Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• GMS BI 777: Techniques in Biomedical Research
  Success in biomedical research requires proposing, developing and testing a novel hypothesis. The generation of a novel hypothesis in turn requires the ability to apply the scientific method and then implement the appropriate techniques to address the experimental question. This course will complement the Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (FiBS) curriculum by providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the core experimental methods used in biomedical research. By the end of this course, students will master the concepts behind a wide range of experimental techniques and technologies and then be prepared to apply the most appropriate experimental system to a given biological question. Biochemical knowledge regarding "how things work" and "how to cook from scratch in the lab" will enable students to develop their own experimental research strategies. Specific topics to be covered include: the scientific method/lab basics, cell culture and gene transfer, protein extraction and analysis, DNA and cloning, PCR, DNA-protein interactions and chromatin, RNA and quantitative PCR, lipids, transgenic and knockout mice, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, microarray and next generation sequencing, histology and confocal microscopy. This course is team taught and will use lectures, in class discussions, and focused problem sets. A concise final written assignment is designed to test the students' mastery of the subject matter. 2 cr., Fall sem.
• GMS BI 778: Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disease
  The course deals with research topics relevant to cardiovascular disease including lipoproteins, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, diabetes, hypertension, congenital heart abnormalities, gene therapy, stem cell therapies and others. Emphasis is placed on molecular and cellular mechanisms of normal vascular function and of vascular dysfunction leading to disease. Each session is taught by an expert in the field. Each student presents an original paper assigned by the instructors and writes and presents a review. Offered alternate years. 2 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS BI 793: Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics and Functional Genomics
  The application of mass spectrometry to protein, glycoconjugate and carbohydrate structures has propelled developments in proteomics and functional genomics. This course describes how to use mass spectrometry to answer structural and functional questions in biomedical research. The course explores the background necessary to effectively design mass spectrometric (MS) experiments and interpret data. Students gain a full understanding of modern MS and its effective use in research. Lectures are devoted to instrumentation, ionization methods, applications to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, glycoconjugates, nucleic acids and uses of the technology in proteomics, biotechnology and medicine. 2 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS BN 775: Human Neuropsychology I
  This course focuses on the relationship of the field of neuropsychology to other medical and scientific disciplines. Includes neuropsychological assessment, electrical activity of the brain, the study of attention, cerebral dominance, pathologies of language, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD and Parkinson's Disease. 4 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS BN 776: Human Neuropsychology II
  This course focuses on the relationship of the field of neuropsychology to other medical and scientific disciplines. Includes neuropsychological and pathological aspects of neurological disease. Topics include dementing diseases, memory, epilepsy, child development, neurotoxicant exposures, and brain stimulation treatments. 4 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS BN 778: Basic Neurosciences Survey
  Fall Semester: Overview includes neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, neurobehavior, and neuropsychopharmacology and behavioral genetics, successful aging, dementia. Processes occurring at the cellular and physiological levels are related to known central nervous system dysfunction. Spring Semester: Review of brain function and selected topics such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, neurotoxicology, aphasia, electrophysiology, neuroimaging, and effects of alcohol and marijuana on the brain. This course is the same as GMS BN 779 (2 cr, 1 semester). May not be taken concurrently with GMS BN 779. 4 cr, Fall & Spring sem. (2 sem. course)
• GMS BN 779: Beginning Basic Neurosciences
  Fall Semester: Overview includes neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, neurobehavior, neuropsychopharmacology, and behavioral genetics, successful aging, dementia. Processes occurring at the cellular and physiological levels are related to known central nervous system dysfunction. Spring Semester: Review of brain function and selected topics such as schizophrenia, neurotoxicology, electrophysiology, neuroimaging, and the affects of alcohol and marijuana on the brain. This course is the same as GMS BN 778 (4 cr across 2 semesters). May not be taken concurrently with GMS BN 778. 2 cr, Fall and/oror Spring sem. Students may take either or both semesters. The Fall semester is not a pre-requisite to the Spring semester.
• GMS BN 780: Behavioral and Biological Aspects of Stress and Trauma
  This course provides an overview of theory and research on stress and trauma, with attention to biological, psychological, and social factors. Special emphasis placed on gender issues, developmental factors, psychopathology, and physical health. 2 cr, Spring semester.
• GMS BN 782: Forensic Practice in Neuropsychology and Neuroscience
  This course is taught by neuroscientists, physicians, lawyers, and judges. Topics cover the growing role of psychology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, and behavioral neurology in the law and judicial proceedings. Examples are: malingering; competency to stand trial, testify, and be executed; sociopathy; insanity defense; criminal culpability in children; autism; and biological bases and treatment of violence. 4 cr, *not offered in 2015-16.
• GMS BN 791: Directed Studies in Behavioral Neuroscience
  Var cr, Fall sem.
• GMS BN 792: Directed Studies in Behavioral Neuroscience
  Var cr, Spring sem.
• GMS BN 794: Brain Asymmetry: Functional and Structural Differences Between Hemispheres
  The distinctive roles of the left and right hemispheres are reviewed; first by examining alterations in language and nonverbal behavior under conditions of brain damage; and second, by examining techniques used to investigate functional asymmetry in the normally intact brain. 2 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS BN 795: Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory and Perception
  The study of normal and abnormal perception and memory is related to brain structure and function. This seminar covers theoretical and clinical issues about how abilities change in normal and abnormal (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) conditions, using a variety of methods. 4 cr, Fall or Spring sem. on demand.
• GMS BN 796: Neuropsychological Assessment I
  Overview of neuropsychological tests used for cognitive assessment in clinical and research settings. Focus is on determining appropriate outcome measures to quantify brain behavior relationships. Students will learn the Boston Process Approach for qualitative measurements and standardized assessment procedures of quantitative measurements in the differential diagnosis and symptomatology of neurological and neuropsychiatric syndromes. The course prepares students to design neuropsychological assessment batteries for research studies. Students work with the instructor to develop a research protocol for neurological populations of interest to the student. 4 cr, Fall sem.
• GMS BN 797: Neuropsychological Assessment II
  Continuation of GMS BN 796 Neuropsychological Assessment I. 4 cr, on demand.
• GMS BN 798: Functional Neuroanatomy in Neuropsychology
  This course has been designed to provide students with a foundational and comprehensive review of the structures and functions of the human nervous system, as well as an introduction to neuropathology and the sequelae associated with congenital and acquired disorders of the central nervous system. Appropriate for students enrolled in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, rehabilitation (e.g., speech pathology, PT, OT), medical sciences, and psychology masters and doctoral programs.
• GMS BN 821: Seminar in Neuroimaging
  Overview of neuroimaging techniques available as adjuncts to neuropsychological measures of human brain damage. Intended for students with limited background in the application of neuroimaging techniques for the study of neuropsychiatric illnesses. Techniques, including MRI, fMRI, DTI, MRS, PET and SPECT will be covered with relevance to selected neurobehavioral disorders. 2 cr, Spring sem..
• GMS BN 822: Neuroimg Lang
  
• GMS BN 891: Case Studies - Neurobehavioral Consequences of Neurological Disease
  2 cr, Spring sem.
• GMS BN 892: Case Studies
  2 cr, Spring sem.

Back to full list of Graduate Medical Sciences