Graduate Level Medical Physiology Course: Associated with the
the Graduate Certificate Program in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences
Charo Thomas, Nicole Hernandez, Derek Rojas
Faculty: Sabyasachi Moulik, PhD and Sahar Ajabshir, PhD
Florida International University, Miami, FL.
Program Description- key points
AIMS: CLOs
Grading Criteria
Assessments
Course Catalog Description
The course is designed to introduce students to the essential concepts of medical physiology.
Course Explanation
Medical Physiology will be taught using an organ system approach, emphasizing the interplay of
molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and systems to maintain normal function of the human body
Teaching Philosophy
The course will employ a combination of didactic lectures and small group activities (case-based discussions and
application exercises) covering normal body function. Clinical correlates will be included whenever possible.
Throughout the course, didactic lectures will be used to introduce new concepts and emphasize important points. Small group activities will be used to facilitate peer interaction and stimulate self-directed learning. Active learning approaches using case-based discussions, and application exercises will help students develop their analytical abilities and promote higher cognitive skills.
Distribution of Assessments
Exams
The examinations are constructed using a combination of multiple-choice and matching questions. Multiple-choice
questions are delivered in USMLE format with an emphasis on case-based questions. The final examination is a
cumulative final exam (covering all material from the course). Wherever possible, review of block exams will be
scheduled for the Tuesday after the exam is given.
Quizzes
Quizzes covering the previous week’s material are given on Tuesdays, prior to the start of class. In the event that we
start using Honorlock for our assessments, the quizzes for all GCP courses will be combined into a single assessment
that will be delivered within the GCP General Program Site in CanvasMed. Grades for course specific content will be
IF-AT Activities
Prior to each exam, an IF-AT activity is delivered covering the
material on the exam. This is a closed-book, in-class group
activity designed to revisit difficult/complex topics prior to the
exam. These activities are designed to be completed with
group participation in class. Students should work within their
groups to answer the questions. The IF-AT activities are delivered using Intedashboard, an electronic version of the scratch off IF-AT cards.
Groups who correctly answer the question on the first attempt
earn four points, those who answer correctly on the second
attempt will earn two points. If more than two answers are scratched off, the group does not earn any points for
that specific question.
The course learning objectives for this course are as follows:
CLO1. Identify the important concepts of cellular physiology and neurophysiology (GCP-EPO 1,2,3)
CLO2. Explain the principles underlying normal function and regulation of the following body systems
a) Musculoskeletal system
b) Cardiopulmonary system
c) Pulmonary system
d) Gastrointestinal system
e) Renal system
f) Endocrine system
g) Reproductive system
CLO3. Given clinical presentations or vignettes, predict the causes and consequences of alterations in
normal process, and explain how these alterations may lead to disease
CLO4. Prepare, discuss, and summarize information during small group activities to advance individual and group knowledge
Relevance to medical school: EPO
Graduate Certificate Program Educational Program Objectives
By the end of the Graduate Certificate Program, students should have achieved the following objectives:
GCP-EPO8. Recognize the academic and professional credentials and characteristics necessary for a career in a health services profession, examine personal credentials and characteristics, and create and implement a plan to become a well-rounded applicant.
Figure 1: Grading Criteria for Medical Physiology Course
Figure 2: Distribution of Assessments for Medical Physiology Course