Master’s Degree Courses
Medical Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Physiology and Pharmacology
Medical Physiology and Aging
Anatomical Sciences Education
Innovative
Aging
Studies
Anatomy Required Courses
The following courses are required for the master’s degree in medical anatomy and physiology.
GMS 5605 Medical Human Anatomy
This 3-credit course offers an in-depth study of medical human anatomy, focusing on the organization and relationships of major anatomical structures within the thorax, abdomen, head/neck and back/limbs. Key topics include fundamental anatomy concepts and terminology, anatomical organization into functional systems and the critical thinking skills needed to address the clinical consequences of anatomical injuries and disorders.
GMS 5604 Medical Human Embryology
Our 3-credit Medical Human Embryology course provides a thorough examination of human development from fertilization through birth, focusing on the formation and differentiation of tissues and organs. Key topics include the development of the germ discs, skeletal and muscular systems and major organ systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, with special attention to congenital anomalies.
GMS 5630 Medical Histology
This 3-credit course in medical histology delves into the microscopic structure and function of human cells and tissues that comprise organ systems. Students will explore the correlation between cellular and tissue organization with diagnostic imaging techniques such as electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Course goals include providing a foundation in the fundamental concepts of the microscopic anatomy of the human body and developing an understanding of how organ integrity and functions are maintained by the organization of cells and tissues.
Physiology Required Courses
The following courses are required for the master’s degree in medical anatomy and physiology.
GMS 6440 Fundamentals of Medical Physiology
This is an introductory course that teaches the basic functions of the human body. Students explore normal physiology and common diseases in each organ system. Participation in online workshops will help students understand the integration of physiology with genetics, genomics, molecular biology and cellular physiology as a basis for understanding human disease.
GMS 6401 Medical Renal Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the renal system of the human body at a level required for clinical medicine and basic research in medical physiology. Students will explore how systems act in an integrated manner to regulate overall body functions and how the failure of these normal physiologic functions and integrations are associated with some diseases.
GMS 6474 Medical Cardiovascular and Muscle Physiology
This course teaches the functions and regulation of the muscle and the cardiovascular system. Students will learn adaptations that occur in response to exercise, the environment and disease and apply their knowledge of these systems to identify when a cardiovascular system may fail when associated with some diseases.
GMS 6402 Medical Respiration Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the pulmonary system of the human body, including the uptake, transport and utilization of oxygen and other blood gases. Students will discover acid-base physiology and the mechanisms for controlling pulmonary function and gain an understanding of how the pulmonary system works with other systems.
Anatomy Elective Courses
Take a minimum of 6 anatomy elective credits.
GMS 5606L Medical Anatomy Lab
Our 3-credit Medical Anatomy Lab course offers an in-depth exploration of human anatomy through both regional and systemic approaches, focusing on the relationships and organization of major body structures. Utilizing images of human dissection, alongside diagnostic imaging and pathophysiology, we’ll cover key anatomical systems in four modules: the musculoskeletal system, the skull and sensory organs, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and the urinary and reproductive systems. This hands-on study provides a comprehensive understanding of anatomical structure and function essential for medical practice.
GMS 5613 Medical Anatomy by Diagnostic Imaging
This 3-credit course provides a systematic approach to visualizing the anatomical organization of major structures within the thorax, abdomen, head/neck and back/limbs regions of the human body. The course emphasizes the correlation of anatomical imaging with transverse, sagittal and coronal human sections, using medical-based scenarios to enhance retention and recall.
GMS 6610 Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System
Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System will be presented by a combination of online lectures and online laboratory sessions. The anatomy and function of spinal nerves and cranial nerves of the human body will be discussed and observed in 3D human model as well as by anatomical imaging and will be correlated to transverse, sagittal and coronal human sections. Medical-based scenarios, e.g., nerve lesions, will be used to promote retention and recall.
GMS 5057 Medical Cell Biology
This course focuses on the structure and function of human cells (human cell biology) in the context of human health and disease. Lectures focus on normal functions at the molecular and cellular level. Topics include molecules, organelles, cells and cell interactions, regulation, signaling and death. Examples of well-known disease mechanisms are discussed. Normal cell functions are contrasted to functional abnormalities characteristic of the underlying pathophysiology, which are correlated with clinical manifestations where appropriate. Therapeutic approaches and relationships to underlying disease mechanisms are included to illustrate how interventions at the cell biological level restore normal or near normal function and ameliorate clinical symptoms and improve patient prognosis.
Physiology Elective Courses
Take a minimum of 6 physiology elective credits.
GMS 6419 Medical Endocrinology and Reproduction
This course teaches the functions of the endocrine and reproductive systems of the human body. Students will gain an understanding of hormone function, including the hormonal control of reproduction, how the hormonal systems work with other human systems to regulate body functions and the diseases associated with the failure of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
GMS 6479 Medical Gastrointestinal Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the digestive system of human body. Students will explore how the endocrine and neural mechanisms control the gastrointestinal systems and gain an understanding of how the systems act in an integrated manner to regulate overall body functions.
GMS 6410 Physiology of Circulation of Blood
This course exposes students to in-depth discussion and understanding of several aspects of cardiovascular function, including control of cardiac development, vascular and microvascular function, baroreflex and chemoreflex control of the circulation, role of the kidney and central nervous systems in cardiovascular regulation, the maternal and fetal circulation in normal pregnancy and the use of gene therapy tools in cardiovascular research.
GMS 6413 Advances in Hypertension Research
This course delves into important, current aspects of hypertension research. It begins with clinical trials and pharmacogenomics and considers mono- and polygenic forms of hypertension, dietary/environmental influences leading to salt dependent hypertension/metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes, neural control of BP and stress-induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction / inflammation and stem cells in hypertension and hypertension in pregnancy and fetal programming of hypertension.
GMS 6414 Advanced Renal Physiology & Pathophysiology
This course exposes students to in-depth discussion and understanding of several aspects of kidney function, including physiological control of glomerular filtration and glomerular function in renal disease, regulation of renal sodium excretion, morphology of renal transporters, renal mechanisms of acid base balance and the renal physiologic responses to normal pregnancy.
GMS 6470 Advanced Respiration Physiology 1
This courses teaches advanced topics in respiration physiology, including quantitative understanding of atmospheric, alveolar and blood gas pressures, as well as quantitative understanding of oxygen carriage in blood and alterations in blood chemistry that result from changes in blood gases. Students build an understanding of the respiratory physiology concepts in theoretical models.
Required Courses
The following courses are required for the master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology.
GMS 6551 Fundamentals of Medical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
This 1-credit course studies the basic principles of pharmacology and therapeutics in the context of medicine and biomedical science. Concepts are taught using a combination of online lectures and online problem sets. Topics include the types and nomenclature of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics, drug-receptor interactions, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics and the basis of personalized medicine.
GMS 6520 Medical Pharmacology & Therapeutics I: The Nervous System
This 2-credit course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics (e.g., viral-based gene therapy) and their actions in the body. Specific topics include painkillers, alcohol and psychological medications, among others. The course will prepare students for more advanced studies of pharmacology and therapeutics in the context of human physiology and pathophysiology.
GMS 6530 Medical Pharmacology & Therapeutics II: Cardiovascular, Renal and Respiratory Systems
This course studies the pharmacology and therapeutics of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. This course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and their actions on the heart, vasculature, kidney and other parts of the cardiovascular, renal and respiratory systems. Specific topics include heart medications, cholesterol lowering drugs and diuretics, among others.
GMS 6531 Medical Pharmacology & Therapeutics III: Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, GI & Integumentary Systems
This course studies the endocrine, musculoskeletal, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. This course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics and their actions in the treatment and/or control of endocrine disorders, reproduction, the gastrointestinal system, the musculoskeletal system and skin. Specific topics include corticosteroids, diabetes and osteoporosis, among others.
GMS 6540 Medical Pharmacology & Therapeutics IV: Cancer, Antimicrobial and Antiparasitic Agents
This course studies cancers and microbial/parasitic infections. This course will cover the fundamentals of small molecule drugs and therapeutic biologics and their actions in the treatment of cancers and of microbial and/or parasitic infections. Specific topics include chemotherapy, antibacterials and antivirals, among others.
GMS 6504 Advanced Medical Pharmacology
In this course, students will learn complex pharmacological principles and other advanced topics, including drug design, development and mechanisms. Students will build on their foundational knowledge from GMS 6551 and gain an understanding of receptor theory, pharmacological assays, binding, receptor biology and molecular docking.
GMS 6552 Cell Signaling & Therapeutics
This course explores the signaling mechanisms that exist in human cells. Students will gain an understanding of the biology of cell mechanisms, how they drive new drug targets and their critical role in the development of new therapeutics.
GMS 6510 Pharmacology of Cannabis, Tobacco and Vaping
The use of cannabis and tobacco products has become more widespread in recent years, particularly as medicinal and recreational cannabis use has been legalized in many states and tobacco use has shifted toward electronic nicotine delivery systems. This expansion has led to new laws, more abundant scientific inquiries and increased mainstream use, despite the lack of research on long-term effects.
GMS 6440 Fundamentals of Medical Physiology
This is an introductory course that teaches the basic functions of the human body. Students explore normal physiology and common diseases in each organ system. Participation in online workshops will help students understand the integration of physiology with genetics, genomics, molecular biology and cellular physiology as a basis for understanding human disease.
GMS 6401 Medical Renal Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the renal system of the human body at a level required for clinical medicine and basic research in medical physiology. Students will explore how systems act in an integrated manner to regulate overall body functions and how the failure of these normal physiologic functions and integrations are associated with some diseases.
GMS 6402 Medical Respiration Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the pulmonary system of the human body, including the uptake, transport and utilization of oxygen and other blood gases. Students will discover acid-base physiology and the mechanisms for controlling pulmonary function and gain an understanding of how the pulmonary system works with other systems.
GMS 6474 Medical Cardiovascular and Muscle Physiology
This course teaches the functions and regulation of the muscle and the cardiovascular system. Students will learn adaptations that occur in response to exercise, the environment and disease and apply their knowledge of these systems to identify when a cardiovascular system may fail when associated with some diseases.
Elective Courses
Select 6 credits from the following courses to fulfill your elective requirements for the master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology.
GMS 6419 Medical Endocrinology and Reproduction
This course teaches the functions of the endocrine and reproductive systems of the human body. Students will gain an understanding of hormone function, including the hormonal control of reproduction, how the hormonal systems work with other human systems to regulate body functions and the diseases associated with the failure of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
GMS 6479 Medical Gastrointestinal Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the digestive system of human body. Students will explore how the endocrine and neural mechanisms control the gastrointestinal systems and gain an understanding of how the systems act in an integrated manner to regulate overall body functions.
GMS 6410 Physiology of Circulation of Blood
This course exposes students to in-depth discussion and understanding of several aspects of cardiovascular function, including control of cardiac development, vascular and microvascular function, baroreflex and chemoreflex control of the circulation, role of the kidney and central nervous systems in cardiovascular regulation, the maternal and fetal circulation in normal pregnancy and the use of gene therapy tools in cardiovascular research.
GMS 6413 Advances in Hypertension Research
This course delves into important, current aspects of hypertension research. It begins with clinical trials and pharmacogenomics and considers mono- and polygenic forms of hypertension, dietary/environmental influences leading to salt dependent hypertension/metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes, neural control of BP and stress-induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction / inflammation and stem cells in hypertension and hypertension in pregnancy and fetal programming of hypertension.
GMS 6414 Advanced Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology
This course exposes students to in-depth discussion and understanding of several aspects of kidney function, including physiological control of glomerular filtration and glomerular function in renal disease, regulation of renal sodium excretion, morphology of renal transporters, renal mechanisms of acid base balance and the renal physiologic responses to normal pregnancy.
GMS 6470 Advanced Respiration Physiology 1
This courses teaches advanced topics in respiration physiology, including quantitative understanding of atmospheric, alveolar and blood gas pressures, as well as quantitative understanding of oxygen carriage in blood and alterations in blood chemistry that result from changes in blood gases. Students build an understanding of the respiratory physiology concepts in theoretical models.
Required Courses
The following courses are required for the master’s degree in medical physiology and aging.
GMS 6440 Fundamentals of Medical Physiology
This is an introductory course that teaches the basic functions of the human body. Students explore normal physiology and common diseases in each organ system. Participation in online workshops will help students understand the integration of physiology with genetics, genomics, molecular biology and cellular physiology as a basis for understanding human disease.
GMS 6401 Medical Renal Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the renal system of the human body at a level required for clinical medicine and basic research in medical physiology. Students will explore how systems act in an integrated manner to regulate overall body functions and how the failure of these normal physiologic functions and integrations are associated with some diseases.
GMS 6402 Medical Respiration Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the pulmonary system of the human body, including the uptake, transport and utilization of oxygen and other blood gases. Students will discover acid-base physiology and the mechanisms for controlling pulmonary function and gain an understanding of how the pulmonary system works with other systems.
GMS 6474 Medical Cardiovascular and Muscle Physiology
This course teaches the functions and regulation of the muscle and the cardiovascular system. Students will learn adaptations that occur in response to exercise, the environment and disease and apply their knowledge of these systems to identify when a cardiovascular system may fail when associated with some diseases.
GMS 6099 Research Methods in Gerontology
Build foundational skills in aging and gerontology research design, translational science and evidence-based methodology. This course examines biological, clinical and population-based research approaches while helping students critically evaluate scientific literature, health equity considerations and emerging research frameworks used to address real-world aging and longevity challenges.
GMS 6483 Theories of Aging
Explore aging through biological, psychological and sociological perspectives. This course examines how theories of aging shape healthcare, policy, community health and longevity science while helping students apply interdisciplinary approaches to real-world aging challenges, health equity and interprofessional care across clinical, research and social settings.
GMS 6484 Geriatric and Age-Related Disease
Examine how multisystem aging contributes to frailty, falls, cognitive decline and chronic disease in older adults. This course explores geriatric syndromes, interdisciplinary care, aging in place and healthcare systems while emphasizing patient-centered approaches to improving function, resilience and quality of life in aging populations.
Elective Courses
Select 12 credits (6 physiology and 6 aging) from the following courses to fulfill your elective requirements for the master’s degree in medical physiology and aging.
Physiology
GMS 6419 Medical Endocrinology and Reproduction
This course teaches the functions of the endocrine and reproductive systems of the human body. Students will gain an understanding of hormone function, including the hormonal control of reproduction, how the hormonal systems work with other human systems to regulate body functions and the diseases associated with the failure of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
GMS 6479 Medical Gastrointestinal Physiology
This course teaches the functions of the digestive system of human body. Students will explore how the endocrine and neural mechanisms control the gastrointestinal systems and gain an understanding of how the systems act in an integrated manner to regulate overall body functions.
GMS 6413 Advances in Hypertension Research
This course delves into important, current aspects of hypertension research. It begins with clinical trials and pharmacogenomics and considers mono- and polygenic forms of hypertension, dietary/environmental influences leading to salt dependent hypertension/metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes, neural control of BP and stress-induced hypertension, endothelial dysfunction / inflammation and stem cells in hypertension and hypertension in pregnancy and fetal programming of hypertension.
GMS 6410 Physiology of Circulation of Blood
This course exposes students to in-depth discussion and understanding of several aspects of cardiovascular function, including control of cardiac development, vascular and microvascular function, baroreflex and chemoreflex control of the circulation, role of the kidney and central nervous systems in cardiovascular regulation, the maternal and fetal circulation in normal pregnancy and the use of gene therapy tools in cardiovascular research.
GMS 6414 Advanced Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology
This course exposes students to in-depth discussion and understanding of several aspects of kidney function, including physiological control of glomerular filtration and glomerular function in renal disease, regulation of renal sodium excretion, morphology of renal transporters, renal mechanisms of acid base balance and the renal physiologic responses to normal pregnancy.
GMS 6470 Advanced Respiration Physiology 1
This course teaches advanced topics in respiration physiology, including quantitative understanding of atmospheric, alveolar and blood gas pressures, as well as quantitative understanding of oxygen carriage in blood and alterations in blood chemistry that result from changes in blood gases. Students build an understanding of the respiratory physiology concepts in theoretical models.
Aging
GMS 6486 Biology of Aging
Discover the biological foundations of aging through cellular, molecular and organ-level mechanisms that influence resilience, vulnerability and longevity. This course explores hallmarks of aging, mitochondrial health, cognitive decline and evidence-based interventions including exercise, nutrition and intermittent fasting that support healthy aging across the lifespan.
GMS 6771 Clinical Neuroscience of Aging
Study how aging affects the brain, cognition and nervous system across the lifespan. This course explores neurodegeneration, cognitive resilience, brain-behavior relationships, digital assessment tools and dementia risk reduction while examining translational neuroscience approaches that advance healthy brain aging and equitable neurological care.
GMS 6485 Population-Based Research on Aging
Explore how epidemiology, public health and population-based research help us understand aging societies, health equity and longevity trends. Students analyze aging-related data, disability, resilience and successful aging while evaluating interventions and policies that shape healthy aging outcomes across diverse global populations and healthcare systems.
GMS 6715 Healthy Aging: Behavioral and Clinical Outcomes
Examine how lifestyle behaviors influence physical function, cognition, resilience and quality of life across the lifespan. Students explore evidence-based interventions involving exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress management while applying behavioral science and precision health frameworks to support healthy aging in clinical and community settings.
GMS 6717 Healthy Aging in the New Millennium
Explore modern longevity science and lifestyle medicine through evidence-based strategies that support healthspan, resilience and vitality. Students critically evaluate interventions including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, cognitive training and social engagement while separating anti-aging myths from science-backed approaches to healthy aging and longevity.
GMS 6487 Anti-Aging Interventions
Explore emerging and controversial interventions shaping the future of longevity science. Students examine senolytics, stem cell rejuvenation, gene therapy, microbiome modulation, AI-driven longevity research and environmental influences on aging while critically evaluating the ethical, clinical and societal implications of anti-aging biotechnology and healthspan optimization.
GMS 6808 Data Science and Technology in Gerontology
Learn how AI, analytics and digital health technologies are transforming aging, healthcare and caregiving. Students explore wearable technology, precision medicine, digital phenotyping, health data science and ethical considerations while evaluating innovative solutions that improve cognitive health, mobility, social connection and quality of life for aging populations.
GMS 6459 Medical Nutrition, Metabolism, and Human Aging
Explore how nutrition and metabolism influence aging, resilience and longevity. This course examines dietary interventions, microbiome health, caloric restriction, intermittent fasting and protein optimization while helping students evaluate evidence-based strategies that support healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and long-term wellness across aging populations.
Required Core: Anatomy & Biomedical Courses
GMS 5605 Medical Human Anatomy
This 3-credit course offers an in-depth study of medical human anatomy, focusing on the organization and relationships of major anatomical structures within the thorax, abdomen, head/neck and back/limbs. Key topics include fundamental anatomy concepts and terminology, anatomical organization into functional systems and the critical thinking skills needed to address the clinical consequences of anatomical injuries and disorders.
GMS 5606L Medical Anatomy Lab
Our 3-credit Medical Anatomy Lab course offers an in-depth exploration of human anatomy through both regional and systemic approaches, focusing on the relationships and organization of major body structures. Utilizing images of human dissection, alongside diagnostic imaging and pathophysiology, we’ll cover key anatomical systems in four modules: the musculoskeletal system, the skull and sensory organs, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and the urinary and reproductive systems. This hands-on study provides a comprehensive understanding of anatomical structure and function essential for medical practice.
GMS 5630 Medical Histology
This 3-credit course in medical histology delves into the microscopic structure and function of human cells and tissues that comprise organ systems. Students will explore the correlation between cellular and tissue organization with diagnostic imaging techniques such as electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Course goals include providing a foundation in the fundamental concepts of the microscopic anatomy of the human body and developing an understanding of how organ integrity and functions are maintained by the organization of cells and tissues.
GMS 5057 Medical Cell Biology
This course focuses on the structure and function of human cells (human cell biology) in the context of human health and disease. Lectures focus on normal functions at the molecular and cellular level. Topics include molecules, organelles, cells and cell interactions, regulation, signaling and death. Examples of well-known disease mechanisms are discussed. Normal cell functions are contrasted to functional abnormalities characteristic of the underlying pathophysiology, which are correlated with clinical manifestations where appropriate. Therapeutic approaches and relationships to underlying disease mechanisms are included to illustrate how interventions at the cell biological level restore normal or near normal function and ameliorate clinical symptoms and improve patient prognosis.
Required Core: Education & Research Courses
EME 5207 Designing Technology-Rich Curricula
This 3-credit course uses Universal Design for Learning as a framework for designing curriculum in ways that leverage technology to support student strengths and minimize barriers to learning.
SCE 5140 Science Curriculum Development
The 3-credit course will cover the history and theoretical questions undergirding the importance of curriculum development, framework supporting reform-based science curriculum and their development and development of an inquiry-based unit of study applicable to your context.
Electives: Anatomy and Biomedical Courses:
GMS 5604 Medical Human Embryology
Our 3-credit Medical Human Embryology course provides a thorough examination of human development from fertilization through birth, focusing on the formation and differentiation of tissues and organs. Key topics include the development of the germ discs, skeletal and muscular systems and major organ systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular and reproductive systems, with special attention to congenital anomalies.
GMS 5613 Medical Anatomy by Diagnostic Imaging
This 3-credit course provides a systematic approach to visualizing the anatomical organization of major structures within the thorax, abdomen, head/neck and back/limbs regions of the human body. The course emphasizes the correlation of anatomical imaging with transverse, sagittal and coronal human sections, using medical-based scenarios to enhance retention and recall.
GMS 6610 Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System
Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System will be presented by a combination of online lectures and online laboratory sessions. The anatomy and function of spinal nerves and cranial nerves of the human body will be discussed and observed in 3D human model as well as by anatomical imaging and will be correlated to transverse, sagittal and coronal human sections. Medical-based scenarios, e.g., nerve lesions, will be used to promote retention and recall.
Electives: Education & Research Courses
EDG 6356 Teaching, Learning & Assessment
This 3-credit course begins with the surfacing beliefs – a practice consistent with contemporary beliefs about how learning occurs. With the focus on global perspectives and demands of 21st-century societies, students will construct personal philosophies, generate research questions and raise questions about practices taken for granted in our education system.
EME 5405 Internet in K-12 Instruction
This 3-credit course focuses on how educators can leverage the Internet as a tool to simultaneously support curriculum standards and the goal of helping students become impactful digital citizens. Students will have a chance to explore strategies, tools and concepts that enable digital citizenship to become an integral part of any curriculum.
EDF 6400 Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research
This 3-credit course is designed to cover the fundamentals of research design and methodologies. Students will explore the types of research that are typically conducted and the basic elements of the research.
Required Core (24 credit hours)
GMS 6099 Research Methods in Gerontology
Build foundational skills in aging and gerontology research design, translational science and evidence-based methodology. This course examines biological, clinical and population-based research approaches while helping students critically evaluate scientific literature, health equity considerations and emerging research frameworks used to address real-world aging and longevity challenges.
GMS 6483 Theories of Aging
Explore aging through biological, psychological and sociological perspectives. This course examines how theories of aging shape healthcare, policy, community health and longevity science while helping students apply interdisciplinary approaches to real-world aging challenges, health equity and interprofessional care across clinical, research and social settings.
GMS 6484 Geriatric and Age-Related Diseases
Examine how multisystem aging contributes to frailty, falls, cognitive decline and chronic disease in older adults. This course explores geriatric syndromes, interdisciplinary care, aging in place and healthcare systems while emphasizing patient-centered approaches to improving function, resilience and quality of life in aging populations.
GMS 6485 Population-Based Research on Aging
Explore how epidemiology, public health and population-based research help us understand aging societies, health equity and longevity trends. Students analyze aging-related data, disability, resilience and successful aging while evaluating interventions and policies that shape healthy aging outcomes across diverse global populations and healthcare systems.
GMS 6486 Biology of Aging
Discover the biological foundations of aging through cellular, molecular and organ-level mechanisms that influence resilience, vulnerability and longevity. This course explores hallmarks of aging, mitochondrial health, cognitive decline and evidence-based interventions including exercise, nutrition and intermittent fasting that support healthy aging across the lifespan.
GMS 6715 Healthy Aging: Behavioral and Clinical Outcomes
Examine how lifestyle behaviors influence physical function, cognition, resilience and quality of life across the lifespan. Students explore evidence-based interventions involving exercise, nutrition, sleep and stress management while applying behavioral science and precision health frameworks to support healthy aging in clinical and community settings.
GMS 6717 Healthy Aging in the New Millennium
Explore modern longevity science and lifestyle medicine through evidence-based strategies that support healthspan, resilience and vitality. Students critically evaluate interventions including nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep, cognitive training and social engagement while separating anti-aging myths from science-backed approaches to healthy aging and longevity.
Elective Courses (6 credit hours)
GMS 6487 Anti-Aging Interventions
Explore emerging and controversial interventions shaping the future of longevity science. Students examine senolytics, stem cell rejuvenation, gene therapy, microbiome modulation, AI-driven longevity research and environmental influences on aging while critically evaluating the ethical, clinical and societal implications of anti-aging biotechnology and healthspan optimization.
GMS 6808 Data Science and Technology in Gerontology
Learn how AI, analytics and digital health technologies are transforming aging, healthcare and caregiving. Students explore wearable technology, precision medicine, digital phenotyping, health data science and ethical considerations while evaluating innovative solutions that improve cognitive health, mobility, social connection and quality of life for aging populations.
GMS 6440 Fundamentals of Medical Physiology
This is an introductory course that teaches the basic functions of the human body. Students explore normal physiology and common diseases in each organ system. Participation in online workshops will help students understand the integration of physiology with genetics, genomics, molecular biology and cellular physiology as a basis for understanding human disease.
GMS 6474 Medical Cardiovascular and Muscle Physiology
This course teaches the functions and regulation of the muscle and the cardiovascular system. Students will learn adaptations that occur in response to exercise, the environment and disease and apply their knowledge of these systems to identify when a cardiovascular system may fail when associated with some diseases
GMS 6419 Medical Endocrinology and Reproduction
This course teaches the functions of the endocrine and reproductive systems of the human body. Students will gain an understanding of hormone function, including the hormonal control of reproduction, how the hormonal systems work with other human systems to regulate body functions and the diseases associated with the failure of the endocrine and reproductive systems.
GMS 6459 Medical Nutrition, Metabolism, and Human Aging
Explore how nutrition and metabolism influence aging, resilience and longevity. This course examines dietary interventions, microbiome health, caloric restriction, intermittent fasting and protein optimization while helping students evaluate evidence-based strategies that support healthy aging, chronic disease prevention and long-term wellness across aging populations.
