Scientific Foundations of Medicine presents foundational concepts and principles in molecular physiology, human
genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and pharmacology underpinning modern medicine. The course describes
bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and mechanisms of disease. The course is delivered via traditional lectures, virtual
histology laboratory exercises, online histology modules, and class-inclusive learning sessions (CILS). The course
covers the following specific topics: (1) cellular structure and organelles, including histology; (2) structure, replication
and repair of DNA; (3) transcription, translation, and regulation of gene expression; (4) molecular and cellular
techniques for diagnosis; (5) intermediary metabolism; (6) human genetics, including epigenetics and environmental
factors; (7) signal transduction; (8) action potentials; (9) nutrition; (10) pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and
ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of active compounds; (11) treatment of infectious disease
via drugs and vaccines; (12) molecular and cellular immunology, both innate and adaptive immunity; (13) early
embryology; (14) bacteria, bacterial structure, viruses, and parasites; (15) cell injury and death; (16) tissue repair
and stem cells; and (17) common mechanisms of disease, such as infectious, neoplastic and traumatic, including
selected aspects of social determinants of health