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Graduate Studies Calendar 2016-2017 Courses of Instruction Course Descriptions M Medical Science MDSC
Medical Science MDSC

Instruction offered by members of the Cumming School of Medicine.

Graduate Courses
Medical Science 603       Biology of Laboratory Animals
Based on the Canadian Council of Animal Care Syllabus "Basic Principles of Laboratory Animal Science for Research Scientists." In addition to the study of common, research, farm and exotic animals, topics covered include ethical considerations, regulation and legislation, animal models, animal facilities and husbandry, hazard control, surgery, anaesthesiology, euthanasia and post-mortem examinations. Practical sessions will provide experience in handling and restraint of specific laboratory animals, injections, blood collection, anaesthesiology and surgery.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-1)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
Enrolment in this course is restricted to graduate students who will do research utilizing animals.
Also known as:
(Biology 603)
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Medical Science 604       Integrative Human Physiology
Physiology is the study of how living organisms function and encompasses the integration of processes from molecules to the whole-organism. Designed to provide the student with fundamental principles and concepts about the normal function of the major human organ systems. At the end of this course, the student should be well equipped to apply their acquired knowledge to solve complex physiological problems related to integrative human physiology.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 605       Information Storage and Processing in Biological Systems
Examination of complex biological systems; concepts and fundamentals of biological solutions to information storage and processing: modelling and computer simulation of biological systems; information storage in biological molecules; genetic networks; hierarchical organization of biological information processing in signal transduction, development, evolution, and ecology; biological control systems.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Also known as:
(Computer Science 605)
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Medical Science 609       Gene Expression

The flow of genetic information from DNA to final protein product. Gene structure and regulation of transcription, including gene structure and organization, chromatin structure, regulation of transcription and post-translational processing; and the activity of genes during development including stored messenger ribonucleoprotein particles and translational control in gametes, the switch from maternal to zygote genome control of development in early embryos and the molecular basis of morphogenesis and differentiation.

609.02. Genes and Development


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Medical Science 537 (Biochemistry 537) and consent of the Faculty.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Medical Science 609.02 and 751.14 will not be allowed.
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Medical Science 611       Medical Microbiology
The basic principles of medical microbiology and the pathogenesis of infectious disease and of clinically important microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Recent concepts will be described and students will be expected to present and critically discuss research advances of their choosing from the current research literature.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology 343 or consent of the Faculty.     
Also known as:
(formerly Medical Science 612)
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Medical Science 613       Advanced Studies in Microbiology

Specialized topics including basic principles of infection; spread, prevention and control of infectious diseases; mechanisms of and approaches to study bacterial pathogenesis; mechanism, methodology and modelling of gene expression.

613.01. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

613.02. Pathogenesis of Microbial Disease

613.05. Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Medical Science 612 or Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology 421 or 521 or consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 619       Neurosciences

Introductory neuroscience courses covering aspects of cellular, molecular, and systems physiology, neuroanatomy, and neurodevelopment.

619.01. Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience

619.02. Systems Neuroscience and Neuropathology


Course Hours:
3 units; H(4-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Consent of instructor(s) is required for all other students.   
Notes:
Not open to undergraduate students.   
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Medical Science 620       Topics in Systems Physiology
Designed for students undertaking research in physiology or related disciplines with only limited prior exposure to the discipline. Introduces and discusses fundamental and current issues in physiology ranging from the basic physiological systems through to translational clinical topics. Encompasses the basic physiological mechanisms with emphasis on the role of the autonomic nervous system. Subject areas will include basic physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and reproductive systems.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.  
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Medical Science 621       Principles of Drug Action

The action of chemicals and drugs on biological systems ranging from subcellular particles to the intact organism.

621.01. Basic Principles of Pharmacology


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Zoology 461, Medical Science 404 and Medical Science/Biology 501, or consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 622       Neurobiology of Mental Illness
Students are exposed to up-to-date research regarding the neurobiological theories of various mental illnesses (such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, etc.). The seminar format will involve discussion in both research and review articles. The focus of discussion will be on both preclinical research and clinical studies that shed insight into the neurobiology of mental illnesses or their treatments.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Medical Science 619.02 and registration in a Cumming School of Medicine graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.   
Notes:
Open to Psychology graduate students and Psychiatry residents with consent of instructor.   
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Medical Science 623       Respiratory Science and Critical Illness

Respiratory physiology; including topics such as cellular, morphology, mechanics, control of breathing, and respiratory muscles, necessary to an understanding of respiration and respiratory failure. As well, core physiology and molecular biology underlying critical illness.

623.01. Pulmonary Mechanics and Gas Exchange

623.02. Physiology of Respiration and Critical Illness

623.03. Respiratory Science: Basic

623.04. Respiratory Science: Applied


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Zoology 463 or 465 or consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 624       Neuroanatomy
Detailed introduction to neuroanatomy using Homo sapiens as the primary experimental species but relying on other vertebrates for additional details. Detailed anatomic aspects of each major brain region, along with major connections and functions related to those regions will be presented. Laboratories will examine gross specimens, virtual microscopic images, and other anatomic images.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Medical Science 619.02 or consent of instructor.  
Also known as:
(formerly Medical Science 751.42)
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Medical Science 629       Cardiovascular Dynamics

Includes topics such as basic physiologic mechanisms including excitation-contraction coupling, mechanics, energetics, and cardiovascular control; major diseases entities as a means of illustrating pathologic alterations in normal physiologic mechanisms; or a systematic in-depth examination of the chemicals that affect the cardiovascular system.

629.01. Cardiovascular Physiology

629.02. Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

629.03. Cardiovascular Pharmacology


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 631       Muscle Physiology
Contractile processes, excitation-contraction coupling, the control of contraction and energetics in smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle. Molecular studies of the contractile process and of the process of excitation contraction coupling.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 633       The Kidney

Advanced courses detailing the functional organization of the kidney at all levels, from cell to intact organism. Topics encompass basic physiological principles and their relevance to experimental medicine and therapeutics, as well as the study of disease processes, which impact kidney function.

633.01. Renal Physiology

633.02. Renal Pathophysiology

633.03 History of Renal Physiology


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Medical Science 604 or consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 635       Psychosocial Oncology
A seminar-based course focusing on the possible causes of psychosocial problems in cancer patients and families (medical, psychological and social) and also on how patients and families are helped through the difficult transitions resulting from a cancer diagnosis, treatment, recurrent disease, and end of life care. The course is open to health professionals and researchers, and to advanced undergraduate students in relevant disciplines.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Medical Science 635 and 645.14 will not be allowed.
Notes:
This course is open to health professionals and researchers, and to advanced undergraduate students in relevant disciplines.   
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Medical Science 636       Advanced Topics in Physiology
Provides a general understanding in physiological systems and will present advanced topics in specified physiological system(s) for further depth of understanding. The course will review and build on basic physiological principles through a series of lectures and discussion groups and will examine a specified area of physiology in-depth by introducing students to research methodology and pathological processes in the system.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Medical Science 404 or Zoology 463 or consent of the instructor.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Medical Science 636 and 569 will not be allowed.
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Medical Science 637       Gastrointestinal Physiology

Physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at all levels from the cell to the intact system. Medical Science 637.01 has three components 1) An introductory series of lectures covering the basic physiological principles of the regulation of the GI tract and the individual organs that comprise it or are associated with it. 2) Extended directed tutorials conducted online through D2L. Topics will be selected to reflect the needs and interests of the enrolled students. 3) A written term paper on a subject of the students' own choice and pre-approved by the course co-ordinator that will also be presented orally to the class.

637.01. Organization and Function of the GI Tract


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 638       Mucosal Pathophysiology
Focuses on the physiology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract, lung and other mucosal tissues. A particular emphasis will be placed on inflammatory processes in these tissues, and how they contribute to symptom generation and tissue dysfunction. Involves independent research on the part of the students, small group sessions, written assignments and class presentations.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(4-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.  
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Medical Science 639       Immunology

Introductory and advanced courses in immunology that cover humoral and cellular immunity and the inflammatory response at the cellular, molecular, and whole organism level. Basic mechanisms that lead to immunity or to inflammatory responses. The contribution of immunological and inflammatory processes in the immunopathogenesis of disease.

639.02. Cellular and Molecular

639.04. Inflammation


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 640       Introduction to Immunology
Introductory immunology for graduate students who have no background in immunology in their undergraduate studies. It provides a comprehensive overview of the immune responses: antibody-antigen interaction, antibody structure, genetics and synthesis, cellular immunology, MHC, phagocytosis, and tolerance. Using this basic understanding of fundamental immune processes the involvement of the immune response in autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, tissue rejection, tumor immunology, vaccine production, viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections will be discussed. Additionally, methods for the study of immunology will be covered.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-1T)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Medical Science 640 and Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology 527 will not be allowed.
Notes:
This course will share lectures with Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology 527 with an additional separate tutorial.
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Medical Science 641       Genetics

Advanced courses that provide in-depth coverage of the research discipline of genetics, including the areas of cytogenetics, genomics, metabolic genetics, mouse genetics, population genetics, and human and medical genetics.

641.01. Advanced Genetics I

641.02. Advanced Human Cytogenetics

641.03. Advanced Genetics II

641.04. Genomics


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the instructor.
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Medical Science 663       Advanced Muscle Mechanics and Physiology
A look at problems associated within muscle mechanics and contractility. Also the use of muscle mechanics as a scientific discipline to critically learn and evaluate the scientific process. Basic anatomy and physiology of muscle contraction including the cross-bridge theory, and the force-length, force-velocity and force-time relationships of actively and passively contracting muscles will also be covered.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-1/2)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.  
Also known as:
(Kinesiology 663)/(Mechanical Engineering 663)
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Medical Science 668       Biotechnology Commercialization
Technology commercialization is the process of translating research results, scientific discoveries or processes and methods into a commercially useful and profitable product. Students will study the biotechnology commercialization process and will develop a mock-up i) starting with a new product or service idea, ii) carrying out the early stage development, iii) developing the necessary strategic and business plans, iv) securing adequate and appropriate financing, and v) marketing and selling the product. The primary deliverable will be the creation of a strategic plan for an innovative biotechnology product or service.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program. Consent of the instructor(s) is required for all other students.
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Medical Science 669       Clinical Trials and Bio-manufacturing
The objective of this course is to provide general understanding and appreciation, regulatory requirements and ethical considerations around conducting clinical trials as well as bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing. An emphasis will be placed on regulatory obligations. The course will provide opportunities in writing protocols, clinical trial applications, auditing facilities and process validation.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S-3T)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program. Consent of instructor(s) is required for all other students.    
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Medical Science 670       Practicum in Biomedical Technology
A full course carried out in an academic or industrial setting for a period of at least twelve weeks. Students have an opportunity to apply the principles and methods of investigation learned during the Master of Biomedical Technology program and carry out related research. Practicum projects can be focused on any of the following aspects of the commercialization process: patent filing, research and development, business development, manufacturing to clinical trials, marketing and sales.
Course Hours:
6 units; F(0-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program.
Notes:
Completion of all other course requirements in Master of Biomedical Technology program is normally required prior to registration for this course. Exceptions must be approved by the Graduate Director.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Medical Science 671       Techniques in Medical Science
Introduction to the theory of operation of electronic devices commonly used in biophysical studies including principles of amplifiers and filters, micro- and patch electrode techniques and computer-laboratory interfacing.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Medical Science 672       Biotechnology Business Aspects
Aspects involved in taking an original scientific idea or discovery all the way to a start-up company will be covered. Lecturers discuss commercialization, venture capital, business plan, patents and law, marketing.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program. Consent of instructor(s) is required for all other students.   
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Medical Science 673       Careers in Biotechnology
A series of talks and workshops designed to provide students with practical knowledge of the biotechnology industry. In collaboration with the University of Calgary Career Services, the course covers personal and professional development planning, resume writing, networking, negotiation and interviewing skills and job search strategies specifically for the biotechnology field. This course runs during the fall and winter block weeks with additional retreat days throughout the year.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3S -0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program. Consent of instructor(s) is required for all other students.   
Notes:
Admission to the Master of Biomedical Technology program is normally required for enrolment in this course.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Medical Science 674       Integrated Systems Course

The principles of molecular and cell biology, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and immunology as applied to new diagnostics, vaccines or therapeutics. Lectures in the two courses are in parallel and fully integrated. Both courses are required components of the MBT program. The goal of the course, with an emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanisms in health and disease, is to provide students with the skills to interface with individuals in these disciplines in the biotechnology industry. Complemented by special lectures that provide industry perspectives in these disciplines.

674.01. Physiological and Pharmacological Aspects of Therapeutics Development

674.02. Molecular Cell Biology of Diagnostic and Vaccine Development


Course Hours:
6 units; F(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program. Consent of the instructor(s) is required for all other students.   
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Medical Science 675       Bioinformatics Resources for the Biologist
This introductory graduate-level course will familiarize biologists with algorithms and search engines used to analyze nucleic acid and protein sequences and structures.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-3T)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
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Medical Science 676       Scripting and Database Querying for Molecular Biologists
Intended for biologists who wish to improve their bioinformatics analysis capabilities by learning just a small amount of query and programming syntax. The focus is on practicality rather than programming theory. The course explores how to use existing tools (on the command-line and on the web) to gather and process large datasets all at once, rather than doing many individual analyses manually.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2.5-1)
Notes:
No prior programming experience is required.
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Medical Science 677       Directed Study in Biomedical Technology
Lectures, seminars, term papers or training in theoretical and/or laboratory methods at the advanced level in biomedical technology or medical sciences.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of both the faculty member who will supervise and the MBT faculty member who will co-supervise the chosen study and must be registered in the Master of Biomedical Technology program.
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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Medical Science 678       Project in Biomedical Technology
Students will conduct both business and laboratory-based projects throughout the year. The business-based aspect will include running a business, doing market research for companies or working with their business mentor. The laboratory-based aspect will include new diagnostics development and validation. This course will cover basic principles of project management as well as biotech lab theory and practical aspects covered via tutorials, journal club and laboratory sessions. There will be a combination of monthly meetings, lectures, lab tutorials, commercial technology reviews, tours, demos, and practical labs.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1-3T-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biomedical Technology Graduate Program. Consent of the instructor(s) is required for all other students.    
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Medical Science 679       Fundamentals of Bioinformatics
Foundational techniques and current research in bioinformatics are explored. Focus on biological concepts and relevant algorithms. Topics covered will include large-scale programmatic data access via data-marts and genome browsers, visualization, statistical techniques, and analysis of sequence and ‘omics datasets.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-2)
Prerequisite(s):
Registration in the Bioinformatics specialization of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduate program or consent of instructor.
Notes:
This course assumes some computational background including programming or scripting ability.
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Medical Science 683       The Biology and Therapy of Human Cancer

An examination and discussion of current knowledge of the molecular and cellular biology of human cancer and the scientific basis of cancer therapy. Offered in a modular format: each course will consist of one required module and two elective modules. Students can choose the elective modules from a list that is specific for each course. Modules will emphasize student presentations, critical evaluation, and discussions of current and seminal research papers on the module topic. Refer to the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute website at: http://charbonneau.ucalgary.ca/ for more information.

683.01. Cancer Pathology, Epidemiology and Therapy

683.02. Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer

683.04. Cell Biology of Cancer


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be a Cumming School of Medicine graduate student. All other students require consent of the instructor.       
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Medical Science 685       Biomechanics of Human Movement
Introduction to the measuring methods (accelerometry, goniometry, film and film analysis, video systems) of biomechanical analysis of human movement (force and force distribution). Description of the mechanical properties of bone, tendon, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and soft tissues. The relation between structure and function of biomaterials. Introduction in descriptive analysis of human movement.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for more than one of Medical Science 685, Mechanical Engineering 685 and Kinesiology 685 is not allowed.    
Also known as:
(Mechanical Engineering 685)
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Medical Science 689       Medical Imaging

Introduction to the theory and practical applications of medical imaging. Specific courses focus on an overview of modern diagnostic imaging techniques (689.01), as well as advanced study of specific techniques including magnetic resonance imaging (689.02) and medical image processing (689.03), and molecular imaging (689.04).

689.01. Medical Imaging Techniques

689.02. Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

689.03. Advanced Medical Image Processing

689.04. Advanced Molecular Imaging

689.10. Medical Imaging Theory

689.11. Medical Imaging Applications

689.99. Medical Imaging Project


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty. Medical Science 689.01 should be taken prior to the advanced courses.
Notes:
Medical Science 689.01 is the core course and should be taken prior to taking any of the advanced Medical Science 689 courses. Courses are open to students registered in the Medical Imaging specialization, other interested graduate students in the fields of medicine, engineering, and science and to appropriately prepared undergraduate students enrolled in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and physics.
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Medical Science 701       Advanced Topics in Reproductive Health
A series of topics, ranging from basic sciences to clinical topics (including ethical issues) to increase awareness and comprehension regarding current issues in reproductive health.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of course co-ordinator and student's supervisor, if applicable.
Notes:
Interest in reproductive health/reproductive biology is essential.
Also known as:
(Veterinary Medicine 701)
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Medical Science 703       Human Anatomy: Concepts, Exploration and Teaching
Introductory course for graduate students with an interest in mammalian morphology to human cadaver dissection, human anatomy concepts and teaching strategies within the medical professional curriculum. Weekly lectures and discussions supplement a cadaver dissection-based course intended for students interested in pursuing an academic career in a medically related field.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(2-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Should have some previous experience with dissection. Consent of the instructors.
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Medical Science 706       Theory and Practice of Family Therapy

Overview of different family therapy approaches focusing on systemic assessment and systemic intervention through therapeutic interviewing. The development of student knowledge and skills in family therapy utilizing social constructionist, narrative, systemic, collaborative, and pro-feminist ideas while fostering the professional identity of the therapist.

706.01 Theory and Practice of Family Therapy I: Systemic Approaches

706.02 Theory and Practice of Family Therapy II: Postmodern Approaches


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Cumming School of Medicine graduate programs. All others will require consent of the instructor.
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Medical Science 707       Family Therapy Practicum

The development of conceptual and experiential expertise in working therapeutically with families.

707.01. Family Therapy I

707.02. Family Therapy II


Course Hours:
3 units; H(2S-12)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
NOT INCLUDED IN GPA
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Medical Science 708       Theory and Practice of Interprofessional Psychosocial Oncology
Provides graduate students with a multidisciplinary introduction to the field of psychosocial oncology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and interpreting the experience of cancer informed by theory, evidence and illness narratives. Case-based learning in small interprofessional groups will allow students to explore a variety of key learning themes relevant to psychosocial oncology including distress assessment, depression, anxiety, adjustment and coping, sexuality, loss and grief. Attention to diversity will be integrated throughout the course.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the instructor.
Notes:
Must have an undergraduate degree in a relevant domain (including, but not limited to medicine, psychology, nursing, social work, spiritual care/theology). This is an online course.
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Medical Science 710       Business and Careers in Biotechnology
An overview of the biotechnology sector from several perspectives: product development, regulatory, intellectual property, market analysis and finance. This course will include series of lectures and discussions to provide both the necessary background about the biotechnology industry and an understanding of careers in the biotechnology industry.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be a registered graduate student in a thesis-based Master's or Doctoral program.    
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Medical Science 713       Topics in Mountain Medicine and High Altitude Physiology
A tutorial-based course focused on high altitude medicine and physiology. The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the physiological adaptations of, and pathophysiology associated with, the hypoxia of altitude. Students will be introduced to several diseases associated with the hypoxia of high altitude (i.e., Acute Mountain Sickness; High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, High Altitude Cerebral Edema), and the pathophysiology underlying these diseases.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-3T)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the instructor.
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Medical Science 721       Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Discussions and presentations in a small group format will highlight historical and recent developments in analysis of eukaryotic genomes and control of gene expression, chromosome structure, translation, protein structure, proteomics, regulatory networks and related technologies and their applications to the study of human diseases. Additional learning objectives relate to the critical assessment of published literature as well as the development of research proposal writing and presentation skills.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program. Consent of the instructor is required for all other students.     
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Medical Science 722       The Blood Vessel

Modular course offering advanced knowledge at the cellular, molecular, and whole organism levels including the hormonal regulation of the vascular system, the interaction between endothelium and smooth muscle in the blood vessel, the molecular mechanisms underlying smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, differentiation and dedifferentiation, and the pathogenesis of vascular diseases including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Drug treatments for vascular diseases and their molecular mechanisms will also be covered.

722.01. Vascular Biology
722.02. Vascular Pharmacology


Course Hours:
3 units; H(4-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Open to graduate students registered in the Cumming School of Medicine graduate programs. All other students require consent of instructor.
Antirequisite(s):
Credit for Medical Science 722.01 and 722.02 will not be allowed.
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Medical Science 740       Smooth Muscle Structure Function

An inquiry-based approach used to provide students with a broad background for the study of smooth muscle and to introduce students to current trends in the field. Students will also be introduced to the spectrum of research on smooth muscle ongoing at the University of Calgary. The subjects to be included range from the molecular biology and biochemistry of individual proteins to the function and regulation of integrated smooth muscle systems. A number of methodological approaches that are being used for the study of smooth muscle will also be discussed.


Course Hours:
6 units; F(3T-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the instructor.
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Medical Science 744       Human Pathology
The principles of basic pathology, including cellular responses to injury, inflammation, tissue reaction, hemodynamic, basic genetics, and neoplasia are taught through a series of interactive lectures and seminars which are applied to examine the human system and the diseases that affect it. 
Course Hours:
6 units; F(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program or the Pathologists’ Assistant specialization of the Medical Science graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
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Medical Science 745       Human Histology
Normal histology of the human body and how it relates to the pathologic mechanisms of function and disease will be discussed and presented in small group format.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program or the Pathologists’ Assistant specialization of the Medical Science graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
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Medical Science 746       Integrated Pathologists’ Assistant Skills
A series of discussions and workshops to solidify the knowledge gained throughout the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s program that will provide practical knowledge of the Pathologists’ Assistant profession, in particular focusing on laboratory management skills, quality control and quality assurance, and the legal and accreditation requirements for medical laboratories.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
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Medical Science 747       Pediatric Pathology Practicum
Practical training in the technical skills of grossing a surgical specimen from the pediatric population in a safe and appropriate manner, as well as grossing placentas and performing fetal autopsies. Skill development will include quality management, ancillary techniques, and medical photography.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program or the Pathologists’ Assistant specialization of the Medical Science graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
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Medical Science 748       Surgical Pathology Practicum

The primary goal is the technical skills of grossing a surgical specimen in a safe and appropriate manner. Secondary goals include skill development in quality management, ancillary techniques, frozen section cutting, and medical photography.

748.01. Surgical Pathology Practicum I

748.02. Surgical Pathology Practicum II


Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program or the Pathologists’ Assistant specialization of the Medical Science graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
Notes:
Students are required to take both Medical Science 748.01 and Medical Science 748.02.
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Medical Science 749       Autopsy Pathology Practicum

Hands on rotation that will train students how to perform autopsies under the supervision of a pathologist. Knowledge from anatomy, physiology, histology, and human pathology will be incorporated in the training.

749.01. Autopsy Pathology Practicum I

749.02. Autopsy Pathology Practicum II


Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program or the Pathologists’ Assistant specialization of the Medical Science graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
Notes:
Students are required to take both Medical Science 749.01 and Medical Science 749.02.
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Medical Science 750       Pathologists' Assistant Research Project

Guided work with practical research, encouraging independent thought and collaboration with pathologists and clinical colleagues.  Requires completion of written reports and oral presentation on research performed.

750.01. Pathologists' Assistant Research Project I

750.02. Pathologists' Assistant Research Project II


Course Hours:
3 units; H(0-4)
Prerequisite(s):
Must be registered in the Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s graduate program. Consent of instructor is required for all other students.
Notes:
Students are required to take both Medical Science 750.01 and Medical Science 750.02. After consultation with a Departmental faculty member who will supervise the chosen project, approval must be obtained from the Program Director before a student can register.
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Medical Science 751       Topics in Medical Science

751.07. The Physiological Development of the Fetus and Newborn

751.09. Ion Channel Diseases

751.31. Joint Injury and Disease Biomechanical Focus

751.43. Orientation and Clinical Rotations for Pathologists’ Assistants


Course Hours:
3 units; H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.
Notes:
Enrolment in Medical Science 751.43 is restricted to students registered in the Pathologists' Assistant Specialization in the Medical Science (Master's) graduate program.     
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Medical Science 755       Directed Study
Lectures, seminars, term papers or training in theoretical and/or laboratory methods at the advanced level in the medical sciences.
Course Hours:
3 units; H(1-6)
Prerequisite(s):
Consent of the Faculty.   
Notes:
Submission of application is required to set up directed study topic. Forms available from the Graduate Science Education Office in the Cumming School of Medicine.   
MAY BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT
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