Sample Curriculum
Below is one example of how a student might meet the Bachelor of Science in Behavior and Health requirements. Typical registration is 16 credits (full-time study) each semester, and a minimum of 128 credits is required for graduation. Students who participate in a Study Abroad program will need to modify this sample schedule in order to meet requirements.
First-Year Students
CAS BI105: Introductory Biology for Health Sciences
Principles of biology; emphasis on cellular structure, genetics, microbiology, development, biochemistry, metabolism, and immunology. This course is appropriate for non-majors and students in the health and paramedical sciences (Sargent College). Students may not receive credit for CAS BI 105 if CAS BI 108 has already been passed. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Research and Information Literacy. (Credits: 4)
CAS BI210: Human Anatomy
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI105) or equivalent. - Intensive preprofessional course for students whose programs require anatomy. Not for biology major or minor credit. Gross structure of the human body; skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Three hours lecture, two hours lab (lab requires dissection). Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title formerly numbered CAS BI 106. Effective Spring 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)
CAS MA113: Elementary Statistics
CAS MA 113 may not be taken for credit by any student who has completed any MA course numbered 300 or higher. Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 113, MA 115, or MA 213. Basic concepts of estimation and tests of hypotheses, ideas from probability; one-, two-, and multiple-sample problems. Applications will be in social sciences and students will be able to understand the basics of using a sample to predict uncertainty. Carries MCS divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Quantitative Reasoning II. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS PS101: General Psychology
Basic introduction to field of psychology; topics include theories and findings governing learning, memory, perception, development, personality, social and abnormal psychology. Three hours large lecture and one hour discussion section or three hours of small lecture class with no discussion sections. Students are required to participate as subjects in psychology studies. 4 cr. either sem. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2019, this course will fulfill a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking, Ethical Reasoning. (Credits: 4)
CAS SO100: Principles in Sociology
An introduction to the major theories and basic principles of sociological analysis. Explores culture, media, socialization, race and ethnicity, globalization, capitalism, gender and sexuality, inequality and poverty, power in American society, and health and medicine from a sociological perspective. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, Critical Thinking. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Social Inquiry I, The Individual in Community, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS WR150: Writing, Research, & Inquiry
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g. CAS WR 120) or transfer credit for CA S WR 100, WR 13*, WR 150, or WR 16*. - Topic-based seminar in critical reading, research, and writing. Practice in sustained inquiry, including scholarly research and communication of findings to different audiences. Attention to argumentation, prose style, and revision, informed by reflection and feedback, including individual conferences. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing, Research, Inquiry, and Research and Information Literacy. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP150: First-Year Sargent Seminar
This course is designed to facilitate successful integration into Sargent College for first-year students. Resources and guidelines will be made available to aid first-year students in making informed academic decisions while clarifying and enhancing the students' experiences with the Boston University community. Interaction with faculty and student leaders is provided. (Credits: 0)
SAR HP151: Introduction to Health Professions
Through readings, discussion and written work, we explore the functions of the health and rehabilitation disciplines. An introduction to the health care system and social impact of health and disability is also considered especially with respect to allocation of resources to improve outcomes. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Oral and/or Signed Communication. (Credits: 2)
CAS WR151 or WR153: Writing Research & Inquiry
Behavioral sciences course
BU Hub requirements
We recommend students take statistics during their first year as it is a prerequisite for SAR HP250 Critical Inquiry (Sophomore Fall). Statistics requirement could be fulfilled by CAS MA113, MA213, or PS211.
Sophomore Year
CAS BI211: Human Physiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI105 OR CASBI108) & (CASBI106 OR CASBI210); or equivalent. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) or equivalent. - Some knowledge of chemistry and anatomy assumed. Not for biology major or minor credit; Biology majors/minors should take CAS BI 315. Introduction to principles of systemic mammalian physiology with special reference to humans. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Writing-Intensive Course, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration. Effective Fall 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Digital Multimedia Expression, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP252: Health and Disability Across the Lifespan
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - Overview of health development across the lifespan followed by an examination of common conditions that typically begin in certain stages. Each condition will be examined for its individual, group and systemic impacts. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP412: Psychopathology and Rehabilitation
Survey of theory, research, and therapeutic interventions related to the rehabilitation of persons with psychiatric disabilities. Presents an overview of maladaptive problems in living from personal, biological, social, and environmental perspectives. Emphasizes issues of special relevance to health and rehabilitation professionals. 4 credits, 1st semester (Credits: 4)
SAR HP250: Introduction to Critical Inquiry in Behavior and Health (4 credits)
Behavioral Sciences course
BU Hub requirements
Junior Year
CAS PH251: Medical Ethics
Undergraduate Prerequisites: one philosophy course or sophomore standing. - This course will survey ethical issues that arise in connection with medicine and emerging biotechnologies. It will examine topics such as the right to healthcare, research on human subjects, euthanasia, abortion, cloning, genetic selection, disabilities, and the biomedical enhancement of human capacities. Students can expect to gain not only training in the concepts and methods of moral philosophy and the logic of argumentation, but also the resources needed for assessing ethically difficult questions that healthcare professionals routinely face. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Ethical Reasoning, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP353: Organization and Delivery of Health Care in the U.S.
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - The focus of this interdisciplinary course is on increasing the student's understanding of the health care system, the social, environmental, and behavioral factors that affect health care, and on increasing the student's ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. The student will actively engage in individual work, group discussion and teamwork through written, oral, and web site assignments. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Writing-Intensive Course. (Credits: 4)
Behavioral sciences courses
Specialty Electives or Study Abroad
SAR HP305 Prerequisite: SAR HP250 or HS210 or equivalent course in critical inquiry. Ethics requirement could be fulfilled by CAS-PH150 or PH251.
Senior Year
SAR HP306: Foundations of Health Promotion
This course provides students with an introduction to the principles of health promotion and an overview of strategies used to promote health at both the individual and population levels. The course will develop students' understanding of public health principles, health promotion and human behavior change models, as well as social determinants of health, and will explore how interactions among these factors impact health interventions and outcomes. Students will learn about methods to identify and assess the health needs of individuals across various contexts (health care facilities, schools, worksites, and communities); factors to consider when planning interventions tailored to the unique needs of specific populations (i.e. individuals with disabilities, male adolescents and young men, and communities of color); current evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes and reduce the prevalence of chronic disease; and the effectiveness of select health promotion programs and strategies aimed at helping people make lasting healthy choices wherever they live, learn, work, and play. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Teamwork/Collaboration. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Teamwork/Collaboration, Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP321: Health Conditions Across the Life-course
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CAS BI105 or equivalent - Overview of medical and psychosocial aspects of selected chronic diseases, with a particular focus on the impact of the disease and its management on the person's daily life. (Credits: 2)
SAR HP405: Practicum and Seminar in Behavior and Health
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Senior concentrators in Behavior and Health program only. ; Undergraduate Corequisites: SAR HP250 - Practical experience in a health or social service related setting related to the student's specialization area. Includes participation in weekly seminar. (Credits: 4)
SAR HP500: Helping Skills: Fundamentals of Health Communications
The course is designed to improve the student's cultural competence, interpersonal and human relations skills. Through lecture, experiential activities and class discussions, students explore the meaning of helping/healing and identify the factors that facilitate counseling and professional relationships. These skills are also fundamental for health promotion programs. (Credits: 4)
Specialty Electives or Study Abroad
Each student will identify an individual specialty area of focus related to his or her interests and anticipated career track. The specialty requires completion of SAR HP405 Practicum and Seminar in Behavior & Health plus 20 credits in specialty courses (may be counted as electives).
Internships completed during Study Abroad do not fulfill the practicum requirement and cannot substitute for SAR HP405 Practicum and Seminar; however, courses from study abroad (including the internship) may apply toward other requirements.
Specialty Areas
The specialty focus and relevant courses are developed individually in consultation with the student’s Advisor. The student meets with his/her Advisor each semester (usually before registration), and by the end of the BSBH Junior year, each student will identify an individual specialty area of focus related to interests and anticipated career path
Specialty focus and courses are identified in consultation with the Advisor to provide a strong foundation for this future path. The specialty requires completion of SAR HP405 Practicum and Seminar in Behavior & Health plus three additional related courses.
BSBH Career Fair
The BSBH program works closely with the Boston University Center for Career Development (CCD) throughout students’ time at BU. During senior year, students are required to meet with the CCD for to review your resume, create a LinkedIn page, and learn job search and interview strategies.