Program Curriculum

This is a study of the structural and functional relationships of the human organism, emphasizing cells and tissues, the integument, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and sense organs. This course consists of three lectures a week.

Prerequisites: CPC-022, 1 semester of college chemistry., BIO-107L

This course accompanies BIO 107. This course consists of three hours of laboratory a week.

Prerequisites: BIO-107

This introduction to fundamental chemical principles includes topics such as atomic structure, bonding and properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions. The course consists of three lectures and three hours of laboratory a week.

Prerequisites: High school chemistry and CPC-022 or 3 years of high school mathematics or MAT-117 or MAT-122, CHE-101L

Three hours of laboratory.

Prerequisites: CHE-101

This course is an introduction to literature and the fundamentals of academic writing. Students learn the skills essential to college success:critical reading and analytical thinking, interpretation, scholarly discussion and collaboration, effective oral presentation, composition of writing for both readers and listeners.

Prerequisites: None

This is an introduction to the fundamental ideas of computers and their implementation: office applications (word processor, spread sheet, presentation and database), elementary website design, blogging, Internet use for research (hardware, software, early pioneers of the computing industry, common terminology, etc.) and some elementary programming. Instructors may include other appropriate topics. Both Windows and MAC OS will be utilized. (Not open to those with credit in CSC 151.)

Prerequisites: None

This course explores milestones of physical,cognitive and psychosocial development from conception through old age. Emphasis is placed on global principles that guide human growth and change across the lifespan. The course meets the core requirement in psychology.

Prerequisites: None

This continuation of BIO 107 emphasizes the digestive system, respiratory system, blood, cardiovascular system, urinary system, reproductive systems, endocrine system, human genetics and development. This course consists of three lectures a week.

Prerequisites: CPC-022, Prior completion of BIO-107/L, BIO-108L

This course accompanies BIO 108. This course consists of three hours of laboratory a week.

Prerequisites: BIO-108

This course is a continuation of Chemistry 101. Topics include chemical equilibria, kinetics and oxidation reduction systems.

Prerequisites: CHE-101, CHE-102L

Three hours of laboratory.

Prerequisites: CHE-101L, CHE-102

This course teaches academic research skills and writing based on a liberal arts topic. Topics vary by instructor.

Prerequisites: None

This course includes the underlying fundamental mathematical principles and their application to a wide range of statistical methods and tests. Included are the following: sampling, frequency distributions, probability, regression,confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, t-test, analysis of variance, chi-square and correlation. Existent computer software such as MiniTab is utilized by students to aid and facilitate the analysis of results. Not open to those who have taken MAT 120

Prerequisites: one computer science course or take 1 course from PHY-101L PHY-103L or PHY-111L or be a pre-pharmacy student.

This course is an introduction to the morphology, physiology, ecology and replication modes of bacterial and eukaryote microorganisms as well as viruses. Pathogens associated with human disease are used to illustrate these general concepts. Methods used by microbes to resist antimicrobial drugs, transfer antimicrobial resistance and methods used to control the growth of microorganisms are also discussed. Emphasis is given to mechanisms of pathogenesis used by bacteria and viruses. The means used by humans to prevent or rid the body of microbial agents are also discussed. In the laboratory, students gain skills in sterile technique, stain procedures and biochemical tests used to characterize bacteria. Methods used to control microbial growths are also studied. The course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

Prerequisites: (BIO-101,BIO-101L,BIO-102,BIO-102L) or (BIO-107,BIO -107L,BIO-108,BIO-108L), Bio-208L, 2 semesters of college chemistry or take CHE-114.

This course accompanies BIO 208. This course consists of three hours of laboratory a week.

Prerequisites: BIO-208

This course applies medical terminology including word components (root word, prefix and suffix), medical abbreviations, pathologies and diagnostic tests. Students also learn how to conduct a chart review, interpret admission notes, surgical reports, discharge summaries, and understand the components of a SOAP note.

Prerequisites: None

This one-semester course emphasizes structure/function relationships among the components responsible for the biochemical functions of life. Topics include proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, bioenergetics, metabolism (catabolism and anabolism), lipids, membranes, nucleic acids, biotechnology, biochemical methods, vitamins and nutrition. This course is cross-listed with CHE 303.

Prerequisites: 1 group: (CHE-219 CHE-219L BIO-101 BIO-101L BIO-102 BIO-102L) or (CHE-219 CHE-219L BIO-107 BIO-107L BIO-108 BIO-108L) or be a chemistry major and take (CHE-219 CHE-219L CHE-220 CHE-220L), BIO-303L

This is a lecture and laboratory course in human gross anatomy, which uses cadaver dissection and other materials illustrative of human anatomy. Emphasis will be placed upon the anatomy of skeletal muscles, including their bony attachments, nerve and blood supply and their functions in movements. Additional dissections will involve a survey of abdominal and thoracic organs, anatomy of the head and contents of the cranial cavity. The course consists of two lecture hours and eight lab hours a week.

Prerequisites: BIO-339L. Physician Assistant students will take BIO-639L., (BIO-107 BIO-107L BIO-108 BIO-108L) or BIO-317.

This is a lecture and laboratory course in human gross anatomy, which uses cadaver dissection and other materials illustrative of human anatomy. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy of skeletal muscles, including their bony attachments, nerve and blood supply, and functions in movements. Additional dissections involve a survey of abdominal and thoracic organs, anatomy of the head and contents of the cranial cavity.

Prerequisites: None

This course examines the ways that death challenges human meaning and action. Topics include the meaning of suffering and death, challenges of death to morality, psychological spiritual processes of dying and bereavement are considered.

Prerequisites: None

This course analyzes ethical dilemmas and problems posed by developments in the biosciences. Problems discussed include choices for life or death, allocation of resources, human experimentation, reproductive technologies and professional-client relationships.

Prerequisites: PHI-201 or PHI/RS-214

This is a study of disease processes as disturbances of the body's homeostasis. The body's defense mechanisms and their breakdown are emphasized. Various clinical assessment methods are discussed. The course consists of three lectures a week.

Prerequisites: BIO-107,BIO-107L BIO-108,BIO-108L (CHE-111,CHE-112) or (CHE-101 CHE-101L CHE-102 CHE-102L) Chiropractic students can take BIO-507L BIO-508L BIO-659 BIO-660

This course is a comprehensive study of diseases with emphasis on etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, critical review of medical literature, preventive care and therapeutic measures involved in treating medical problems. Topics will be presented through demonstrations, discussions and clinical conferences as well as lectures by physicians, physician assistants and other appropriate health professionals. This course will include discrete blocks on major organ systems and special populations. It is closely integrated with the pharmacology, clinical skills and physical diagnosis courses.
Offered in: Fall Only
Prerequisites: BIO-307 BIO-339, PA-335 PA-309 PA-312

This course focuses on understanding human behavior in health and illness. Health, illness and sick role behaviors, psychosocial factors in the etiology of illness, patient compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimens, use of health behavior models in patient education, health maintenance, and disease prevention and sexuality will be discussed.
Offered in: Fall Only
Prerequisites: None

This course explores common laboratory procedures employed in the evaluation of disease processes. Students develop proficiency in understanding such routine procedures as a CBC, urinalysis, gram stains and cultures. Students develop skills in interpreting clinical laboratory values in relation to disease, therapy and prognosis.
Offered in: Fall Only
Prerequisites: BIO-208 CHE-102, PA-303 PA-335 PA-312

Proper methods of performing various clinical procedures such as intravenous catheter insertion, intramuscular injections, passing nasogastric tubes, applying casts and drawing blood will be covered in this course.
Offered in: Spring Only
Prerequisites: BIO-208 BIO-339, PA-304 PA-310 PA-312 PA-336

Most of the course is devoted to the development of physical examination skills and the art of developing a rapport with patients. By the end of the course, students will have received instruction and training in basic communication skills and how to conduct a medical interview, as well as training in techniques of physical diagnosis. The course includes the use of simulated patients, as well as a range of field experiences to provide direct contact with patients and practicing physicians. This allows students to interact with patients and to integrate knowledge and skills in the setting of clinical interactions
Offered in: Fall Only
Prerequisites: BIO-339, PA-303 PA-309 PA-335

Prerequisites: None

This course includes topics such as pharmacotherapeutics, drug absorption, distribution and metabolism and drug interactions. The course is closely integrated with the clinical medicine course. All major systems of the body are covered in relation to drugs and diseases.
Offered in: Fall Only
Prerequisites: BIO-107 BIO-108 BIO-303, PA-303 PA-309 PA-312

Continuation of Clinical Medicine I.
Offered in: Spring Only
Prerequisites: PA-303, PA-336 PA-311 PA-313 PA-310

This course is a continuance of PA 309.
Offered in: Spring Only
Prerequisites: PA-309, PA-304 PA-311 PA-313 PA-336

This course is a continuation of PA 312.
Offered in: Spring Only
Prerequisites: PA-304 PA-310 PA-311 PA-336, PA-312

Prerequisites: None

This course is a continuation of Pharmacology I. The course explores clinical pharmacology and medical therapeutics, including disease states and their medical management.
Offered in: Spring Only
Prerequisites: PA-335, PA-304 PA-310 PA-311 PA-313

Over a four-week period, the course provides the foundation for clinical evaluation and treatment. Training may occur in inpatient internal medicine in hospitals or outpatient internal medicine. The rotation will expose the student to adult populations and their medical problems. The student will learn clinical presentation of general medical problems, evaluation, therapeutic intervention and methods of documentation.

Prerequisites: None

This course is presented on a four-week rotation and exposes students to patients from all age groups, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Students will learn the clinical presentation of general medical problems, evaluation, therapeutic intervention and methods of documentation in a family practice setting.

Prerequisites: None

During the four-week general surgery rotation, students will learn management of surgical patients in the hospital and in ambulatory settings including presentation and workup of common surgical problems, as well as surgical interventions, and in-hospital care of the pre-and postoperative patient.

Prerequisites: None

This six-week rotation provides the opportunity to assess medical problems that require both inpatient and outpatient management of children. Students will get practical clinical experience in the outpatient setting managing routine childhood illnesses and health maintenance, and with the medical team in the hospital at the time of delivery assessing, the newborn and caring for children with more severe medical problems. Documentation in the medical record will augment skills previously acquired for data collection. Students will come to understand the influence that family interactions can have on the course of the patient’s development, wellbeing and illness.

Prerequisites: None

OB/GYN is a four-week rotation with the purpose of providing practical clinical experience for the evaluation and treatment of women. Experience will be gained in the areas of general women's health; family planning, pre-, intra- and postpartum care; as well as routine gynecologic care for sexually transmitted diseases, dysmenorrhagia and menopausal health. Students will come to understand the effects that sexual activity, childbearing and menopause have on a woman's psychological, social and medical well-being.

Prerequisites: None

The purpose of the four-week psychiatry rotation is to provide the student with clinical experience in the varied presentations of mental illness. The student will have an opportunity to evaluate, identify and learn management of both acute and non-acute psychiatric patients.

Prerequisites: None

Emergency medicine is a four-week rotation with the purpose of providing practical clinical experience in the care of acute medical emergencies. Students will develop an understanding of the concept of triage in an emergency situation where care is provided to the development of physical examination skills, and the art of developing rapport with patients. By the end of the course, students will have received instruction and training in basic communication skills and how to conduct a medical interview, as well as future care.

Prerequisites: None

The two-week course will take place in a freestanding, long-term care facility or inpatient skilled nursing facility and provide students with experience addressing the special needs of this patient population. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all third-year courses.

Prerequisites: None

The four-week orthopedics rotation will give students the opportunity to observe treatment of common musculoskeletal complaints. The rotation will combine clinical experience in an ambulatory practice setting with following orthopedic patients in the hospital.

Prerequisites: None

This course provides a historical perspective of the physician assistant profession, as well as content related to current trends and issues. The course will include discussion of the importance of professional responsibility in the health care role, as well as information on professional organizations, graduate certification and re-certification,employment considerations, professional liability and prescriptive authority.

Prerequisites: None

Elective Clinical Rotation 1 offers an opportunity for physician assistant students to explore subspecialty area of medicine not covered in the current curriculum, spend more clinical time in primary care, or work with a physician that has been identified as a potential employer. Open to physician assistant students only.

Prerequisites: None

Elective Clinical Rotation II offers an opportunity for physician assistant students to explore subspecialty areas of medicine not covered in the current curriculum, spend more clinical time in primary care, or work with a physician that has been identified as a potential employer.

Prerequisites: None

Primary care, an eight-week rotation provides the opportunity to refine the foundation in clinical evaluation and treatment and to establish patient education and community education skills. This will occur in a setting, which provides continuity of patient care and the opportunity to establish an ongoing preceptor/P.A. relationship. Training occurs over an eight-week period at a single clinical site. Open to physician assistant students only.

Prerequisites: None

Graduate Seminar I offers an opportunity for physician assistant students to receive instruction in professional practice, community service, patient education, medical malpractice legislation,recognizing an impaired medical provider and other issues pertinent to their development as health care professionals. The students will also have an opportunity to participate in clinical enrichment lectures and workshops, focusing on particular issues pertaining to medical management of the critically ill inpatient.

Prerequisites: None

Graduate Seminar II offers an opportunity for physician assistant students to receive instruction in areas of professional practice, to receive additional enrichment in areas of particular clinical interest to the student,and to address other issues pertinent to their development as health care professionals.

Prerequisites: None

This course will introduce the graduate-level PA student to concepts of critical thinking related to scientific research. The course will emphasize the rigors involved in completing the research project required as part of the master's degree portion of the PA degree. In this course, the student will be introduced to quantitative, qualitative and survey methods of research, students will be instructed on critical review of the medical literature from peer-reviewed journals. A review of creative writing and concepts in performing literature searches is provided. The framework for completion of the subsequent phases of the research project(Applied Project Seminar I & II)will be introduced during Research Methods. Finally, the PA student will choose their research topic.

Prerequisites: None

During this course, the student completes the first phase of the research project:the research proposal. The PA student is guided through the sequence of developing the research project,completing an outline of objectives for the project and creating a clear vision of the importance of the original project. During the second phase of the course,the student completes a literature review applicable to the research topic. The third phase involves developing the materials and methods and then applying for approval of the project though the Institutional Review Board (IRB)at D'Youville. The PA student can then proceed to completion of the project in Applied Project Seminar II (APSII).

Prerequisites: None

During this course the PA graduate student will complete their research project. During the last six months of their training, the PA student will collect data or complete surveys based upon the research method pertaining to their project. The student is guided at interpretation of the data,presentation of the data in the results and conclusions from the data. The student then defends their project with a poster presentation at the end of their training.

Prerequisites: None