Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program

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Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program

Course Descriptions

Health Careers Seminar I
This first of a two-course required sequence orients you to the UC Berkeley Extension Health Program and assists you plan your course of study. You learn skills that support your success in the program and clarify your understand of and interest in specific healthcare careers.

Prerequisites: You must have been officially accepted into the Health Professions Program.

Health Careers Seminar II
This second of a two-course required sequence prepares you for the comprehensive application process to health career professional programs. You review healthcare professional programs and further clarify your interest in healthcare careers, admission requirements, length of study, and workforce issues. You plan your approach for the written application form. You learn to write personal statements and practice interview questions. You also learn strategies to finance your healthcare education. Your classroom experience includes lectures, in-class interactive presentations, case studies, and opportunities for private and semi-private meetings with the instructors.

Prerequisites: You must have successfully completed Part I of the Health Careers Seminar to be eligible for Part II.

General Biology I
This course introduces fundamental concepts in biology including cell structure and function, metabolism, molecular and organismal genetics, and animal development, form, and function. The class is aimed at biology majors and premedical students. In addition, it is appropriate for returning students interested in a refresher biology class and professionals in other disciplines who are considering a career change to the biological sciences. This course is associated with General Biology Laboratory I.

General Biology Laboratory I
This laboratory course introduces fundamental concepts in biology, including cell structure and function; metabolism; molecular and organismal genetics; and animal development, form, and function. Emphasis is on the development of laboratory skills such as instrumentation, data analysis and observational skills. The class is aimed at biology majors and premedical students. In addition, it is appropriate for returning students interested in a refresher biology class and professionals in other disciplines who are considering a career change to the biological sciences. This course is associated with General Biology I.

General Biology I must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

General Biology II
This course introduces fundamental concepts in biology normally covered in the second semester of a college-level biology course. The course is aimed at returning students interested in a refresher biology class, professionals in other disciplines considering a career change to the biological sciences, or anyone interested in understanding basic concepts in physiology and environmental and population biology. The course is designed to fulfill one semester of pre-medical requirements in biology.

Prerequisite: High school chemistry is recommended.

General Biology Laboratory II
This laboratory course is associated with the General Biology II lecture.

Prerequisite: General Biology X15B must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

General Chemistry I
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of general chemistry, including atomic theory, chemical composition, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, bonding, gases, liquids, solids, solutions and other topics. The class is aimed at biology majors and premedical students. In addition, it is appropriate for returning students interested in chemistry and professionals in other disciplines who are considering a career change to chemistry or related sciences. This course is associated with General Chemistry Laboratory I. High school chemistry is recommended.

General Chemistry Laboratory I
This laboratory course is associated with General Chemistry-A.

General Chemistry I must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

General Chemistry II
This course introduces fundamental concepts in general chemistry normally covered in the second semester of a college-level general chemistry course. The class is aimed at returning students interested in a refresher general chemistry class and professionals in other disciplines considering a career change to the chemical sciences. This course is designed to fulfill one semester of pre-medical requirements in chemistry.

Prerequisite: General Chemistry I X19A must be completed with a C or better.

General Chemistry Laboratory II
This laboratory course is associated with the General Chemistry II lecture.

Prerequisites: General Chemistry I X19A and General Chemistry Laboratory I X19.1A must be completed with a C or better. General Chemistry II X19B must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

Organic Chemistry I
This course covers introduction to structures, nomenclature, properties, and reactions of carbon compounds-hydrocarbons, monofunctional and polyfunctional compounds with emphasis on structures and mechanisms, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques. It is designed for biology majors, premedical students, returning students, and professionals interested in chemistry. It fulfills one semester of pre-medical lecture requirements in organic chemistry.

Prerequisite: Completion of one year of a college-level general chemistry course with a C or better.

Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
This laboratory course covers a variety of fundamental laboratory techniques applicable to study and preparation of organic compounds and is associated with the Organic Chemistry I lecture.It is designed for biology majors, premedical students, returning students, and professionals interested in chemistry. This course is designed to fulfill one semester of pre-medical lab requirements in organic chemistry.

Prerequisite: Completion of one year of a college-level general chemistry class. Organic Chemistry I must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

Organic Chemistry II
We study reactions of functional groups and interactions of polyfunctional compounds, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. We provide an introduction to biochemistry, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. This course is designed for science majors, pre-medical and pre-health students, and professionals interested in chemistry. Organic Chemistry Laboratory II is associated with this course. This lecture may be taken without the laboratory.

Prerequisite: Completion of Organic Chemistry I with a C or better.

Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
This laboratory course covers a variety of fundamental laboratory techniques applicable to study, separation, purification, and preparation of organic compounds. This course is aimed at biology majors, pre-medical, pre-health, and returning students and professionals interested in chemistry. It is associated with the Organic Chemistry II.

Prerequisites: Completion of Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I with a C or better. Organic Chemistry II must be taken concurrently or already completed with a C or better.

Principles of Green Chemistry
Learn the core principles of green chemistry and connect your knowledge of green chemistry to your own experiences through real-world examples and projects. Challenges to the health of the environment abound, including pollution, climate change and the over-use of natural resources. Chemistry, the study of matter and how it changes, can greatly influence human health and the health of the environment. Green chemistry unleashes the creativity of scientists and engineers in designing and discovering the next generation of chemicals and materials so that they provide increased performance while protecting and enhancing human health and the environment.

Physics I
This course introduces fundamental concepts in physics including mechanics, properties of matter, thermodynamics, heat, wave motion, sound, and other topics of interest. The class is aimed at biology majors and pre-medical students. In addition, it is appropriate for returning students interested in physics, and professionals in other disciplines considering a career change to the sciences. This course is associated with Physics Laboratory I.

Prerequisites: Algebra and trigonometry.

Physics Laboratory I
This laboratory is associated with Physics I.

Physics I must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

Physics II
This course introduces fundamental concepts in physics normally covered in the second semester of a college-level physics course. The class is aimed at returning students interested in a refresher physics class and professionals in other disciplines considering a career change to the physical sciences. This algebra-based course is designed to fulfill one semester of pre-medical requirements in physics.

Prerequisite: Physics I X3A must be completed with a C or better.

Physics Laboratory II
This laboratory course is associated with the Physics II lecture.

Prerequisite: Physics I X3A and Physics Laboratory II X3.1A must be completed with a C or better. Physics II X3B must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

General Human Anatomy
This intensive introductory course focuses on the correlations between the structures and functions of the body's various systems. The functional anatomy of the human body is revealed by both gross and microscopic examination. Topics include the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, and skeletomuscular systems, with an introduction to biomechanical principles. Disease pathologies affecting normal body function are discussed when appropriate. The course is especially useful as an introduction to human anatomy for students interested in the medical profession.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in biology.

Human Anatomy Laboratory
This laboratory course is associated with the General Human Anatomy lecture X104.

General Human Anatomy must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

Mammalian Systemic Physiology
Study fundamental concepts of mammalian physiology (primarily human), including neural, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, digestive, and reproductive physiology. You also explore in detail homeostasis, molecular and cellular physiology, and the functions of tissues, organs and organ systems. At the end of the course, you will better understand current topics of experimental research and grasp key concepts of experimental research. Biology majors, pre-medical, pre-health students, and those looking for a career change or to refresh their physiological knowledge can benefit greatly from this experience.

Prerequisite: A year of college-level general biology for majors; and chemistry.

Introduction to Human Physiology
This course provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the complexities of the cells, tissues, and major organs and systems of the human body. The instructor presents a different system each week, concentrating on basic mechanisms underlying human life processes and important diseases affecting normal human function.

Prerequisite: one year of high school or college chemistry.

Human Physiology Laboratory
This laboratory course is associated with the Introduction to Human Physiology lecture XB32.

Introduction to Human Physiology must be completed with a C or better or taken concurrently.

Introduction to Medical Microbiology
Infectious diseases present formidable challenges to human health and well-being. This introductory survey focuses on medically important microbes from the perspective of disease. It is designed for students in microbiology, medical technology, and nursing as well as for those with a biological science background who are interested in infectious diseases and their causes. The instructor explains the common terms and basic concepts of medical microbiology, then focuses on the mechanisms of microbial diseases. This course helps you appreciate the versatility of microbes and gain an understanding of how we coexist.

Prerequisites: One college-level course in biology and one in chemistry.

Microbiology Laboratory
This laboratory course is associated with Introduction to Medical Microbiology X111.

Introduction to Medical Microbiology must be completed with a grade of C or better or taken concurrently.

Histology
The study of histology focuses on understanding the microanatomy of the human body. This course emphasizes the characteristics of the basic tissue types that form organ systems, the ways tissues combine to form organs, and the ways tissues work together to perform the functions of each system. Special attention is placed on the microstructure of cells and organelles that are representative of different tissues and organs. This course is intended for pre-health professional students and others interested in the human body at the microscopic level.

Biochemistry
This course examines common molecular processes and chemical reactions that underlie diverse life forms. You begin by studying the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their biological activity. Next you look at the mechanism of enzyme action, how enzymes recognize their substrates and enhance reaction rates, and the control of enzymatic activity. Finally, you develop an integrated picture of metabolism in the body by examining metabolic pathways and their regulation and control.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in biology. Organic chemistry is recommended.

Cell Biology
This course provides an introduction of the biology of the cell from a molecular perspective. The instructor explains how cells are studied and discusses current knowledge of cell membranes, organelles, cytoskeletons, cell growth and division, and cell communication. Emphasis is on the mechanism underlying cellular events. At the end of this course you should have an understanding of general concepts in cell biology and be able to read and interpret cell biology literature.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in biology.

Genetics
This course integrates the most important concepts in classical and molecular genetics into an overall picture of what a gene is, how it functions, how it may be altered, and how it is inherited. You learn about the molecular basis of gene function and mutation, Mendelian genetics, transmission systems, regulation of cellular processes, developmental genetics, cytoplasmic inheritance, population genetics, and multifactoral inheritance. Also covered are recent advances in biotechnology that have genetic implications, including the Human Genome Project, and advances in genetic engineering technology.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in biology.

Structural Biology
The ability of proteins and RNAs to catalyze the processes of life in a highly regulated and specific manner is a function of their three-dimensional structures. Structural biology provides understanding of these phenomena at atomic resolution, clearly elucidating the interactions of proteins and nucleic acids with each other and with drugs and co-factors. This course is an introduction to the broad field of structural biology and helps students understand how structural studies fit into the larger context of modern biomedical science.

Prerequisites: One year of chemistry and one year of biology.

Developmental Biology
How does a single cell, the fertilized egg, give rise to a complex organism that contains many different cell types, tissues, and organs? How do the organs develop to the right size in the right place to give rise to a functional animal? Developmental biology seeks to answer these questions by studying cellular behavior and molecular pathways that control patterning in the developing embryo. This course introduces different model organisms, with an emphasis on vertebrates, and covers the most recent advances and techniques in developmental biology.

Prerequisites: College general biology and general chemistry.

Introduction to Neurobiology
This introductory neurobiology course is designed to provide a general understanding of the nervous system, including how it functions, how it develops, and how it changes with learning and memory. The breadth of the course is from the level of molecules to cells to simple circuits to complex networks to higher brain functions, including special sections on brain diseases. It is geared for students who already have some background in the biological sciences, typically upper-division undergraduates. UC Berkeley-matriculated undergraduate students may have XB coursework included with grade points on their Berkeley campus transcripts.

Prerequisites: a college-level course in general biology and a college-level course in Physics.

Neuroscience
Get an overview of the fundamental principles of the organization, function, and development of the human nervous system including neural development and diseases of the nervous system. You examine experimental approaches from anatomy to molecular biology and critically evaluate papers from the primary scientific literature. Ultimately, you can use this course as a foundation for advanced study in the neurosciences.

Medical Virology
Learn about Marburg, West Nile, HIV, flu, and most other viruses of current medical importance. The course emphasizes the entire process of virus-mediated disease by first building a foundation in the molecular understanding of the virus infection cycle and then focusing on public health monitoring, disease processes, and treatments. Recommended for people with an interest in the medical, academic, or industrial fields of public health and/or molecular biology of viruses.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in general biology.

Cancer Biology
This 10-week course is intended for professionals with a solid background in cellular and molecular biology. The course addresses the following questions: What is cancer? What causes cancer? How does cancer progress? What is the rationale behind current cancer treatment strategies? What novel and future treatment strategies are being developed? Although some clinical aspects are considered, the focus of this course is on the basic science and research of cancer, with a particular emphasis on the exciting new treatment options that are emerging from the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in general biology.

Immunology
The immune system plays the crucial role of battling infection and cancer in the body. As a defense system, it must recognize and distinguish between what is foreign and what is self. This course presents a comprehensive view of the basic principles of immunology. It looks at the tissues and cells that make up the immune system, describes the structure and function of immunoglobulins, and probes the nature of their interactions with antigens. Biotherapeutics, cancer, and AIDS are discussed.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in general biology.

Principles of Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of disease and health in human populations. This introductory course explains the basic principles of epidemiology, their application to specific public health situations, and criteria for critically evaluating epidemiology studies. At each class, epidemiological concepts and their application to sample problems are discussed. Topics include disease risk, methods of evaluating the causative factors of disease, and the assessment of epidemiological study designs and research activities.

Principles of Molecular Biology-A
This is the first course in a two-course sequence covering the molecular basis of heredity: the structure and function of genes. You discuss the structures of DNA, how it carries genetic information, how it replicates to perpetuate that information, and how it functions through RNA and protein synthesis. A major theme throughout the course is the interrelation of molecular structure and function. The second course, Regulation of Gene Expression X107B, emphasizes recent developments in gene regulation and the molecular biology of eukaryotic organisms.

Prerequisite: A college-level course in general biology.

Regulation of Gene Expression
How are genes switched on and off? What allows the selective expression of genetic information in different cell types or at specific times during the development of an organism? This course is the second in a two-course sequence that presents a unified picture of the molecular basis of heredity. In this course you study how gene expression is regulated in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Discussion includes recent developments in understanding the complexities of eukaryotic genes and their regulation.

Prerequisite: Principles of Molecular Biology X107A or consent of instructor.

Stem Cell Biology, Research, and Discovery
Review the science and current research topics in the field of human embryonic stem cells and learn how they are being applied to regenerative medicine. You examine the basic elements of human embryonic stem cell biology and development as well as the derivation, cultivation, and developing technologies in the field. This course is associated with three other core courses that focus in detail on the ethical, business, and process development issues surrounding research, development, and commercialization of therapies and products from human embryonic stem cells.

Health Policy in the United States
This course provides an overview of the healthcare system with specific focus on past and current public policies that have shaped healthcare in the United States. In particular, the focus is on health policy and health-services financing and organization. The class analyzes current health policies and how they impact the cost, quality, and access to services. Particpants learn to understand and critique current health-reform proposals from an informed health policy perspective.

Introduction to Health Economics
This course introduces the applications of economics to health- and medical care issues. You discuss the special features of medical care as a commodity, demand for health services, and the economic explanations for the health care providers, insurance markets and technology diffusion. You also touch on policy issues, such as universal health insurance and international comparisons. The training helps you to form your own vision of the economics of healthcare as a health services manager, analyst, or civic leader.

Prerequisite: An undergraduate introductory economics course.

Introduction to Bioethics
Gain an understanding of the fundamental issues in modern bioethics and healthcare ethics. You explore policy issues and learn the issues that healthcare workers face in their daily routines then incorporate that knowledge into a presentation that reflects your new understanding of bioethics.

HIV/AIDS
Get a comprehensive overview of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Explore key aspects of HIV epidemiology, the underlying molecular and cellular biology, the complex interactions of the virus with the host immune system, current drug therapies, vaccine development, and public health approaches towards the global HIV pandemic. You gain a foundational understanding of HIV, its biology, and its implications for the healthcare system and our society at large.

Trends in Cell Biology
This is an advanced course that provides a rigorous study and in-depth considerations of contemporary issues in cell biology. Students read articles and current reviews and discuss selected topics in class.

Immunology: Molecular Pathogenesis and Inflammation
This course provides students with an overview of the principles in immunology, including innate immunity, the development of the mature lymphocyte repertoire, antigen recognition, and adaptive responses to foreign and self antigens. You study the various inflammatory processes that protect us from disease pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and worms. We discuss genetic and immunological inflammatory mechanisms that can result in allergy, asthma, cancer and autoimmunity.

Introductory Biophysical Chemistry
This course introduces you to the basic principles of biophysical chemistry, including spectroscopy, hydrodynamics, calorimetry, kinetics, chromatography, and electrophoresis. You learn the use of these techniques in understanding the properties of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. Current biophysical techniques are discusse, with an industrial as well as an academic focus. This course benefits students and professionals in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, healthcare and allied medical fields, forensic sciences, and other fields requiring a broad basic understanding of fundamental biophysical chemistry.

Introduction to Biostatistics
The health and behavioral sciences commonly use several statistical methods (linear regression, ANOVA, logistical regression, survival analysis, and nonparametric methods) to study biological problems. In this course, students learn the statistical skills to read scientific articles in their fields, understand the statistical methods used, and interpret the results on their own. Students learn to use computers and software for statistical analysis. This course is designed for upper-division undergraduate students, pre-medical students, and professionals who are interested in biostatistics.

Prerequisites: Basic mathematics course and computer literacy.

Introduction to Statistics
This course covers basic concepts of probability and statistical inference, focusing on an intuitive approach to understanding concepts and methodologies. It introduces statistical/critical thinking, including the uses and abuses of statistics, descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, and regression.

Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra. A recent course in college algebra is recommended.

Drugs and Disease: Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics
This course introduces you to the basic principles of pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. You gain a basic understanding of how the body and drugs interact, including how genetic variation gives rise to different responses to drugs. Topics include drug ADMET, methods for quantitative analysis, and study designs; discussions have an industrial as well as academic focus. This course benefits students and professionals in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, healthcare and allied medical fields, academia, and other fields requiring a broad understanding of drugs, genetics, and their possible interactions.

Suggested prerequisites: College chemistry, physiology, genetics, and math (algebra and some calculus), as well as an understanding of drugs, are recommended.

Ion Channels as Targets for the Drug Discovery Industry
Ion channels are among the most prominent biochemical entities being targeted by the new drug discovery industry. Acquiring new knowledge and training in this field provides the required skills to work on project teams dealing with this class of molecular targets in biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The course is for those with a bachelor of science degree or any other professionals new to the field or already involved in the drug discovery and development industry.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate-level courses in general biology and molecular biology or cell biology.

Molecular Pharmacology
Molecular pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they interact with the cell at a molecular level. This course, designed for professionals working in pharmaceutical or biotechnology fields, examines advances in molecular pharmacology that have changed our understanding of the ways in which drugs act. The course focuses on neurotransmitter receptors and their role in controlling both cellular communication and metabolism at the molecular level.

Prerequisite: Undergraduate-level courses in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Behavioral Pharmacology and Biomedical Foundations of Chemical Dependency
For centuries, chemical dependency has been seen as a character flaw rather than a medical condition. Research, however, shows a strong biological basis for addiction. This course covers the genetic predisposition to alcoholism, the classification of drugs based on their effect on behavior, the metabolism of drugs, and the treatment of withdrawal symptoms. Other topics include neurotransmitter theory and drug-related depression, suicide, and violence. Emphasis is given to integrating this complex medical model with 12-step and other approaches to recovery. Basic neuroanatomy and physiology are reviewed.

Inherited Diseases and Public Health
An understanding of the role of genetics in individual and community healthcare is an essential aspect of medicine today. This course presents the principles of genetics, from Mendelian inheritance to the Human Genome Project, necessary to understand the role of genetics in human diseases. It covers the chromosomal and molecular basis of inheritance, molecular biology of the gene, and modern tools of recombinant DNA technology used to identify and map genes associated with diseases. The course also addresses patterns of inheritance of qualitative traits in humans, including diseases with Mendelian inheritance, and analysis of multifactorial characteristics, which include many common diseases.

Spanish for Medical Professionals
This unique course offers healthcare professionals a thorough foundation for Spanish conversation and comprehension. In each course, activities and discussions emphasize the vocabulary of the medical world. At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to conduct basic professional conversations with Spanish speakers. No prior Spanish experience is necessary.

Analytic Geometry and Calculus-A
This introductory course in calculus reviews the function concept and basic graphing techniques for simple functions. The course covers the limit concept, continuity, the derivative and its application to optimization problems, related rates, and curve sketching. Basic properties of logarithms and exponents are reviewed and studied, and the logarithmic and exponential functions and their derivatives are introduced. An introduction to integration is also included. This course emphasizes the development of calculus concepts and their applications to problems in business and biological sciences.

Prerequisites: Three years of high school math, including trigonometry. Recent coursework in mathematics is strongly recommended.

Analytic Geometry and Calculus-B
This is a second semester calculus course (continuation of 16A) with emphasis on applications. It covers optimization of functions with two or more variables, various integration techniques, first and second order differential equations, Taylor's Theorem, and certain probability distributions with their first and second moments. This course is aimed at business, life science, and social sciences majors, pre-medical and pre-health students, and professionals interested in calculus.

Prerequisites: Algebra including trigonometry, and one semester of calculus.

Calculus I
In this introduction to differential and integral calculus, you examine the key concepts of limit, derivative, and continuity, as well as the main applications of derivatives in graphing functions and optimizing functions. The course concludes by exploring the fundamental theorem of calculus, which leads to the concept of integration and one of its main applications in calculating volumes through solids of revolution.

Prerequisite: Three and one-half years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry and analytic geometry.

Module A: Introduction to Clinical Research
This course begins with medical terminology and then introduces students to clinical trials with a discussion of clinical trial definition, the parties involved, and clinical trial processes and documents. The course then delves into a discussion of what Good Clinical Practice (GCP) means, clinical trial regulations and guidelines, and the roles of the FDA and the ICH. This is followed by a detailed look at the roles and responsibilities of investigators, ethical boards and sponsors. As a sponsor responsibility, investigational new drug (IND) applications will also be discussed.

Drug Design and Discovery
Designed for individuals working or interested in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, this course focuses on issues related to identifying and optimizing a drug candidate for clinical development. Rather than surveying classes of drugs, you study representative examples that exemplify important principles applicable to understanding many classes of drugs in a variety of therapeutic areas. Students analyze journal articles, work in groups to solve problems related to drug discovery, and have the opportunity to develop their scientific presentation skills.

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