300

Introductions to the art and science of medical radiography and medical imaging are presented. Included is a discussion of the history of radiology, basic radiation safety and protection, imaging terminology, and an introduction to exposure factors and image formation. Other course components include an introduction to professional organizations, and cultural diversity in healthcare.

Examines the factors controlling and influencing the production of radiographic images. Exercises will demonstrate application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topics include beam filtration, beam restriction, image receptors, computed and digital radiography concepts, radiographic grids, and technical factor selection and manipulation. Emphasis will be placed on methods of improving radiographic image quality, while emphasizing patient and technologist radiation protection.

This course is an introduction to the concepts and technology of geographic information systems (GIS) for Environmental Science majors. Students will study theory, applications, and data representation and analysis of GIS.

A study of the interactions between individuals, species, communities and environments, including competition, mutualism, predation, and parasitism. Population, genetics, the evolution of life-history strategies, and coevolution are emphasized.

This is the laboratory companion to the General Ecology course. Investigations focus on techniques to gauge interactions between the biological and physical environments, field and conceptual sampling methods, population models, and an exploration of emerging technologies in ecology.

Radiographic anatomy and positioning skills are presented as they relate to performing radiographic procedures of the human body. Specific areas presented include positioning and procedures of the chest, abdomen, and extremities. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality images while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts, while reinforcing didactic lecture content. Commonly encountered pathological conditions will be examined. Pathology reports will be assigned as part of this course

An introduction to the design and analysis of tests and experimental procedures in the physical and life sciences, this course covers distribution T-tests, analysis of variance, regression, chi-square and other tests of significance. Students are required to design and analyze experiments of both a scientific and technical nature. This class is recommended for graduate oriented students and those who intend to enter technical based industries.

This course will examine microbial processes in the environment, microbial communities, microbial interactions, and microbial applications.

This course gives students the opportunity to perform basic laboratory and molecular techniques used to investigate microbes in the environment.

This course examines the radiographic anatomy and positioning skill required to perform radiographic procedures of the digestive system. Also is an overview of contrast media and venipuncture instruction. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient and technologist. Pathology reports will be assigned to examine commonly encountered pathological conditions.

This course will provide the student therapist with the technical aspects of radiation therapy. Discussion will include modalities of treatment and the distinctive properties of each patient setup consideration. This will also include basic hand calculations.

This course will present basic patient care techniques related to the medical imaging environment. Topics presented include sterile and aseptic technique, standard precautions, venipuncture, patient transfer, care of medical equipment, infection control, patient communication, basic EKG, and monitoring and recording of vital signs.

Content is designed to provide an overview of cancer and the specialty of radiation therapy. The medical, biological, and pathological aspect as well as the physical and technical aspects will be discussed. The roles and responsibilities of the radiation therapist, the treatment prescription, the documentation of treatment parameters and delivery will also be discussed.

Orientation to basic ultrasound equipment, instrumentation and transducers, acoustic energy, scanning planes and techniques, anatomy identification, image orientation, and terminology.

The course content is presented in two parts: general pathology and neoplasia. General pathology introduces basic disease concepts, theories of disease causation and system-by-system pathophysiologic disorders most frequently encountered in clinical practice. Neoplasia provides an in-depth study of new and abnormal development of cells. The processes involved in the development and classification of both benign and malignant tumors and site-specific information on malignant tumors is presented. Content is designed to study normal sectional anatomy via diagrams and radiologic images.

Content is designed to establish a basic knowledge of physics pertinent to developing an understanding of radiations used in the clinical setting. Fundamental physical units, measurements, principles, atomic structure, and types of radiation are emphasized. Also presented are the fundamentals of x-ray generating equipment, x-ray production, and its interaction with matter.

Designed for the Biology/Pre-Professional major, this course is structured with focus on medical physiology. All major organ systems are covered as well as an in-depth analysis of the maintenance of acid-base balance as a consequence of renal and respiratory interplay. Students will examine each independent system beginning at the cellular level, followed by organ/system function, and their learning experience will culminate with the complete multi-system functioning of the entire organism. Emphasis is on the normal, non-diseased state.

Designed to be taken in conjunction with BIOL 33500 Advanced Clinical Physiology, this non-traditional laboratory component looks at issues in medical physiology and systems function using the case study approach. Students are given medical/laboratory data from a patient and asked to apply knowledge of cell/organ/system function as well as feedback loops to provide potential diagnoses and treatment regimens. Cases are modeled after USMLE Step I (Clinical Board) testing. Lecture notes and outside readings provide the basis for assignments and discussion each class period.

Content is designed to provide sequential development, application, analysis, integration, synthesis, and evaluation of concepts and theories in radiation therapy. Through structured sequential assignments in clinical facilities, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development shall be discussed, examined, and evaluated. This includes supervised clinical education, which offers a sufficient and well-balanced variety of radiation treatments, examinations, and equipment. Various rotations include: three general radiation therapy treatment rooms, Simulator/CT Simulator, Nursing Department, and Physics/Dosimetry Department.

Content is designed to establish a knowledge base in factors that govern and influence the production and recording of radiographic images for patient simulation, treatment planning, and treatment verification in radiation oncology. Radiation oncology imaging equipment and related devices will be emphasized.

Skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making are developed, as well as oral and written communication skills. Career skills are enhanced through the interview process, resume writing, and administrative duties including: budgeting, medical and legal considerations, and political issues affecting health care. Special emphasis is placed on research methods, medical law and ethics, and scheduling guidelines. Focus on basic measures necessary to provide quality patient care. Basic principles of record keeping and maintaining confidentiality of information are explained.

Study of anatomy of the abdominal, pelvic, and thoracic cavities, the extremities, and the cervical area. Focus is on the cross-sectional and 3-dimensional relationships.

Supervised practice and procedures for the receipt, handling, transporting, storage, usage, record keeping, disposal, and decontamination of radioactive materials. Emphasis on licensing and regulations set forth by local, state, and federal agencies. Academic and clinical instruction provides students with radiation safety techniques to minimize exposure to patients, the public, fellow workers, and themselves. Regulations regarding therapeutic dosages and follow-up procedures are also considered. Focus on practical mathematics in nuclear medicine including radiation unit conversion, dose conversion, dose calculation, determination of specific activity, decay, and half-life calculation, counting efficiency, and statistics.

Introduction to and study of the fundamental principles of diagnostic ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Study of acoustic physics and various diagnostic equipment along with artifacts and quality control.

Theory and physical principles associated with atomic structure, nuclear and quantum physics related to radioactive decay. Properties of the elements and the production of characteristic x and gamma rays, anger electrons, and Bremstahlung. Instruction on the modes of decay, radiation dosimetry, and interaction of ionizing radiation with matter. Basic physics, instrumentation, and radiochemistry of SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), SPECT/CT, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and PET/CT.

Study of normal abdominal anatomy and sonographic appearances. Review of physiologic function and correlation of laboratory data. Integration of radiology reports, patient history, and procedures to effectively perform a diagnostic exam of an organ. Sonographic methods to visualize pediatric and adult abdomen are discussed. Lab sessions with practicals in scanning techniques are an integral part of the course.

Supervised clinical education that gives the student the opportunity to perform a variety of patient procedures on both Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), SPECT/CT, PET and PET/CT imaging systems for all diagnostic, therapeutic, non-imaging, in-vivo and in-vitro procedures. Clinical competencies developed in patient care, positioning techniques, analyzing images, and the selection of imaging parameters and collimators. Knowledge of integrated computer systems designed for use with clinical gamma cameras, SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET, and PET/CT images. The clinical practicum is designed to promote independent critical thinking, balanced responsibility, organization, and accountability in the student. Students will demonstrate competence in all procedures presented.

Study of obstetrical and gynecological anatomy with clinical applications and sonographic methods used to visualize pelvic organs, pregnant uterus and related structures. Discussion of embryogenesis and a review of the reproductive cycle is included. Normal sonographic patterns are studied.

Emphasis on theory and techniques of clinical procedures used in nuclear medicine imaging. Areas emphasized include patient care, developing acquisition parameters, imaging techniques, radionuclide identification, energies, half-lives, and principles of radionuclides in imaging and non-imaging procedures. Students will continue to develop an increased degree of competence in their performance of the skills related to critical thinking and problem solving.

A continuation of hospital/clinic sonographic experience. Practicum in all the clinical applications in the specialties of abdominal organs and obstetrics-gynecology. Pass-fail grading.

This is the first of a sequence of clinical courses designed to introduce students to the hospital clinical setting, while providing an opportunity for students to participate in or observe radiographic procedures. Students will complete general patient care competencies during this course, while rotating through various areas within the radiology department. Additionally, they will begin completing clinical competencies related to the chest, abdomen, routine contrast procedures, mobile examinations, extremities, and pediatric procedures. Students will perform under the supervision of qualified radiographers

A continuation of hospital/clinic sonographic experience. Practicum in all the clinical applications in the specialties of abdominal organs and obstetrics-gynecology. Pass-fail grading.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and concepts underlying the effects of ionizing radiation at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal level. Topics covered include: cell survival curves, linear energy transfer, relative biological effectiveness, oxygen effects, radiation damage to the DNA and chromosomes, acute and late effects of radiation, radiation effects in utero, acute radiation syndrome, and radiation-induced carcinogenesis. Examples and discussion related to radiation therapy treatment, dosimetry, and radiation protection are covered.

The role of proteins and their molecular precursors, the nucleic acids, is the focus of this course in Biochemistry. As such, students will advance basic understanding of transcription and translation achieved from BIOL 22000 Genetics using clinically relevant models. Drawing from this knowledge base, students will apply their understanding of protein structure/function in an in depth analysis of enzyme biochemistry as well as cell signaling mechanisms. Terminology is utilized from both Organic Chemistry and the Biological sciences.

Students participate in laboratory investigations using biochemical techniques for the separation, identification and analysis of biological compounds. Molecular techniques utilized in this lab include ELISA, gel filtration chromatography, protein titration, advanced enzyme kinetic assays, 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, and Southern blot analysis.

A study of the chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins as sources of nutrition is the focus of this course. Students will learn about the detailed anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the various mechanisms by which the biopolymers are digested and absorbed into general circulation. The interdependent biochemical processes that allow cells to utilize food energy, hormonal regulation of these processes, as well as the impact of minerals and vitamins on the cellular mechanisms, are addressed.

This lab is a continuation of BIOL 35600 and is designed to round out the Biology student's preparation for the modern cell/molecular lab. Laboratory investigations include the use of biochemical techniques for the separation/purification and analysis of biological compounds, enzyme assays, affinity chromatography, competitive binding assays, immunoprecipitation, and Western blotting.

Pathophysiology is reviewed at the cellular level and progresses to tissues and body systems. The disruption of cellular processes by infections, genetic disorders, and environmental factors are discussed. Neoplastic growth and carcinogenesis are examined, and the types and effects of diseases in various organ systems are studied.

Evaluation, maintenance, and function of instrumentation used in imaging and in the laboratory. Principles and theory of PET/CT and scintillation camera operation and performance. Radiation measurement, event counting activity, pulse height spectra, detection efficiency, resolving time and statistics. Flood field and bar phantom use for assessing camera uniformity, relative sensitivity, spatial linearity, and resolution testing. Quality assurance procedures for the PET scanner include radial, tangential and axial resolution, sensitivity, linearity, uniformity, attenuation accuracy, scatter determination, and dead time corrections. Knowledge of the operations and maintenance of computer hardware and software. Emphasis on data collection, analysis and processing used in clinical imaging. Application of computer devices and memory usage. Emphasis on SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET, and PET/CT quality control procedures.

An introduction to basic concepts of physics with emphasis on the fundamentals of x-ray generating equipment. Topics include atomic structure, the structure of matter, ionization, magnetism & electromagnetism, electrodynamics, the control of high voltage and rectification, x-ray tubes, x-ray circuits, and the production & characteristics of radiation.

Biomimicry is a branch of study which focuses on imitating nature's best ideas as an inspiration to solve problems faced by humans on earth. The course is designed to get students to think ecologically and work with complex whole living systems and apply them to solve human problems. This course is intended to give students the opportunity to explore past, present and future examples of biomimetic solutions and designs to human problems.

This course examines the medicolegal issues involving patient care and medical imaging. Professional Ethics and ethical dilemmas will also be presented. Additional topics include confidentiality, HIPPA, medical documentation and elements of informed consent. Subject matter experts serve as guest presenters.

Radiographic anatomy and positioning skills are presented as they relate to performing radiographic procedures of the human body. Specific areas presented include the pelvic girdle, bony thorax, spinal column, sacrum & coccyx. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality images while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient. Laboratory exercises will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts, while reinforcing didactic lecture content. Commonly encountered pathological conditions will be examined. Pathology reports will be assigned as part of this course.

This course examines the radiographic anatomy and positioning skill required to perform radiographic procedures of the urinary, biliary, and reproductive systems. Also included are imaging studies of the spinal cord and arthrography. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure to the patient and technologist. Pathology reports will be assigned to examine commonly encountered pathological conditions.

Students will take a look at conventional energy systems, peak oil, global warming, global energy issues, and a comprehensive examination of alternative renewable energy resources. Fundamentals of renewable technologies such as bioenergy, hydroelectricity, geothermal, wind, and solar power will be studied. The key goal is to challenge students to consider energy production and distribution with an eye toward long-term, low impact solutions.

This course is a continuation of BIOL 23300 Principles of Environmental Science. The approach considers effects of human activity on ecosystems. Topics include environmental ethics, restoration ecology, the atmosphere, energy and pollution. Some fieldwork may be included.

Students will continue to rotate through various areas of the radiology department and begin surgical rotations. Additional clinical competencies will be obtained on routine spine and cranium procedures, pediatric procedures and mobile studies. Students will continue to perform under the supervision of qualified radiographers

This course will introduce junior and senior level students to peer-reviewed literature in Biochemistry. Students will be expected to interpret and relate data, critically evaluate hypotheses, and develop a succinct, intelligible presentation style to convey scientific principles to their peers. Biochemistry Journal Clubs will focus on principles related to basic cellular chemistry including enzyme kinetics, molecular physiology, cellular nutrition, and cellular regulatory/ feedback mechanisms. At least one journal club must be successfully completed before matriculating into any of the Research Methods courses.

This course will introduce junior and senior level students to peer-reviewed literature in Physiology. Students will be expected to interpret and relate data, critically evaluate hypotheses, and develop a succinct, intelligible presentation style to convey scientific principles to their peers. Physiology Journal Clubs will introduce students to the wide array of literature related to structure/function studies and the application of this knowledge. At least one journal club must be successfully completed before matriculating into any of the Research Methods courses.

This course will introduce junior and senior level students to peer-reviewed literature in Microbiology. Students will be expected to interpret and relate data, critically evaluate hypotheses, and develop a succinct, intelligible presentation style to convey scientific principles to their peers. Microbiology journal clubs will focus on current literature related to microbial interactions, physiology, and clinically relevant topics. At least one journal club must be successfully completed before matriculating into any of the Research Methods courses.

This course will introduce junior and senior level students to peer-reviewed literature in Ecology. Students will be expected to interpret and relate data, critically evaluate hypotheses, and develop a succinct, intelligible presentation style to convey scientific principles to their peers. A mix of classic and contemporary studies covering field, laboratory, and theoretical ecology are considered. At least one journal club must be successfully completed before matriculating into any of the Research Methods courses.

This course will introduce junior and senior level students to peer-reviewed literature in Genetics. Students will be expected to interpret and relate data, critically evaluate hypotheses, and develop a succinct, intelligible presentation style to convey scientific principles to their peers. Genetics Journal Club will introduce students to a diverse selection of primary literature focusing on the design and techniques of experiments and the application of these findings.

This course will introduce junior and senior level students to peer-reviewed literature in the life sciences. Students will be expected to interpret and relate data, critically evaluate hypotheses, and develop a succinct, intelligible presentation style to convey scientific principles to their peers. The topic or theme of the course will be decided by the instructor at the start of the semester. Biology Journal Club must be successfully completed before matriculating into BIOL 49600 Senior Thesis. This course partially fulfills the advanced writing requirement for Biology and Environmental Science majors.

This is a clinically based course designed to familiarize Biology students with intentions of pursuing a health profession with the medical environment. The students experience seven different departments in a clinical setting, such as surgery, oncology, acute care for the elderly, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and short stay emergency room care during a seven week period. Students must apply and meet specific requirements to be eligible for the course. Enrollment is selective and requires instructor approval. Please see your advisor for more information.

The built environment focuses on community growth, local economic opportunity, and the protection of public health and the environment while creating and enhancing the places where people live. How and where development occurs can effect ecosystem quality and services, habitat protection, water resources, energy consumption, and indoor and outdoor air quality. Students will integrate these concepts related the built environment with emphasis on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

The Major Field Test (MFT) is an assessment exam designed to measure basic student learning outcomes in a major field of study. Test results enable academic departments to refine and improve curriculum development, and gauge the progress of students compared to others in similar programs at schools throughout the country. Educational Testing Service (ETS) created the exam, and updates the content on a regular basis. ETS is well known for its professional and standardized testing services.

The main objective in this course is to focus on the neuroanatomy and function associated with normal aging and neurodegenerative disease. The course will also examine common neurological diseases symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.

These classes are seminars offered by member institutions of the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA). The topics vary from one semester to another. These courses do not fulfill the upper division requirement for any program offered by the Biology department.

This practical course is designed to provide an in-depth study of human vs. non-human osteology, bone biology, and pathology. Key information includes the history of anthropology, biological age, sex, stature, ancestry, skeletal trauma, forensic DNA and how this information is used in criminal investigations.  This is a travel study course;  students must attend two 4-hour preparation workshops, Osteology and Criminal Investigations, prior to the course start date.