Course Descriptions

Prerequisite courses: The completion of prerequisite courses (with a passing grade) may be necessary before registration in subsequent courses. Requests for exceptions from prerequisite courses require the written approval of the appropriate faculty member offering the course prior to registration.

Format:

Course Title 
REQUIRED  (Identifies those courses required of all students in this program.)

Prerequisites
Credits
Description

A403 Evolutionary Theory
2
This course will provide an overview of modern evolutionary theory. The course will include discussions of relevant topics such as the processes of speciation, tempo and mode in evolution and the evolution of behavior.

A404 History of the Life Sciences
3
This course reviews the milestones in the history of the science of life from Aristotle to the present.

A405 Readings
1
This course will acquaint students with science topics as presented in popular literature. Students will read and discuss five books.

A416 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
4
This is a combination lecture and laboratory course. This study will emphasize the adaptive changes found in the systems of representative vertebrates including: shark, bony fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal.

A440 Genetics
3
This course examines the general aspects and current understanding of the mechanisms of inheritance.

A511 Gross Anatomy I
4
This course will examine the anatomy of the upper and lower extremities as well as the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Students will explore the anatomy of each region through dissection and prosection.

A512 Gross Anatomy II
Prerequisite: A511 or equivalent
4
This course will examine the anatomy of the pelvis, back, neck and head. Students will explore the anatomy of each region through dissection and prosection.

A513 Sectional Anatomy
Prerequisite: A511 or the consent of the instructor.
2
This is a laboratory course. Sections of normal gross anatomical specimens will be studied with comparable photographs, CT and MRI images. Digital (computer - CD-ROM) images will be an important portion of this course. The normal sections will be correlated to normal sagittal and coronal views (digital images) where possible. Students may anticipate achieving a three-dimensional perspective of anatomy that will greatly enhance their understanding of normal gross human anatomy.

A514 Human Osteology I
3
This course focuses on the biology of bones from an anthropological perspective. Upon completing the course, the student should have a deepened knowledge of skeletal form and function on both a macroscopic and histological level. Prehistoric population dynamics as reconstructed from skeletal remains will also be considered.

A515 Human Osteology II
Prerequisite: A514
3
This course focuses on the identification and interpretation of pathological lesions in the skeleton. The course will be taught from an anthropological perspective, integrating the anatomical data within a broader ecological and evolutionary framework. The reconstruction of patterns of health in prehistoric and earlier historic populations using skeletal remains will be addressed.

A517 Human Paleontology/Evolution
3
This course will survey the biological and behavioral adaptations and evolution of the hominid clade that occurred over the past five million years. Besides a thorough review of the fossil remains, students will develop the evolutionary framework necessary to provide a context for the understanding of these materials.

A520 Neuroscience I
4
This course is the study of the nervous system from its molecular organization to the level of the entire organism. It draws on knowledge from the traditional disciplines of biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and psychology. Based upon discussion of readings, and planned laboratory experiences, this course introduces the student to the microscopic and gross anatomy of the nervous system and explores the mechanisms of neural signaling, sensory transduction and processing, development, neuroplacity, motor control and complex brain functions. Provides an understanding of the terminology and structure of the human nervous system both sensory and motor.

A521 Neuroscience II
3
This course continues the study of the nervous system from its molecular organization to the level of the entire organism. Based upon discussion of readings, planned laboratory experiences and computer simulations, this course explores advanced receptor structure and function and the subtleties of sensation, posture, movement, neuroplasticity and complex brain functions.

A530 Histology
4
This course will study the normal histology of the systems of the human body. It is an advanced systemic study of organ histology based on lecture and laboratory experience. Histology generally is considered the academic link between anatomy and physiology (structure and function). For this reason the function of tissues, organs and systems will be an important aspect of the course. Additional information drawn from readings in standard textbooks and journal articles completes the material for which the student is responsible. This course encourages discussion and individualized study.

A531 Cytology
Prerequisites: college physics and biology.
3
The student will gain an understanding of the molecular basis of cell structure and function and a survey of cell biology.

A540 Developmental Anatomy
3
This course will study normal human morphogenesis including the mechanism and pattern of abnormal development.

A554 Microscopy
4
This practical course will acquaint the students with essential research techniques associated with light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, including collection and preparation of tissues and methods of study. The theoretical basis for histological and ultrastructural preparation of tissues will be discussed. Students have direct experience in preparation of materials including fixation, dehydration, embedding, coating for scanning electron microscopy, and microtomy. Students will learn to use a photomicroscope (Nikon), transmission electron microscope (Hitachi, H500) and scanning electron microscope (Hitachi, S500). This course is a combination of discussion and laboratory.

A555 Neuroscience Research Techniques
Prerequisites: A521
3
This practical course will study the specific research procedures used to study the structure and function of the nervous system. The theoretical basis for the procedures is an integral portion of the course that is taught by a combination of discussion and laboratory experience with equipment and methods used.

A556 Biomechanics Research Techniques
Prerequisites: A580
3
This practical course will study the specific research procedures used to study biomechanics. The theoretical basis for the procedures is an integral portion of the course that is taught by a combination of discussion and laboratory experience with equipment and methods used.

A560 Colloquium in College Teaching
1
This is a discussion course that considers practical, theoretical, and philosophical aspects of college teaching. Students will learn to critically evaluate their teaching and testing procedures, to develop innovative methods to present classroom material, interpret student evaluations and to problem solve.

A570 Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management I
REQUIRED
1
In this practical course, students will learn statistical computing skills including: use of SPSS; data entry methods including quality control and assurance issues; creating new data files; accessing and editing existing files; storing data files (e.g. confidentiality of patient/subject data); copying/pasting across software applications; and conversions of data file types. Students will be introduced to literature search software, including Current Contents, Cocharane Database, search engines for Medline and CINAHL, and reference manager software. (See also C504)

A571 Biostatistics
REQUIRED
Prerequisites: A570 or consent of the instructor.
3
The course includes: general statistical concepts; study designs and sampling schemes; both graphical and numerical descriptive statistics; statistical methods (both estimation and hypothesis testing; parametric and non-parametric) for one-group, two-group and multi-group designs; and sample size and power considerations for designed experimental studies. Assignments include the critical review of research articles as well as analysis of real datasets using SPSS, followed by written, tabular and graphical presentation of the results with interpretation. (See also C530)

A572 Introduction to Statistical Graphics and Data Management II
Prerequisites: A571 or equivalent or consent of the instructor.
2
This course will emphasize the importance of using statistical graphics for exploration as part of data analysis, as well as develop skills in using SPSS and other statistical graphics software to produce appropriate figures for presentations and manuscripts. Issues in creating, manipulating and storing data files will also be further explored, and the use of relational databases, such as MS Access, will be introduced. (See also C509)

A573 Research Ethics
REQUIRED
2
This course will acquaint students with fundamental aspects of scientific research through assigned readings, discussion and practical application. Discussions will guide the student through theoretical and ethical aspects of the design and conduct of research, particularly at the graduate level. Students may expect to learn directly the nature and scope of on-going research on campus. As a part of this course students will become familiar with available resources for graduate student thesis research including both laboratory equipment and computer resources. This is a discussion course.

A574 Linear Regression
Prerequisites: A571 or equivalent or consent of the instructor
1
This course includes: notation and terminology; simple and multiple linear regression techniques, including linear regression with one independent variable; building the regression model (selection of independent variables, diagnostics, remedial measures and validation); and the ability to interpret the results of regression analysis. Assignments involve analysis of real datasets, followed by written, tabular and graphical presentation of the results with interpretation. (See also C531)

A575 ANOVA and Regression Modeling
Prerequisites: A574 or equivalent or consent of the instructor
2
Course includes: transformations; specific statistical designs, including randomized block, stratified and nested designs; methods for analyzing observational data, such as two-way and multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance, non-parametric approaches, and further regression topics, including polynomial regression and logistic regression. Assignments involve analysis of real datasets, followed by written, tabular and graphical presentation of the results with interpretation (See also C532)

A580 Introduction to Biomechanics
3
This is a combined lecture and laboratory course that emphasizes the basic concepts of the physics associated with the human body. The topics covered are kinematics and kinetic concepts of human motion; and biomechanics of the tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, intervertebral disc, tendons, and ligaments. This course draws heavily on qualitative as well as quantitative methods.

A581 Clinical Biomechanics
3
This is a combined lecture and laboratory course that emphasizes the biomechanics of the human body with clinical application. The topics covered are measurements in biomechanics, biomechanics of the spine, electromyographic activity, human response to sudden load, biomechanics of injury and rehabilitation, biomechanics of manual therapies, biomechanics of sports activities, biomechanics of postural sway, and biomechanics of gait and lower extremity orthotics. This course draws heavily on recent literature and laboratory experience. (See also C545)

A582 Ergonomics
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
2
This course will focus on techniques to prevent pain and disability during daily work activities. Topics will include analysis of sitting and standing work stations; lifting, cumulative trauma disorders and guidelines from the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Special projects and case studies involving local industry will be addressed relative to work place design. {See also C546)

A600 Scientific Presentation Techniques
REQUIRED
1
This course will acquaint the student with the methods and standards for oral presentation of research results by platform and poster presentation. In-class presentations, in each format, of information for a selected topic are required of each student. Instruction will include discussion, demonstration and practical experience with modern audio-visual materials and equipment used in the preparation of aids to these presentations.

A610 Independent Study
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
1-3*
Independent Study courses are offered with the approval of the Graduate Council. These courses permit the student to explore a narrow area of anatomy related to their thesis research that is not normally offered.

A695 Thesis Literature Review
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
2
This course is specific to the thesis topic of a student. The student will learn to complete a literature review, to analyze and interpret that literature and prepare an appropriate summary of the literature in preparation for development of a thesis proposal, all, under the supervision of their major advisor.

A696 Thesis Proposal (Qualifying Exam).
Prerequisites: 695 AND consent of instructor
4
This course is specific to the thesis topic of a student. The student will learn the necessary aspects of an effective research proposal, develop a research proposal and prepare for and pass a comprehensive examination in support of that research, all under the supervision of their major advisor and thesis committee.

A700 Thesis
Prerequisites: consent of instructor
1-6*
The student will conduct approved research (proposal), gather data, analyze that data, and prepare a report conforming to standards of excellence established by the Graduate Council and their major advisor and thesis committee.

* Registration may vary within the range specified. The maximum credit toward the degree allowed from A700 Thesis is 6 credit hours.

Back to Top