Dental Linker Program

This course introduces students to the process for reviewing literature and critiquing published scientific articles and their related data. A theme that reinforces biochemical, cell biological, or physiological principles taught earlier in the curriculum will be chosen as the foundational topic area.

Writing is an essential part of any scientist’s professional life. This activity ranges from the writing of letters to preparation of sophisticated technical reports. The aim of this course is to impart strategies to enable effective writing for the biological sciences.

This course explores how the major organ systems function and how they are interrelated. There is a strong emphasis on integrating the basic physiology with dentistry.

This course is designed to present a thorough background of structural biochemistry, molecular biology and metabolism. Topics introduced include, not limited to, foundational principles of biochemistry, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide structure, enzyme kinetics, membranes and signaling, DNA repair and gene expression, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and purine/pyrimidine metabolism, and the diverse biochemical functions of vitamins.

Histology is the study at the microscopic level of the organization of cells in tissues and organs. This organization sets up the foundational principles underlying normal physiology and, from a clinical perspective, why alterations may lead to known pathologies. One goal is for students to appreciate why the spatial arrangement of tissues with organs elaborates physiologic function. During the course, the focus will be on the arrangement of tissues within various physiological systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastroenterology, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, and sensory. Throughout students will be introduced to a variety of microscopic techniques, including light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Laboratory sessions involve microscopic analysis of slides consisting of human and animal tissues and organs. Students will study tissue sections using microscopes and slides and will lead overview discussions prior to each laboratory session. Laboratory practical exams test knowledge of structural features of tissues and organs, and integrate functional and ultrastructural characteristics that are introduced in CBAM 1320.

This course will present a substantial core of information essential for understanding the functioning of the human immune system and an acquaintance with the many microbial diseases encountered by dental professionals. The course will include an overview of the immune system, general microbiology, the molecular genetics of oral microbes, the pathogenesis of human microbial diseases, the appropriate use of antibiotics and antiviral agents, and current utilization of diagnostic microbiology and various laboratory methods.

This course focuses primarily on eukaryotic cells. Lectures are devoted to structural details and the molecular functions of the different parts of the cell. Lectures will introduce topics such as endocytosis, intra-membrane transport, protein targeting, organelle biosynthesis, protein sorting, exocytosis, cell shape, motility, and cell-to-cell interaction. Lectures also deal with signal transduction processes and cellular functions that are required for cell growth and programmed cell death. By its completion, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and function of living cells. In addition, emphasis is placed on experimental approaches taken to elucidate certain biology principles, including “paper sessions” with active participation by students.

Proficiency in interpretation of primary literature and effective communication skills are necessary skills for individuals engaged in the scientific and health professions. Aligned with the format of other 7100-series courses, the present course affords DLP students the opportunity to cultivate expertise in comprehending reading scientific articles and honing their communication skills, both oral and written among their peers. More notably, this course distinguishes itself within the 7100-series by encompassing three distinct mini-topic areas.

Attending seminars beyond a student’s area of expertise is a wonderful approach to learn topics peripheral to one’s interests. Each department (Basic Sciences and Clinical Sciences) offers a seminar series that often blends together an overview of a topic to a general audience with specific focuses. Students enrolled in this course will be required to attend up to 6 departmental seminars (hosted by basic or clinical departments) or plenary keynote addresses at various student research forums and submit a synopsis and commentary of the talk, highlighting specific aspects identified in the course guidelines. The commentary should be in a format similar to those found in major peer-reviewed journals that publish commentaries or editorial essays and should help a reader understand the topics that were discussed in the seminar. The student will be encouraged to include background information from the literature, allowing them to be familiar with the field and to include their own critiques or editorial comments. The synopsis should include alternative explanations to those presented at the seminar.

This course reflects the library research that students undertake, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, in preparation for their M.S. Literature Review. Students enrolled in BMSM 9701 must provide their faculty advisor with frequent and regular evidence of their progress, and with progressive drafts of the literature review itself according to a pre-arranged schedule. Independent study.

This course is entered on the student’s transcript when the Master’s Literature Review is approved by the faculty review committee and submitted in final form to the Graduate School.