Spring 2025

Introduction to and discussion on clinically relevant topics such as social determinants of health, medical ethics and legal and regulatory aspects, in preparation for experience in the clinical setting.

Introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning through programming models, training models with several methodologies, support vector machines, decision trees, ensemble learning and random forests.

An introduction to professionalism and skills required in the practice of medicine and careers in health care.

Introductions to various health innovations, including pathways, technology, techniques and outcomes. A framework for innovation in healthcare and overview of tools for health innovators.

Examination of fundamental ethical concepts and principles in clinical health care and biomedical research. Use of film, case studies and discussion. Recommended preparation: MDA-110 or MEDS-220.

Explores the role of medicine/surgery in society, whose ideas about health and disease have undergone enormous changes from antiquity to the present day.

Introduction to human anatomy and physiology in relation to common disease processes, and an examination of how technology has transformed western medicine throughout history.

Anatomical structure and function of the major regions of the human body as related to health and disease, using clinical cases, lectures and cadaveric demonstrations.

Study of the human brain through the lens of disease using illustrative case studies, current imaging techniques and potential future treatment for neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

The neurochemistry of psychiatric illness and addiction, introduction to brain and nervous system biochemistry, anatomy and disease states. Covers prescribed medications and drugs of abuse.

Overview of the cellular make-up of the human skeleton, the functions of bones, clinical application of this knowledge towards bone-related diseases, and introduction to technological advances in orthopedic surgery.

A theoretical basis of laboratory approaches that help the biomedical or physician scientist in understanding the etiology of disease and targeting disease processes.

An examination of frequently treated diseases with the greatest impact on society. Involvement of medical specialists as guests.

Exploring how stem cells and regenerative medicine are portrayed in culture, the scientific underpinnings of what is currently possible, and visions into the future.

An examination of the health care system of the United States, from the perspective of the physician and other health professions. Particularly covers health care systems as a workplace and how medical professionals fit into and operate within it.

Emphasizes the team-based approach used by forensic scientists, medical examiners and coroners to investigate the circumstances and determine the cause/manner of death. Prerequisites: BISC 220 or BISC 221 and MEDS 220. Open only to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Introduction to the spectrum of surgical care, taught by surgeons, with the goal of developing an appreciation of the role that surgery plays in society. Prerequisites: BISC 220 or BISC 221 and CHEM 103 or CHEM 105a or CHEM 115a and MEDS 220. Open only to juniors and seniors.

An introduction to the practical realities of modern obstetric and gynecology practice from the point of view of practicing surgeon scientists at USC. Prerequisites: BISC-220 or BISC-221 and MEDS-220.

Individual research and readings.

Explores the social determinants of health through supervised on-site practicum with the Community Health Advocates Team at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and didactic sessions.

Exploration of biological and epidemiological fundamentals of tuberculosis including dynamics of transmission among populations. Overview of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of infections.

Spanish language course for students planning to enter the health professions. Graded CR/NC.

Exploration of the threat of major worldwide epidemics and diseases with a focus on the recent emergence of new plagues.

Background information on a group of infections that are transmitted via animal contact. Understanding of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and impact of the diseases on the economies of the countries in which they are found. Recommended preparation: MEDS 500. Open only to graduate students.

Examines clinically relevant perspectives from distinguished international authors on STI issues and the devastating effect on particular geographical regions around the world.

The basics of human anatomy (gross anatomy, histology, radiographic anatomy), physiology (cellular physiology, organ system areas) and pathology (general, systemic, cellular pathology).

A systematic survey of basic and clinical nutrition that provides an overview of critical public health-nutrition issues in both the developing world and industrial society.

Examination of country-specific factors affecting pregnancy, pre-natal care, and childbirth in South Africa, with analysis of factors contributing to health inequality and methods to mitigate healthcare challenges.

Exploration of the provision of palliative care and analysis of factors affecting the increased burden of palliative care provision facing developing regions of the world.

Examination of typical composition and function of interprofessional healthcare teams. Exploration of roles of team members and purview of care issues and common challenges, including medication management, inpatient/outpatient decision making, and care plan implementation.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.