Master’s Curriculum

students and teacher during class

The MS degree in Nutrition & Metabolism requires the completion of a minimum of 32 credits, 28 of which must be course credits. At least 4 research credits must also be completed. Finally, all students must complete, present, and defend an original research thesis.

The 32 credits may be completed in a minimum of 4 semesters during one calendar year. To complete the degree in one calendar year, students who start the program in the fall semester must be register for Fall (semester 1), Spring (semester 2), Summer I (semester 3), and Summer II (semester 4). Typically, all course credits would be taken in the first two semesters, with 2 research credits each being taken during each of the last 2 semesters. Students finishing in one calendar year are considered full time during all 4 semesters. However, in the final 2 semesters, students are typically engaged in research and are “certified” as a full-time student (while paying for only 2 credits per semester (assuming that they have only 2 credits remaining in each of the final 2 semesters.

GMS NU 755: Molecular, Biochemical and Physiologic Bases of Nutrition I: Energy Balance and Micronutrients

GMS NU 709: Research Design and Statistical Methods for Biomedical Sciences

GMS NU 756: Molecular, Biochemical and Physiologic Bases of Nutrition II: Macronutrients

GMS NU 620: Clinical Nutrition Research

GMS NU 700: Nutrition and Metabolism Seminar

GMS NU 901/2: Nutrition and Metabolism Research (Thesis)

Nutrition Elective Courses:

GMS NU 711: Physical Activity and Metabolism

Other Electives

Elective courses may be chosen from programs throughout GMS, and one elective course may be taken from other programs at Boston University such as the School of Public Health.

Boston University is also a part of the Boston Area Consortia which allows BU students to take courses at other Boston-area colleges and universities.

Other Elective Courses

Course Number and Section	Course Name	Description
GMSAN 704 A1	STAT METHODS	This course provides a working understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis. Each class consists of lectures, examples of problems and discussion of theoretical issues underlying a particular experimental design. Both parametric and non-parametric approaches to data analysis will be explored. 2 cr, Fall sem.
GMSBI 751 A1	BIOCHEM/CELL B	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – Basic principles and concepts of medical school-level biochemistry and cell biology in a one-semester course. Topics include protein structure and function, mechanisms of enzyme action, nutrition and metabolism, membrane structure, receptor signaling, cell cycle regulation, DNA and RNA structure and function, regulation of gene expression and techniques in molecular medicine. Clinical correlations are provided throughout the course. 6 cr, Fall sem.
GMSBI 777 A1	TECH BIOMED RES	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – 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.
GMSBN 779 A1	Basic Neuroscience	Processes occurring at the cellular and physiological levels are related to known central nervous system dysfunction. Fall Semester: Overview to include neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neurobehavior, and neuro-psychopharmacology. Spring Semester: Review of brain function and selected topics such as movement disorders, schizophrenia, neurotoxicology, sleep, electrophysiology, and head injury. 2 cr Fall sem and 2 cr Spring sem

GMSCI 640 A1	REG & COMP ISS	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – This course explains the regulatory requirements for health-care products, that is, drugs, biologics, and devices. It is intended for those interested in regulatory affairs or the clinical evaluation, development, manufacture, testing and/or commercialization of these products. Provides an in-depth review of pertinent FDA regulations and guidance and links these to the scientific and logistical activities involved in taking a medical product from research to market. Content and preparation of regulatory submissions, including an Investigational New Drug Application (IND), an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), a New Drug Application (NDA), a Biologic License Application (BLA), a Pre-Market Approval Application (PMA), and a 510K Pre- Market Notification are described. 4 cr, Fall sem.
GMSCI 660 OL	GCP IN CLIN RES	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – This course introduces students to the regulatory responsibilities of sponsors, monitors, and investigators conducting clinical trials. Practical information and exercises are designed to demonstrate GCP compliance from an industry perspective as well as from an academic perspective. Topics Include: Human protection in clinical trials, institutional review boards, selecting and qualifying investigators, consenting subjects, initiating, monitoring and closing out sites successfully and safety monitoring in clinical trials. Group discussions and exercises help students learn practical skills. 4 cr, Fall sem.
GMSCI 675 A1	DESIGN CLIN RES	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – This course covers important scientific and epidemiologic principles necessary for designing clinical research studies. Topics include bias, confounding, developing the research question, defining an appropriate study population, choosing outcome measures, clinical research ethics and regulation, sample size determination, and statistical analysis issues. Students will design and present a clinical research study during the course. 4 cr, Fall sem.
GMSCI 675 OL	DESIGN CLIN RES	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – This course covers important scientific and epidemiologic principles necessary for designing clinical research studies. Topics include bias, confounding, developing the research question, defining an appropriate study population, choosing outcome measures, clinical research ethics and regulation, sample size determination, and statistical analysis issues. Students will design and present a clinical research study during the course. 4 cr, Fall sem.
GMSHS 701 A1	Health Science Education 1	This first portion of a two-part course provides an in-depth introduction to core principles in health professions education. In this course, learners will explore a variety of core concepts through a review of the literature, reflective activities, small group discussion and practical skills-building exercises to review both theory and practice of health sciences training. Topics in this initial course will include definitions of learning and teaching, developing learning contracts and goal setting, adult learning principles, experience and reflection, and competency-based training. This course will ultimately prepare educators in the health sciences to teach directly and provide consultation on teaching and educational issues in their home academic or training institutions. NEED TO HAVE HAD SIGNIFICANT TEACHING EXPERIENCE. Course instructor approval needed. Fall semester.
GMSHS 701 OL	Health Science Education 1	This first portion of a two-part course provides an in-depth introduction to core principles in health professions education. In this course, learners will explore a variety of core concepts through a review of the literature, reflective activities, small group discussion and practical skills-building exercises to review both theory and practice of health sciences training. Topics in this initial course will include definitions of learning and teaching, developing learning contracts and goal setting, adult learning principles, experience and reflection, and competency-based training. This course will ultimately prepare educators in the health sciences to teach directly and provide consultation on teaching and educational issues in their home academic or training institutions. NEED TO HAVE HAD SIGNIFICANT TEACHING EXPERIENCE. Course instructor approval needed. Fall semester.
GMSHS 704 A1	Learning & Teaching Health Pr	Graduate Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required. The Fundamentals of Learning and Teaching Modalities in Health Professions course will prepare students to design meaningful learning experiences in health professions education using multiple modalities including large group lecture, small group teaching, cased-based, problem- based and team-based learning, flipped classroom, standardized patients and simulation, e- learning and clinical and bedside teaching. There will be a focus on creating innovative and engaging learner-centered experiences and supportive learning environments. The class will review the concepts of adult learning theories and students will apply their knowledge and understanding of andragogy during this course. Each of the teaching methods classes will be taught in the modality it is reviewing. Students will prepare a final project using one of the teaching modalities to teach a relevant topic to their peers. Fall semester.
GMSHS 704 OL	Learning & Teaching Health Pr	Graduate Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required. The Fundamentals of Learning and Teaching Modalities in Health Professions course will prepare students to design meaningful learning experiences in health professions education using multiple modalities including large group lecture, small group teaching, cased-based, problem- based and team-based learning, flipped classroom, standardized patients and simulation, e- learning and clinical and bedside teaching. There will be a focus on creating innovative and engaging learner-centered experiences and supportive learning environments. The class will review the concepts of adult learning theories and students will apply their knowledge and understanding of andragogy during this course. Each of the teaching methods classes will be taught in the modality it is reviewing. Students will prepare a final project using one of the teaching modalities to teach a relevant topic to their peers. Fall semester.
GMSMA 620 A1	World Religions and Healing	An introduction to approaches to healing integral to Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, African, African-descended, Latin American, Chinese, Native American traditions, and to some of the outcomes of their interactions. Through readings and audio-visual materials, we will explore these practices as expressions of some of the ways that people from these traditions understand sacred realities, the meaning and end of human life, the experience of affliction and suffering, the role and authority of the healer or healers, and the nature of the transformations pursued by individuals and communities. 4 cr, Fall sem. M 2:30-5:15, Charles River Campus.
GMSMH 812 A1	ADDICTIONS	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – The aim of this course is to provide the necessary knowledge base for understanding and treating addiction. This course places emphasis on acquiring clinically useful knowledge and skills for recognizing and treating substance use disorders. Topics covered in this course include: recognizing drug intoxication and withdrawal, assessment of substance use disorders, Community Reinforcement Approach, Family Systems Treatment Models, Motivational, Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral/Skills Building approaches, 12-Step Recovery/Mutual Support Groups, and Addiction Medicine. 3 cr, Yr. 2, Fall and Sum sem. (Summer semester has more space)
GMSMM 703 A1	CANCER BIO/GEN	Graduate Prerequisites: This course will cover topics in human tumor biology including: Tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis; Viruses, immunodeficiency, and cancer; Chemical carcinogenesis; Signal transduction; Anti-oncogenes and familial cancer syndromes; Apoptosis and cancer; Cell cycle control; DNA repair; Principles of Cancer Therapy; Immunotherapy of Cancer; Anti-angiogenesis therapy; and modern molecular diagnostic techniques. Fall, 2 cr, consent of instructor.
GMSMS 710 A1	ADDICTION	This introductory course will cover the broad field of addiction with a focus on drug dependence. In one segment of the course, students will learn about the spectrum of drug dependence disorders and modalities for diagnosis and treatment. Another segment will present a wide variety of approaches for studying addiction using the tools of epidemiology, genetics, pharmacology, neurobehavior, and animal models. Emphasis will be placed on transdisciplinary approaches which are essential for understanding and combating addition disorders. In addition, students will be exposed to the impact of addiction on the family and society, and public policy issues addressing the prevention of addiction. 2 cr, Fall sem.
GMSMS 750 A1	BIOSTATISTICS	The goal of this course is to provide students a fundamental knowledge of Biostatistics and practical experience in coding using the R software. This course familiarizes students with the basic concepts of Biostatistics, with the goal of understanding the study design and the appropriate statistical methods that are appropriate to use to evaluate their research hypotheses as well as different tools for data reporting. This course will be taught by a trained Biostatistician with extensive expertise in study design and data analysis. The course is enhanced by including dedicated sessions in R so students can learn the basics of coding with the R software, providing them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts they were taught in previous sessions so they are able to conduct their own research.
GMSMS 701 A1	CLINICAL SKILLS In BIOMEDICAL SCI	The major goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding and experience in the fundamental methods and techniques commonly employed in the clinical biomedical sciences. Emphasis is placed on the client/patient relationship, attending and listening skills, cognitive, affective, and behavioral counseling interventions, role-playing activities, and the concerns commonly expressed by beginning biomedical science professionals
GMSOH 770 A1	EVID BASED DENT	Graduate Prerequisites: consent of instructor – The goal of the Oral Health Sciences (OHS) Evidence Based Dentistry course is to provide students with a working understanding of basic research study design and analysis in order to promote critical reading of the scientific literature. Content will touch upon a wide range of experimental techniques in the clinical sciences as well as ethical issues in the oral health sciences. The focus will be on evidence-based dentistry and both reasoning and critical thinking skills will be challenged. 2 cr, Fall sem.
GMS OH 710	APPLIED HISTOLOGY	Meets on some Tuesday and some Thursdays, starts late and finishes early. This course focuses on the histology (normal human microscopic anatomy) of cells and tissues with regular correlations to common human disease pathology in a traditional lecture and discussion format. Students learn to identify tissues and organ systems and gain a greater understanding of functionality in the normal state, to better understand how this function changes in a disease state. Specifically, students learn cell histologic methods and how morphology impacts function and disease in various cells and tissues including blood cells and vessels, the epithelium, connective tissue, brain, the immune system, lungs, the skeletal system, the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney and the heart. [ 2 cr.]
GMSPA 801 A1	SP TOP PATH	Graduate Prerequisites: GMS PA600 or PA700 or consent of instructor – Detailed examination of one specific area of research each term, presented in readings, discussions, and lectures. Presents significant background information, current knowledge, research approaches, and laboratory methodology in each area. Special Topic: Protein Modification and Molecular Basis of Human Diseases. Varying Pathology Faculty, Course Directors. Spring sem.
GMSPA 810 A1	BUSINESS SCIENC	Graduate Prerequisites: GMS FC701, FC702, FC703 or GMS BI751 & PH730 – The objective of this course is to introduce students to the business realities of modern biomedical science which is patent-driven and product- oriented. Lectures from invited speakers from the biomedical, legal, regulatory and business worlds provide terminology and perspective for how an idea in the laboratory is translated into a marketable commodity. Topics include entrepreneurship principles, explanation and discussion of intellectual property, medical clinical trials, federal and institutional regulatory mechanisms, logistics of creating and sustaining research collaborations, product development strategies, and similar. Pass/Fail, Fall sem.
GMSPM 701 A1	Molecular/Translational Pharm	This course provides an integrated sequence of interactive teaching sessions designed to educate students in the fundamental principles of pharmacology with an emphasis on modern translational approaches for drug discovery. Basic principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics, the properties of drug targets, and the chemistry of natural products, small molecules and proteins will be emphasized. Translational topics will include an in-depth considerations of systems-level effects of target-drug interaction, macromolecular modeling for drug design, and nanotechnological methods for drug delivery. Consent of instructor required, 2 cr, Fall sem.