Curriculum

Introduction to techniques of molecular biology research, including analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein molecules by techniques such as restriction enzyme digestions, PCR, subcloning, DNA sequencing and analysis, reporter gene assays, protein-protein interactions, and culturing and yeast molecular biology. Effective Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following Teamwork/Collaboration, Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)

Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor - This course covers the neurobiological bases of learning and memory from the cellular to the systems level. Initial sessions cover the behavioral aspects of learning and memory--how it is operationally defined and what are the different theoretical concepts from cognitive psychology that are current. Subsequent sessions investigate the neurophysiological, neuroanatomical, and neurochemical mechanisms of memory at the cellular level and then move on to the study of systems that function at the level of the whole organism. Concentration is on studies in mammals, particularly primates. 2 cr, Spring sem. (Credits: 2)

With growing awareness of an accelerating increase in the size of the elderly population, there has been increasing interest in the neuropsychology of normal aging. Similarly, since aging is a major risk factor for many dementia states, interest has also focused on the neuropsychology of age-related disorders such as Alzheimer¿s disease, Parkinson¿s disease and the Dementias of the frontal lobe type. This course summarizes what is known about cognitive and related changes associated with normal aging and age-related disease. Topics are divided into two major sections. The first considers the cognitive and neurobiological changes associated with normal aging; the second deals with several of the most common age-related diseases. (Credits: 2)

Prereq: Medical Neuroscience course or equivalent, and consent of instructor. Localization of specific anatomical changes in the brain in developmental and neurological disorders. Taught in modules with a specific focus. Blatt, Kemper 2 cr., Spring sem. (Credits: 2)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: BI106, PY105 or PY104, or consent of instructor. - Biomechanics is a powerful tool for understanding why and how we control and coordinate movement in health and disability. The course provides a conceptual and theoretical basis of biomechanics so that students learn to creatively problem solve using a biomechanical thought process. Many examples of applications include athletics, orthopedic injuries, central nervous system disorders, designing assistive devices, pediatrics and aging. Emphasis will be placed on how to use the tools of biomechanics along with an understanding of functional anatomy to think about typical and abnormal movement. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)

The course includes discussion and synthesis of current theories of human action (performance, learning/plasticity, and development) with an emphasis on systems/constraints, dynamical systems and ecological psychology approaches to human action, perception, and action-perception coupling. It serves as an introduction to these theories. Emphasis is placed on understanding how to conceptualize and evaluate functional movement based on these theories. Student participation in class is essential and required reading should be completed prior to class so that each student can fully participate in discussion. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: SAR HP 565 and HP 771, or consent of instructor. - This is a lecture/reading/seminar course that is designed to allow students to integrate the information they have learned in Philosophy of Science, Biomechanics and Foundations of Motor Control. It has been argued that many philosophical issues in the study of human motor control may be overcome through the concept of self-organization. Self-organization can be thought to emerge from the interplay of constraints. A number of researchers have taken this notion seriously and have suggested that constraints arise through one or more of a number of physical underpinnings, including non-linear dynamic constraints on pattern formation (coordination dynamics), biomechanics and functional anatomy, self-optimization, and perception-action coupling. Research performed in these specific domains will be the topics of the course. To illustrate their differences and similarities, attempts to understand specific functions will be addressed including gait patterns and transitions. Students are expected come to class prepared to answer questions and discuss issues related to the assigned readings. Questions will be directed toward specific individuals and part of the grade will depend on the adequacy of their responses. (Credits: 4)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: One or more courses in basic neuroscience. - Exploration of mechanisms of signal transduction, communication, and integration in the nervous system. The approach is multidisciplinary, drawing upon fundamental concepts of the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and physiology of the nervous system. Lectures focus on patterns of processing in unimodal sensory, polymodal, motor, and limbic cortices. Methods used to investigate the nervous system are described and illustrated to facilitate comprehension of the current literature. (Credits: 4)

Prerequisite: SAR HS561; Limited to students in the graduate nutrition program, This course focuses on the etiology, treatment, and prevention over the life course for select nutrition-related health conditions facing at-risk individuals and communities. The role of dietary exposures, risk factors, and intervention during critical periods such as gestation, childhood, adolescents, young adulthood and later adult life and the effects on long-term health and disease risk will be evaluated. Students are expected to integrate knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, metabolism, and nutrient requirements as we evaluate the role of nutrients, dietary patterns, and key intervention periods in decreasing disease risk throughout the life course. Students will gain experience in critically evaluating current research, summarizing and presenting information in a way that is concise and science-based, and applying to real world practice. (Credits: 4)

Graduate Prerequisites: SAR HS369, CAS BI315 or BI211 and consent of instructor. - Investigation-based independent course examining the visceral anatomy of two cadavers. The course begins with instruction in dissection techniques, then full dissection of two cadavers is performed. Based on the findings, students determine the cause of death of one of the cadaveric individuals and write a case report. Grading: 85 case report, 15 participation. (Credits: Var)

Undergraduate Prerequisites: (SARHS584) ; Undergraduate Corequisites: (SARHS585) - The role of nutrition in the treatment of acute and chronic disease will be the focus of the course. The course will begin with an introduction to understanding nutritional assessment, body composition and energy expenditure methodology and the use of these methods in clinical practice. Current research pertinent to the nutritional interventions in the treatment of disease will be discussed. The student is expected to integrate basic knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, and metabolism in the application of nutritional therapy and review of the current literature. (Credits: 4)

Prerequisite: SAR HS551; Limited to students in the graduate nutrition program. - This course examines epidemiologic methods for investigating the role of diet in long-term health. Students learn to critically review the epidemiologic evidence relating diet, anthropometry, biomarkers, and physical activity to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic health conditions including obesity and diabetes. The methodological issues covered include epidemiologic study design; dietary and nutritional status assessment; issues of bias, confounding, effect modification and measurement error; and interpretation of research findings including an understanding of statistical modeling. Students critically review and present on published research. Students will be able to apply this knowledge to interpret scientific literature and participate in nutrition-related research. (Credits: 4)

This course provides an overview of the field of rehabilitation science and an introduction to the social constructs of disability with an emphasis on bio-psycho-social-environmental models of the enabling-disabling process across the life course. The historical, philosophical and theoretical foundations of Rehabilitation Science and the evolution of laws and policies related to rehabilitation that inform the ethical, funding, and social implications of rehabilitation research are analyzed. The course will also provide an in-depth understanding of person-environment interactions and the link between biomedical factors and community participation. (Credits: 2)