USC Schedule of Classes

Introduction to adult development through the lifespan; biological, psychological, and social processes; gerontology as a career for the future.

Introduction to the brain and mind. A unique multimedia approach to stress how knowledge about the mind is gained from scientific and clinical investigations.

How psychologists study thinking, memory, emotions, personality, and behavior, and how people change in these throughout adulthood to old age.

An introduction to the core curriculum in the study of Gerontology. Research perspectives on adult development and aging; methodological issues; personality and relationship issues; general mental and emotional components of aging; research methods.

How Americans' political values affect public policy. Studies of landmark legislation to explore the social contract between generations and role of governments in social welfare.

Exploring diversity in the older population and variability in the human aging process.

Explores nutritional needs and the physiological, psychological, and sociological relationships to nutrition. Laboratory experiments in assessment and evaluation.

Age-related changes in nervous system structure and function; relationship of brain changes to changes in cognitive function and perception; Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisites: BISC-220L or BISC-221L.

Physiological, psychological, and social health problems of adults as they are impacted by health choices throughout life.

Introduction and critical survey of the current issues, concepts, and research of the social and psychological aspects of death and dying.

Consideration of the biological and social-cultural factors that govern the evolution of life spans and the life of humans and selected animal models. Recommended preparation: statistics

Biomedical ethical issues that are encountered in working with geriatric patients. Examination of ethical theory and the application of theory to clinical settings.

Overview of the concepts, characteristics, skills, and clinical issues of case management in a variety of settings serving older persons.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Supervised experience in one or more community agencies. Graded CR/NC.

An in-depth integration of major research and professional themes in the study of human development and aging.

The discoveries of ancient humans and bodies that have been preserved illuminate the connection between diet, health, and disease.

Covers the paradox of emotion in aging, as well as how stress and emotion influence cognition and the brain across the lifespan.

Supervised experience in a geriatric health care setting which allows students to put theories and ideas into practive. Graded CR/NC. Lecture, discussion, and fieldwork.

Advanced study of empirical approaches in gerontology. Preparation, progress, presentation, and evaluation of Senior Honors Thesis research. Standing in Gerontology Honors Program and departmental approval.

Advanced study of empirical approaches in gerontology. Preparation, progress, presentation, and evaluation of Senior Honors Thesis research. Standing in Gerontology Honors Program and departmental approval.

Advanced study of empirical approaches in gerontology. Preparation, progress, presentation, and evaluation of Senior Honors Thesis research. Standing in Gerontology Honors Program and departmental approval.

Examines role of nutrition and genes and the impact each has on longevity and diseases, particularly diseases related to aging.Offered in Genoa, Italy.

Examination of special topics in the area of gerontology.

A web based course analyzing physical, mental, and social age-related changes as well as implications of population aging trends for individuals and society.

Branding, marketing, and consumer behavior through examination of established, transitioning and emerging aging services and organizations.

Basic skills needed for an executive working in an aging services environment. Recommended for entry level administrators and managers.

Examination of the behavioral and social consequences of design and the environment to create a more satisfying physical environment for both frail and active older adults.

Reflections on shifts in preferences for aging in place and the market ramifications of innovations in science and technology on older consumers and service provider.

An introduction to mind-body processes involved in healthy aging. Examines the interplay of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors in shaping health-relevant biological processes.

Fosters vital imaginative connections to transform ones understanding and experience of the aging process from within, in order to re-envision the aging process as a spiritual journey.

Examination of lifespan physiology of human development, growth, and aging; major emphasis in the physiology of the later years and implications for health maintenance.

Overview of current understanding of the dietary and nutritional needs of individuals across their lifespan. Open only to graduate students.

Application of nutrition science, physiology, biochemistry, and metabolism to evaluate critically ill patients and plan nutrition intervention and monitoring. Open only to graduate students.

Behavior from adulthood to old age; study of major components of behavior such as perception, cognitive processes, personality, intergenerational relationships, sexuality, and life styles.

Life-span perspective on the sociological theories of marriage and the family, intergenerational relationships, work and retirement, and other forms of social organization.

Major legislation and programs; examination and analysis of policy-making and political processes affecting development and implementation of programs for older persons.

Application of theories of administration and system management to public and volunteer programs and services for older adults including residential institutions and community programs.

Aging (commonalities and distinctions) as addressed by biologists,psychologists, and sociologists. Topics include researchperspectives, normative agings, functional decline and disability,and aging and society.

Explores the basis of nutrition needs for vitamins, major minerals and trace minerals including nutrient interaction and their role in health and longevity. Open only to graduate students.

Research leading to the master's degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Supervised experiential learning in one or more organizations that serve older adults; includes a regularly scheduled seminar. Graded CR/NC.

Emphasizes the molecular and cellular biology of aging and age-related pathology and other aspects of basic aging research, including evolutionary biology, demography, epidemiology and bioinformatics.

Critical analyses of primary scientific data and interpretations presented in the literature. (Duplicates credit in former GERO 602)

Intensive training in journal club and research talk presentations for graduate students in the Biology of Aging Ph.D. program.

An analysis of population trends and projections and their effect on public and private sector services and programs. Examination of generaltional relations and cohort effects with particular attention to cohorts of older persons in the early part of the 21st century. Doctoral students will use secondary data to engage in futures research on the implcations of an aging society.

Mandatory organized laboratory rotation. Allows students to participate in laboratory activities. Designed to help select dissertation advisor and research.

Introduction to mass spectrometry and its application to gerontology. Problem formation; research design and data collection; descriptive and analytical statistics; interpretation and report preparation.

Lectures from researchers at the forefront of research in Alzheimer disease and related disorders.

Explores the chemical and physical-chemical nature of free radicals and related reactive species. Examines the roles of antioxidants and how they work. Recommended preparation: Course work in biology and chemistry.

Research leading up to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied toward the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.

Credit on acceptance of Dissertation. Graded CR/NC.