Medicine Introductory Courses

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. Myths and facts surrounding the idea that the immune system is capable of recognizing malignant cells. The biological basis and function of effector arms of the immune system; how these mechanisms may be used to investigate the biological basis and potential therapy of cancer. How the immune system functions.

3 units, Spr (Negrin, R)

MED 83Q. Ethical, Legal, and Social Dimensions of Stem Cell Research

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. Ethical, legal, social, and economic dimensions of stem cell research such as the discovery of human embryonic stem cells and the international landscape of public policy. How stem cells work, their role in the upkeep of the human body, and current and future uses in medicine. Issues at the intersection of science and society such as human-animal hybrids, notions of justice in intellectual property law, distribution of health care, and the major ethical frameworks defining the debate.

3 units, Spr (Scott, C)

MED 86Q. Seeing the Heart

(F,Dial) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Introduction to biomedical technology, science, clinical medicine, and public policy through cardiovascular imaging. Invasive and noninvasive techniques to detect early stage heart disease and to see inside the heart and blood vessels. Topics include: common forms of heart disease, how they develop, and why they affect so many people; imaging technologies such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET, and optical; a cost-effective public screening program. Field trips to Stanford Medical Center imaging centers.

2 units, Win (McConnell, M)

MED 87Q. Women and Aging

(S,Sem) (Same as HUMBIO 87Q.) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. Biology, clinical issues, social and health policies of aging; relationships, lifestyles, and sexuality; wise women and grandmothers. Sources include scientific articles, essays, poetry, art, and film. Service-learning experience with older women. GER:EC-Gender

5 units, Win (Winograd, C)

MED 88Q. Dilemmas in Current Medical Practice

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. Social, political, scientific, and economic forces influencing medical practice. Spiraling costs, impaired access to health care, and disillusionment toward the health care system. Attempts by government and medical insurers to control costs through managed care and health maintenance organizations. Medical education and how it has affected the practice of medicine. Alternative health care, preventive medicine, and the doctor-patient relationship. The paradox of health in America: why do so many people who are healthy feel unhealthy? Optional observation of instructors in their medical practices.

3 units, Aut (Croke, J; Jones, H)

MED 93Q. The AIDS Epidemic: Biology, Behavior, and Global Responses

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. How the discovery of the causative agent and the modes of transmission of HIV fueled a quest for prevention, treatments, and a vaccine. Discoveries in biology, biotechnology, epidemiology, and medicine during the last 20 years. Hypotheses about the origins of HIV as a human disease; the spread of AIDS and HIV; social, political, and economic consequences of the epidemic; and national and global responses.

3 units, Aut (Katzenstein, D)

MED 108Q. Human Rights and Health

(S,Sem) Stanford Introductory Seminar. Preference to sophomores. History of human-rights law. Topics such as: the health status of refugees and internally displaced persons; child labor; trafficking in women and children; torture; poverty, the environment, and health; access to clean water; domestic violence and sexual assault; and international availability of drugs. International conventions on human rights as background for social and political changes that could improve the health of groups and individuals. Optional opportunities to observe at sites where human rights and health are issues.

3 units, Win (Laws, A)

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Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09

Stanford Bulletin, Archive 2008-09

Alphabetical Index

Bulletin Archive

Medicine Introductory Courses