This graduate level course will provide students with advanced knowledge of the normal physiology of systems, down to the cellular level. The normal physiology will serve as the basis for learning common, select pathophysiologic disease processes students will encounter as they continue through their program of study. This course is intended to enable students to understand how and why the signs and symptoms of various conditions appear, as well as why specific diagnostic methods are appropriate. In understanding the mechanisms of production of the signs and symptoms of different disease processes and syndromes, students will develop a foundation for assessment, decision making and management.

This course is designed to present an orientation to disease as disordered physiology. It is intended to enable the nurse practitioner to understand how and why the symptoms and signs of various conditions appear. In approaching disease as disordered physiology, this course analyzes the mechanism(s) of production of the symptoms and signs of different disease syndromes. In doing so, it recognizes the practitioner's need to understand the mechanism(s) underlying the disease and its clinical manifestations so that rational therapies can be devised. Thus, appropriate screening and diagnostic laboratory evaluative methods will also be included.