This course examines the understanding of the physiology of fundamental organ systems and the cellular and molecular basis of diseases of these systems. Specifically, it will examine the mechanisms by which alterations in organ system structure and function lead to disease. A combined lecture, conference and case study format are used: Lectures teach the physiological principles of the organ system being studied, conferences review original journal articles concerning the cellular and molecular basis of the disease processes being studied, and case studies show specific examples of disease processes and the cellular and molecular basis of these disease processes. At the end of the course, students should understand basic organ system physiology, and the cellular and molecular basis of disease processes affecting these organ systems. In addition, students gain valuable experience in reading scientific literature and understanding the rationale for therapeutic interventions and future scientific approaches to disease.