Programs in Applied Anatomy and Physiology, and Nutrition
Department of Health Sciences

Graduate programs in nutrition and applied anatomy and physiology are offered. The Master of Science Program in Nutrition prepares students for careers in health care settings, in government and industry, and as private consultants. The master’s degree program and the doctoral program in applied anatomy and physiology prepare basic scientists and health professionals for positions in research, teaching, and clinical health care.

In addition, an undergraduate curriculum with majors in exercise science, human physiology, and nutritional science are offered.

Introductory and advanced courses in human anatomy, neuroanatomy, applied physiology, neuroscience, and nutrition for the various health programs on the Charles River Campus are also available. Courses are open to graduate and undergraduate students in other programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, biology, physical education, and bioengineering.

non-degree program for students desiring registered dietitian status

Students can complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), the courses that are required to become a Registered Dietitian.

To apply, students must submit the Sargent College Graduate School Application which requires submission of three letters of references, an essay, and all undergraduate transcripts. Students must document completion of a bachelor’s degree and must have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Prerequisite courses include one-semester, stand-alone courses, including a lab, in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, and microbiology. Courses in writing, biochemistry, and statistics are also required. Minor deficiencies in prerequisite coursework may be completed during the program, but this may extend the period of study. Students are encouraged to apply even if they have not completed all prerequisite coursework. If they are accepted into the program they will then have a faculty advisor to help with selection of appropriate prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses in nutrition and the biological and chemical sciences must be completed at a four-year college or university. In general, credits from community colleges are not accepted.

Required Courses for Didactic Program in Dietetics

Fall I
SAR HS 542 Exercise Physiology
SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science
CAS PS 101 General Psychology
SAR SM 299 Management

Fall III
SAR HS 520 Applications of Food Service Management
SAR HS 586 Applied Nutrition Care

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master of science programs in nutrition

The graduate program offers advanced study in human nutrition. As described below, MS programs are available for students who do or do not have undergraduate preparation in nutrition. Some programs incorporate a dietetic internship (DI). The DI is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606-6995. A car may be necessary to get to the DI site.

Programs of Study

Programs for Students With Undergraduate Preparation in Nutrition Students can pursue a two-semester MS degree or an MS/DI. Students interested in the Registered Dietitian credential and a career in clinical nutrition/counseling should pursue the MS/DI. Specific admission requirements are listed below. Students in the two-semester MS degree program can choose to focus their electives in clinical nutrition or exercise science; those in the MS/DI program must focus their electives in clinical nutrition. The 28-week, full-time DI begins in either June or January following completion of the MS program. The DI (SAR HS 703) is a six-credit course requiring payment of tuition.

Programs for Students Without Undergraduate Preparation in Nutrition Students can pursue a four-semester MS degree or, for those interested in obtaining an MS degree and credentialing as a Registered Dietitian, the DPD/MS/DI program. Specific admission requirements are listed below. Three of the four semesters of the four-semester MS degree program are part time and one is full time. Students in this four-semester MS degree program can choose to focus their electives in clinical nutrition or exercise science. Students in the DPD/MS/DI program must focus their electives in clinical nutrition during the MS portion of their program. The 28-week, full-time DI begins in January or June following completion of the five-semester DPD/MS program. The DI (HS 703) is a six-credit course requiring payment of tuition.

All programs prepare graduates to critically evaluate and implement the results of current research, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students study with faculty involved in research, education, administration, professional practice, communication, and consulting. As part of their program, they develop a research proposal in an area of their choice and complete an individually designed practicum. Practicum sites have included a nutrition support team at a large urban hospital, a private practice focused on nutrition for athletes, a clinical research center at a large teaching hospital, an outpatient cardiovascular clinic at a suburban teaching hospital, and the offices of a nationally distributed nutrition newsletter.

The DI has clinical sites at major teaching and community hospitals in the greater Boston area. Students may need a car to get to a clinical site. The clinical sites provide excellent opportunities for students to observe and participate in a wide variety of specialties such as nutrition support, pediatrics, oncology, nephrology, cardiology, diabetes, surgical care, outpatient counseling, food service, and management.

Depending on their course selection, graduates can expect to pursue careers in a wide variety of settings. Clinical environments could include medical and surgical services of hospitals, outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation centers, and private practices. Graduates could also work in the fitness/wellness industry, the pharmaceutical industry, public health, or as consultants to professional sports teams, corporations, and restaurants.

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Admission Requirements

All Programs Applicants are required to complete a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. All applicants must complete the Graduate Record Exam General Test with a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative sections (institutional code 3–028).

Prerequisite courses in nutrition and the biological and chemical sciences must be completed at a four-year college or university. In general, credits from community colleges are not accepted.

Two-Semester MS Degree Program Students should complete the Sargent College Graduate School Application which requires submission of three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who are familiar with the student’s academic ability and/or professional work experience. Students should indicate their area of focus (clinical nutrition or exercise science) on the application. Prerequisite courses include one-semester, stand alone courses, including a lab, in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physiology. Additionally, one-semester courses in statistics, biochemistry, introductory nutrition, life cycle nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy must have been completed. Minor deficiencies in prerequisite coursework may be completed during graduate studies but this may extend the period of graduate study.

Students are encouraged to apply even if they have not completed all prerequisite coursework. If they are accepted into the program they will then have a faculty advisor to help with selection of appropriate prerequisite courses.

MS/DI Program Students should apply using the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) national computer matching process. It is our policy that every student matched to our program will be guaranteed financial aid in the amount of $10,000–$15,000.

All applicants to the MS/DI program must complete a Boston University Sargent College Graduate School Application, an ADA Didactic Program Verification Statement, and an ADA Dietetic Internship Application. Students must only submit the ADA recommendation forms, not the Boston University Sargent College recommendation forms. ADA recommendation forms should be completed by individuals who are familiar with the student’s academic ability and/or professional work experience. Candidates must comply with all deadlines set forth by the ADA. The DI application can be found at Dietetic Educators of Practitioners.

Four-Semester MS Degree Program Students should complete the Sargent College Graduate School Application which requires submission of three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who are familiar with the student’s academic ability and/or professional work experience. Students should indicate their area of focus (clinical nutrition or exercise science) on the application. Prerequisite courses include one-semester, stand alone courses, including a lab, in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physiology. Courses in statistics and biochemistry are also required. Minor deficiencies in prerequisite coursework may be completed during graduate studies but this may extend the period of graduate study.

Students are encouraged to apply even if they have not completed all prerequisite coursework. If they are accepted into the program they will then have a faculty advisor to help with selection of appropriate prerequisite courses.

DPD/MS/DI Program Students should complete the Sargent College Graduate School Application which requires submission of three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who are familiar with the student’s academic ability and/or professional work experience. Prerequisite courses include one-semester, stand-alone courses, including a lab, in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology and microbiology. Courses in writing, biochemistry, and statistics are also required. Minor deficiencies in prerequisite coursework may be completed during graduate studies, but this may extend the period of graduate study.

Students are encouraged to apply even if they have not completed all prerequisite coursework. If they are accepted into the program they will then have a faculty advisor to help with selection of appropriate prerequisite courses.

Application Deadline The recommended postmark deadline for submission of the Sargent College Graduate School Application is February 15.

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Degree Requirements

Students are eligible to receive a Master of Science degree upon completion of a minimum of 33 credits of coursework at the 700 level and above. At least 25 credits must be taken at Boston University as a degree candidate. Specific, required courses for each program are listed below.

An overall grade point average of B (3.0) or higher must be maintained each semester of study. In graduate courses, no grade below C is acceptable for credit. No more than eight credits of C or C+ work will be counted toward the MS degree and the acceptability of such grades in required courses is subject to faculty approval.

SAR HS 704 and 811 are graded on a pass/fail basis. Pass indicates B– or better work.

A student may complete any of the academic programs on a full- or part-time basis; the DI must be completed on a full-time basis. All programs must be completed within five years of matriculation.

Information specific to programs that incorporate the DI In addition to the tuition for the courses in the MS and DI programs, interns must pay a nonrefundable $1,000 fee to their internship site during the first two weeks of the DI. After successful completion of the MS and DI the student will receive the appropriate ADA verification statement. At this time the student will have met the core competencies for the supervised practice component of entry-level dietitian education programs as mandated by ADA.

Required Courses for Nutrition Programs

All courses are 4 credits unless otherwise indicated. The DI begins following completion of all courses in the appropriate programs.

Two Semester MS (Electives in Clinical Nutrition)

Fall
SPH BS 703 Biostatistics
SAR HS 704 Issues in Clinical Nutrition Practice (2)
SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
SAR HS 789 Clinical Nutrition Counseling (2)

Spring
SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology
SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2)
SAR HS 811 Practicum
Graduate elective (3–4)

Two Semester MS (Electives in Exercise Science)

Fall
SPH BS 703 Biostatistics
SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
Graduate electives (8)

Spring
SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology
SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2)
SAR HS 811 Practicum
Graduate elective (3–4)

MS/DI

Fall 1
SPH BS 703 Biostatistics
SAR HS 704 Issues in Clinical Nutrition Practice (2)
SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
SAR HS 789 Clinical Nutrition Counseling (2)

Spring
SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology
SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2)
SAR HS 811 Practicum
Graduate elective (3–4)

The DI (HS 703) begins following completion of academic coursework. It is a six-credit class requiring payment of tuition.

Four Semester MS (Electives in Clinical Nutrition)

Fall 1
SPH BS 703 Biostatistics
SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science
Graduate elective (3–4)

Spring 1
SAR HS 561 Life Cycle Nutrition
SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology

Fall 2
SAR HS 584 Medical Nutrition Therapy I
SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
Graduate elective

Spring 2
SAR HS 585 Medical Nutrition Therapy II
SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2)
SAR HS 811 Practicum

Four Semester MS (Electives in Exercise Science)

Fall 1
SPH BS 703 Biostatistics
SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science
Graduate elective (3–4)

Spring 1
SAR HS 561 Life Cycle Nutrition
SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology

Fall 2
SAR HS 584 Medical Nutrition Therapy I
SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
Graduate elective

Spring 2
SAR HS 585 Medical Nutrition Therapy II
SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2)
SAR HS 811 Practicum
Graduate elective

DPD/MS/DI

Fall 1
SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science
SMG SM 299 Management as a System (6)
CAS PS 101 General Psychology
SPH BS 703 Biostatistics

Spring 1
SAR HS 500 Food Science
SAR HS 510 Management of Food Service Systems
SAR HS 561 Life Cycle Nutrition
SAR HS 542 Clinical Exercise Physiology

Fall 2
SAR HS 520 Applications of Food Service Management
SAR HS 566 Community Nutrition
SAR HS 584 Medical Nutrition Therapy I
SAR HS 742 Nutrition for Disease Prevention
SAR HS 789 Clinical Nutrition Counseling (2)

Spring 2
SAR HS 585 Medical Nutrition Therapy II
SAR HS 775 Advanced Clinical Nutrition
SAR HS 776 Nutritional Epidemiology
SAR HS 785 Nutrition Research (2)
SAR HS 811 Practicum

Fall 3
SAR HP 353 U.S. Health Care
SAR HS 586 Applied Nutrition Care
SAR HS 704 Issues in Clinical Nutrition Practice (2)
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation
SAR SB 721 Social and Behavioral Sciences for Public Health (3)

The DI (HS 703) begins following completion of academic coursework. It is a six-credit class requiring payment of tuition.

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master of science program in applied anatomy and physiology

The Master of Science in Applied Anatomy and Physiology is designed to prepare graduates for further graduate study in human physiology or neurosciences, and typically leads to a career with a strong research emphasis. Those interested in clinical positions will find potential careers in hospitals, industry, or commercial exercise programs. Areas of study in the applied anatomy and physiology specialization include muscle physiology, protein biochemistry, metabolism, cardiovascular physiology, human fatigue, neural association and motor systems, and sensorimotor integration. Opportunities also exist for coursework within other departments in the College related to biomechanics and motor control.

Core courses are offered by the department both to provide advanced study of human function and to draw together basic knowledge and skills in practical and applied contexts. To supplement these core courses, seminars are offered in specialized areas. Other programs at Boston University offer courses in human biology, and students are encouraged to draw liberally from these offerings to satisfy individual objectives.

In addition, the department supports didactic and practical experience at agencies and institutions of higher learning. Students may carry out accredited coursework at these locations as part of their academic programs with the approval of their advisor. A complete listing of fieldwork experience locations is presented in this bulletin.

Each student works with a faculty advisor to design his or her program, taking into account the student’s academic background, professional experience, and career objectives. Such planning includes scheduling of required courses, selection of electives, inclusion of directed study and directed teaching experiences as deemed appropriate, and selection of projects for scholarly papers, theses, and dissertation research.

Admission Requirements

The primary requirement for admission is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The undergraduate program should have included study in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The following coursework is required for admission: three courses in the biological sciences; two courses in chemistry; one course in math, statistics, or computer science.

An applicant must submit scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (institution code 3028), and three letters of reference, two of which should be academic references.

Application Deadline The recommended application deadline is March 1.

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Degree Requirements

A candidate must take at least 32 credits of graduate-level coursework. At least 20 of the 32 credits must be in courses offered by the program in health sciences. Candidates for the master’s degree can complete the MS degree requirements by choosing to do a scholarly paper or thesis plus coursework. Those students electing to complete a scholarly paper to fulfill their degree requirements must determine a topic area with their advisor. Specific details regarding the scholarly paper are addressed in the departmental graduate student manual. Those students electing to complete a master’s thesis to fulfill their degree requirements must formulate a mutual agreement with a departmental research advisor having expertise and willingness to closely supervise their effort.

An overall grade point average of B or higher is required for graduation. No more than 8 credits of any C+ grades will be counted toward the degree. No grade below C+ is acceptable for inclusion in the 32-credit requirement.

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

Curriculum

The following is the required curriculum for the Master of Science Program in Applied Anatomy and Physiology. Each course carries 4 credits unless otherwise indicated. The specific course requirements are intentionally left broad to allow students to concentrate on areas related to their career goals. For instance, students may select courses that focus on areas such as applied anatomy and physiology, basic exercise physiology, or neuroscience. Students are encouraged, with the consultation of their advisor, to avail themselves of various courses offered in other departments.

Core Requirements (15 credits)

SPH BS 701 Elementary Biostatistics (3) or other approved statistics course.

SAR HS 542 Exercise Physiology
SAR HS 543 Advanced Exercise Physiology
SAR HS 550 Neural Systems
SAR HS 551 Human Nutrition Science
SAR HS 577 Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Function
SAR HS 581 Gross Human Anatomy
SAR HS 582 Neuroanatomy/Neurophysiology
SAR HS 587 Cellular Exercise Physiology
SAR HS 783 Metabolic Regulation

In consultation with their academic advisor, students must complete an additional 17 credit hours to be chosen from the following list, from the list of core requirements, or from selected courses in other departments.

SAR HP 565 Biomechanics
SAR HP 737 Instrumentation for Analysis of Motion
SAR HP 739 Software for Human Movement
SAR HP 741 Time-Series Analysis in Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences
SAR HP 771 Foundations of Motor Control
SAR HP 782 Advanced Human Movement
SAR HS 545 Exercise Physiology for Special Populations
SAR HS 575 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology
SAR HS 710 Graduate Field Experience: Applied Anatomy and Physiology
SAR HS 742 Advanced Nutrition and Disease Prevention
SAR HS 745 Advanced Regional Anatomy
SAR HS 791 Directed Study and Research
SAR PT 520 Functional Anatomy
SAR RS 650 Philosophy of Science

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doctor of philosophy degree program in applied anatomy and physiology

The PhD degree in Applied Anatomy and Physiology is designed to prepare professionals to assume roles (1) in university settings to teach and conduct research in aspects of basic and applied human physiology and neuroscience; (2) in cardiopulmonary research laboratories, institutes for environmental health, private industry, and basic research; (3) in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, and (4) in a variety of clinical or educational settings for which the graduate has prior qualifications or for which qualifications are gained during the program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the biological or health sciences. Test results of the Graduate Record Examination general test (institutional code 3028) and three letters of reference (two from a person familiar with your academic background) must be submitted.

Application Deadline Applications are considered as they are received. Students applying for financial assistance are advised to submit all materials by February 1.

Degree Requirements

Students admitted with a bachelor’s degree must complete the equivalent of 16 semester courses (64 credits); at least 32 credits of the total must be research. Students admitted with a master’s degree must complete the equivalent of 8 semester courses (32 credits), of which 16 credits must be research. In both cases, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained. No more than 8 credits of any C+ grade will be acceptable for inclusion in the requirement.

Students who have not had two or more years of a foreign language at the college level must demonstrate the ability to read scientific literature in a language other than English by an examination administered by the program faculty.

A candidate’s minimum semester hours includes coursework and research as determined by the department.

Before the end of one year of study, the student must submit a plan of study for completion of all degree requirements, including identification and approval of a departmental faculty member who will serve as his or her research advisor.

A candidate must take both a written and an oral comprehensive examination at the end of all formal coursework. Dissertation research may then be undertaken. If a candidate’s performance on these comprehensive examinations is unsatisfactory, the examination may be retaken only following approval of a student petition to the department.

A candidate must complete the dissertation and defend it orally before the departmental faculty.

A candidate must be in residence for at least two consecutive full-time academic semesters (full time equals 12 to 18 credits per semester or 8 to 12 credits per semester for a teaching or research fellow). A candidate’s program must be completed within five years of matriculation.

Health Sciences Programs

617-353-2717 (Applied Anatomy and Physiology)

617-353-7469 (Nutrition)

Applied Anatomy and Physiology Program Director

Associate Professor Judith L. Schotland
617-353-8449
schotlnd@bu.edu

Nutrition Program Director

Clinical Assistant Professor Roberta Durschlag
617-353-7488
rdurschl@bu.edu

(*) Joint appointment with other Boston University Schools or Colleges.

Professors Barbas*, Kandarian*, Morgan

Associate Professor Lewis

Assistant Professors Chan, Girgenrath, Quatromoni

Clinical Associate Professors Bandini, O’Keefe, Schotland

Clinical Assistant Professors Durschlag, Salge-Blake

Emeriti Bullen, Powers

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Published by Trustees of Boston University
One Sherborn Street
Boston, MA 02215

20 September 2007
Boston University
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