Duluth campus

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Duluth Campus

Biomedical Sciences M.S.

Duluth School of Medicine - Adm
Medical School - Duluth Campus
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Length of program in credits: 30
  • This program requires summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Science
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Biomedical Sciences MS: Gateways to Medicine and Research is designed for students interested in professional health careers or biomedical research who desire additional training, mentoring, and advising to strengthen their academic and professional credentials for admission to health professional or graduate schools, or for entry in the biomedical workforce. This umbrella program has 2 tracks based on desired outcomes. The Medical Track, 1-year (3 semesters) Plan B MS, provides relevant, specialized content and experiences for students interested in health professions. The Research Track is a 2-year Plan A MS with research thesis that provides targeted training and research experiences on biomedical sciences. The mission of the Gateways MS Program is to recruit and train diverse students that upon graduation will enrich the region with their newly gained expertise. The Gateways MS Program will be a natural fit for regional students who wish to further their education in a small city close to nature and home. We will focus on recruiting students that are: 1) Indigenous, 2) rural low income, or 3) other BIPOC/underrepresented in medicine (URM) and STEM. Training a diverse healthcare and research workforce will alleviate a historic lack of opportunities for underserved populations. In accordance with historical responsibilities, mission-fit students will be eligible for scholarships to offset tuition costs. To support our students, we will build a culturally inclusive environment that promotes awareness and respect for all students. We will recruit students from diverse pre-med, STEM, and behavioral science disciplines. Students with other majors are encouraged to apply with a description of how their experiences will enrich the program. Graduation requirement will be completion of 30 credits in 1 or 2 years. Credits are earned in discussion-based classes, problem-based learning (PBL), bench research (Research Track only) along with relevant professional experiences and community projects. The active learning, innovative curricula are tailored for each track around the science of human physiology and disease. This content will appeal to students interested in: (1) health professions (new applicants and near misses), (2) exploration of academic careers in biomedical research, (3) biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry, (4) teaching health sciences, or (5) broader science applications in business, regulatory affairs, entrepreneurship, writing, or policy. The curriculum will be delivered by experienced faculty who teach the foundational content of the Duluth Regional Medical School (DMED) under a distinctive “high contact - high content” model. The Medical Track consists of a 3-semester, structured curriculum with clinical and community experiences and dedicated MCAT prep time. The Research Track offers multiple electives and bench skills with experienced mentors in exciting research areas, including neuroscience, genetics and genomics, cancer biology, immunology, physiology, and parasitology.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
The preferred undergraduate GPA is 3.00. A bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university in the biological or physical sciences or a related field.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Medical track: MCAT preliminary score 490 (15th percentile) or above Research Track: GRE: 50th percentile or above
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
  • MCAT
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
    • Reading Score: 6.5
    • Writing Score: 6.5
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, MCAT, TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 20 major credits, 0 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 30 major credits and 0 credits outside the major. The final exam is oral. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:The capstone course will familiarize students with the work of non-profit organizations in Duluth and the Northland. The goals of the course are to expose students to the needs of the community and to understand how non-profits serve those needs and will provide opportunities for students to identify community needs, particularly in rural areas. Students will start devising a plan to work with the community to solve a problem and then continue with the implementation of the student’s plans. Students will ultimately write a reflection describing their service oriented project, the idea, the challenges, lessons from the implementation, and the impact of the program.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least one course applicable to the degree must be taken from the UMN Twin Cities course catalog, selected in consultation with the Advisor and Director of Graduate Studies.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Research
This sub-plan is limited to students completing the program under Plan A.
The Research Track is a 2-year Plan A thesis Master’s designed to provide training in biomedical research. Mission: The Research Track aims to fill historic gaps in biomedical research training and career development in the MN Northland. This track has a dedicated curriculum on human-based research and offers research in several disciplines. Training in biomedical sciences can allow students to transition to PhD programs in medical schools, work in the biotech industry or teach. The program will focus on increasing access and diversity by recruiting among underserved populations with an emphasis on Native American students from the Upper Midwest, along with rural, low income students from MN.
Research Track Plan A
AHC Seminar Series to be taken each semester.
Required Courses (6 credits)
BMS 5103 - Techniques in Biomedical Research (2.0 cr)
BMS 8022 - Community-Based Independent Service I (1.0 cr)
BMS 8026 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Medical Sciences (2.0 cr)
IBS 8099 - The Biological Practitioner (1.0 cr)
Electives (14 credits)
Take 14 or more credits of the following:
BMS 8012 - Genetics of Health and Disease (2.0 cr)
BMS 8014 - Advanced Cancer Biology for Graduate Students (2.0 cr)
BMS 8018 - Independent BMS Studies (1.0-3.0 cr)
BMS 8019 - Human Genomics and Epigenomics (2.0 cr)
BMS 8027 - Immunopathology (1.0 cr)
IBS 8102 - Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (3.0 cr)
STAT 5411 - Analysis of Variance (3.0 cr)
Choose at least one degree-applicable course from the Twin Cities catalog in consultation with the advisor and director of graduate studies.
Thesis Credit (10 credits)
BMS 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
Medical
This sub-plan is limited to students completing the program under Plan B.
The Medicine Track is a 1-year, Plan B Master’s program designed to provide advanced training for students in the MN Northland interested in healthcare professions: medicine, nursing, physician assistant, and other. This full-time program will be completed in 3 consecutive semesters: Fall, Spring and Summer. Mission: The Medicine Track will support the mission of the Duluth Campus Medical School (DMED) to produce physicians that serve the needs of rural MN and Indigenous communities, and to increase the diversity of the healthcare workforce. This program has a tailored curriculum to prepare students for medical school along with professional experiences, career advice, and MCAT prep time.
Medical Track Plan B
Required Courses
BMS 5102 - St. Luke's Hospital Shadowing Experience (2.0 cr)
BMS 8002 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (2.0 cr)
BMS 8003 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (2.0 cr)
BMS 8004 - Medical Biochemistry (2.0 cr)
BMS 8012 - Genetics of Health and Disease (2.0 cr)
BMS 8013 - Human Infectious Disease (2.0 cr)
BMS 8015 - Molecular Pharmacology (3.0 cr)
BMS 8016 - Social and Structural Determinants of Health (2.0 cr)
BMS 8017 - Current Topics in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Research Ethics (2.0 cr)
BMS 8020 - Native American Health I (1.0 cr)
BMS 8021 - Native American Health II (1.0 cr)
BMS 8022 - Community-Based Independent Service I (1.0 cr)
BMS 8024 - Medical Knowledge and Critical Thinking I (2.0 cr)
BMS 8025 - Medical Knowledge and Critical Thinking II (1.0 cr)
BMS 8027 - Immunopathology (1.0 cr)
Take 4 or more credits from the following:
BMS 8023 - Community-Based Service II (2.0-3.0 cr)
Choose at least one degree-applicable course from the Twin Cities catalog in consultation with the advisor and director of graduate studies.
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· Medical School - Duluth Campus
View sample plan(s):
· Biomedical Sciences M.S. Sample Plan
· Biomedical Sciences Plan A
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BMS 5103 - Techniques in Biomedical Research
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Techniques in Biomedical Research will provide an introduction to the research environment in a biomedical laboratory. The course will focus on common research models and techniques students are likely to encounter during their independent research. The course format will consist of a 1h introductory class followed by a 2h practical laboratory session. The introductory class will describe the concepts, theory and applications behind a set of techniques. The laboratory session will put in practice key skills and practical aspects of each technique. The course will cover sterile technique, basic molecular biology techniques (DNA purification, E coli transformation, and PCR), cell culture (culture passage, transformation, use of the biosafety cabinet), ELISA and other assays, protein analysis (homogenates and western blot), RNA isolation and qPCR, microscopy (bright, fluorescent, and confocal microscopy), and work with laboratory organisms (fruit flies and mice). Last, students will discuss practical aspects of experimental design, data analysis, statistics, and producing charts and graphs to support the data. The goal for this course is to train students in basic techniques to ensure they understand how to use the appropriate technique depending on the problem they are working on. pre-req: Enrollment in RuNAH PostBac
BMS 8022 - Community-Based Independent Service I
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will familiarize students with the work of non-profit organizations in Duluth and the Northland. The goals of the course are to expose students to the needs of the community and to understand how non-profits serve those needs. The Fall course will begin with an introduction to the service opportunities in the Duluth community by taking a tour of the main organizations in downtown Duluth. Then, we will invite the directors and managers of these organizations to describe the work they do with opportunities for discussion. The last part of the course will provide opportunities for students to identify community needs, particularly in rural areas, and start devising a plan to work with the community to solve a problem. The second part of this course (Spring) will consist of the implementation of the student?s plans. These will be carried out in collaboration with existing organizations in the community. These projects can be organized by individual students or small groups (2-3 students). Students will ultimately write a reflection describing their service oriented project, the idea, the challenges, lessons from the implementation, and the impact of the program. pre-req: BMS Grad program, instructor consent
BMS 8026 - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Medical Sciences
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will explore several topics at the intersection of biomedical sciences and racism. Students will engage on the underlying science of race and racism from the lens of three big topics - Genetics, Neuroscience and Physiology. The approach for this course will be the generation of Concept Maps. For each big topic, students will start with a primer that will provide the initial background, social context and scientific foundation. From here. students will identify class topics, split tasks, research the literature, and collaborate to create a concept map. Students will continue to build on the first concept map by adding different directions or additional depth on established themes. For this, students will continue to read and discuss potential directions until the theme has been exhausted. These three topics have significant basic science and social implications, and students will find them complex and relevant to discuss. pre-req: BMS Grad programs or instructor consent
IBS 8099 - The Biological Practitioner
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
A course designed to introduce the incoming graduate student in biological sciences to professional practice, standards and ethics, including peer review, proposal writing, ethical problems, the purpose of a university, and other problems. Required for all IBS students. prereq: IBS Graduate Student
BMS 8012 - Genetics of Health and Disease
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will explore relevant aspects of Human Genetics, from gene structure to function and dysfunction, to provide you with the knowledge to understand how genetics influences health and disease. With the advent of technologies for genome sequencing and genetic manipulation, genetics has become a central science in biomedical research with the power to explain the origin of human disease, predict health risks, and dream about near future therapies. Massive sequencing capabilities have increased the pace of genetic discoveries, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underpinning human diseases: from rare monogenetic disorders to complex multigenic disorders. The power of genetic technologies also creates new legal and ethical problems, as illustrated by the recent CRISPR baby. The course will discuss in depth the current science of Human Genetics along with the legal and societal implications brought upon by the new knowledge and technologies. The course will follow a student presentation - class discussion format for several relevant topics. Students will also create a Concept Map for a particular disease that will require independent research and teamwork. pre-req: Undergrad genetics (BIOL 2201 and BIOL 4231 in UMD) or instructor consent
BMS 8014 - Advanced Cancer Biology for Graduate Students
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The course will begin with an introduction to the basic tenets of cancer biology. Following that, students will delve into the molecular basis of cancer and relate this knowledge to patient outcomes and therapeutic interventions. This course reviews the basic hallmarks of cancer biology and then focuses more deeply on current cancer research on various subjects in the field, based on student or faculty interest. During the last part of the course, students will explore current and unresolved problems in cancer biology. Students will ultimately construct a specific aims page that proposes original research to solve one of the critical issues in cancer biology. Students will learn to present and critically review original cancer research in primary literature. Topics considered will integrate cancer biology from the patient/family/community perspective to medical professionals to the laboratory bench. pre-req: An Undergraduate level Cancer Biology course and Permission of Instructor Undergraduate level cancer biology course, or admission to the BMS Post-Bac or Master?s program, or permission of instructor
BMS 8018 - Independent BMS Studies
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
This course is designed to provide students with content knowledge specific to their research interests. Since the BMS department has broad interests in biomedical research, the courses in our catalog may not provide enough depth for students specialized in any number of areas. The Independent Studies course will allow mentors to develop tailored reading materials for their mentees and will carve out time for discussion of that content. This can be done in one-on-one meetings or in a lab meeting setting. The goal is to ensure that students read and understand the relevant literature in their chosen field. This course will provide a structured method for the mentor and mentee to develop professional and personal relationships that can further support the technical development of the student. Ultimately, the review of specific content and the discussion with the mentor will support the research conducted in the lab and the completion of the required written thesis. For each student requesting this course, the mentor will submit a plan along with the materials identified for discussion and the methods for meeting with the students. pre-req: BMS Grad programs or instructor consent
BMS 8019 - Human Genomics and Epigenomics
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Technological advances over the past decade have made high-throughput genomic and proteomic assays increasingly accessible to all biologists. This course will cover current research that leverages these high-throughput technologies to address fundamental biological questions related to genome variation, epigenetics, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. pre-req: BMS 8012 (Human Genetics) OR 1 semester Molecular Biology + 1 Semester Genetics + Instructor Permission
BMS 8027 - Immunopathology
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Students will learn about various experimental methods used to study inflammation and adaptive immunity using the Problem Based Learning method. Students will study human disease that involves host defense mechanisms. The students will explore current literature to obtain information regarding disease mechanisms and to explore laboratory technology used to develop appropriate experimental methods to study the pathology. Students will prepare short essays reviewing the literature and developing a concept map to describe the pathology. Each essay will present the conceptual frame work to prepare a grant proposal. The class will discuss then discuss each problem set to exchange ideas and approaches to study disease mechanism. The student will explore three separate problem sets. A final project will represent a formal grant proposal on a disease chosen by the student. pre-req: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Cell Biology Course in Microbiology or Physiology
IBS 8102 - Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Comprehensive review of contemporary topics in modern molecular biology. This will include systemic examples from cell and developmental systems. Required for CMP emphasis. prereq: 5101, Chem 4342 or equivalent, IBS grad student
STAT 5411 - Analysis of Variance
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Analysis of variance techniques as applied to scientific experiments and studies. Randomized block designs, factorial designs, nesting. Checking model assumptions. Using statistical computer software. prereq: 3411 or 3611; a grade of C- or better is required in all prerequisite courses
BMS 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required (Plan A only)
BMS 5102 - St. Luke's Hospital Shadowing Experience
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Learning what it means to be a physician is essential for students considering a career in medicine. Participation in a variety of activities that provide exposure to diverse health care settings can help achieve this goal. These activities allow students to gauge and affirm their interest in medicine as a career. Shadowing is different from volunteering; volunteering enables a pre-medical student the unpaid opportunity to help in a healthcare setting. Shadowing experiences are observational in nature. The pre-medical student observes as the healthcare professional provides care to patients. Observation always occurs under the appropriate supervision of a licensed physician. A shadowing experience not only provides an introduction to the profession of medicine and the day-to-day responsibilities of the health care provider but also offers the physician the opportunity to model professionalism as well as ethical and culturally sensitive treatment of patients. Critical to the experience is the awareness and education of both the pre-medical student and the patient regarding the importance of the patient?s rights, privacy and confidentiality. Since the primary purpose of shadowing is observation, the experience should focus on watching the physician as they perform their duties. The pre-medical student should never engage in any activity that is considered the practice of medicine. These activities include, but are not limited to diagnosing diseases, administering medications, performing surgical procedures, suturing, providing medical advice or other tasks generally reserved for the trained health professional. pre-req: Enrollment in science graduate program; department consent
BMS 8002 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
In depth examination of current physiological problems involving the major mammalian organ systems, integrating knowledge from the molecular to system level with a parallel human anatomy lab. pre-req: BIOL 3703 (Animal Physiology), BIOL 3772 (Human physiology) or ESAT 3400 (Exercise Physiology) or equivalent or graduate student or permission of instructor
BMS 8003 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
In depth examination of current physiological problems involving the major mammalian organ systems, integrating knowledge from the molecular to system level with a parallel human anatomy lab. pre-req: BMS 8002 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BMS 8004 - Medical Biochemistry
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Students will learn how major biochemical pathways function normally within the body. Basic enzymology, mitochondrial function, glucose homeostasis, lipid oxidation, amino acid metabolism, heme metabolism and iron homeostasis will be explored. Case studies will illustrate how dysfunction of biochemical pathways leads to the symptoms of different pathologies. pre-req: BMS MS student or instructor consent
BMS 8012 - Genetics of Health and Disease
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will explore relevant aspects of Human Genetics, from gene structure to function and dysfunction, to provide you with the knowledge to understand how genetics influences health and disease. With the advent of technologies for genome sequencing and genetic manipulation, genetics has become a central science in biomedical research with the power to explain the origin of human disease, predict health risks, and dream about near future therapies. Massive sequencing capabilities have increased the pace of genetic discoveries, uncovering the molecular mechanisms underpinning human diseases: from rare monogenetic disorders to complex multigenic disorders. The power of genetic technologies also creates new legal and ethical problems, as illustrated by the recent CRISPR baby. The course will discuss in depth the current science of Human Genetics along with the legal and societal implications brought upon by the new knowledge and technologies. The course will follow a student presentation - class discussion format for several relevant topics. Students will also create a Concept Map for a particular disease that will require independent research and teamwork. pre-req: Undergrad genetics (BIOL 2201 and BIOL 4231 in UMD) or instructor consent
BMS 8013 - Human Infectious Disease
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This is a graduate level analysis of human infectious disease. Topics include features of infectious microbes themselves, their complex relationships and interactions with the human host, and their diagnosis and treatment. The course will be presented using the tools common to academic medicine: scientific review articles, published research studies, and infectious disease case records/studies. pre-req: 1 year undergraduate biology instruction + 1 semester undergraduate microbiology OR 1 year undergraduate biology instruction + prerequisite reading + instructor permission
BMS 8015 - Molecular Pharmacology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
In depth examination of current physiological problems involving the major mammalian organ systems, integrating knowledge from the molecular to system level with a parallel human anatomy lab. pre-req: instructor consent
BMS 8016 - Social and Structural Determinants of Health
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Social and structural factors are estimated to contribute to more than half of all causes of disease and death in the United States, including cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Type 2 diabetes (Litzelman, et al. 2014). These factors range from adherence to physicians? recommendations for treatment to smoking to policy decisions that powerfully influence (or foreclose) a patient?s access to the healthcare system. This course will: 1) offer students a nuanced understanding of these social and structural factors and their interrelationships; 2) demonstrate how this knowledge helps optimize health outcomes; and 3) prepare students with skills that will promote their own involvement in making meaningful large- and small-scale changes in health equity.
BMS 8017 - Current Topics in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Research Ethics
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
In current Topics in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Research Ethics students will learn to interpret major study designs and consider ethical implications of research through guided critical review and discussion of medical literature.
BMS 8020 - Native American Health I
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a series of discussions and interactive lectures on current issues impacting the health of Native American people. The course will consist primarily of class discussion of assigned articles, with occasional student presentations or in-class work and periodic guest speakers. Local / regional experts will present their diverse experiences with Native populations followed by discussions and student presentations. This course will combine historical perspectives, social determinants of health, and cultural context to describe the health risks of native populations. Through this course students will develop cultural competencies related to the impact of history and politics on different populations. Students will also learn how to interact with and respect patients of different cultural backgrounds. Articles will be assigned however, students may choose an article for discussion after consultation with the instructor. Work for this course will average about 10 pages of reading once monthly. pre-req: BMS Grad programs; instructor consent
BMS 8021 - Native American Health II
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is a series of discussions and interactive lectures on current issues impacting the health of Native American people. The course will consist primarily of class discussion of assigned articles, with occasional student presentations or in-class work and periodic guest speakers. Local / regional experts will present their diverse experiences with Native populations followed by discussions and student presentations. This course will combine historical perspectives, social determinants of health, and cultural context to describe the health risks of native populations. Through this course students will develop cultural competencies related to the impact of history and politics on different populations. Students will also learn how to interact with and respect patients of different cultural backgrounds. Articles will be assigned however, students may choose an article for discussion after consultation with the instructor. Work for this course will average about 10 pages of reading once monthly. pre-req: BMS Grad program, instructor consent
BMS 8022 - Community-Based Independent Service I
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will familiarize students with the work of non-profit organizations in Duluth and the Northland. The goals of the course are to expose students to the needs of the community and to understand how non-profits serve those needs. The Fall course will begin with an introduction to the service opportunities in the Duluth community by taking a tour of the main organizations in downtown Duluth. Then, we will invite the directors and managers of these organizations to describe the work they do with opportunities for discussion. The last part of the course will provide opportunities for students to identify community needs, particularly in rural areas, and start devising a plan to work with the community to solve a problem. The second part of this course (Spring) will consist of the implementation of the student?s plans. These will be carried out in collaboration with existing organizations in the community. These projects can be organized by individual students or small groups (2-3 students). Students will ultimately write a reflection describing their service oriented project, the idea, the challenges, lessons from the implementation, and the impact of the program. pre-req: BMS Grad program, instructor consent
BMS 8024 - Medical Knowledge and Critical Thinking I
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is designed to provide professional development, career advice and basic medical skills for students enrolled in the Medical Track. Experienced faculty that have served in the Admissions Committee will provide insight for application materials. Additionally, Family Medicine faculty will discuss personal experiences and provide basic medical skills, including recognition of a patient suffering an overdose and Narcan administration, CPR training, and simulations. This course is designed to provide students with structured time to study for taking the MCAT for medical school applications. Students in the Medical track will arrive with a preliminary MCAT score, likely below national average (511) that prevented the student from submitting a competitive application to medical school. This course will provide time on the calendar for the students to engage in preparation and practice of MCAT. Since excellent commercial services exist for the specific preparation for MCAT, we will sign up the students into the Kaplan basic MCAT prep module. The Gateways MS Program will support the cost of the course for all students. These modules have a successful track record and the goal is for students to take the MCAT in the second semester and show a significant improvement from the preliminary score. The structure of the course will be Independent Study time but we will encourage students to engage with the Program managers and mentors if they have specific questions. Students will be asked to submit a record of their activity every 2 weeks, including scores for practice tests. Students not progressing as expected will be asked to meet with the learning specialist supporting the program to identify opportunities for growth. pre-req: BMS Grad programs or instructor consent
BMS 8025 - Medical Knowledge and Critical Thinking II
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course is designed to provide professional development, career advice and basic medical skills for students enrolled in the Medical Track. Experienced faculty that have served in the Admissions Committee will provide insight for application materials. Additionally, Family Medicine faculty will discuss personal experiences and provide basic medical skills, including recognition of a patient suffering an overdose and Narcan administration, CPR training, and simulations. This course is designed to provide students with structured time to study for taking the MCAT for medical school applications. Students in the Medical track will arrive with a preliminary MCAT score, likely below national average (511) that prevented the student from submitting a competitive application to medical school. This course will provide time on the calendar for the students to engage in preparation and practice of MCAT. Since excellent commercial services exist for the specific preparation for MCAT, we will sign up the students into the Kaplan basic MCAT prep module. The Gateways MS Program will support the cost of the course for all students. These modules have a successful track record and the goal is for students to take the MCAT in the second semester and show a significant improvement from the preliminary score. The structure of the course will be Independent Study time but we will encourage students to engage with the Program managers and mentors if they have specific questions. Students will be asked to submit a record of their activity every 2 weeks, including scores for practice tests. Students not progressing as expected will be asked to meet with the learning specialist supporting the program to identify opportunities for growth. pre-req: BMS Grad programs or instructor consent
BMS 8027 - Immunopathology
Credits: 1.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Students will learn about various experimental methods used to study inflammation and adaptive immunity using the Problem Based Learning method. Students will study human disease that involves host defense mechanisms. The students will explore current literature to obtain information regarding disease mechanisms and to explore laboratory technology used to develop appropriate experimental methods to study the pathology. Students will prepare short essays reviewing the literature and developing a concept map to describe the pathology. Each essay will present the conceptual frame work to prepare a grant proposal. The class will discuss then discuss each problem set to exchange ideas and approaches to study disease mechanism. The student will explore three separate problem sets. A final project will represent a formal grant proposal on a disease chosen by the student. pre-req: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Cell Biology Course in Microbiology or Physiology
BMS 8023 - Community-Based Service II
Credits: 2.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will familiarize students with the work of non-profit organizations in Duluth and the Northland. The goals of the course are to expose students to the needs of the community and to understand how non-profits serve those needs. The Fall course will begin with an introduction to the service opportunities in the Duluth community by taking a tour of the main organizations in downtown Duluth. Then, we will invite the directors and managers of these organizations to describe the work they do with opportunities for discussion. The last part of the course will provide opportunities for students to identify community needs, particularly in rural areas, and start devising a plan to work with the community to solve a problem. The second part of this course (Spring) will consist of the implementation of the student?s plans. These will be carried out in collaboration with existing organizations in the community. These projects can be organized by individual students or small groups (2-3 students). Students will ultimately write a reflection describing their service oriented project, the idea, the challenges, lessons from the implementation, and the impact of the program. pre-req: BMS Grad programs or instructor consent