This course is an introduction to the structure and function of the human vertebral column. Topics of study include the osteology, arthrology, syndesmology and the neurovascular supply of the spine. A limited number of clinical conditions of the spine are introduced in the lecture material. The occipital, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spine are studied in the laboratory with human bone specimens. The laboratory also includes a number of unique cadaveric prosections that offer an opportunity to study the anatomy of the different vertebral regions.

This course covers the regional anatomy of the back, posterior neck, upper extremity, and lower extremity. The anatomical structure, function and relationships of the bones, joints, muscles, blood vessels and nerved in each region are examined in detail. Clinical correlations and applications are introduced throughout the course. Foundational anatomical concepts are reviewed through self-directed learning modules. Prosected cadavers are utilized to enable observation and review of previously dissected specimens pertinent to the regions of focus.

This course defines and explains the relationship between structure and function of the four biomolecules: amino acids, nucleotides, carbohydrates, and lipids. Students will develop connections between molecular structure and nutrition, physiology, and clinical diagnosis. To explain the biological context of structure, students first review acid-base chemistry and the chemical properties of water and lipids are reviewed. To understand how protein structure dictates function, students identify chemical and structural aspects of a protein that support the general physiology of proteins as well as enzyme catalysis. Next, students study nucleic acids in the context of their role in replication, transcription, and translation. Finally, students will describe carbohydrates and lipids in the context of storage and subcellular structure. This course has an accompanying recitation forum that parallels the lecture material with emphasis on clinical correlates.

This course defines and explains normal cellular structure and function. Cell membrane structure, transportation, and communication are explained to establish how the autonomous cell integrates into tissue and organ systems and functions in real time. To understand how cells respond to environmental change, students will analyze subcellular organelle structure and function, specifically the endomembrane system, lysosomes, mitochondria, cytoskeleton, and nucleus. Students will apply knowledge of cellular structure to clinical diagnosis in a team-based learning format. 

This course explores the origins and evolution of health services- including the role(s) of professions, practitioners, payers, politics and patients over time. Through this exploration, the student will gain knowledge of how health care has been shaped into today’s iteration of the industry. Priority is given to chiropractic’s chapter in this process. Roles, expectations, duties, opportunities and liabilities will be explored. The successful student will emerge from this course triangulated to the industry they are training to enter and their place as a chiropractic physician in that industry.

This course introduces the student to biomechanical and kinesiologic terms and concepts necessary for the development of observational and palpatory skills of the spine and extremities.

This course introduces the student to the fundamental examination skills of observation and palpation and instructs the student in the identification of normal bony and soft tissue landmarks of the spine and extremities.

Since plain film radiography is widely used in chiropractic practice, identification of key spinal and contiguous spinal structures seen on plain film radiography is the emphasis of this course. Basic anatomy of the spinal regions seen on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is also studied. Lectures demonstrate the most important structures to identify on various imaging modalities. Lab activities provide opportunities for practice and self-quizzing.