-based learning tools. Lecture handouts, slides, lab manuals, and other visual materials are increasingly made available to students in searchable electronic formats. For example, pathology slides are currently available on the Web. In addition, all medical school lectures, including pathology, are available on the Web for the pathologists’ assistant students to view anywhere and at anytime.
Some of the College's key facilities and their features include:
- Queen Lane Student Activities Center
- A 17,700 square foot student activity center was completed in 2006 at the Queen Lane Campus. The Student Activities Center occupies 2 floors and houses a full line of exercise equipment and flexible space for events and lectures. The facility is available to students, staff and groups.
- Queen Lane Simulation Center
- The university is completing the construction of a state-of-the-art simulation center for medical students. The simulation center will be housed in a brand new 25,000 square foot building addition scheduled for completion in the fall of 2009.
- Lecture Halls
- The New College Building at the Center City Hahnemann campus is designed for the purpose of teaching basic sciences and clinical skills. The lecture halls are designed to accommodate a variety of educational methodologies, spanning from the basic lecture format to the enriched laboratory setting where courses such as Anatomy, Pathology, Microbiology, Histology and Applied Anatomic Pathology can be taught to the Pathologists’ Assistant students.
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory
- Forty-two tables with microscopes for teaching neuroanatomy, microbiology, and pathology are available.
- Microscopes are equipped with a networked video system so that all students in a class can look at a single slide through a microscope via monitors on their lab tables or projected to the entire class.
- Students can retrieve microscopic images via computer.
- Libraries
- Drexel University has four libraries to serve the needs of students, faculty and staff. The collection of each library emphasizes subjects relevant to the health sciences, with print resources distributed to meet the needs of the programs and departments at each location.
- With a bar-coded University identification card, materials can be borrowed from the general book collections at each library for a four-week period. Reserve materials may be borrowed for 2 or 3 hours, with some items available for overnight loan after 4 p.m. and on weekends. Reference books and journals must be used in the libraries.
- Books, journal titles, and other library materials may be identified through the Libraries' online catalog. A free document delivery service provides access to books and journal articles owned by our libraries, but not at the library user's home location. Through cooperative agreements with other libraries locally, across the country, and worldwide the interlibrary loan service, for a small fee, provides access to books and journals not owned by the University.
- Computers in the reference areas of each library, and the Microcomputer Centers, provide access to the Libraries' online catalog; to databases (indexes) including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO; to more than 2000 full-text electronic journals, and to online reference resources such as MD Consult, Harrison's Online, and Encyclopaedia Britannica. Full Internet access is provided for reference and research purposes.
- All online resources (databases, electronic journals, etc. ) are available to students, staff and faculty who are registered Library users, and can be accessed remotely (from home or other off-campus locations). In addition to Internet access, computers in the Microcomputer Centers also provide a broad range of software including word processing, spreadsheet, communications, graphics, statistics. Computer-assisted instruction and tutorials are available for many curricula-related topics. A plotter and scanner are also available at some locations.
- The Library staff is dedicated to providing assistance to students and other library users through on-the-spot reference help, mediated literature searches, and instructional sessions. Guides are available online to help with the use of Library services and resources.
- Computer Center
- The computer center at the College of Medicine features state-of-the-art equipment, allowing pathologists' assistant students to utilize the University’s electronic resources.
- Students have access to many online resources such as MedLine, PubMed, and MDConsult.
- Students can check their e-mail and review pathology slides on the Web.
- Full texts of many books and journals are available online.
- Video Conferencing
- Drexel University College of Medicine has made extensive use of video conferencing. It has students on campuses in two different parts of the city and large classes taking a standard curriculum. To serve this clientele, the university has set up videoconferencing classrooms in Center City and Queen Lane with split screen to allow for speakers–presenting instructors or questioning students–in both locations. This methodology is utilized for the instruction of the Pathologists’ Assistant students in Pathology.
- Web-based Instruction
- Use of the web for instruction can range from a supplement to classroom instruction to teaching a whole course remotely.
- To facilitate web-based instruction, Drexel University has standardized on and IRT has licensed a leading course management product, WebCT. The Medical Ethics course for the Pathologists’ Assistant students is an on-line course facilitated by the use of the instructional tool WebCT. The core functionality of this package supports:
- Development and use on both Windows and Macintosh platforms
- Testing and grading in a wide variety of formats (true-false, multiple choice, short answer, essay)
- Self-assessment tools for students
- Built-in course mail, threaded discussion and chat
- Course planning, management, revision
- Faculty-to-student and student-to-student communication, both synchronous and asynchronous
- Student access to his/her own grades - Many instructors post their syllabi on the web, distribute supplementary readings via the web, and set up electronic discussion lists for their students. Having students submit assignments electronically is common practice.
Clinical Research Courses
CR 500S Epidemiology 3.0 Credits
Epidemiology is at the core of research professions as it is the study of the distribution, determinants, and the course of health related events in populations, and the efficacy and effectiveness of prevention and intervention strategies.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
CR 501S Emerging Trends in Medical Device History 3.0 Credits
The goal of this course is to focus on the various trends that impact the research and development process inherent in the medical device industry. Case studies representing several therapeutic categories will be discussed from a business, medical scientific, ethical, regulatory and bio-medical engineering perspective.
CR 505S Ethical Issues in Research 3.0 Credits
Students explore ethical issues to sound clinical research, review the foundations of regulations for clinical investigations, and to better understand the operational imperatives of Good Clinical Practices.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 510S Sponsored Projects Finance 3.0 Credits
The study of managing and monitoring external funding sources for research projects. Topics include: rules and regulations, proposal preparation and submission, cost accounting standards, salaries and benefits of staff, direct and indirect costs, the costing of equipment and facility use.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for NaN credits
CR 511S The History of Misconduct in Biomedical Research 3.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for NaN credits
CR 512S Fundamentals of Academic Research Adminstration 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for 3 credits
CR 513S Pharmaceutical R&D: Business Process and Information Flow 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for NaN credits
CR 514S World Wide Regulatory Submissions 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for NaN credits
CR 515S Intro to Clinical Trials 3.0 Credits
This course introduces regulatory responsibilities of clinical investigators, sponsors, monitors, IRBs, FDA -all those parties intimately involved in clinical research. Information and exercises are designed to reinforce the elements of Good Clinical Practices.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 520S Applications of Clinical Research Biostatistics 3.0 Credits
Examines role of the statistician in clinical research. Course includes a discussion of the language of statistics to facilitate communication with the clinical research project team, basic methods of describing data, fundamentals of probability, simple models and methods of parameter estimation and statistical software packages for reporting data.
CR 525S Scientific Writing & Med Lit 3.0 Credits
This course teaches the medical professional the ability to read for understanding, and evaluate validity of information a medical or scientific paper. In addition, the student learns how to recognize various types of medical literature and the basics of how to perform a review of the medical literature.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
CR 530S TECH TRANSFER 3.0 Credits
The study of leveraging research capabilities with the marketplace and communicating research results for public benefit. Topics to include: the identification, management, development and commercialization of marketable research and technologies. Additional topics include patents and licensing.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for NaN credits
CR 535S Current Federal Regulatory Issues in Biomedical Research 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for 3 credits
CR 545S PHARMACEUTICAL LAW 3.0 Credits
Presents principles and practices of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act governing the research and development of pharmaceuticals and biologics for both humans and animals including an analysis of legal and social constructs affecting industry and the academic clinical investigator with emphasis on FDA enforcement actions.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 550S Leadership Skills 3.0 Credits
This course is an in-depth analysis of specific human capital, organizational behavior and project management issues facing research facilities as they pertain to larger, integrated organizations. Selected topics include: high impact communications, negotiating, motivation and recognition.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
CR 555S COMPLIANCE & MONITORING ISSUES 3.0 Credits
This course focuses on measuring and improving clinical trial performance as a means of saving time and money, while ensuring quality health care, as well as offering to patients both safe and effective therapeutic products. Students are required to develop milestone efficiencies through the use of process-performance data.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 560S SPECIAL TOPICS 3.0 Credits
Individualizes enhancement to core curriculum in research. Students will determine which extracurricular lectures and events they will attend based on their interest and career intent.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for NaN credits
CR 565S Contemporary Issues in Human Research Protection 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 1 times for 3 credits
CR 570S Principles and Practice of Pharmacovigilance 3.0 Credits
This course is an introduction to the ethical, clinical, and regulatory complexities of medication safety and matters thinking skills for improving the quality and effectiveness of drug safety monitoring for both the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on the public.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 600S Designing the Clinical Trial 3.0 Credits
Designers and ethical, clinical, strategic issues surrounding clinical drug research are the focus of this course. Topics include design of trials for Phases one though four, an overview of the statistical component of a clinical trial, monitoring of the trial, and managing clinical data.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: CR 515S [Min Grade: C]
CR 609S INNOVATIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 3.0 Credits
This comprehensive course provides a solid foundation in new therapeutic product research and development for the subsequent courses in the CROM program. This course focuses on the process of drug and medical device development from early research, discovery, and product formulation, through the federal requirements form proving safety and efficacy. May be repeated twice for credit.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 612S Fundamentals of Compliance 3.0 Credits
The study of the federal bodies and regulations that govern research. Topics include: the rules and regulations surrounding HIPAA and how it affects research on human subjects, the history and current role of the FDA, IACUC, and the IRB within the research arena. May be repeated twice for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 6 credits
CR 614S Pharmacotherapy in New Drug R&D 3.0 Credits
Through the use of selected readings, case studies available from the FDA, and Blackboard discussions, this course will integrate preclinical/clinical research pharmaceutical operations along with federal regulatory approval principles, emphasizing the essentials of pharmacokinetic /pharmacodynamic activity of medications as the sound basis for understanding the clinical application of drug therapy with specific populations.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is CR or major is CROM.
CR 616S Intro to Therapeutic Products 3.0 Credits
This course is designed to provide an overview of the diverse marketing and advertising practices and strategies of the pharmaceutical industry and their impact on the professional healthcare infrastructure, as well as on the healthcare recipient population. Students will be encouraged to develop skills to crucially evaluate the marketing techniques of the pharmaceutical industry.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is CR or major is CROM.
CR 617S Informatics in Pharm Res & Development 3.0 Credits
Using a combination of printed materials, case studies, literature reviews, and on-line discussions, this course will cover past and present contributions of computer applications in pharmaceutical research and development. In addition, the student will be challenged to portend where technological advances may prove to be strategically beneficial in the future.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is CR or major is CROM.
CR 620S Biotech/Research 3.0 Credits
The study of the history, use and progression of biological techniques developed through basic research and now how it is applied to research and product development.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for NaN credits
CR 625S Health Policy and Economics 3.0 Credits
The study of the development, analysis and communication of economic data in the context of clinical research. May be repeated twice for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
CR 630S Trans Research 3.0 Credits
The study of the conversion of research into information, resources or tools that can be used by the public to improve overall health and well-being. Students will learn the management and applicability issues in converting basic research discoveries and innovative ideas into clinical trials that lead to better treatment.
CR 633S Quaility Assurance Audits 3.0 Credits
This course provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of compliance and quality assurance issues as well as the related regulations inherent in the drug development process. Students develop auditing plans and strategies for conducting compliance inspections.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
CR 635S STRATEGIC PLANNING 3.0 Credits
This course introduces the student to the project management and planning process. Topics include: project communications, leadership, objectives, scope, success criteria, procurement, cost estimating, control mechanisms, developing mission statements and devising strategies that turn vision into reality. May be repeated twice for credit.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
CR 999S Special Topics 1.0-3.0 Credit
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Interdiscplinary Health Sci Courses
IHS 500S Career Counseling in the Health Sciences Seminar I 1.0 Credit
This 1 credit/semester, two semester course is devised to acquaint the student with a broad spectrum of professional opportunities in the health sciences. The lecture series would be conducted by professionals in their respective fields.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is IHS.
IHS 501S Career Counseling in the Health Sciences Seminar II 1.0 Credit
This 1 credit/semester, two semester course is devised to acquaint the student with a broad spectrum of professional opportunities in the health sciences. The lecture series would be conducted by professionals in their respective fields.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IHS 502S Neuropharmacology 3.0 Credits
This course will introduce students to neurotransmitters and their role in nervous system function. Course readings and lectures will provide: Anatomy and physiology basic elements; drug research and treatment of nervous system disorders; and explore environmental factors that affect nervous system function.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IHS 503S Special Topics 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IHS 505S Healthcare in Spanish I 3.0 Credits
This course will permit students with an existing knowledge of spanish to develop a rich
medical vocabulary through reading, writing and class discussions. Information regarding
cultural subtlties and differences between various hispanic subcultures will further
enhance students' ability to communicate with hispanic patients. Various public health &
socio-political issues impacting the treatment & management of hispanic patients will be
examined & hispanic healthcare scholars invited for selected guest lectures.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is IHS or major is MIHS.
IHS 506S Healthcare in Spanish II 3.0 Credits
The course is designed to build cultural competency in numerous hispanic subcultures
to assist future healthcare professionals in treating and interacting with patients of
hispanic heritage. Course sessions will be conducted in spanish to further enhance
students' communication skills with lecture and discussion emphasizing topics of
significant interest to healthcare delivery and medicine.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IHS 505S [Min Grade: C]
IHS 507S Initiating Biomedical Research 2.0 Credits
Designed to assist students with the process if initiation biomedical research. Students will be provided with a structured series of steps which guide them in independently exploring and, ultimately, identifying a research topic and developing a sound research proposal in a logical, satisfying manner.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IHS 508S MIHS Research Project 1.5 Credit
Will involve student investigation of a biomedical research problem on a topic approved by the IHS Program Director in order to complete the research component for the research/journal paper graduation requirement. Acceptable topics may be based on library research; the analysis of retrospective clinical, laboratory, archival, or descriptive data.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IHS 509S MIHS Research Paper 1.5 Credit
Will assist students in organizing, writing, and preparing a 15-page double-spaced, typewritten document on a topic approved by the MIHS Program Director in order to meet the research journal paper graduation requirement.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: IHS 508S [Min Grade: C]
IHS 900S Registered for Degree Only 0.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
IHS 999S Special Topics 2.0-10.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Master of Lab Animal Science Courses
MLAS 501S Laboratory Animal Seminar 2.0 Credits
This course is open to second year MLAS students. The seminar allows students to network with other laboratory animal professionals in preparation for their career in the field. Each week, a different guest speaker will present information about state-of-the art equipment, animals and techniques.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MLAS 530S, MLAS 610S (Can be taken Concurrently)MLAS 535S
MLAS 505S Microbiology with Lab 4.0 Credits
MLAS 505S presents the basic biology of the major microbial pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites) of laboratory animals and humans in lecture format. Their structure, physiology, virulence factors, epidemiology, host immune response, treatment and prevention of diseases emphasized. Basic techniques (Gram staining, aseptic techniques, disinfection) are covered in the lab.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 510S Clinical Orientation In Laboratory Animal Facilities 1.0 Credit
Two hours per week of hands-on experience working in the university's laboratory animal facilities. Students do most of the daily work performed by the animal technicians, such as cage washing, placing animals into new cages, environmental sanitation, treatments (if necessary), tuberculosis testing of primates and the like. Species usually housed include rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, primates, swine, etc. The goal of the course is to provide the necessary skills and exposure to allow students to become familiar with many of the examples that will be used in later courses by their instructors. It also provides an introduction to the Practicum experience of the second year.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 512S Diseases Mechanisms - Patholog 3.0 Credits
Provides the background for understanding how diseases affect the mammalian body. The course focuses on pathophysiology and concepts more than specific diseases.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 513S Biochemical Basis of Disease (Upenn) 2.0 Credits
Lecture at the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school. Biochemical and molecular basis of disease. In-depth biochemical examination of specific aspects of selective diseases.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MLAS 512S and PHGY 503S
MLAS 514S Hematopoiesis (Upenn) 1.5 Credit
Lecture at the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school. Correlates clinical and basic science in comparative hematology. Recent developments in clinical medicine and basic research of disorders of blood cells. A paper on a hematology topic makes up part of the grade.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 515S Microbial Pathogenesis 1.5 Credit
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MLAS 520S Financial Mgmt In Lab Anim Sci 3.0 Credits
Animal facility managers and veterinarians must understand more about financial management than they realize. It is not unusual for budgets and cost-accounting methods to be poorly understood, and therefore left to others. The manager is at the mercy of somebody else's numbers, yet he or she may be held responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars.. The instructor, an animal facility manager with an M.B.A. degree, gives a strong background in many aspects of financial management, not just those that are core to animal facility and veterinary practice management.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 521S Arch Eng & Plan For Anim Fac 4.0 Credits
The course of instruction, presented by one of the nations leading architectural and engineering firms, encompasses general design considerations, working with architects and engineers, reading and producing drawings, proximity considerations, control systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, etc. The goal is to give the student a unique background, not only in facility design and engineering, but also in understanding why things are the way they are. Students are expected to develop and present a floor plan.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MLAS 535S (Can be taken Concurrently)MLAS 510S
MLAS 523S Organizational Management 3.0 Credits
Organizational management provides the theoretical background necessary for the practical application of managerial skills especially in laboratory animal facilities.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MLAS 525S Animal Anatomy 2.0 Credits
An introductory independent study course that will provide a background in gross animal anatomy. Students will learn comparative anatomy by comparing the anatomical structures in several species of laboratory animals using synthetic models.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 529S Molecular Genetics 2.0 Credits
In the past and for the foreseeable future, animals will continue to be used in biomedical research, and the majority of these animals will likely be genetically modified rodents (usually transgenic and knockout animals). The focus of this course is to expose students to "cutting edge" molecular genetic concepts as they apply to laboratory animal science.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 530S Biostats In Vet Science 3.0 Credits
This course will cover biostatistical methods and principles and their application in the field of veterinary science-both in clinical setting and in research. The application of biostatistics in veterinary epidemiology will also be discussed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MLAS 531S Embryology 3.0 Credits
Embryology is the study of anatomy from the time of fertilization through the time of birth. The course discusses the ?hows? and in part the ?whys? concerning the development of the morphology and structure of the body. Knowledge of embryology is essential for understanding gross anatomy and the developments of birth defects.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MLAS 535S Biology & Care Of Lab Animals 4.0 Credits
Many specialists in laboratory animal science teach this course. Part of this course is devoted to discussions of the ethics of using animals in biomedical research. The remainder of this team taught course discusses the care, use and husbandry of rodents, lagomorphs, primates, farm animals, carnivores, etc., as well as presentations on sanitation and other pertinent subjects. The primary goal is to provide the student with the information needed to properly care for the physical and psychological needs of laboratory animals.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: MLAS 510S
MLAS 536S Animal Models for Biomedical Research 1.0 Credit
In this course university investigators will discuss their research using animal models, emphasizing why they chose the animal model they are using and how the model helps them understand basic biological processes. Grading is based on a single term paper.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 545S Fundamentals of Histology 2.0-3.0 Credits
Integrates histology and cell biology to provide a better background for anatomy, pathology, physiology, and a general understanding of cell structure and function.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 546S Special Topics in Anatomy 4.0 Credits
Cross listed course given concurrently with students from other programs. This course is mostly human oriented. MLAS students who have gone on to veterinary school have commented on how valuable it was. It provides a systemic review of the entire body. Human prosections are included in the course work.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 547S Special Topics in Anatomy Lab 2.0 Credits
Discussions on and gross anatomical dissections of common laboratory animals. Comparisons with human anatomy.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
Prerequisites: MLAS 546S
MLAS 606S Clinical Laboratory Techniques and Concepts 1.0 Credit
Hands-on and theoretical laboratory work. Teaches animal handling and injections, serological testing, microbiology techniques, hematology and urinalysis. There is an emphasis on correct specimen handling and preparation as part of a quality control program. Your instructors will expect you to do independent reading and be able to extrapolate your knowledge to various case reports.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
MLAS 610S Diseases of Laboratory Animals 3.0 Credits
Reviews the major diseases of laboratory animals, and provides information on surgery, anesthesia and radiology. Unlike clinical veterinary medicine where a common objective is to make a sick animal healthy, in laboratory animal medicine the objective is to prevent a healthy animal from becoming sick. The goal of the course is to have the student understand means of disease prevention and recognition. This course will be taught, as much as possible, in a modified problem based learning format.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is LAS.
Prerequisites: MLAS 535S
MLAS 800S Registered for Degree 0.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MLAS 801S Laboratory Animal Practicum 3.0-15.0 Credits
The practical application of what was learned in class. The entire final MLAS semester is spent in one of many animal facilities in the Philadelphia area or around the nation. To the extent possible, time is divided between basic animal care, management, laboratory techniques, and research. S/U grading.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MLAS 999S Special Topics 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Pathologists' Assistant Courses
MSPA 500S Gross Anatomy 5.0 Credits
Dissection of the human body with particular attention to the morphological relationships of individual organ systems. Emphasis is placed on internal anatomy as a major facet of this instruction which is designed for eventual autopsy evisceration and subsequent dissection, as well as surgical pathology gross examinations.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 10 credits
MSPA 510S Laboratory Management 2.0 Credits
The organization and function of an Anatomic Pathology laboratory is investigated to include ordering supplies, financial management, computerization, laboratory safety, billing, personnel managements, organizational compliance (JCAHO, CAP, OSHA) and quality assurance.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 4 credits
MSPA 520S Medical Terminology 3.0 Credits
Study of the etymology of medical and surgical terms with emphasis on the principles or word analysis, construction, and evolution.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MSPA 530S Biomedical Photography 4.0 Credits
Basic introductory photography course with special emphasis on macro, close-up and photomicrographic techniques. Special techniques relative to the biomedical field, such as digital imaging and basic radiographic techniques are explored.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 8 credits
MSPA 540S Histotechnology I 3.0 Credits
Basic histology and histochemistry techniques are covered through formal lecture and laboratory experience.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
MSPA 541S Histotechnology II 3.0 Credits
Advanced histology and histochemistry techniques are covered through formal lecture and laboratory experience. This course is a continuation of MSPA 540S.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
Prerequisites: MSPA 540S [Min Grade: C]
MSPA 550S Applied Anatomic Pathology 4.0 Credits
The course is designed to bring the students through the clinical aspects of chart review as well as academic autopsy and surgical pathology practices.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 8 credits
MSPA 560S Medical Ethics 2.0 Credits
MedEthEx OnLine" is a series of exercises in medical ethics and communication skills. The goal of the program is to enable students to improve their knowledge of medical ethics and their skills in communicating about ethical issues with patients and their families.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 4 credits
MSPA 570S Medical Pathology I 6.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
MSPA 571S Medical Pathology II 4.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 8 credits
MSPA 580S Medical Microbiology I 4.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 8 credits
MSPA 581S Medical Microbiology II 3.0 Credits
College/Department: COM School of Biomedical Sciences & Professional Studies
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 6 credits
MSPA 590S Leadership Skills for the Medical Profession 3.0 Credits
This course is designed to help students develop leadership skills in order to facilitate success in their professional and personal lives. Students will be given the opportunity to discover and practice several leadership strategies and techniques. Topics will include leadership skills, communication skills, time-management, team-building, conflict resolution and stress management.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
MSPA 600S Surgical Pathology I 6.0 Credits
Clinical practicum designed to teach the students the methods of gross tissue description, dissection and preparation of surgical specimens for light, immunofluorescent, immunochemical, frozen and electron microscopy.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
MSPA 601S Surgical Pathology II 6.0 Credits
Clinical practicum designed to teach the students the methods of gross tissue description, dissection and preparation of surgical specimens for light, immunofluorescent, immunochemical, frozen and electron microscopy. A continuation of Surgical Pathology I.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
Prerequisites: MSPA 600S [Min Grade: C]
MSPA 602S Surgical Pathology III 6.0 Credits
Clinical practicum designed to teach the students the methods of gross tissue description, dissection and preparation of surgical specimens for light, immunofluorescent, immunochemical, frozen and electron microscopy. A continuation of Surgical Pathology II.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
Prerequisites: MSPA 601S [Min Grade: C]
MSPA 610S Autopsy Pathology I 6.0 Credits
Clinical practicum designed to teach the students techniques of autopsy evisceration and dissection as well as special skills and procedures necessary for the performance of post-mortem examinations.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
MSPA 611S Autopsy Pathology II 6.0 Credits
Clinical practicum designed to teach the students techniques of autopsy evisceration and dissection as well as special skills and procedures necessary for the performance of post-mortem examinations. A continuation of Autopsy Pathology I.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
Prerequisites: MSPA 610S [Min Grade: C]
MSPA 612S Autopsy Pathology III 6.0 Credits
Clinical practicum designed to teach the students techniques of autopsy evisceration and dissection as well as special skills and procedures necessary for the performance of post-mortem examinations. A continuation of Autopsy Pathology II.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 2 times for 12 credits
Prerequisites: MSPA 611S [Min Grade: C]
MSPA 799S Special Topics 10.0 Credits
College/Department: Biomedical Graduate Studies_COM
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 10 times for 50 credits
Pharmacology Courses
PHRM 502S CURRENT TOPICS IN PHARM & PHYS 1.0 Credit
Current topics in experimental pharmacology are presented via a journal club alternating with research presentations. In addition to active student participation, all members of the department of pharmacology and physiology (research assistants, postdoctoral fellows and faculty) participate.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHRM 503S PHARM & PHYS 1ST LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
First rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 504S PHARM & PHYS 2ND LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Second rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 505S PHARM & PHYS 3RD LAB ROTATION 4.0 Credits
Third rotation. Guided research is conducted on a part-time basis for two or three 8-10 week periods. Rotations are generally conducted during spring or summer of the first year. A written research report is required at the end of each rotation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 507S Prin of Neuropharmacology 3.0 Credits
This course covers basic concepts in Neuropharmacology, all of the major neurotransmitter systems, behavioral pharmacology and addition, approaches to molecular and cellular physiology including photoactivated biomolecules, electrophysiology, phosphorylation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 512S GRADUATE PHARMACOLOGY 3.0 Credits
This team taught course provides a basic knowledge of the pharmacologic mechanisms of action, effects on organ systems, routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic uses, adverse reactions, contraindications, and drug interactions of drugs.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 516S Special Topics In Pharm & Phys 1.0 Credit
This required course serves to complement either Graduate Physiology or Graduate Pharmacology, and is taken concurrently with each. The focus is on fundamental concepts using typically published reports as examples. For instance, use of two-photon imaging paired with electrophysiology has been covered under Physiology, whereas inverse agonists and pharmacogenetics have been covered under Pharmacology. For Graduate Pharmacology, computer simulation exercises of pharmacokinetics and autonomic drugs are also included.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHRM 525S Drug Discovery and Development I 3.0 Credits
This course, the first of two, will provide in-depth exposure to the concepts and processes involved in drug discovery and development as practiced in the biopharmaceutical industry cover all facets from target identification through to the submission of the investigational New Drug Application (IND). Current unmet medical needs and case histories from difference therapeutic areas will be reviewed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 526S Drug Discovery and Development II 3.0 Credits
This course will provide in-depth exposure to the concepts and processes involved in drug discovery and development as practiced in the biopharmaceutical industry. It will follow the first course (Drug Discovery and Development I) and will cover all aspects from roval process to the submission of the NDA to regulatory approval and post-marketing surveillance.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHRM 525S [Min Grade: B]
PHRM 600S PHARMACOLOGY THESIS RESEARCH 9.0 Credits
Research toward the fulfillment of the dissertation is conducted beginning after successful completion of the qualifying examination. Progress is monitored by the student's advisor and department, Advisory Committee or Thesis Committee.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
PHRM 602S RESEARCH METHODS IN PHARMACOLO 2.0 Credits
A research course in which the student participates in several research projects under the direction of different staff members in order to become familiar with the specific areas of expertise of the faculty. This course emphasizes not only experimental methods but also the conceptual bases for investigating current problems in pharmacology.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 605S Research in Drug Discovery and Development 4.0 Credits
This course is designed to provide opportunities for the student to pursue research in the area of drug discovery and development. This can be done either in an academic or pharmaceutical laboratory under the supervision of a mentor. An alternative or an additional aspect can be the conduct of research for this thesis that is not laboratory research but library research based on an approved topic for the thesis requirement. Bother alternatives, laboratory or library research must be approved by the course directors.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 751S MEDICAL PHARMACOLGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 823S CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 895S PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 9092S PHARMACOLOGY - ELECTIVE - 2WKS 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 9094S PHARMACOLOGY -ELECTIVE 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 0 times for 0 credits
PHRM 9750S RESEARCH-PHARMACOLOGY-16 wks 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHRM 9754S PHARMACOLOGY RESEARCH 0.0 Credits
College/Department: College of Medicine
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
