New and Noteworthy Online Courses
The University of Arizona’s online content includes courses ranging from pediatric ethics to human aging, immunology basics, and more. All courses are conveniently offered in a fully online format, allowing students to join from anywhere with an internet connection.
See below for a sampling of the online health sciences courses being offered for the Spring 2023 semester. Interested UArizona students can navigate to schedule.arizona.edu and search by subject and course number to review schedules and availability and should work with their advisor to understand how these courses may fit into their plan of study prior to registering.
Spring 2023 Course Offered
College of Medicine – Phoenix
7 Week – First Session (7W1): Jan. 11 – March 2, 2023
ETH 516 Pediatric Ethics
3 units | Taught by David Beyda, MD
Pediatric ethics has a unique character, different than that of adult ethics. In this course we will explore the meaning of autonomy, personhood, assent, and consent as they relate to the child. We will define each of the ethical principles from a pediatric perspective, address the ethical issues related to end of life, futility, religious and cultural applications in the ethical dilemmas in children and more. Contact: mgittelm@arizona.edu
7 Week – First Session (7W1): Jan. 11 – March 2, 2023
ETH 503 Biomedical Ethics and the Law
3 units | Taught by David Beyda, MD
Biomedical ethics and the law sometimes do not play nice with each other. There can be a significant disconnect between the two requiring a deep dive into the reasons why and how to mitigate the disconnect. The cultural relationship between the law and medical ethics sometimes carries a bias towards one or the other, and the law as it relates to the culturally specific well-being of individuals is at stake. In this course we will explore the reasons why there is a disconnect between biomedical ethics and the law and how it affects a person's health. Contact: mgittelm@arizona.edu
7 Week – First Session (7W1): Jan. 11 – March 2, 2023
ETH 502 Humanities, Ethics and Health: A Global Perspective
3 units | Taught by David Beyda, MD
Humanities, ethics and health, all find themselves in different places globally, defined and designed by cultures and persons. In this course we will explore the cultural differences as they relate to the health of persons, how cultures globally interpret medical ethics and ethical principles and how healthcare and moral foundations are driven by cultures and bias. Contact: mgittelm@arizona.edu
7 Week – Second Session (7W2): March 13 - May 3, 2023
ETH 572 Current Controversies in Bioethics
3 units | Taught by David Beyda, MD
Bioethics has been associated with issues in research ethics and clinical ethics. However, questions about the definition of death, autonomy, medical paternalism, health care rationing, and abortion are a few of the current ethical issues that are at the forefront of controversial debates. This course will focus on cutting-edge controversies in bioethics. Contact: mgittelm@arizona.edu
Graduate College: Graduate Certificate in Innovations in Aging
5 Week - Session 1 (5W1): January 11 – February 15, 2023
MED 533 Human Aging: Interprofessional Practice, Communication and Older Adults
1 unit | Taught by Jeannie Lee, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP, FASHP
Students will learn about terminology and common derogatory communication patterns that present in discussion with or about older adults. Students will also learn how to apply the skills necessary to find, engage and participate in interdisciplinary and community collaboration in the areas of research, policy, provision of supports, services and other opportunities. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu
5 Week - Session 1 (5W1): January 11 – February 15, 2023
MED 532 Human Aging: Strategies for Critical Evaluation
1 unit | Taught by Heidi Burross, PhD
The goal of this course is to provide students with a beginning understanding of research strategies used with older adults so students are able to evaluate new information on aging and its sources (popular media and research publications) and to determine the appropriateness and applicability of research evidence. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu
5 Week - Session 1 (5W1): January 11 – February 15, 2023
MED 536 Human Aging: Trends in Tech & Innovation
1 unit | Taught by Altaf Engineer, PhD, RA, LEED AP BD+C, Kimberly Denise Shea , PhD, RN, CHPN
From the anti-aging movement to the use of “smart” technologies for monitoring the behavior and function of older adults, a plethora of new information bombards older adults, their caregivers and their care providers. This course will provide an overview of the array of innovations being researched from the perspectives of those involved in the development. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu
5 Week - Session 2 (5W2): February 16 – March 29, 2023
MED 531 Human Aging: Applied Theory
1 unit | Taught by Linda Phillips, RN, PhD, FAAN, FGSA
This course provides an opportunity for student to synthesize biological, psychological, sociological and humanistic perspectives of aging and apply it in real-world and relevant scenarios. Additionally, new theoretical models and tools will be introduced to aid student in thinking about and reflecting on the aging process. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu
5 Week - Session 2 (5W2): February 16 – March 29, 2023
CPH 539 Human Aging: Across Disciplines
1 unit | Taught by Amanda Sokan, PhD, MHA, LL.B
This survey course introduces students to the challenges and opportunities of improving the lives of older adults throughout multiple disciplines. Students will gain a holistic view of the many ways a life-course can be impacted and how interdisciplinary work is critical for change. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu.
5 Week - Session 3 (5W3): March 30 – May 3, 2023
FCM 524C Human Aging: Humanities & Art Perspectives
1 unit | Jennie Gubner, PhD, Dr. Yumi Shirai, PhD
This course provides an overview of how creative arts practices have been implemented to promote community health and wellness. Interdisciplinary in nature, the course draws on existing theoretical frameworks, practices, and research methods from both the arts and health sciences and seeks to promote inter-professional dialogue about how to expand the contributions of creative arts in promoting healthy communities. Students in the course will bring perspectives from their respective fields of study and will have opportunities to explore innovative ways to integrate creative arts practices into their fields of practice and research. This third course of a three-part 1-credit course series focuses on creative arts in the context of aging, dementia, and brain health. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu
5 Week - Session 3 (5W3): March 30 – May 3, 2023
IIA 598 Human Aging: Applying Aging Innovations (Capstone)
1 unit | Taught by Linda Phillips, RN, PhD, FAAN, FGSA
This capstone course focuses on investigating, planning and presenting of a real-world and relevant aging opportunity or problem of interest to the student. Contact: alexandrialim@arizona.edu
Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health
7 Week – Session 2 (7W2): March 13 – May 3, 2023
CPH 554 Maternal and Child Health Information and Data Systems for Public Health
3 units | Taught by Martín Celaya, MPH
This course will equip students with skills in identifying and working with maternal and child health information and data systems in the United States. We will explore various data sources typically used to inform maternal and child health and public health practice. The course will also cover fundamental ways secondary sources inform public health practice, interpret and present data from secondary sources. Students will be equipped with basic skills in identifying, accessing, interpreting, and utilizing maternal and child health (MCH) data systems at the national and state levels. Contact: celayamf@arizona.edu
Regular Academic Session: January 11 – May 03, 2023
CPH 432/532 Food in 2050 and Beyond: Climate Change and Global Health
3 units | Taught by Yevheniia Varyvoda, PhD
The grand societal challenges have put pressure on traditional food systems and enabled fascinating technology- and nature-based advances shaping the global food outlook. This course is aimed to envision the future of food in the context of climate change, global health, sustainable cities, the food-water-energy nexus, and a digitally transformed world. Students explore the vision of the future of food under sustainability, middle-of-the-road, and business-as-usual scenarios considering changes in diet, population, agricultural practices, and climate. This course will showcase novel solutions aimed to design a food system that can protect and improve public health, sustain environment, and be upgraded with equity at its core. As students gain insights into food trends, challenges, and emerging opportunities, they will develop leadership vision how to address health-conscious needs and demands for food self-sufficiency throughout the 21st century. Contact: varyvoda@arizona.edu
7 Week – Session 2 (7W2): March 13 – May 3, 2023
CPH 215 Fundamentals of MCH Nutrition
3 units | Taught by Adaeze Oguegbu, MSc, MS, MPH, PhD, CHES
This course analyzes how public health and nutrition are interrelated including factors that influence the quality of each. This course analyzes basic public health education for improving maternal, infant, and child nutrition and provides fundamental understanding of how nutrition can be used to prevent and alleviate illnesses in children. This course provides an overview of the health concerns and nutrition-related problems that affect mothers, infants, and children. Contact: aoguegbu@arizona.edu
7 Week – Session 2 (7W2): March 13 – May 3, 2023
CPH 325 Dietary Assessment in Public Health Practice
3 units | Taught by Adaeze Oguegbu, MSc, MS, MPH, PhD, CHES
This course analyzes the role of dietary assessment in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. This course provides essential understanding of the impact of nutritional assessment on Healthy People 2030 objectives. This course provides an overview of how technology is changing dietary intake data collection. This course will expound on public health communication and interviewing skills for nutrition counseling. Contact: aoguegbu@arizona.edu
College of Medicine - Tucson
7 Week – First Session (7W1): January 11 – March 03, 2023
CMM 437/537: Immunology Basics
1 unit | Taught by Lonnie Lybarger, PhD
The immune system integrates with all organ systems of the body, providing defense against pathogenic microorganisms and cancer, while contributing to homeostasis of many pathways throughout the body. For these reasons, any career path in biomedicine requires a basic understanding of the immune system in health and disease. This course is intended as an introduction of immunology for all students, and as necessary background for students who plan to study immunology and related fields. This course will provide pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, etc.), as well as students planning a career in biomedical research, with a valuable grounding in the basic concepts of human immunology. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
7 Week – Second Session (7W2): March 13 – May 03, 2023
CMM 436/536 Cell Biology Basics
1 unit | Taught by Lonnie Lybarger, PhD; Stefanie Mares Novak, PhD; Jayati Chakrabarti, PhD
Cell biology is integral to virtually all aspects of biomedicine, and Cell Biology Basics will provide a valuable grounding in the basic concepts of the cell biology to students planning careers in the pre-health science professions (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, etc.), as well as students planning a career in biomedical research. The course will provide an overview of the major organelles in cells and their functions, along with a discussion of key pathways and concepts in cell biology.
Note that this is a 1-credit course intended as an introduction to cell biology. As such, it is not expected to satisfy cell biology requirements for admission to all postgraduate programs (for example, doctoral programs) and may not meet the requirement for those health professions programs that require a full 3- or 4-credit course in cell biology.
The course is intended as: 1) an introduction to graduate-level cell biology for students who have limited background and would benefit from knowing major concepts in cell biology but, as is the case for some health professions programs, do not require the additional depth of a full 3- or 4-credit course; 2) a building block for students who plan further study in cell and molecular biology, but may lack sufficient preparation to begin with a more in-depth course.
The course format includes pre-recorded online mini-lectures covering each concept, self-assessments and quizzes, assignments, and online discussions. This course is designed to complement the curriculum of the Master's Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, though interested students from other programs are welcome. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
7 Week – Second Session (7W2): March 13 – May 03, 2023
CMM 447/547 Histology Basics
1 unit | Taught by Lonnie Lybarger, PhD
This course will present basic concepts in functional morphology of human cells and tissues. Pathology examples and clinical cases will be used as instructive comparisons to normal structure and function. The course will complement study of gross anatomy and embryology, and will help students in mastering other health science topics such as physiology and cell biology. In addition, it will provide vocabulary that is useful in approaching the medical literature. The course will be especially useful to pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health) as well as students planning a career in biomedical research. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
7 Week – Second Session (7W2): March 13 – May 03, 2023
CMM 534 Genomic Medicine
1 unit | Taught by David Bear, PhD
This course will provide pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Public Health) as well as students planning a career in biomedical research with a valuable background in the application of computer analysis of genome structure and function for disease diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decision making in clinical medicine. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
7 Week – Second Session (7W2): March 13 – May 03, 2023
CMM 550 Inflammation and Immune Pathology
1 unit | Taught by Lonnie Lybarger, PhD
The immune system is essential for life in a septic world, but the potent mechanisms of defense must be tightly regulated to prevent damage to the host. Virtually all diseases encountered in the clinic have some pathology contributed by immune-related pathways. Further, many of the most prescribed medications act by targeting these pathways. Therefore, students pursuing many fields in biomedicine will benefit from an understanding of the major mechanisms of inflammation, pathology caused by the immune system, pathways of resolution, and therapeutic targets. This course will provide pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, etc.), as well as students planning a career in biomedical research, with an essential understanding of the ways in which the immune system contributes to disease. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
5 Week – First Session (5W1): January 11 – February 15, 2023
CMM 443/543 Embryology Basics
1 unit | Taught by James Proffitt, PhD
This course will present major events in human development during the early embryonic period (weeks 0-4), as well as disorders of development established during this period. In addition, it will introduce the mechanisms involved in early embryonic morphogenetic changes. It will provide pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health) as well as students planning a career in biomedical research with valuable background in human embryology and developmental biology including a cellular and molecular (genetic) basis for understanding congenital malformations. Clinical examples will be used to help students understand mechanisms of typical and atypical development. The course will complement study of histology and gross anatomy. In addition, it will provide vocabulary that is useful in approaching the medical and basic science literature. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
5 Week – First Session (5W1): January 11 – February 15, 2023
CMM 503 Human Molecular Genetics Basics
1 unit | Taught by David Bear, PhD
This course will provide students in the pre-health science professions (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Public Health) as well as students planning a career in biomedical research with a background in basic human molecular genetics to help ensure success in various UArizona health profession training programs. The course can also serve as a gateway course for those students needing additional background in molecular genetics before proceeding with other more in-depth courses in molecular genetics. However, some students may just want or need the basic concepts of this topic for matriculation into other programs. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
5 Week – Second Session (5W2): February 16 – March 29, 2023
CMM 444/544 Embryology II
1 unit | Taught by James Proffitt, PhD
This course will present the major morphogenetic changes occurring in the mesodermal germ layer and relate them to the development of ectodermal and endodermal structures during the embryonic period of human development. It will provide pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health) as well as students planning a career in biomedical research with valuable background in human embryology and developmental biology including a cellular and molecular (genetic) basis for understanding congenital malformations. Clinical examples will be used to help students understand mechanisms of typical and atypical development. The course will complement study of histology and gross anatomy. In addition, it will provide vocabulary that is useful in approaching the medical and basic science literature. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
5 Week – Third Session (5W3): March 30 – May 03, 2023
CMM 445/545 Embryology III
1 unit | Taught by James Proffitt, PhD
This course will present the major morphogenetic changes occurring in the development of endodermal structures and the male and female urogenital systems. It will provide pre-health science professions students (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health) as well as students planning a career in biomedical research with valuable background in human embryology and developmental biology including a cellular and molecular (genetic) basis for understanding congenital malformations. Clinical examples will be used to help students understand mechanisms of typical and atypical development. The course will complement study of histology and gross anatomy. In addition, it will provide vocabulary that is useful in approaching the medical and basic science literature. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
5 Week – Third Session (5W3): March 30 – May 03, 2023
CMM 461/561 Clinical Reasoning: Working Clinical Cases
1 unit | Taught by Raymond Runyan, PhD
The course will teach the application of process skills for reasoning through clinical cases from presentation to differential diagnosis. This course is intended as part of an introduction to reasoning for students planning careers in the pre-health professions (Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, etc.). In applying the process of clinical reasoning to example cases, pre-health students will develop foundational skills for case-based instruction and their eventual application to diagnosis and management. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
5 Week – Third Session (5W3): March 30 – May 03, 2023
CMM 558 Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Development and Disease
1 unit | Taught by Raymond Runyan, PhD
A graduate course in the phenotypic changes of epithelia associated with normal development and the pathologies of metastasis and fibrosis. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
Regular Academic Session: January 11 – May 03, 2023
CMM 465/565 Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Digital Imaging
3 units | Taught by Sara Parker, PhD
This course will cover the fundamentals and theory of microscopy, and how to apply basic theory to answer a variety of research questions in elegant and innovative ways. Over the semester, we will explore three topic blocks: Brightfield Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy, and Digital Imaging. This course is designed with an emphasis on experimental design, methods, and applications of light microscopy in basic research. Practical virtual lab exercises will apply and reinforce the concepts covered in class. Discussion of historical and cutting-edge primary literature will help hone scientific reasoning and literacy. Microscopy is an indispensable and ubiquitous tool in science and medicine. CMM 465/565 will prepare students for success in modern laboratory sciences. For students that are not actively engaged in research or just want to learn more about microscopy in science, CMM 442/542 (1 credit, Spring semester 5W3) is recommended for a basic introduction to Light Microscopy. Contact: beccav@arizona.edu
Regular Session: January 11 – May 3, 2023
IMB 401/501 Medical Microbiology and Immunology
4 units I Taught by Nafees Ahmad, PhD
This course explores the molecular and biological characteristics of important microorganisms in human health and disease; the reaction of the host (immune system) to infectious agents and the mechanisms of host defense (immunity); molecular and cellular immunology and pathogenesis of infectious disease. Contact: phaffner@arizona.edu
Regular Session: January 11 – May 3, 2023
IMB 406/506 Human Immunology
3 units I Taught by Nafees Ahmad, PhD
This course is designed for pre-health profession students (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health) as well as students planning a carrier in biomedical research. The course will present the basic structure and function of the immune system and its role in fighting infectious diseases and cancers, as well as causing immunological diseases. Contact: phaffner@arizona.edu
Regular Session: January 11 – May 3, 2023
IMB 402/502 Medical Microbiology Basics
1 unit I Taught by Nafees Ahmad, PhD
This course is designed for pre-health profession students (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health) as well as students planning a carrier in biomedical research. The course will present basic concepts in the areas of microbiology, including bacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology. It will also present the pathogenesis of medically important, viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases. In addition, it will provide vocabulary that is useful in approaching the medical literature. Contact: phaffner@arizona.edu
7 Week – Second Session (7W2): March 13 – May 3
IMB 404/504 Medical Virology Basics
1 unit I Taught by Nafees Ahmad, PhD
This course is designed for pre-health profession students (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health) as well as students planning a carrier in biomedical research. The course will present basic concepts in the areas of human virology. It will also present the pathogenesis of medically important viral infectious diseases. In addition, it will provide vocabulary that is useful in approaching the medical literature.
Contact: phaffner@arizona.edu
5 week – Session 1 (5W1): January 11 – February 15, 2023
URO 505 Urological Healthcare for the Aging Population
1 unit | Taught by Sunchin Kim, MD
This course focuses on introductory concepts in the field of urology and urological health for older adults. Physiology, anatomical, and etiology concepts are explained and utilized through exploration of common urological illnesses experienced by an aging population. Students will have the opportunity to explore medical case studies and learn through debate, interactive graphics and knowledge sharing.
This course focuses on introductory concepts in the field of urology and urological health for older adults. Physiology, anatomical, and etiology concepts are explained and utilized through exploration of common urological illnesses experienced by an aging population. Students will have the opportunity to explore medical case studies and learn through debate, interactive graphics and knowledge sharing. Contact: sreno@arizona.edu