MS in Human Physiology

The Master of Science in Human Physiology program provides a dynamic and flexible environment for students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The degree typically leads to a research or clinical career in hospital, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology settings. The program also provides a strong foundation for doctoral-level studies in biology, physiology, or neuroscience.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a robust understanding of human anatomy and human physiology.
  • Students will demonstrate a diverse understanding of human anatomy and human physiology by:
    • Discerning anatomical features/structures
    • Differentiating function and dysfunction of various body systems
    • Recognizing the interrelatedness of body systems
    • Applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Demonstrate practical skills for research, health, and the healthcare industry.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate practical skills by:
    • Developing a variety of diagnostic and research techniques
    • Making informed decisions based on individual evaluations
    • Understanding “best practices” of patient care in real-world, clinical settings
• Exhibit social and cultural awareness.
  • Students will demonstrate cultural and social acumen via:
    • Developing effective interpersonal communication skills
    • Displaying the ability to collaborate and contribute to a team
    • Identifying instances of exclusion and marginalization in health, research, and medicine

Admission Requirements

Applicants should refer to the program website for the most up-to-date admission requirements and application deadlines.

Degree Requirements

Two tracks are available for the master’s degree in Human Physiology:

1. Research track: 33 units, research-based thesis, usually completed in two years
2. Accelerated track: 33 units, critical literature review, can be completed in one year

Students in the Accelerated track must determine a topic area for their critical literature review (SAR HS 793, 4 units) with their academic advisor in the Human Physiology program.

Students in the Research track must formulate a mutual agreement with a departmental research advisor with the expertise and willingness to closely supervise their research project. Specific details regarding the research-based thesis and critical literature review are addressed in the Graduate Student Manual available on our website.

For both the Research track and Accelerated track, at least 20 units must be in courses offered by the Department of Health Sciences. An overall grade point average of B or higher is required for graduation. No more than 8 units of any C grades will be counted toward the degree. No grade below C is acceptable.

Up to 8 units of graduate coursework may be transferred, with departmental approval.

Curriculum

Research and Accelerated Tracks

Each course carries 4 units unless otherwise indicated. The specific course requirements are intentionally left broad to allow students to concentrate on areas related to their career goals.

Core Courses (17 or 18 units)

• SAR HS 750 The Physiologist’s Toolbox (2 units)
• SPH BS 704 Biostatistics (3 units); or MET CS 546 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4 units); or CAS MA 415 Data Science in R (4 units)

Plus three of the following:

• CAS BI 552 Molecular Biology I (offered fall term)
• CAS BI 553 Molecular Biology II (offered spring term)
• SAR HS 534 Physiology of Sex (offered spring term)
• SAR HS 541 Physiology Across the Lifespan (offered fall term)
• SAR HS 542 Exercise Physiology (offered fall and spring terms)
• SAR HS 572 Pulmonary Pathophysiology (offered spring term)
• SAR HS 575 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology (offered fall term)
• SAR HS 581 Gross Human Anatomy (offered fall and spring terms)
• SAR HS 582 Neuroanatomy/Neurophysiology (offered spring term)
• SAR HS 592 Muscle Physiology (offered spring term)

In addition, students take either 4 units of SAR HS 793 (Critical Literature Review) and 12 units of electives or 16 units of SAR HS 791 (Directed Study and Research). Electives, selected in consultation with the academic advisor, may be chosen from the list of core requirements or selected from other courses in the department as well as from courses in other departments in Sargent College and other colleges or schools within Boston University.

A Selection of Elective/Specialization Courses

Medicine & Health

• CAS BI 576 Carcinogenesis
• GMS PA 510 Medical Immunology
• GMS PA 600 Introduction to Pathology and Pathophysiology of Disease
• GMS PM 730 Introduction to Medical Pharmacology
• SAR HP 532 Clinical Medicine
• SAR HS 572 Pulmonary Pathophysiology
• SAR HS 575 Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
• SAR PT 634 Diagnostic Procedures for Rehabilitation Professionals
• SPH EH 710 Physiological Mechanisms of Health and Disease
• SPH GH Foundations in Global Health
• SPH MC 725 Women, Children, and Adolescents: A Public Health Approach
• SPH PH 510 Essentials of Public Health
• SPH PH 717 Quantitative Methods for Public Health
• SPH PH 720 Individual, Community, and Population Health
• SPH PM 702 Introduction to Health Policy, Delivery, and Management

Life Sciences Industry

• GMS CI 675 Designing Clinical Research Studies
• SPH BS 722 Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
• SPH PH 740 Pharmaceuticals in Public Health: Intro Course
• SPH PM 833 Health Economics

Neuroscience

• CAS BI 525 Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases
• CAS BI 545 Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior
• CAS BI 655 Developmental Neurobiology
• CAS BI 755 Cellular and Systems Neuroscience
• CAS BI 756 Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience
• CAS CN 500 Computational Methods in Cognitive and Neural Systems
• GMS AN 702 Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
• GMS AN 707 Neurobiology of Aging
• GMS AN 709 Neural Development and Plasticity
• GMS AN 716 Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
• GMS AN 718 Methods in Neuroscience
• GMS AN 777 Fundamentals of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• GMS AN 811 Cognitive Neuroscience
• SAR HS 550 Neural Systems
• SAR HS 755 Readings in Neuroscience
• SAR HS 582 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

Exercise, Nutrition & Human Performance

• SAR HS 540 Nutrition for Sport and Performance
• SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Sciences
• SAR HP 565 Biomechanics of Human Movement
• SAR HS 592 Muscle Physiology
• SAR HP 771 Foundations of Motor Control
• SAR HS 776 Nutrition Epidemiology
• SAR HP 782 Advanced Human Movement

Biology/Chemistry

• CAS BI 556 Membrane Biochemistry and Cell Signaling
• CAS BI 560 Systems Biology
• CAS CH 621 Biochemistry I
• CAS CH 622 Biochemistry II

Anatomy

• SAR HS 581 Gross Human Anatomy
• SAR HS 710 Graduate Affiliation
• SAR HS 745 Advanced Regional Anatomy
• SAR PT 520 Functional Anatomy

NOTE: Courses listed above are subject to change or be unavailable at times. This is only a partial list of possible courses. Students are encouraged to explore other elective/specialization courses that can be found throughout Sargent College as well as other colleges within Boston University (e.g., the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS), College of Engineering (ENG), BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS), and School of Public Health (SPH)). Students must discuss their course selection with their MS HP faculty advisor or the HP Program Director prior to registering for the courses.