Introduction to Physiology, Metabolism and Endocrinology

2 credits · Graduate School

This course is designed to introduce first-year students in the "Masters Program in Biomedical Sciences" to essential basic concepts in the fields of physiology, metabolism and endocrinology. In the first part of the course the lecturers will discuss basic concepts in physiology with respect to: the circulatory system, heart, the pulmonary system, kidney, acid/base balance, muscle, liver and the autonomic nervous system. In the second part of the course the lecturers will discuss basic concepts in metabolism with respect to: glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, fatty acids and amino acids. This section will use exercise to illustrate how metabolism changes under different physiological conditions. In the third part of the course the lecturers will discuss basic concepts in endocrinology with respect to: thyroid hormone, insulin, glucagon and glucocorticoids. This section will also describe the critical role of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in regulating secretion of multiple hormones with an emphasis on the regulation of energy balance and how this balance is perturbed in obesity. This course is designed to prepare students for two, more advanced second year courses: MPB 8330 (Human Physiology and Molecular Medicine) and MPB 8327 (Molecular Endocrinology). This course will be held in the Spring Semester. For students other than those in the Master's program, prior approval of the course director is required before signing up for this class. O'Brien and Staff. [2]