Environmental Health G48.1004 Identical to G23.1004. Lippmann. 4 points.

Discussion of some of the basic concepts of environmental health science in terms of contaminant sources, transport, fate, and levels in environmental media (air, water, food, and soil) and occupational settings. Hazard recognition and control are discussed in terms of toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment, risk assessment, and risk management.

Ecotoxicology: Hudson River Case Study G48.1005 Identical to G23.1005. Prerequisites: undergraduate biology or chemistry, or permission of the instructor. Wirgin. 4 points.

Ecosystems throughout the country are polluted with a variety of toxic chemicals. This course uses the Hudson River as a model to investigate the sources, transport, transformation, toxic effects, management strategies, and remediation of polluted ecosystems. Over two hundred miles of the Hudson River estuary has been designated a U.S. Federal Superfund site because of contamination from PCBs, dioxins, and metals. As baseline information, this highly interdisciplinary course initially investigates the geological history of the Hudson River, its hydrology, and inventory of species composition. Those chemical, physical, and biological factors impacting the bioavailability of contaminants to the ecosystem are presented. Efforts to model the trophic transfer of PCBs through the food chain are discussed. Toxic effects (cancer, reproductive disorders, immunological changes, etc.) of these contaminants to Hudson River fish, bird, and mammalian populations are highlighted. Models of resistance of populations to chemical contaminants are explored. Accumulation of toxicants and possible effects on human consumers of Hudson River resources are introduced. Potential beneficial effects of microbial bioremediation strategies are introduced. Problems and issues in the management of Hudson River Superfund sites are discussed by regulatory officials as are the strategies of advocacy groups to remediate these sites. Impacts of remediation of one site on its natural populations are presented.

Toxicology G48.1006 Identical to G23.1006. Not open to students who have taken G48.2310 or G23.2310. Prerequisites: an introductory course in either biology, physiology or biochemistry. Gunnison, Jaeger. 4 points.

Introduction to the science of toxicology, stressing basic concepts essential to understanding the action of exogenous chemical agents on biological systems. Principles underlying the absorption, metabolism, and elimination of chemicals are discussed. Toxicokinetics, specific classes of toxic responses, and experimental methods used to assess toxicity are also examined.

Terrorism: Chemical, Biological and Psychological Warfare G48.1007. Prerequisites: undergraduate course in biological science and/or behavioral science. Evans. 4 points.

The course will survey the agents of terrorism, their immediate effects, long-term consequences and emerging research questions. Agents of terrorism include chemical weapons, radioactive materials, infectious agents, torture and ethnic conflict. Long-term consequences include stress disorders, respiratory disorders, sensitization and conditioned responses to noxious stimuli. We will meet with a broad range of experts to help deal with these questions.

An Introduction to Toxicogenomics G48.1008. Identical to G23.1008 Prerequisites: undergraduate or graduate course covering the basics of cell biology or molecular biology, or permission of instructor. Gunnison. 2 points.

"An Introduction to Toxicogenomics" presents an emerging field of study in which genomic and bioinformatic techniques are utilized to assess the effects of toxicants in our environment on living organisms. Toxicogenomics, as currently practiced, deals primarily with the measurement and interpretation of global gene and protein expression in response to exposure to xenobiotics. This course begins with a comprehensive presentation of various microarray platforms and describes how they are used to measure global gene expression as mRNA. Various methods of measuring protein expression are also presented, as well as methods of data organization and analysis that are necessary for conversion of the massive volume of information generated by microarray technology into useful knowledge. Examples from the published literature are presented throughout that demonstrate both the principles of microarray technology and the practical applications of toxicogenomics. The latter include the classification of tumors in human subjects and prediction of their response to treatment, the identification of biomarkers of disease, the categorization of toxicants, and the elucidation of mechanisms of toxicity.

Weather, Air Pollution and Health G48.1010 Prerequisites: undergraduate math and chemistry, or permission of instructor. Thurston. 4 points.

Concerns about global climate change have made clear the need to better understand the interaction of air pollution and weather. This course covers the scientific bases for the known effects of weather on air pollution, and, conversely, for the known and hypothesized effects of air pollution on weather, as well as the interactions of both with human health. Lecture topics include: the fundamentals of atmospheric motions and weather; air pollution formation and dispersion in the atmosphere; acidic air pollution and acid rain; the health effects of air pollution and of extreme weather; global-scale weather and air pollution; and, the ozone layer.

DNA Replication, Damage, and Repair G48.2018 Identical to G23.2018. Prerequisite: biochemistry. Klein, Rossman. 4 points.

The basic processes involved in DNA replication, damage formation, and processing, with an emphasis on eukaryotic cells. Topics include DNA structure and the chemistry of adduct formation, DNA polymerase structure and function, DNA replication mechanisms and fidelity, the enzymology of DNA repair, and mechanisms of mutagenesis.

Communication Skills for Biomedical Scientists G48.2025 Identical to G23.2025. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Maciejczyk. 2 points.

Basic principles of effective scientific communication are presented in this course. Lectures and hands-on practice sessions cover 1) poster presentations for scientific meetings, 2) brief verbal presentations, and 3) writing papers for publication in a scientific journal. Students are encouraged to use their own data for the various communication formats. Students are expected to attend and to critique seminars given at Sterling Forest by outside speakers that are sponsored by the Department of Environmental Medicine; these seminars are given on the same day as the class.

Tutorials in Environmental Health Sciences G48.2031 1-4 points.

Tutorials arranged on an individual basis with a faculty member for the advanced study of special subjects in the environmental health sciences. A short description must be approved in advance of registering for this tutorial. A comprehensive paper or examination is required.

Aerosol Science G48.2033 Thurston. 4 points.

Comprehensive introduction to the properties, behavior, and measurement of suspended particles, including background on their underlying physical and chemical characteristics. Presents the properties of ambient atmospheric aerosols and their respiratory deposition.

Environmental Hygiene Measurements G48.2035 Identical to G23.2035. B. Cohen. 4 points.

Instrumentation, procedures, and strategies for quantitative evaluation and control of hazardous exposures. Emphasis is on airborne contaminants, including particles, gases, and bioaerosols, plus physical agents, including ionizing and nonionizing radiations, noise, and abnormal temperatures. Decision-making criteria are considered for each agent, as is the performance of environmental control methods, including ventilation and local exhaust systems.

Environmental Hygiene Laboratory I, II G48.2037, 2038 Prerequisites: G48.2035 or G23.2035, and permission of the instructor. Laboratory and field trips. B. Cohen, Heikkinen. 4 points per term.

Covers the instrumental techniques and procedures for the subjects covered in G48.2035.

Introduction to Epidemiology: G48.2039 Marmor. 4 points.

Epidemiology, one of the key sciences of public health, is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in humans. In this course, principles and methods of epidemiology are developed for students intending to conduct independent research on health-related issues. Topics include measures of disease occurrence and risk, designs for observational and interventional studies, sensitivity and specificity of clinical tests, methods for epidemiologic analyses, and ethical issues regarding conduct of epidemiologic studies. Class time is divided among lectures, discussions evaluating classical and current studies that have used epidemiologic methods, and development of projects that form the basis of term papers. Grades are based on class presentations, term papers, pop-quizzes, and mid-term and final examinations.

Molecular and Genetic Toxicology G48.2040 Identical to G23.2040. Prerequisite: biochemistry. Klein. 4 points.

Analyzes the modes by which organisms handle damage to DNA by physical and chemical agents, the mechanisms of converting damage to mutations, and the theoretical basis for carcinogenesis screening methods utilizing mutagenesis. Topics include systems for mutagenesis testing, mutational spectra, and inducible responses to DNA damage.

Genetic Susceptibility/Toxicogenomics G48.2042 Identical to G23.2042 Wirgin, Shore. 4 points.

Genetic variation at many loci has been described in human and wildlife populations. Recent studies have explored the relationships between this variation and susceptibility to diseases. This course examines the extent of genetic variation in genomes, the techniques by which sensitive genes and allelic variants are identified, and the consequences of genetic variation on phenotypic expression. Emphasis is on the relationship between genetic variation and susceptibility to environmentally-induced diseases, such as cancers, through effects on toxicant metabolism, DNA repair, and signal transduction genes. The role of genetic adaptations to resistance of natural populations of wildlife is also presented. In addition, emphasis is on epidemiological techniques used to explore relationships between polymorphisms and disease and the moral and legal ramifications of access to this data.

Cell Signaling and Environmental Stress G48.2043 Prerequisites: undergraduate biology or biochemistry. X. Huang, C. Huang. 4 points.

In the last few years we have gained extensive knowledge of how cell surface receptors transmit signals to the nucleus, thereby controlling the expression of genetic programs involved in many cellular processes, including normal and aberrant cell growth. Signaling motifs (e.g., nuclear transcription receptors, kinase/phosphatase cascades, G-coupled protein receptors, etc.) are components of signaling webs, which are targets of disruption by environmental pollutants. This course will cover various signal transduction pathways such as cytokine signaling and signal transduction to the nucleus by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Some of the known detailed mechanisms such as regulation of MAPK by phosphatases (removal of phosphorylation) and dual phosphorylation of MAPK on the relevant threonine and tyrosine leading to the down-stream activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation will be discussed. We will further illustrate that alteration of the pathways by environmental pollutants such as transition metals and airborne particles may be implicated in pathological processes, cancer, inflammation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. A basic understanding of principles emerging in the signaling field and how they serve as guiding tools for students engaged in basic, clinical, and translational medical research will be provided.

Epidemiologic Methods G48.2044 Prerequisites: G48.2039, G48.2303 or G23.2303. Zeleniuch-Jacquotte. 4 points.

Principles introduced in G48.2039 are further developed. Methods to design, analyze, and interpret epidemiologic studies concerned with disease etiology are presented. The main focus is on cohort and case-control studies. Topics include bias, confounding, measurement error, and sample size determination.

Methods for Categorical Data Analysis in Health Sciences Research G48.2045 Prerequisites: G48.2039, G48.2303 or G23.2303, or permission of the instructor. TBA. 4 points.

Focuses on statistical techniques for the analysis of categorical data, with specific applications to epidemiologic and clinical studies. Methods for the analysis of contingency tables; risk assessment in retrospective and prospective studies; and adjustment for confounding, matching,  and effect modification are discussed. Analytic techniques include Mantel-Haenszel summary chisquare procedures, logistic regression, and log-linear models.

Epidemiology of Cancer G48.2046 Prerequisites: G48.2039, college-level biology, or permission of the instructor. Toniolo. 4 points.

The epidemiology of cancer in its biological context and illustration of how it could be used in the search for cancer etiology and control. Role of viruses, radiation, nutrition, hormones, tobacco, occupational exposures, and genetic factors in the causation of cancer. Strategies for exposure and risk assessment and for cancer control, including screening. Issues of study design and statistical analysis in cancer epidemiology.

Radiological Health G48.2301 Identical to G23.2301. Harley. 4 points.

Introduction to the physical and biological processes of radioactivity and health effects from radiation exposure. Current principles and philosophies of radiation protection, with reference to the commercial and medical use of radionuclides and electrical sources of radiation.

Radiobiology G48.2302 Identical to G23.2302. Burns. 4 points.

The acute and chronic biological effects of ionizing radiation. Topics include chemical effects and linear energy transfer, target theory, chromosomal and genetic effects, acute cellular responses, physiological and hematological effects, carcinogenesis, treatment of radiation damage, and the biological basis for radiation safety practices.

Introduction to Biostatistics G48.2303 Identical to G23.2303. Shao. 4 points.

Introduction to probability and statistical methods utilized in the analysis and interpretation of experimental and epidemiological data. Statistical techniques associated with the normal, binomial, Poisson, t, F, and chi-squared distributions plus an introduction to nonparametric methods. Applications in biology, medicine, and the health sciences.

Advanced Topics in Biostatistics G48.2304 Prerequisites: G48.2303 or G23.2303, or equivalent background in statistics, and permission of the instructor. Goldberg. 4 points.

Introduction to statistical methods used in medicine and biology. Topics are selected from the following: survival methods, logistic regression methods, design of experiments, longitudinal data methods, missing data methods, statistical genetics, analysis of gene chip data, and other topics depending on the interests of the participants. Case studies are used to illustrate the methods. Students are required to submit a project.

Methods of Applied Statistics and Data Mining with Applications to Biology and Medicine G48.2306 Prerequisites: basic statistics course; some programming experience or willingness to learn. Prior familiarity with R or S-plus is not required. Belitskaya-Levy. 4 points.

Survey of applied statistical and data mining methods, including principles, applications, and computational tools. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding and data analysis using the R or S-plus statistical programming language. Topics may vary and include: cluster analysis, multidimensional scaling, principal components analysis, resampling methods (e.g., the bootstrap), linear methods for classification and regression, model selection, bias-variance trade-off, modern classification and regression, tree-based methods, randomization, and non-parametric statistics.

Molecular Toxicity of Metals and Trace Elements G48.2307 Costa. 4 points.

Metals represent serious and persistent environmental contaminants. This course describes the source of this contamination and examines the toxic effects of metals such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, vanadium, nickel, beryllium, cobalt, aluminum, chromate, selenium, and others. Each metal is considered with regard to its major toxic action. Mechanisms are emphasized.

Toxicology of the Nervous System G48.2308 Identical to G23.2308 Prerequisites: G48.1006 or G23.1006, or G48.2310 or G23.2310, or permission of the instructor. Evans. 4 points.

Topics reflect current research on the nervous system’s response to toxic chemicals and drugs. Typical toxicants include chemical warfare agents, metals, solvents, and pesticides. Nervous system functions are studied using behavioral, physiological, and biochemical responses. Students learn to critically evaluate research publications in this field.

Environmental Carcinogenesis G48.2309 Burns. 4 points.

Introductory course that emphasizes current understandings of how environmental agents contribute to human cancer. The approach integrates information from human and experimental animal studies at the population, cellular, and molecular levels. Emphasis is on the basic mechanisms of cancer causation and how these understandings help to mitigate or prevent the disease.

Principles of Toxicology G48.2310 Identical to G23.2310. Prerequisites: biochemistry and cell biology, or permission of the instructor. Chen. 4 points.

Broad introduction to the science of toxicology, stressing basic concepts essential to the understanding of the action of exogenous chemical agents on biological systems. Principles underlying the absorption, metabolism, and elimination of chemicals are discussed. Toxicokinetics, specific classes of toxic responses, and experimental methods used to assess toxicity are reviewed.

Organ System Toxicology G48.2311 Identical to G23.2311. Prerequisites: G48.2310 or G23.2310, or G48.1006 or G23.1006, or permission of the instructor. Zelikoff. 4 points.

Overview of the types of injury that may be produced in specific mammalian organs and organ systems by exposure to chemical toxicants.

Statistical Computing and Database Design G48.2312 Prerequisites: an introductory course in statistics, or permission of the instructor. Lecture and Laboratory. Mathew. 4 points.

Basic concepts in database design and management as well as statistical programming are discussed. Topics discussed include use of relational databases in clinical and biological sciences, design and management of relational databases, Structured Query Language (SQL), retrieval of data into SAS, and writing SAS programs for statistical analysis.

Statistical Problems in Medicine and Biology G48.2313 Prerequisites: Introduction to biostatistics, regression, knowledge of survival analysis, categorical data analysis, epidemiologic methods, or permission of the instructor. Goldberg. 4 points.

In this course, students will participate in the clinical and translational research process with investigators conducting research in a wide variety of areas in medicine and biology. These areas range from clinical trials in cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc. to comparisons of gene expression profiles resulting from different exposures to potential carcinogens in animals or people. Researchers will present their problems and the students will develop their skills to: develop solutions that include appropriate study designs and statistical considerations; collaborate in the development of research proposals; collaborate in the planning of the statistical analysis for a research project; conduct appropriate statistical analysis for a research project in collaboration with an investigator; prepare a report for a research project in collaboration with an investigator. Students will be exposed to realistic statistical and scientific problems as well as the statistical approaches for solving these problems. This course will develop experience and skills in statistical collaboration. Researchers will present their problems in class sessions (every other week) and students will present their solutions to the class and faculty in alternate weeks.

Environmental Immunotoxicology G48.2315 Identical to G23.2315. Prerequisites: general biology, G48.2310 or G23.2310, or G48.1006 or G23.1006, or permission of the instructor. Zelikoff, M. Cohen. 4 points.

Overview of the components and functions of the immune system in order to set the stage for a discussion of how toxicants impact the immune response and alter host susceptibility to disease. This course provides students with the opportunity to investigate and discuss a relevant topic in the field of immunotoxicology.

Independent Study: Ergonomics and Biomechanics G48.2100 Prerequisites: G48.2101, G48.2111, G48.2121, and G48.2131, or permission of adviser. Staff. 1-12 points.

Independent study is intended to promote original research in the general fields of ergonomics and biomechanics. Study is carried out under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to utilize all appropriate laboratory and computer equipment. At the end of each semester, the student is expected to submit a written report.

Biomechanics G48.2101 Prerequisites: calculus, physics, or permission of the instructor. Goldsheyder. 4 points.

This course consists of two parts. In the first part the basic concepts of mechanics, such as force and torque, are introduced. These concepts are first applied to analyze relatively simple mechanical systems. Analogies between basic mechanical elements and human body parts are formed, and the principles of mechanics are then applied to analyze muscle and joint reaction forces controlling and coordinating the movements of major joints of human musculoskeletal system.

The second part is devoted to the analyses of “moving” systems with applications to human motion analyses and sports mechanics. The topics to be covered in the second part include description and causes of linear and rotational motion, one and two dimensional linear and angular kinematics and kinetics motion analysis as well as concepts of work, energy, power, impulse, and momentum and their application for the analysis of bodies in motion. Course lectures will be carried out by solving examples and problems on the covered topics.

Physical Biomechanics G48.2111 Prerequisites: calculus and basic anatomy of the muculoskeletal system, or permission of the instructor. Nordin, Lis. 4 points.

This course consists of two parts. In the first section of the course the laws of physics and basic concepts of biology, physiology and mechanics will be applied to explain the effect of applied forces and the biomechanical response of the tissues of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

In the second part of the course basic biomechanical concepts will be used to describe motion undergone by various body/joint segments and the forces acting on these body parts during normal daily activities. To facilitate the understanding of the basic tissue/joint musculoskeletal biomechanics, selected case studies will be used over the course of the semester.

Applied Biomechanics in the Analysis of Human Performance G48.2112 Prerequisites: G48.2101 and G48.2111, or permission of the instructor. Lis. 4 points.

This course builds upon the Physical Biomechanics and Biomechanics courses. Its primary purpose is to explore the major processes and mechanisms underlying human motor performance and the pathomechanics of the most relevant occupational related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). Biomechanical principles and their interaction with basic applied sciences are systemically introduced to produce a meaningful conceptual framework and facilitate hypothetical-deductive reasoning.

Specific topics to be covered in the first part of the course include the review of physical biomechanics with increased emphasis on its interaction with other applied sciences such as neuroscience and energetics physiology. The second part of the course will focus on multi-segmental motion analysis and clinical biomechanics of selected case studies on occupational related MSD.

Practicum in Ergonomics and Biomechanics G48.2121 Prerequisites: G48.2111, G48.2112, G48.2131 and G48.2303, or permission of instructor. Sheikhzadeh. 4 points.

The course will focus on methods and instruments for data collection and analysis of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The course lectures and hands-on projects are designed to illustrate theoretical and practical issues with the use of various instruments. Emphasis is placed on appropriate methods of data collection and analysis of risk factors for MSD - posture, force, and motion - using electromyography signals. This course introduces students to the basic principles underlying the acquisition of a physiological signal via computer, and statistical methods for analysis and interpretation.

Research Methods in Ergonomics and Biomechanics G48.2123 Prerequisite: G48.2303. Weiser. 4 points.

This course is designed to give graduate level students an overview of common study designs in scientific and medical research, and specific knowledge in the application of these research methods in the field of Ergonomics and Biomechanics. Also, students will learn to critically evaluate scientific papers and learn how to draw valid conclusions.

The first part of the course is an overview of the scientific method and various study designs that can be used to investigate musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The second half focuses on specific topics relevant to research practice, such as issues in measurement, measurement instrument validation, statistical analysis, and ethical conduct of research. Illustrations of the applications of these methods are presented in the context of ergonomic and biomechanical approaches to the evaluation and control of musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomics Issues I: Physical Factors in the Workplace G48.2131 Prerequisites: G48.2101 and G48.2111, or permission of the instructor. Halpern. 4 points.

Ergonomics is the study of fitting the workplace to the capabilities of the human worker. Ergonomists apply knowledge from biomechanics, physiology, psychology and engineering to the design of tasks, work organization, work environment, workstations, and tools.

Taking a "system approach" to the design of work this course examines the interactions between the human worker and the equipment used at work. The course focuses on the design of the manufacturing process in the context of implementing an ergonomics program for injury prevention. In the first half, it demonstrates how the principles of physiology and biomechanics apply to workstation and tool design. The second half of the course covers industrial ergonomics applications: controlling cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremities, office work, and manual material handling.

Ergonomic Issues is a two-part course: (1) G48.2131 Erogonomic Issues I: Physical Factors in the Workplace, and (2) G48.2132 Ergonomic Issues II: Environmental Factors in the Workplace. The first section focuses on physical issues directly related to controlling musculoskeletal disorders. The second section enhances the background in industrial ergonomics by addressing the physical and organizational environment relevant to workplace design. The scope of the topics in both is specifically selected to focus on prevention of musculoskeletal problems.

Ergonomics Issues II: Environmental Factors in the Workplace G48.2132 Prerequisites: G48.2101, G48.2111 and G48.2131, or permission of the instructor. Trainor. 4 points.

The course covers environmental influences in the workplace that are relevant to the development of musculoskeletal problems. Emphasis is on recognizing and designing safe and productive work environments. Includes sensory-motor processes, temperature, whole-body and segmental vibration, noise, lighting, indoor air quality and organizational factors. This course enables students to appreciate environmental issues that affect ergonomic interventions in the workplace.

Master's Thesis G48.3001 Supervised by a faculty member. 1-6 points.

Doctorate Research G48.3002 Supervised by a faculty member. 1-12 points.