Course Descriptions

CB-500. Introduction to Cytopathology. This course will cover histology of the body systems and introduce the student to basic pathologic entities. Lectures and microscopic study will emphasize histology. Self-tutorials are designed to help the student with medical terminology. 3 s.h. Fall

CB-520. Normal Gynecological Cytology. This course, which covers the principles of normal gynecologic cytopathology, will concentrate on anatomy, embryology, histology, physiology, pathology, endocrinology, and diagnostic cytopathology. Instruction will focus on the microscopic benign cytologic changes of the female gynecologic system with emphasis given to diagnostic entities which are precursors to abnormal pathological processes. 3 s.h. Fall.

CB-525. Abnormal Gynecological Cytology. This course focuses on the premalignant and malignant pathologic processes of the female gynecological system. Special emphasis will be given to microscopic diagnostic features which distinguish benign cytopathologic changes from precancerous and malignant changes. 4 s.h. Fall.

CB-525L. Gynecological Cytology Laboratory. In this course the student will develop microscopic skills needed to detect and diagnose benign, pre-malignant, and malignant processes of the uterine cervix. Cell morphology and clinical history are used to render accurate diagnoses of these conditions. Cytologic interpretation is correlated with tissue biopsy when possible. 5 s.h. Fall.

CB-535. Research Topics in Cancer Pathology I. This is an ongoing course, which will address recent advances and new technologies in cancer pathology. Students will be expected to attend related seminars by faculty and guest speakers, and will present their research projects. Attendance is required by first- and second-year students. 2 s.h. Fall.

CB-540. Clinical and Diagnostic Interpretations. Cellular manifestations of non-gynecological sites including the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, body cavities, urinary system, and breast will be studied. Prerequisites: CB-520 and CB-525. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-545. Research Topics in Cancer Pathology II. This is an ongoing course, which will address recent advances and new technologies in cancer pathology. Students will be expected to attend related seminars by faculty and guest speakers, and will present their research projects. Attendance is required by first- and second-year students. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-550. Non-Gynecological Cytology. This course covers the anatomy, histology, pathology, and cytopathology of the following non-gynecologic sites: the respiratory system, alimentary canal, body cavities, urinary tract, and breast. Prerequisites: CB-520 and CB-525. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-550L. Non-Gynecological Cytology Laboratory. This laboratory course covers inflammatory, benign, and malignant cytologic diagnoses associated with the respiratory system, body fluids, the gastrointestinal tract, and the urinary system. Cell morphology, clinical history, and immunocytochemistry will be used to render accurate diagnoses of these conditions. Cytologic interpretation is correlated with tissue biopsy when possible. Prerequisites: CB-520, CB-525, and CB-525L. 5 s.h. Spring.

CB-555. Research Topics in Cancer Pathology III. This is an ongoing course, which will address recent advances and new technologies in cancer pathology. Students will be expected to attend related seminars by faculty and guest speakers, and will present their research projects. Attendance is required by first- and second-year students. 2 s.h. Fall. 

CB-560. Molecular Diagnostics. This course is designed to introduce students to morphology-based molecular diagnostic assays relevant to cytology, either FDA-approved or analyte specific reagents (ASR’s). Students will learn microscopic analysis of slides via chromogenic in situ hybridization for nucleic acids (HPV, Her2/neu, etc.). Tissue microarrays and molecular markers for FNA or brushings (breast, pancreas) will be instructed. Instruction will include discussion of automated technologies, such as Digene HCII (HPV, CT/NG) and Light Cycler (PCR) for current and future oncology diagnostics. 3 s.h. Fall.

CB-560L. Molecular Diagnostics Clinical Applications. This laboratory course is to familiarize graduate students with state-of-the-art technologies in molecular pathology and genomics, understanding methods for conducting trial and error and analyzing results. The principles of common lab techniques will be instructed, including topics of separation and detection methods for nucleic acids and proteins, molecular markers, and polymerase reactions. The goal is to develop problem-solving skills and allow the students to learn to work both independently and as a member of a team. Students will carry out research projects and incorporate their own projects into the lab. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-562. Principles and Applications of FNA Cytology. This course will focus on the cytopathologic interpretations of fine needle aspirations from all body sites. Concentrated didactic and microscopic tutorials and independent microscopic diagnostics will be supplemented with in-depth instruction on clinical and diagnostic applications of FNA cytology. 3 s.h. Spring.

CB-565. Research Topics in Cancer Pathology IV. This is an ongoing course, which will address recent advances and new technologies in cancer pathology. Students will be expected to attend related seminars by faculty and guest speakers, and will present their research projects. Attendance is required by first- and second-year students. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-566. Research Practices. This course addresses the standard operating procedures, fundamentals of experimental practices, IRB approvals and administrative oversight requirements for research, record-keeping and data management, safe laboratory practices for hazardous biological and chemical agents, and the ethical principles and regulations governing human research. 2 s.h. Summer.

CB-570. Conducting Clinical Trials. This course will prepare students to understand the nature of translational research and implementation of Phase 3 Clinical Trials.  Specific focus is given to research design, administrative oversight, regulatory compliance associated with pre-market approval studies submitted to the FDA, and pre-clinical pilot studies utilized for the development of molecular biomarkers and instrumentation based technology. 2 s.h. Fall.

CB-575. Clinical Laboratory Practicum. This course allows the student to gain experience screening and diagnosing routine gynecologic specimens. Clinical instructors review cases and work with students to develop diagnostic skills. Prerequisites: CB-520, CB-525, and CB-525L. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-578. Cytology Professional Practice. This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to work one-on-one with the clinical instructors in order to gain proficiency in diagnosing routine gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, processing cytologic specimens for evaluation and assisting with fine needle aspirations. Students must correlate clinical data with cytologic morphology to render a diagnosis. Discussions on current issues in cytology will be included. CB-562 and CB-576. 10 s.h. Summer.

CB-588. Senior Professional Practice I. Students will review and diagnose gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and fine needle aspiration material. In addition to diagnosing unknown cases, students will be provided the opportunity to work with technologists and pathologists to hone their microscopic skills. 2 s.h. Fall. 
 
CB-700. Research. An opportunity to work under the direction of a faculty member to conceive, implement, and analyze a research problem that generates new knowledge or adds a new perspective to existing knowledge. The project will include preparation of an oral presentation and a paper for publication. 1-4 s.h. Fall, Spring.

CB-595. Current Issues in Cytopathology. This course will cover the current trends and controversies with the cytology profession. Students will be expected to attend local and/or national meetings and are encouraged to become active in student forums. 2 s.h. Spring.

CB-598. Senior Professional Practice II. This is a continuation of Senior Professional Practice I. Students will review and diagnose gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and fine needle aspiration material. In addition to diagnosing unknown cases, students will be provided the opportunity to work with technologists and pathologists to hone their microscopic skills. 2 s.h. Spring.

HAP-719. Health Care Management and Operations. This course provides the student with an understanding of the major functions of management including planning, organizing, directing and cotnrolling. Student gain an understanding of governance, organizational structures, accreditation/licensure processes, and reimbursement issues in health organizations. 3 s.h. Spring.

HAP-725. Statistical Analysis. Systematic instruction in research design and selected methods for health services research. Introduction to the use of ANOVA, simple regression, multiple regression, discriminant analysis and path analysis as statistical techniques that might be applied in health administration and health care research. Prerequisite: Completion of at least one undergraduate level statistics course with a grade of "C" or better. 3 s.h. Spring.