Health Sciences & Policy Track
Boston has a long history of firsts in health care. Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital pioneered the use of anesthetic in 1846. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology partnered with the Shriner's Burn Institute to develop artificial skin. In 1832, Brigham and Women's Hospital opened one of the country's earliest maternity clinics. And today, the tradition of medical excellence continues, which is probably why the health care industry is one of the largest—and fastest growing—segments of Boston's economy.
Students gain valuable background in subjects such as biology, physiology, sociology, and ethics in relation to the health industry, pursuing internships in local health care organizations.

The courses I took were among the best I've ever taken. I know what I learned this summer is relevant to my field. As my first experience in a professional setting, I learned a great deal about not only the healthcare field, but how a workplace operates.
Chelsea Tisosky, Cornell University
Intern, National Patient Safety Foundation
Summer 1: The Academic Phase
(May 21 - June 28, 2013)
You'll spend your first six weeks of the Summer Study Internship Program taking two 4-credit courses chosen from the following offerings in applied health sciences.
Select Two:
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CAS AN 102 Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution
Biology relevant to the behavioral sciences. Introduces basic principles of evolutionary biology, animal social behavior, primate adaptions, human origins, genetic/hormonal/neural bases of behavior, and issues of human socioecology and adaptions. Discussions highlight nature-vs-nurture issues. Carries natural science divisional credit (without lab) in CAS. 4 cr.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
T, R |
1:00 PM-4:30 PM |
Digiorgio |
CAS |
-
CAS BI 106 Human Anatomy
Intensive preprofessional course for students whose programs require anatomy. Not for biology concentration credit. Gross structure of the human body; skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Lab requires dissection. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS BI 105; or equivalent.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Lecture |
T, W, R |
9:30 AM-12:00 PM |
Co |
CAS |
| SA2 |
Lab |
T, R |
1:00 PM-3:00 PM |
Pasino |
SCI |
| SA3 |
Lab |
T, R |
3:30 PM-5:30 PM |
Tba |
SCI |
-
CAS BI 107 Biology I
For students who plan to concentrate in the natural sciences or environmental science, and for premedical students. Required for biology concentrators. No prerequisite. High school biology is assumed. Evolution, ecology, and behavior. The evolution and diversity of life; principles of ecology; behavioral biology. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. 4 cr.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Lecture |
T, W, R |
10:00 AM-12:30 PM |
Wasserman |
CAS |
| SA2 |
Lab |
T, R |
1:30 PM-4:30 PM |
Spilios |
SCI |
-
CAS BI 203 Cell Biology
Principles of cellular organization and function: biological molecules, flow of genetic information, membranes and subcellular organelles, macromolecular complexes, and cell regulation. Students must attend both lecture and discussion. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS BI 108 and CAS CH 102; or equivalent.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Lecture |
M, W |
9:00 AM-11:30 AM |
Monette |
BRB |
| SA1 |
|
F |
9:00 AM-12:30 PM |
Monette |
BRB |
| SA1 |
Discussion |
M, W |
11:30 AM-12:30 PM |
Monette |
BRB |
-
CAS BI 303 Evolutionary Ecology
Investigation of ecological processes and patterns at the individual, population, and community level. An evolutionary approach is emphasized. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS BI 107; CAS BI 206 recommended.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Lecture |
M, W, F |
1:00 PM-3:30 PM |
Wasserman |
PRB |
| SA2 |
Lab |
M, W |
9:30 AM-12:30 PM |
Wasserman |
SCI |
-
CAS BI 327 Cancer Biology
Prereq: (CAS BI 203 or CAS BI 213) and CAS BI 206. Examines how deregulation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control cell growth, survival, and differentiation in normal cells can lead to tumor formation, progression, and metastases. Historic and current literature are critically reviewed to understand basic cancer research, clinical approaches to diagnosis, implementation of therapies, and prevention. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS BI 203 or CAS BI 213; and CASBI206.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
M, W |
3:00 PM-6:30 PM |
Baum |
BRB |
-
CAS BI 421 Biochemistry I
Prereq: (CAS CH 204 or CAS CH 212) or CAS CH 214 or equivalent. Introductory biochemistry. Protein structure and folding, enzyme mechanisms, kinetics, and allostery; nucleic acid structure; lipids and membrane structure; bioenergetics; vitamins and coenzymes; introduction to intermediary metabolism. Students must register for three sections: lecture, discussion, and a laboratory. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS CH 204 or CAS CH 212; or CASCH214 or equivalent.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Lecture |
M, T, W, R |
10:00 AM-12:00 PM |
Lamanna |
CAS |
| SA2 |
Discussion |
W |
9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
Lamanna |
CAS |
| SA3 |
Lab |
M, W |
1:00 PM-5:00 PM |
Lamanna |
SCI |
| SA4 |
Lab |
T, R |
1:00 PM-5:00 PM |
Lamanna |
SCI |
-
CAS PH 251 Medical Ethics
Examination of a number of value problems arising within the context of medicine and health care. Particular ethical problems of euthanasia, abortion, human experimentation, reproduction, and allocation of scarce resources; critiques of contemporary medicine as an institution. 4 cr.
Prereq: one philosophy course or sophomore standing.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
M, T, R |
6:00 PM-8:30 PM |
Richman |
CAS |
-
CAS PS 332 Behavioral Medicine
Prereq: two principal courses in psychology, education, or a health-related discipline, or consent of instructor. Examines applications from the social and behavioral sciences and allied health professions as they are integrated in the practice of traditional medicine. Examples of interventional strategies, treatments, and procedures, including biofeedback and hypnosis. 4 cr.
Prereq: two principal courses in psychology, education,or a health-related discipline, or consent of instructor.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
T, R |
9:00 AM-12:30 PM |
Mostofsky |
PSY |
-
CAS PS 338 Neuropsychology
Survey of theoretical aspects and major empirical findings in human neuropsychology, including memory, language, spatial function, attention, emotion, and abstract thought. Emphasis is on the relation between brain disorders (resulting from head injury, stroke, degenerative disease, etc.) and abnormal behavior. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS PS 231 or CAS BI 325.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
T, R |
1:30 PM-5:00 PM |
Dunne |
PSY |
-
CAS RN 239 Religion and Science
Examines the complex relationship between science and religion, focusing on historical episodes (e.g., the "Galileo Affair") and current controversies (e.g., "Intelligent Design" movement's influence on school curricula, "Spirituality and Health" research, and "Ecology and Religion."). Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. 4 cr.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
T, R |
9:00 AM-12:30 PM |
Dorman |
BRB |
-
MET SO 302 Women and Health in the 21st Century
Examines current issues directly related to the health experiences of women in America and around the world. Topics include an historical overview of women's health and an examination of in-depth issues such as: gender specific medicine; puberty, body image and eating disorders; contraception and the abortion issue; infertility and technology; pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding; violence against women; incarcerated women; and the female brain. Provides a framework to integrate the social variables involved in exploring the roles played by men and women as medical consumers and its affects on overall health and attitudes. 4 cr.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
M, W |
6:00 PM-9:30 PM |
Mercurio |
SOC |
-
SAR HS 251 Human Nutrition Science
An introduction to nutrition with a focus on the relationship between diet and health. Basic scientific information is presented in preparation for discussion of applied issues such as weight management and prevention of chronic disease. Emphasis is placed on translation of current dietary recommendations to actual food choices. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS BI 105 or CAS BI 108.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
T, R |
6:00 PM-9:30 PM |
Pufahl |
SAR |
-
SAR HS 342 Exercise Physiology
Application of physiological principles under different exercise conditions. Integration of the body systems in performance of exercise, work, and sports; immediate and long range effects of these activities on the body. Laboratory includes the measurement of physiological parameters under exercise conditions. 4 cr.
Prereq: CAS BI 211 or CAS BI 315; or consent of instructor.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Lecture |
M, W |
4:30 PM-8:00 PM |
Burgess |
SAR |
| SA1 |
Lab |
ARR |
- |
Burgess |
|
-
SAR HS 450 Non-Infectious Diseases
Despite the enormous global burden of non-infectious diseases, adequate programs for prevention and treatment do not exist and the challenges faced are complex. This course focuses on the preventable risk factors (diet, exercise, tobacco, alcohol, lifestyle, etc.), growing burden of disease, and current issues in control of non-communicable diseases. 4 cr.
Prereq: Juniors and Seniors only.
| Section |
Type |
Days |
Times |
Instructor |
Location |
| SA1 |
Independent |
T, R |
2:00 PM-5:30 PM |
Brown |
SAR |
Summer 2: The Internship Phase
(July 8 - August 16, 2013)
For the second six weeks of the program, you'll be placed as an intern in a Boston-area organization or business that matches your interests and experience. You should expect to work five days a week for a minimum of 35 hours. Most internships are unpaid.
Health Sciences & Policy Internship Opportunities
Internship placement opportunities are available at health care organizations; educational institutions; non-profit organizations; occupational therapy and physical therapy centers; counseling services; and social service providers and policy institutes.
Internship Placement
- Guaranteed internship placement for 35 hours a week
- Internship matches are based on your interests, abilities, and experience, as well as employer and industry norms (Please note: Opportunities within research laboratories are dependent on student experience and lab requirements)
- All internship sites are accessible by public transportation
- Visit our Placement Process page for additional information
Summer Study Internship Course
(May 24 - August 16, 2013)
The Summer Study Internship Program's 2-credit Internship Course meets on Fridays throughout Summer 1 and on three evenings in Summer 2. The primary emphasis of this course is to explore links between your academic track and your on-site professional experience, and to provide support and guidance as you prepare for your placement.
Internship Profile
Student: Graham Miller
Career Track: Health Sciences & Policy
Courses: Biology 1; Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution
Internship Site: East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
On the Job: I did an array of things, ranging from answering phones and dealing with patients, to data entry and survey making. I learned a lot about how a hospital works on the non-medical side, which will allow me to be more knowledgeable than other potential doctors.
Perspectives: I really liked my placement. I thought it was the perfect environment for me this past summer, and that the program did an amazing job recognizing this and putting me there.