Course Description

This course employs the exploration of the molecular, genetic, biochemical, and cellular basis of human oncogenesis, tumor metastasis, cancer detection, and therapeutic advances as a comprehensive background for understanding and engaging the field of biomedicine. It provides a solid foundation in the basic biomedical principles that serve as the framework for advancing medical science including genetics, cellular anatomy, metabolism, and cell signaling.

Prerequisites 

Please visit Liberty University for details on this course’s prerequisites.

Rationale

Introduction To Biomedical Sciences is designed for students who either do not have prior exposure to these courses: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, and Anatomy/Physiology or need to remediate any course in the MS Biomedical Sciences program. It aims to give the students an in-depth introduction to the basic medical sciences that form the foundations for understanding the normal functions of the human body and disease states as well as therapeutic approaches to these diseases. Cancer remains a biomedical puzzle and its complexity and span provide an encompassing viewpoint to studying biomedical sciences. This approach will give the students a huge appreciation of the beautiful design of the human body by God the Almighty Creator of all things!

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the roles of genes in oncogenesis.
2. Discuss the biochemical alterations that promote tumorigenesis.
3. Explain the role of inflammation and infectious agents in cancer.
4. Explain the alterations to cell signaling that promotes cancer.
5. Explain the molecular factors that promote the metastasis of cancer cells.
6. Describe the clinical significance of biomarkers in cancer detection and therapy.
7. Explain the molecular basis of specific cancer types and cancer therapy.
8. Demonstrate professional communication of scientific information.
9. Explain the molecular basis of cancer in scientific writing and oral presentation.