Histology and Embryology

3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory/demonstration per week

This course presents the developmental, genetic, and histological aspects of cells and tissue relationships in human organ systems. The accompanying laboratory is devoted to the study of tissue microstructure. This course serves as a prerequisite for concurrent and/or subsequent intensive investigations in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Ocular Anatomy and Physiology, and general and ocular pathology. (4 credits)

BHS 107

Applied Ocular Anatomy

5 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course describes the gross and microscopic anatomy of the eye, its accessory organs and the extraocular muscles and their attachments. Emphasis is placed on the laminar structure of the globe and its constituent elements including the cornea-sclera, uveal tract, retina and lens and upon the functional anatomy of the vitreous, anterior angle, and blood supply. The course is concluded with a description of the embryological development of these components. The laboratory is devoted to the use of the biomicroscope to observe elements of ocular anatomy as they are seen in clinical perspectives; it also includes illustrative demonstrations and models. (6 credits)

Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course develops an appreciation for the basic principles of structure, function and organization of the human nervous system. Topics include organization of central nervous system, cerebral spinal fluid and meninges, histology of neurons and glia, neural development, degeneration and regeneration, and basic principles of neurophysiology such as ionic mechanisms of membrane potential and action potential as well as synaptic transmission. This course also presents functional neuroanatomy. Structure and function of sensory systems and motor systems are included. Analyses of the visual system are emphasized. Case histories of representative neurological disorders are also presented. Laboratory examines the internal anatomy of the brain stem. (4 credits)

Human Anatomy

4 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

A detailed study of human anatomy is presented, with emphasis placed on thorax, abdomen, pelvis and a regional study of head and neck. Clinical relevance of gross anatomical relationships is included whenever possible. Laboratory sessions include detailed study of the human skull and demonstration of body systems on prosected cadavers. (5 credits)

BHS 116.1

Human Physiology and Pathology I

4 hours of lecture per week

This is a comprehensive course in general and systemic human physiology and pathology. Topics are presented in order to promote the understanding of physiologic principles that form the basis for normal bodily functions. The interaction between organ systems and their relationship to health and disease are also presented. This integration of normal physiology and pathologic processes will form the knowledge base for further study of pharmacology, clinical medicine and ocular disease. (4 credits)

BHS 116.2

Human Physiology and Pathology II

2 hours of lecture per week

This course is the second in the BHS 116 sequence. (2 credits)

BHS 116.3

Human Physiology and Pathology III

4 hours of lecture per week

This course is the third in the BHS 116 sequence. (4 credits)

Geometric and Theoretical Optics I

4 hours of lecture per week

This course deals with all facets of geometric and theoretical optics. Topics include the basic study of refraction at plane and curved surfaces, thick lenses, thin lenses, prisms, thin lens systems and single refracting surfaces. (4 credits)

Geometric and Theoretical Optics II

3 hours of lecture per week

This course is the second in the BHS 120 sequence. (3 credits)

Sensory Aspects of Vision I

3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course presents instruction in the nature of light as a stimulus in vision; photometry; energy reception and detection; absorption processes; retinal photo-chemistry; excitation and transduction; physiological processing of information; threshold phenomena and psychophysics. Laboratory sessions include discussions of clinical implication of these processes where applicable. (4 credits)

Sensory Aspects of Vision II

4 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course discusses visual sensitivity changes in dark and light adaptation, adaptation theories, spatial phenomena and visual acuity, modulation transfer function, contrast sensitivity, temporal sensitivity and other temporal phenomena. (5 credits)

BHS 150.1

Biochemistry I

4 hours of lecture

An introduction to biochemistry with particular emphasis on clinical applications. Topics in the first course in this two-course sequence will include cellular biology, structure reactions and functions of proteins and enzymes, elementary bioenergetics, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. (4 credits)

Biochemistry II

4 hours of lecture per week

This is a continuation of the material presented in Biochemistry I. The topics include amino acid metabolism, molecular biology and the biochemistry of specialized tissues. (4 credits)

BHS 212

Ocular Physiology

3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course considers various functional aspects of the human eye. Topics include: ametropia; the physiology of the eyelids; lacrimal apparatus; cornea and lens; ocular fluid dynamics; control of intraocular pressure; ocular circulation; neuromuscular mechanisms of accommodation and pupillary function; and single unit studies of the retinal, lateral geniculate body and striate cortex. Laboratory experiments are used to illustrate basic ocular physiological concepts.
(4 credits)

Theoretical and Physical Optics

2 hours of lecture per week

This course presents the theory and mathematical concepts of optical systems. Discussion focuses upon the physical characteristics of electromagnetic radiation and on the portion of electromagnetic radiation designated as visible light. Within the course the topics of interference, diffraction, dispersion, polarization, laser and holography will be presented. Historical background and significant achievements in the development of physical optics will be presented. (2 credits)

Binocular Vision and Ocular Motility

4 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

Studies of binocularity, including discussion of the horopter, stereopsis and fusion, rivalry and aniseikonia are presented. The physiology of the extraocular muscles and their relationships to strabismus is also discussed. Laboratory sessions are designed to simplify basic concepts of binocular vision and ocular motility including their clinical evaluation. (5 credits)

Color Vision and Developmental Neurobiology

4 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course presents the physiological and psychological basis of color vision and discusses color specification systems, color mixing, color deficiencies and color vision testing. The course then covers the development of visual pathways and functions. Particular emphasis is placed on the effect of abnormal visual input to development. Both basic data and clinical implications are discussed. (4.5 credits)

Visual Perception

2 hours of lecture per week

This course integrates concepts of basic visual science in order to understand complex visual processes. Topics include the constancy of our visual processes, our visual world, size and distance perception, form perception, achromatic color perception and the perception of motion. Demonstrations will be used frequently to illustrate how the brain extracts and processes information. (2 credits)

Perspectives on Behavioral Disorders

1 hour of lecture per week

This course focuses on the training necessary to recognize and deal with psychological issues presented by patients. The course will also be concerned with students’ reactions to patients. (1 credit)

General Pharmacology

4 hours of lecture per week

This course presents the principles and practice of the science of pharmacology. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of basic pharmaco-dynamics and drug/patient related variables will be introduced followed by the pharmacology of the individual agents in each drug classification. Topics include autonomic nervous system agents, cardiovascular drugs, renal pharmacology, gastrointestinal drugs, and respiratory pharmacology. (4 credits)

General and Ocular Pharmacology

4 hours of lecture per week

This course is a continuation of BHS 254.1 and will cover the systemic pharmacology of specific agents in each of the major drug classes, including: anti-inflammatory agents, chemotherapeutic agents, neuropharmacologic agents, anesthetics, hormones and hormone antagonists, and the pharmacology of pain. The course will also cover basic principles of toxicology and the toxicology of common poisons. Finally, this course will introduce the student to ocular pharmacodynamics and ocular pharmacokinetics. (4 credits)

Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

4 hours of lecture per week

This final course in the general and ocular pharmacology sequence presents the clinical pharmacology of the ocular diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Specific topics include: clinical pharmacokinetics of the eye, use of autonomic agents for the production of miosis, mydriasis, cycloplegia, local anesthetics, dyes, and over-the-counter preparations. The pharmacology and toxicology of the ocular anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective agents as well as drugs used in the treatment of glaucoma will be presented. The principles of drug administration, evaluation of the therapeutic response, and ocular and systemic adverse reactions will also be presented. (4 credits)

BHS 261

Physical Diagnosis

1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

In current optometric practice, it is necessary for the clinician to be able to assess the patient's vital signs and general physical condition. This course is a practicum of clinical tests designed to supplement the ocular diagnostic regimen. (2 credits)

Ocular Disease I

2 hours of lecture per week

The series of courses dealing with ocular disease, of which this is the first, explore the anatomical, physiological, histological and pathological bases of the disease process. Topics covered in this course include diseases and abnormalities of the lids, dystrophies and degenerations of the cornea; scleritis and episcleritis; diseases of the lens with particular emphasis on cataracts. ( 2 credits)

Ocular Disease II

2 hours of lecture per week

This course covers the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment aspects of the glaucoma’s. In addition, the topics of visual fields and automated perimetry are included. All forms of glaucoma are covered including Primary, Secondary and Developmental. Emphasis is placed on the decision making process in initiating treatment for primary open angle glaucoma. Glaucoma medications are discussed from a clinical perspective. Laser and surgical approaches are also covered. The principles of visual fields and automated perimetry are reviewed with a concentration on the interpretation and analysis of results. The application of automated perimetry in the management of glaucoma is emphasized. (2 credits)

Evidenced Based Health Care

1 hour of lecture per week

This course will build on the students’ ability to use the literature in evaluating and planning treatment for clinical cases that they will encounter as optometrists. Additionally, it will increase their ability to use the relevant literature in planning research projects, by analyzing research design and the effectiveness of a chosen treatment paradigm. (1 credit)

Clinical Medicine

2 hours of lecture per week

This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the more prevalent systemic disorders and their clinical presentations. Nomenclature, pathophysiology, and basic clinical signs and symptoms will be presented along with current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Special attention will be given to the counseling and education of those patients choosing to discuss or solicit advice from the optometric primary care provider. (2 credits)

Clinical Medicine II

2 hours of lecture per week

This course is the second in the BHS 360 sequence. (2 credits)

Ocular Disease III

4 hours of lecture per week

This course in the ocular disease sequence presents ocular diseases related to the retina. The topics include: retinal vascular disorders; diabetic and hypertensive retinopathies; venous occlusive retinal disease; inflammatory retinal disease; common macular disorders including age-related maculopathy; peripheral retinal diseases and degenerations; ocular oncology; phakomatoses; inherited retinal diseases and developmental vitreo-retinal disorders; and proliferative retinopathies. The detailed pathophysiology of selected conditions will be covered, but the major emphasis will be on clinical presentations, evaluations, and the management of the various conditions. (4 credits)

Ocular Disease IV

3 hours of lecture per week

The topics covered in this section of the ocular disease sequence will be pre and post operative cataract care, anterior segment infections, ocular allergic disease, uveitis and other immune disorders. The major emphasis will be upon the clinical presentation, evaluation, and management of these conditions. Pathophysiology of there diseases will also be included. (3 credits)

General and Ocular Emergencies

1 hour of lecture per week

This course will cover current diagnostic and management strategies for commonly encountered emergency situations. The ocular portion will discuss the range of events from minor trauma to sudden vision loss. The general medical presentations will cover thoroughly the treatment and management of syncope, seizure, etc. (1 credit)

BHS 364

Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders

3 hours of lecture per quarter

This course provides a clinical approach to patients presenting with the visual manifestations of neurologic disorders. The course emphasizes diagnostic strategies, examination techniques and patient management. (3 credits)

Independent Research

Enrollment in this elective provides the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year student the opportunity to engage in clinical or basic research. Students may elect to participate in an ongoing research project or initiate an original study. This course may be repeated once for credit. A faculty advisor will assist and supervise the project. Support is available in terms of equipment, experimental design and data analysis. (2 credits)