New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Course Descriptions
Western Biomedical Science Prerequisite Courses
001 Human Biology
Human biology is the study of the body’s components and their development, composition and function, including a description of how life begins and basic embryological development. There will be a focus on the human cell, its organelles and their functions, as well as a description of the organization of cells into tissues, tissues into organs, and organs into systems. The course will include a basic treatment of genetics and inheritance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None. Note: this course must be taken during the first 3 trimesters of study at NYCTCM.
002 Topical Anatomy
This course provides entry-level students a knowledge of biological terminology and location of anatomical parts in the areas of osteology, myology, neurology, and circulatory systems. Emphasis will be placed on the anatomy of surface structures, which will aid in acupuncture point location.
4 credits
Prerequisites: None. Note: this course must be taken during the first 3 trimesters of study at NYCTCM.
003 Chemistry for Health Sciences
This course explores the fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry, including properties of elements, states of matter, modern atomic and bonding theory, concentration and dilution of solutions, reaction rates and electrochemistry, acids and bases, redox reactions, equilibria, and nomenclature of elements and inorganic compounds. Properties of the elements and their compounds are discussed in terms of structure. Also included are basic principles of organic chemistry, including organic chemical nomenclature.
2 credits
Prerequisites: None. Note: this course must be taken during the first 3 trimesters of study at NYCTCM.
Western Biological Sciences
301 Medical Terminology
This course will introduce students to key word parts associated with body systems, disorders, conditions, procedures, and medical specialties. It will show students how to decipher difficult medical terms by breaking them down into these basic components. Pronunciation of the terms will also be emphasized.
1 credit
Prerequisites: None
302 Palpatory Anatomy
This course will train the student in practical skills of examination through touch. Instruction will be given in identification and location of musculoskeletal landmarks and practical techniques to differentiate varied textures and tones in soft tissues, in order to aid in diagnostic procedures as well as point location.
2 credits
Prerequisites: Topical Anatomy
303, 304 Western Physiology 1 & 2
These two courses cover internal organs and systems of the human body. They introduce the physiological functions of the internal organs from a Western medical point of view, and emphasize the nervous system for acupuncture and pain management. Other topics include circulation, respiration, oxygen & carbon dioxide exchange, the generation of blood cells in the bone marrow, and kidney function to maintain water and electrolytes equilibrium.
3 credits each
Prerequisites: Human Biology, Topical Anatomy, Palpatory Anatomy
305 Biochemistry
Topics covered include the biochemical structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acid, energy use and calorie metabolism. A brief introduction to DNA, RNA, hereditary defects, enzymes, co-enzymes and bio-chemical agents is also presented.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Human Biology, Chemistry for Health Sciences
306 Microbiology
This course provides an introduction to pathologic micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, yeast and parasites. The immune system and different immune defects of the human body are emphasized.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Western Physiology 1 & 2
307A Musculo-Skeletal Evaluation
This course familiarizes students with musculo-skeletal evaluation methods so that they can deal with common acupuncture indications of musculo-skeletal disorders in their future practice. The course will include an overview of musculo-skeletal physiology and anatomy. The course will introduce basic structures, muscular components and gross physical examination, biomedical disorders, and specific orthopedic assessments. The above contents will be introduced for the regions of upper extremities, lower extremities and spine, respectively. Students will need to participate in practical screening examination workshops for each region. Hands-on training will be offered.
2 credits Prerequisites: Palpatory Anatomy, Western Physiology 1 & 2
307B Clinical Neurology
This course will provide a general overview of the neurological system. Instruction will be given in Western diagnostic tests used to clinically evaluate a patient with potential neurological problems. Hands-on training will be offered.
2 credits Prerequisites: Palpatory Anatomy, Western Physiology 1 & 2
308 Pathophysiology
This course covers the pathological changes which occur in disease: the symptoms, signs and manifestations of disease based on the pathologic changes of the organs. The cardio-vascular system will be emphasized; benign and malignant tumors will also be discussed.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Western Physiology 1 & 2
309 Pharmacology
This course will survey Western pharmacology, with an emphasis on the classification, major action and side-effects of commonly prescribed medications. Antibiotics, steroids, anti-depressants, and anti-allergic drugs will be discussed.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Microbiology, Pathophysiology
310 Clinical Nutrition
This course will focus on the use of dietary therapy for the treatment and prevention of many illnesses and disorders, as well as on wellness. The course will also briefly introduce principles of western nutrition, the biochemical process of nutrition, the importance of various components of food in nourishing the body, as well as the digestion and assimilation of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and the role of vitamins and minerals in these processes. Dietary assessment and the evaluation of nutrition status from a Western perspective will be discussed. The course will introduce the strategy and application of nutrition for common illnesses and disorders, and will discuss dietary therapy applied for general health promotion.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Western Physiology 1 & 2, Biochemistry
311 Western Diagnosis
The first half of this course introduces Western physical diagnostic methods such as inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation. The methods for taking a case history, the present history and physical examination findings will be taught as components of Western diagnosis. The course will also introduce basic methods for taking temperature and blood pressure, and for performing a simple eye, ear, nose and throat examination. Some important symptoms and signs which contraindicate acupuncture treatment will be emphasized.
The second half of the course covers blood analysis, urinalysis and stool examination and their use in making a simple Western medical diagnosis. Also presented will be Western laboratory procedures and interpretation of laboratory results and reports. The course will also briefly touch upon technological examination methods used in modern medicine such as EKG, X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound. This course will enable graduates to understand Western medical treatment and diagnosis, and to communicate effectively both with Western practitioners and with patients.
4 credits
Prerequisites: Pathophysiology