Palmer College of Chiropractic

Academic Programs

D.C. Curriculum - Physiology/Biochemistry

Director of Life Sciences:
Craig L. Mekow, M.S., Associate Professor

Moin S. Ansari, Ph.D., M.S., Professor
Henry Brockington III, M.S., D.C., Professor
Saeed R. Faruqui, Ph.D., Professor
Louis J. Freedman, M.S., D.C., D.I.C.B.N., Associate Professor
James Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Daniel Weinert, M.S., D.C., D.A.C.B.R., Associate Professor

Curriculum

PHCH301 51
Biochemistry I—6 credits
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisite for: PHCH305, PHCH338
Lecture topics include the structure, function and bioenergenics of biologically important molecules. Enzyme Kinetics, regulation of enzyme activity and maintenance of pH in the body will also be discussed. Normal and abnormal physiology related to these biologically important molecules will be considered. Lecture and lab.

PHCH304 62
Digestive Physiology and Nutrition—3 credits
Prerequisites: PHCH305, PHCH342, PHCH339, PHCH338
This course is designed to study the role of dietary nutrients in the maintenance of health and the basic processes of digestive physiology, including SI movements, secretions, digestion and absorption of nutrients. This course also includes nutrition in various phases of the life cycle (pregnancy, lactation, infancy, adulthood, athletes and geriatrics). Importance of nutrition in the nervous system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system and digestive system will be elaborated.

PHCH305 52
Biochemistry II—5 credits
Prerequisites: PHCH301
Prerequisite for: PATH403, PATH408, PHCH304, PHCH340, TECH613
Co-requisite with: PATH416
The course covers human metabolism, including carbohydrates, lipids and nitrogenous compounds. Vitamins and coenzymes are discussed. Energy use and metabolic control are considered for each pathway.

PHCH331 52
Cellular Physiology—3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisite for: PATH408, PHCH340
Basic life phenomena within ideal cells are presented, correlating structure, physiology and clinical aspects. Lecture and lab.

PHCH337 52
Neurophysiology—3 credits
Prerequisites: PHCH341
Prerequisite for: PHCH340, PHCH342
Continuation of Fundamentals of Neurophysiology. Topics presented include the physiology of the autonomic nervous system as well as the major functions of the brain.

PHCH338 52
Endocrinology—3 credits
Prerequisites: PHCH341, PHCH301
Prerequisite for: PHCH304, PHCH340
Normal and abnormal physiology of each endocrine system is discussed, including hormones. Lecture and lab.

PHCH339 61
Cardiovascular Pulmonary Physiology—4 credits
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisite for: PHCH304, PHCH340
The course includes cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology. The role of the nervous system in the control of blood pressure, blood flow, cardiac and respiratory functions are studied. Lecture and lab.

PHCH340 62
Renal Physiology—3 credits
Prerequisites: PHCH305, PHCH331, PHCH337
PHCH338, PHCH339
Prerequisite for: PATH413
Co-requisite with: DIAG708
Physiological anatomy and basic renal physiology is presented in this course. Clinical application of kidney function test, plasma clearance is presented. Basic concepts relating to body fluid physiology are discussed. Emphasis is placed on presentation of the mechanisms used by the kidney to maintain the normal composition, volume and pH of the body fluids. Pathophysiology of the kidney in hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, edema, etc., is covered if time allows.

PHCH341 51
Fundamentals of Neurophysiology—3 credits
Prerequisites: None
Prerequisite for: PHCH337, PHCH338
The course covers cellular neurophysiology
of excitable cells, the resting and action
potentials, synaptic transmission, receptor physiology, muscle physiology and spinal
reflexes. Lecture and lab.

PHCH342 61
Advanced Neurophysiology—2 credits
Prerequisite: PHCH337
Prerequisite for: PHCH304
Co-requisite with: TECH613
The course explores theories of memory, learning and higher functions.

BACK TO TOP | BACK TO COURSES BY DISCIPLINE