Session 1

Session 2

Exploring the Human Body

Biology, Medicine and More

Students will examine the structure and function of the body in health, injury, disease and aging. Some of the most interesting and applicable aspects of the body will be explored through hands-on activities that form a key experience in preparation for any health-related profession. This two-week program is presented by experienced faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of the Pacific who instruct hundreds of students every year for careers in biology, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, athletics, physiotherapy and other health professions.

Curriculum

Through a careful selection of topics, this program will help students appreciate the connections between structure and function, examine how they apply to the most pressing health issues faced by society today, become familiar with some major body systems and internalize the general organization of the body. Practice and hands-on learning will be emphasized over lecture, with students conducting physiological exams, dissections, microscopy, anesthesia, handling physical models, examining real human bones, manipulating 3D computer models and discussing scientific papers and medical reports.

Anatomy team of students with anatomical models
Planned Topics

Planned topics include:

  • Medical imaging with focus on x-rays and tomography
  • Bones, growth, fractures and osteoporosis
  • Joints, tendons, arthritis and ACL rupture
  • Blood composition and pressure
  • Heart cycle, electrocardiogram, heart attack and CPR
  • Brain regions, electroencephalogram, general anesthesia (not in human)
  • Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases
  • Vision and hearing sensitivity, processing and illusions
  • Respiration, asthma, voice and speech
  • Digestive system, obesity and diet
  • Reproductive system, fertilization and birth control
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Ajna Rivera
Session 1 Faculty Lead
Ajna Rivera

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

BSc in Biological Sciences, Stanford University 1999
PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Berkeley 2006

Dr. Rivera is an expert in the field of Animal Comparative Biology. She examines how physical (anatomy and physiology) and genetic differences between species impact their interactions with the environment. She combines multiple types of evidence, including microscopy, behavior and CT scans, to build hypotheses about how bodies work and change over time.

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Session 2 Faculty Lead
Cindy Davis

Instructor, Department of Biological Sciences, College of the Pacific

M.S. in Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, 2024

Cindy received her Master's in Biological Sciences with a partial research focus on the neuroanatomy of a microcrustacean. Cindy has taught Human Anatomy and Anatomy and Physiology laboratory courses for three years.

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Cindy Davis
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