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The following is the curriculum for the MS in Biomedical and Health Sciences program. Because of the partnership between the School of Health Professions’ Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences department and the Heersink School of Medicine’s Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology department, the curriculum is organ-based and modeled after the first two years of the curriculum at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine (UABHSOM). The curriculum is subject to change. Visit the UAB Graduate School Catalog for course descriptions.

  • Summer (9-12 Hours)
    • BHS 502 - Molecules and Cells
      Chemical structures and functions of biomolecules and human cells. The disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and histology will be integrated to provide a framework for understanding normal and abnormal cellular states. Topics will include cellular physiology, metabolic pathways, inheritance, molecular genetics, and basic histology. Course Directors: William Brooks PhD and Tera Webb, PhD
    • BHS 503 - Microbiology and Immunology
      Biology of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi as well as the natural human responses to these pathogens. Innate and adaptive immunity will be explored in the context of pathogenic and non-pathogenic assault. Introduction to concepts in general pathology including mechanisms of cell injury and repair, cell adaptation, and inflammation. Course Directors: Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee, PhD and William Brooks, PhD
    • BHS 501 - Seminar 1
      The first of a three-course series to prepare students for application, admission, and success in professional school and the biomedical workforce. Topics will include study skills, interview skills, and test taking strategies. Course Director: Kristen Bowen, MEd
    • Electives - Developed with student feedback and student the semester; only one, 3 credit hour elective is required for the program.
  • Fall (9-12 Hours)
    • BHS 550 - Integrated Systems I – Neuroendocrine
      Integrated study of the nervous and endocrine body systems. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each system will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the interrelationships of these controlling body systems. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Inga Kadish, PhD and Mamie Coats, PhD
    • BHS 555 - Integrated Systems II – Cardiopulmonary
      Integrated study of the cardiovascular and respiratory body systems. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each system will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the interrelationships of these systems and the gross anatomy of the thorax. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Michael Herr, PhD and Mamie Coats, PhD
    • BHS 560 - Integrated Systems III – Genitourinary
      Exploration and integration of the urinary and reproductive systems of the human body, including development and anatomical features and differences between males and females. Microanatomy of kidneys correlated with body fluid homeostasis and urine production, and clinical disorders of the urinary tract. Male and female reproductive tracts' structure, function and gametogenesis. Female menstrual cycle at the level of hormonal regulation, events at the ovary, and changes in the uterus. Microanatomy and physiology of pregnancy. Diseases associated with the genitourinary tracts. Course Directors: Mark O. Bevensee, PhD and Wei Li, Ph.D.
    • BHS 601 - Seminar II
      The second of a three-course series to prepare students for application, admission, and success in professional school and the biomedical workforce. Topics will include professionalism, cultural competence, and ethical behavior. Course Director: Kristen Bowen, MEd
    • BHS 610 - Clinical Application and Simulation
      A capstone course to provoke critical thinking about the effects of disease at various levels of organization on multiple organ systems. The integration of content throughout the program will be stressed. Activities will include small-group case studies, simulation, and standardized patient interactions. Course Director: Carmel M. McNicholas, PhD and Dinah DeMarco-PA-C
    • Electives - Developed with student feedback and student the semester; only one, 3 credit hour elective is required for the program.
  • Spring (12 Hours)
    • BHS 600 - Integrated Systems IV – Gastrointestinal
      Integrated study of the gastrointestinal body system. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each organ will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the gross anatomy of the abdomen. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Peter R. Smith, PhD and Brianna Miller, MS, MLS(ASCAP)CM
    • BHS 605 - Integrated Systems V – Musculoskeletal and Skin
      Integrated study of the skeletal, muscular and integumentary body systems. The gross anatomy, histology, and physiology of each system will be examined through an integrated approach, which will include a study of the interrelationships of these systems and the gross anatomy of the back and limbs. Correlations to disease states and disease treatments will be stressed throughout. Course Directors: Michael Herr, PhD and Matthew Madison, PhD
    • BHS 610 - Clinical Application and Simulation
      A capstone course to provoke critical thinking about the effects of disease at various levels of organization on multiple organ systems. The integration of content throughout the program will be stressed. Activities will include small-group case studies, simulation, and standardized patient interactions. Course Director: Carmel M. McNicholas, PhD and Dinah DeMarco-PA-C
    • BHS 690 - Integrating Basic & Clinical Sciences
      Capstone: Integrating Basic and Clinical Sciences: Integration of knowledge from basic and clinical science courses to define and pose ethical resolutions to problems and clinical cases in the biomedical sciences. Course Directors: Matthew Madison, PhD, and Carmel M. McNicholas, PhD
    • BHS 602 - Seminar III
      The third of a three-course series to prepare students for application, admission, and success in professional school and the biomedical workforce. Topics will include interpersonal skills and teamwork. Course Director: Kristen Bowen, MEd
    • Electives - Developed with student feedback and student the semester; only one, 3 credit hour elective is required for the program.