USC Schedule of Classes

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

Clinical cases for understanding changes occurring with normal aging, health behaviors that modify age-dependent diseases and history, prevention and treatment of age-related diseases and disorders.

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.

Methods of studying, evaluating, and treating cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral problems associated with medical conditions of old age.

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

Problems and resources of the middle-aged and older woman in a changing society; including discrimination, stereotypes, employment, social interaction, etc.

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

Topical seminar in molecular and computational biology. Junior, senior or graduate standing.

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

Immersion into lifestyles shown to improve quality of life and extend lifespan by studying populations in "Blue Zone" communities throughout the world.

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.

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.

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

Broad introduction to genomics for students with a biology background, including overviews of 'wet' genomics techniques, available public databases and useful analytical tools.

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.

Addresses legal issues and liability arising out of the employer-employee relationship, and how to identify and act proactively to minimize such risk.

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

Explore the role of micronutrients, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in human nutrition, including digestion, absorption, metabolism, and major biological, physiological and metabolic roles.

Introduces medical and health care professionals to the interdisciplinary field of gerontology. Examines the worlds changing demography; effects of aging on physical, psychological and social changes; aging process, ethical issues, aging stereotypes.

Understanding geronpsychology and cognition in advanced age; psychosocial theories of aging and psychodynamic models.

Covers cognitive decline for people with Alzheimers Disease or other forms of dementia. Imaging technology to identify and find treatment options.

Application of basic management concepts in a healthcare setting; achieving patient care goals and objectives via team caregiving.

Current practices in marketing senior living and associated services. Examines behaviors and preferences of older adults and their families. Explores new media platforms.

Addresses the food services components of senior living. Covers pricing, menu design and nutrition.

Marketing models aimed to provide services for senior living. Analyze various institutions models for marketing, communicating and technological influence to brand a facility.

Students from multiple health professions learn about aging and collaborative team care through a combination of didactic and experiential learning working in a community-based setting.

Examination of case studies of issues affecting the aging services industries and the role industry leaders play in reacting to change.

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.

Multidisciplinary perspectives on current research in Gerontology including physiology, neurobiology, health and medicine, psychology, sociology and public policy. Topics will change each semester.

An introduction to research methods and their application to gerontology including problem formation, research design, data collection, descriptive and analytical statistics, interpretation, and report preparation.

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)

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

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.

Hands-on experience in developing and testing hypotheses using various types of databases, data management and analysis strategies and written presentation of findings. Recommended preparation: GERO-593.

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.