Curriculum
Each course carries 4 credits unless otherwise indicated.
First-Year Students
Semester I
CAS BI107: Biology 1
For students who plan to major in the natural sciences or environmental science, and for premedical students. Required for biology majors. No prerequisite. The evolution and diversity of life; principles of ecology; behavioral biology. Three hours lecture, three hours lab including several field studies. 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, Critical Thinking, Research and Information Literacy. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH101: General Chemistry 1
Undergraduate Prerequisites: two years of high school algebra. - For science majors and minors who require a two-semester general chemistry course, but have little prior experience with chemistry. Topics include: atoms and molecules; quantum theory and atomic structure, chemical periodicity; bonding in diatomic and polyatomic molecules; stoichiometry and introduction to reactions in aqueous solutions; properties of gases; and thermochemistry and the first law of thermodynamics. Laboratory exercises include basic training in lab safety and handling of chemical and experiments complementing the lectures, such as investigations of the size of an atom, gas laws, thermochemistry, and quantum aspects. Students must register for the following three (3) course components: lecture, discussion, and laboratory. 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. (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)
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)
SARHP150 carries 0 credits.
Semester II
CAS BI108: Biology 2
For students planning to major in the natural sciences and for premedical students. Required for biology majors. It is strongly recommended students complete CAS CH 101 (or equivalent) before this course. High school biology is assumed. Biochemistry, cell & molecular biology, Mendelian & molecular genetics, physiology, and neurobiology. Three hours lecture, three 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 II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking, Teamwork/Collaboration. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH102: General Chemistry 2
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASCH 101. - Second semester general chemistry for students who have completed CAS CH101. Topics include: properties of solids and liquids; colligative properties; chemical kinetics; equilibrium; acids, bases, and buffers; solubility and precipitation; electrochemistry; and spontaneity, free energy, and the second law of thermodynamics. Laboratory exercises include experiments complementing the lectures, such as investigations of the freezing point of solutions, kinetics, acid-base titrations, and electrochemistry. Students must have completed CASCH 101 prior to enrolling in CAS CH 102. Students must register for the following three (3) course components: lecture, discussion, and laboratory. Carries natural science laboratory credit 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. (Credits: 4)
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 WR152 or WR153: Writing Research & Inquiry
PDP activity (2 credits)
SARHP151 carries 2 credits.
Sophomore Year
Semester I
CAS BI203: Cell Biology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI108 OR CASNE102) and CAS CH 102 or equivalent. ; Undergraduate Corequisites: (CASCH203)or equivalent. - Principles of cellular organization and function: biological molecules, flow of genetic information, membranes and subcellular organelles, and cell regulation. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. Students may receive credit for CAS BI 203 or 213, but not both courses. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH203: Organic Chemistry 1
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASCH102 OR CASCH110 OR CASCH112) - Fundamentals of contemporary organic chemistry, including skeletal and electronic structure, stereochemistry, and reactions of important functional groups. Applications of organic reactions to important synthetic targets in materials and drug discovery will be highlighted, as will reactions pertinent to biochemistry. Laboratory includes training in basic organic chemistry skills, such as extraction, reaction performance, spectroscopy interpretation and chromatography. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I. (Credits: 4)
CAS MA121: Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences I
Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 121 or CAS MA 123. Differentiation and integration of functions of one variable. Same topics as CAS MA 123, but with less emphasis on mathematical generality and more on applications. Especially suitable for students concentrating in the biological and social sciences. 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, Social Inquiry II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
BU Hub requirements outside the major
Semester II
CAS BI315: Systems Physiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI108 OR ENGBE209) , and CASCH101 and CASCH102, or equivalent. First Year Writing Seminar (e.g., WR 100 or WR 120) - An introduction to physiological principles applied across all levels of organization (cell, tissue, organ system). Preparation for more advanced courses in physiology. Topics include homeostasis and neural, muscle, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and metabolic physiology. 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. (Credits: 4)
CAS CH214: Organic Chemistry with Qualitative Analysis
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASCH203) - Lecture and discussion shared with CAS CH 204. Three hours lecture, one hour discussion weekly, one hour prelab lecture, four hours lab. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry II, Quantitative Reasoning I, Research and Information Literacy. (Credits: 4)
CAS MA122: Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences II
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASMA121 OR CASMA123) - Students may receive credit for not more than one of the following courses: CAS MA 122, MA 124, or MA 129. Continuation of CAS MA 121. Review of univariate calculus, calculus of the elementary transcendental functions, elementary differential equations, elementary multivariate calculus. Applications to exponential growth, optimization, equilibrium, and dynamic modeling problems. 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, Social Inquiry II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
BU Hub requirements outside the major
NOTE: CAS CH214 is recommended as preparation for CAS CH421-422. But CAS CH204 is acceptable.
Junior Year
Semester I
CAS PY105: Physics 1
The CAS PY 105/106 sequence satisfies premedical requirements. PY105 covers some of the basic principles underlying the physics of everyday life, including forces and motion, momentum and energy, harmonic motion, rotation, and heat and thermodynamics. 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, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS251: Human Nutrition Science
Prerequisites: CAS BI105 OR CAS BI108. This course draws on principles of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to deepen students’ understanding of macro- and micronutrients, digestion, and metabolism in preparation for applied discussions on individual- and policy-level tools to support healthy eating, dietary patterns for chronic disease prevention, and global nutrition challenges. This course is intended for pre-health and nutrition majors. For non-majors, see SAR HS 201 – Intro to Nutrition. Effective Fall 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, lobal Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
BU Hub requirements outside the major
Semester II
CAS PY106: Physics 2
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASPY105) or equivalent. - The CAS PY 105/106 sequence satisfies premedical requirements. PY106 covers some of the basic principles underlying the physics of everyday life, including electricity and magnetism, direct-current circuits, waves, optics, and modern physics. 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 II, Quantitative Reasoning II, Critical Thinking. (Credits: 4)
2 BU Hub requirements outside the major
Senior Year
Semester I
SAR HS370: Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI211 OR CASBI315) SAR HS369 recommended. - Lecture and laboratory related to the detailed study of development, morphology, internal configuration, and functions, and pathological deficits of the peripheral and central nervous system in humans. Spring semester only. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS371: Pulmonary Pathophysiology
How do humans breathe' How harmful are e-cigarettes to our body' What are the differences between an obstructive vs. a restrictive pulmonary disease' In Pulmonary Pathophysiology we will discuss these questions and more, developing an understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the function of the pulmonary system in health and disease. Through group discussion, active learning activities, and the creation of short films in small groups, we will take an in-depth look into the current understanding of pulmonary pathophysiology. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS791: Directed Study and Research
Limited to students enrolled in the graduate human physiology or nutrition programs. - For MS students conducting research projects, including thesis work, under faculty guidance. (Credits: Var)
SPH BS704: Introduction to Biostatistics
This course provides an overview of biostatistical methods, and gives students the skills to perform, present, and interpret basic statistical analyses. Topics include the collection, classification, and presentation of descriptive data; the rationale of estimation and hypothesis testing; analysis of variance; analysis of contingency tables; correlation and regression analysis; multiple regression, logistic regression, and the statistical control of confounding; sample size and power considerations; survival analysis. Special attention is directed to the ability to recognize and interpret statistical procedures in articles from the current literature. Students will use the R statistical package to analyze public health related data. * Can't be taken together for credit with SPH PH 717 (Credits: 3)
BU Hub requirements outside the major
SPHBS704 carries 3 credits and SARHS791 carries 5 credits.
MS Program
Semester I
CAS BI552: Molecular Biology 1
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI203 or CASBI213) and (CASBI206 or CASBI216). - Synthesis, structure, function, regulation of macromolecules (DNA, RNA, protein). Prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology. Topics include: replication, repair, recombination, transcription, translation, 5-methylcytosine, transcription factors, DNA looping (enhancer- promoter, insulator, etc.), histone modification/chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNA. Discussion of genetic and recombinant DNA techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS750: The Physiologist's Toolbox
Undergraduate Prerequisites: Course in biology, cell biology or physiology, and consent of instruct or. Master and doctoral students only. - This course will cover the skills beyond benchwork that are necessary to be a competitive physiologist. The classes will be a mix of didactic information and group discussion. Methodological issues covered will include study design, techniques used, interpretation of research findings and the process of peer reviewed publication. Practical experience in grant writing and scientific seminar presentation will be included. Students completing this course will understand the principles underlying preparation and publication of scientific manuscripts, grants and seminars and will be able to apply these principles as they read the scientific literature and participate in research projects related to thesis work. (Credits: 2)
SAR HS791: Directed Study and Research
Limited to students enrolled in the graduate human physiology or nutrition programs. - For MS students conducting research projects, including thesis work, under faculty guidance. (Credits: Var)
Elective
SARHS750 carries 2 credits.
Semester II
CAS BI553: Molecular Biology 2
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI552) (CAS BI/CH 421/422 recommended.) - This course focuses on eukaryotic gene regulation. Course topics include genome organization and DNA rearrangement, RNA interference and noncoding RNAs, gene editing, mouse transgenic approaches, signal transduction pathways, chromatin structure, and cell cycle. Research articles will be discussed. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS791: Directed Study and Research
Limited to students enrolled in the graduate human physiology or nutrition programs. - For MS students conducting research projects, including thesis work, under faculty guidance. (Credits: Var)
Elective
Elective
Electives
Choose from the following list (in consultation with your advisor):
CAS BI520: Sensory Neurobiology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI325 OR CASNE203) or consent of instructor. - Animals receive a constant stream of sensory input that they use to adjust their behavior. In this course we explore how sensory systems translate the physical features of the outside world into meaningful patterns of neural activity. Effective Spring 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Scientific Inquiry II. (Credits: 4)
CAS BI556: Drug Discovery in Neuroscience
Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASNE 102 (or BI 108), CH 102, and NE/PS 333. - The process of drug discovery is complex especially when a drug is intended to treat a neurological disease. This discussion-heavy course examines the specific challenges of modern neuroscience drug discovery, including: target selection, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, modeling of disease states within the context of the drivers and limitations of the Drug Discovery Industry. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Scientific Inquiry II, Creativity/Innovation. (Credits: 4)
CAS BI560: Systems Biology
Undergraduate Prerequisites: (CASBI552) or consent of the instructor. - Examines critical components of systems biology, including design principles of biological systems (e.g., feedback, synergy, cooperativity), and the generation and analysis of large-scale datasets (e.g., protein- protein interaction, mRNA expression). (Credits: 4)
SAR HS550: Neural Systems
Undergraduate Prerequisites: One or more courses in basic neuroscience. - Exploration of mechanisms of signal transduction, communication, and integration in the nervous system. The approach is multidisciplinary, drawing upon fundamental concepts of the neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and physiology of the nervous system. Lectures focus on patterns of processing in unimodal sensory, polymodal, motor, and limbic cortices. Methods used to investigate the nervous system are described and illustrated to facilitate comprehension of the current literature. (Credits: 4)
SAR HS710: Graduate Field Experience: Human Physiology
Graduate Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor Required - Practical experience in a research laboratory, clinic, community or individual setting as appropriate. (Credits: Var)
SAR HS745: Seminar: Advanced Regional Anatomy
Graduate Prerequisites: SAR HS369, CAS BI315 or BI211 and consent of instructor. - Investigation-based independent course examining the visceral anatomy of two cadavers. The course begins with instruction in dissection techniques, then full dissection of two cadavers is performed. Based on the findings, students determine the cause of death of one of the cadaveric individuals and write a case report. Grading: 85 case report, 15 participation. (Credits: Var)
SAR HS755: Readings in Neuroscience
Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor. - Review of basic principles of neuroscience at an intermediate level, followed by readings and discussion on topics from the current neurosciences research. 4 credits, 2nd semester every other year (Credits: 4)