Below is a description of the courses offered at the Summer Science Scholars' Academy.
Anatomy: Students will explore the musculoskeletal, peripheral nervous and vascular systems at the gross anatomic level through a series of lecture and laboratory experiences using actual human bodies. Students will begin to use anatomical terminology to demonstrate their knowledge. Common clinical cases will serve as the basis for the discussion of peripheral nervous tissue, muscle and bone - from the basic science of these structures to the patient presenting with related pain and/or dysfunction. The regional focus of the course will be on the upper and lower limbs and the important structure/function relationships within each region.
Physiology: Students will learn key principles and metrics of human physiology through a series of lectures and labs. The goal is for students to recognize and understand basic terms and concepts in human physiology and learn the structure and functional relationships within physiological systems. They will also become familiar with physiological test results generated in clinical settings. Specific topics covered include cellular physiology, the nervous system, musculoskeletal reflexes and motor control, the cardiovascular system and cardiac function and the respiratory system.
Research Methods in Health: This course serves as an introduction to the world of biomedical research and laboratory diagnosis. It focusses on those lab methods used to promote advances in research and diagnostic medicine from a broad perspective, with particular attention paid to biotechnology-based tools used in most research labs. Every lab method is introduced in the context of its application in the diagnosis of a common health problem and/or in research. The topics covered in this course include genetic diseases, the significance of genetic counseling, genetic engineering methods and applications, cancer genetics, an introduction to bioinformatics and the diagnosis of infectious diseases.