IPHY Core Courses

4060 - Cell Physiology

  • Course description: Focuses on the molecular machines and cellular sub-compartments that allow cells to renew, replicate, and function in the context of multicellular organisms. Topics of discussion include cancer, the microbiome, genetic engineering & CRISPR technology, bioinformatics, epigenetics, and current topics in cell physiology.
  • Course components: lecture and lab (4 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture) & 3435 (lab)
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of cell biology, genetics, and the scientific method
  • Recommended for students interested in molecular biology

4440 - Endocrinology

  • Course description: Examines the hypothalamus-pituitary system of the mammalian endocrine system as well as some independent endocrine glands. Topics of discussion include the impact of hormones and hormonal disorders on growth & development, stress, water balance, reproduction, and feeding & metabolism.
  • Course components: lecture and recitation (4 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture) & 3435 (lab)
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of human anatomy/ physiology, chemistry/biochemistry, and the scientific method
  • Recommended for students interested in pre-health and pre-med

4540 - Biomechanics

  • Course description: Applies the principles of physics and physiology to the analysis of human movement. The course emphasizes quantitative analysis of the forces, torques, mechanical energy, power impulses and momentum associated with human movement.
  • Course components: lecture, recitation, and lab (5 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture) and PHYS 1110 or PHYS 2010
    • Student success is dependent on completion of physics prior to biomechanics.
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of human anatomy/physiology, physics, algebra/calculus, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
  • Recommended for students interested in pre-physical therapy

4580 - Sleep Physiology

  • Course description: Describes the physiology and neurobiology of sleep and impact of sleep, sleep deprivation, and sleep disorders on immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neural systems, as well as examines changes in sleep across the lifespan.
  • Course components: lecture (3 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture)
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of human anatomy/physiology, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
  • Recommended for students interested in pre-health and pre-med

4600 - Immunology

  • Course description: Introduces the basic cellular interactions involved in mounting an appropriate immune response. Topics of discussion include immunodeficiencies, autoimmune disorders, allergies, transplantation, vaccines, infectious diseases, and current topics in immunology.
  • Course components: lecture (3 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture)
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of cell biology and data interpretation
  • Recommended for students interested in molecular biology, pre-health and pre-med

4650 - Exercise Physiology

  • Course description: Examines the physiological and biochemical adjustments that occur in the body with acute and chronic exercise. Topics of discussion include the effects of exercise on bioenergetics, hormones, immune function, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, soreness and fatigue, as well as exercise during varied environmental conditions.
  • Course components: lecture, recitation, and lab (5 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture) & 3435 (lab)
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of human anatomy/physiology, chemistry/biochemistry, some physics, algebra, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
  • Recommended for students interested in pre-physical therapy

4720 - Neurophysiology

  • Course description: Explores the function of the nervous system, including how the properties of neurons influence nervous system activity, how the nervous system controls the activity of muscles and how the sensory effects of muscle activity influence the function of the nervous system.
  • Course components: lecture and lab (4 credits)
  • Necessary prerequisites: 3430 (lecture) & 3435 (lab)
  • Necessary skills: a solid understanding of human anatomy/physiology, some physics, algebra, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
  • Recommended for students interested in in pre-physical therapy, pre-health and pre-med