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BASIC VISION SCIENCE COURSES

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BVS 106: Microscopic Anatomy

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

The fundamental tissue types of the body will be discussed at the microscopic (cellular and subcellular) level. The location of these tissue types in the eye will be discussed, where applicable. Various organ systems formed by these tissues will then be discussed in detail. In the laboratories, students will review the tissues and organs discussed in lecture using computer images. Clinical applications will be presented throughout the course, where applicable. (4 credits)

 

BVS 107: Applied Ocular Anatomy

5 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week 

This course presents a detailed study of the human eye, adnexa and reviews the anatomy of the orbit and its contents. The clinical relevance of the anatomy is supported by clinical examples (i.e. discussion of clinical cases, ocular disease conditions) throughout the course. The course includes an overview of the eyeball, ocular circulation, a review of the orbit, paranasal sinuses and nerves innervating the eyeball and adnexa, study of the extraocular muscles and the ocular adnexa. A detailed study of all layers of the eyeball, visual pathways, pupil pathways and a review of ocular embryology is also included. Laboratory sessions are designed to reinforce the anatomical relationships presented in lecture visually in three dimensions. Labs include the use of human skulls, orbits, eyeball models, ophthalmotropes, photographs of ocular structures, histology slides of monkey eyes and slit lamps.(6 credits)

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BVS 111 : 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 the 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 resting membrane and action potentials 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 and brain stem. (4 credits)

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BVS 113: Human Anatomy

3 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week 

This course will introduce the student to the fundamental structure of the body at the gross anatomical level using a clinical anatomy approach where the concepts of bodily structure and function as they relate to the diagnosis and treatment of patients are emphasized. Basic anatomical concepts will be introduced along with a review of systems. The anatomy of the head, neck, including essential concepts of neuroanatomy, and trunk will be covered. In the laboratories, students will build upon and integrate the anatomical concepts introduced in lecture using computer images, models, textbooks, and online sources. (4 credits)

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BVS 116.1: Human Physiology And Pathology I

4 hours of lecture per week

This 4 credit hour course is a comprehensive course in general and systemic human physiology and pathology taught at the level of a health care professions graduate student.. Topics are presented in order to promote the understanding of physiologic principles that form the basis for normal bodily functions. The eye is not the focus of this course but ocular health will be discussed when applicable. 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)

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BVS 116.2: Human Physiology And Pathology II

2 hours of lecture per week 

This course is a comprehensive course in general and systemic human physiology and pathology taught at the level of a health care professions graduate student. Topics are presented in order to promote both the understanding of physiologic principles that form the basis for normal bodily functions as well as the pathologies that befall them. The eye is not the focus of this course but ocular health will be discussed when applicable. This course is the second in the BVS 116 sequence. (2 credits)

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BVS 116.3: Human Physiology And Pathology III

4 hours of lecture per week

This course is a comprehensive course in general and systemic human physiology and pathology as well as immunology taught at the level of a health care professions graduate student. Topics are presented in order to promote both the understanding of physiologic principles that form the basis for normal bodily functions as well as the pathologies that befall them. The eye is not the focus of this course but ocular health will be discussed when applicable. This course is the third in the BVS 116 sequence. (4 credits)

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BVS 120.1: Geometric And Theoretical Optics I

4 hours of lecture, four 2-hour workshops per quarter

This course is the first in a series of two courses in Geometric and Theoretical Optics. Students develop a basic understanding of vergence, refraction, reflection and the corresponding object-image relationships. The underlying optics for refraction at plane and curved surfaces (e.g., prisms, thin lenses, single refracting surfaces, and systems of single refracting surfaces) and reflection at plane and curved surfaces will be covered in detail. Recitation sessions and workshops will be held prior to examinations. This course requires an elementary knowledge base of algebra, trigonometry, and a judgmental mathematical background. Individuals with weak backgrounds in these areas are strongly recommended to review deficient areas. (4.5 credits)

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BVS 120.2: Geometric And Theoretical Optics II

3 hours of lecture per week

This course is the second in a series of two courses in Geometric and Theoretical Optics and will focus on the study of optical systems with multiple refracting surfaces and on magnification. The underlying optics for thin lenses, thick lenses, hand-held and fixed-focus magnifiers, and telescopes will be covered in detail. The clinical corollaries will be stressed. Recitation sessions will be held prior to examinations. Like the first course in this series, this course requires an elementary knowledge base of algebra, trigonometry, and a judgmental mathematical background. (3 credits)

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BVS 140.1: Vision Science I

4 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week

This course is the first in a series of courses in vision science that explore how humans perceive their visual world. In this course, students will be introduced to the practical application of the physics of light and the techniques of visual psychophysics. Following an understanding of this basic material, students will be ready to explore how the retina controls our ability to light and dark adapt as well as detect contrast. We will explore how the physiology and neural connections of the retina determine some of our basic perceptions. The clinical relevance of these topics will be stressed such as infant/toddler vision testing, lighting applications, automated perimetry, wavefront technology, and more. (5 credits)

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BVS 150.1: Biochemistry I

4 hours of lecture per week

An introduction to biochemistry with particular emphasis on clinical applications. Topics in the first course in this two-course sequence may include nutrition, cellular biology, and biochemistry of tears, conjunctiva, and cornea with special emphasis on the structure and functions of proteins and enzymes as well as metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Case studies and journal articles will be used to demonstrate the useful applications of these principles to health-related issues. (4 credits)

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BVS 150.2: Biochemistry II

4 hours of lecture per week

Topics in the second course in this two-course sequence may include molecular biology, and more metabolism with a special emphasis aqueous production, the lens, vitreous, and retina. Additionally, we will discuss the biochemical importance of the liver and other specialized tissue. Case studies will be used to demonstrate the useful applications of these principles to health-related issues. (4 credits)

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BVS 170: Visual & Physical Optics

3 hours of lecture per week

This course explores the optics of the human visual system. Building from the solid foundation developed in Geometrical and Theoretical Optics, this course will “stretch” those key concepts to demonstrate their application to clinical optometry. You will gain an understanding of refractive error and correction, as well as the benefits and limitations of the human eye as an optical system. Emphasizing concepts from both wave theory and particle theory, this course will also address the optics behind diffraction, interference, polarization, absorption, and the impact of electromagnetic radiation on the eye. (3 credits)

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BVS 240.2: Vision Science II

4 hours of lecture, 1 hour of laboratory per week 

In this course, we extend our investigation into how the structures beyond the retina contribute to our visual perceptions. We will focus initially on our ability to resolve fine detail and the two factors that potentially limit our acuity; optical quality of the eye and

the density of foveal cones. We will determine how the quality of the eye’s optics are evaluated using traditional methods along with newer methods involving wavefront technology. We will then explore how the eye and brain work together to perceive not just fine detail, but objects and scenes in everyday life. We will discuss the ability of the visual system to not only perceive motion, but to determine whether the source of motion is from self-movement or from an object in motion. An understanding of how objects and scenes are visually perceived will involve an investigation into the role of the primary visual cortex (V1) as well as the neural structures beyond. We will also investigate many classes of visual illusions since an understanding of how visual perceptions go awry not only illuminates aspects of normal visual processing but vividly demonstrates how our visual perceptions are educated guesses about what is “out there” in our visual field. (4.5 credits)

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BVS 240.3: Vision Science III

3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of lab per week

This course is the last in the series of vision science that presents topics related to the physiological and psychological basis of color vision, binocularity and space perception that illustrate clinically related issues pertaining to the use of two eyes. Specific contents include color mixing, color properties and theory/ neuroanatomy responsible for color vision perception, cues to depth perception, the horopter, stereopsis, fusion, rivalry and aniseikonia. Relevant clinical assessments will be discussed in lectures and demonstrated in laboratory sessions. (3.5 credits)

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BVS 244: Ocular Motility

2 hours of lecture, 1 hour of laboratory per week 

This course examines the anatomy, physiology, and function of the ocular motor system. Neurology of eye movements is also presented including the pathophysiology of neuro-ophthalmic disorders. The biophysics and kinematics of all functional classes of human eye movements are discussed, both normal and abnormal clinical characteristics, including etiology, signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis, and management strategies. Laboratory sessions present evidence-based clinical techniques for testing ocular motility and include student presentations of innovative techniques, clinical devices, and unique case studies. (2.5 credits)

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BVS 245: Developmental Vision And Neurobiology

1 hour of lecture per week

This course discusses the development of vision and visual neuropathway such as the changing structures and functions as the organism matures in the first half. Emphasis is placed on the role of normal and abnormal environmental factors for the development of the visual pathway. (1 credit)

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BVS 254.1: General Pharmacology

4 hours of lecture per week

This is the first course in a three quarter sequence devoted to General and Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. In this course we will present the principles and practice of the science of pharmacology. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of basic pharmacodynamics and drug/patient related variables will be discussed. In addition application to ocular environment and conditions will be included. General topics include diabetic and other endocrine agents, local and general anesthetic agents, gastrointestinal agents, autonomic nervous system agents, and anti-hypertensive agents. More selective topics include dyes, preservatives, ocular anesthetics, and ocular autonomic agents. (4 credits)

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BVS 254.2: General And Ocular Pharmacology

4 hours of lecture per week 

You are now familiar with how drugs work, how they get where they need to be, and how they are finally eliminated from the body. We have given you the groundwork for all that is to come over winter quarter. In this second quarter of pharmacology we will discuss the pharmacology and toxicology of the individual agents in the remaining major drug class. Topics include;

anti-coagulants, anti-hyperlipidemics, central nervous system agents, allergy, anti-bacterial agents, and antiviral agents. Ocular topics will be sequences with the anterior segment course and include dry eye, allergy, anti-viral agents, anti-bacterial agents, and antifungal/protozoal agents. (4 credits)

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BVS 256: Ocular Pharmacology And Therapeutics

4 hours of lecture per week 

You are now familiar with how drugs work, how they get where they need to be, and how they are finally eliminated from the body. Winter quarter also introduced you to the major drugs used in the treatment and management of a majority anterior segment disease along with their adverse reactions and contraindications.

 

This quarter, in alignment/continuation of your anterior segment and your glaucoma course, you’ll be introduced to anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs used to treat glaucoma. We’ll also discuss drugs used in the diagnosis and management of neuro-optometric conditions and drugs used in the treatment of posterior segment disease, mainly retina drugs. We will wrap up the quarter by reviewing adverse systemic reactions caused by ocular agents and adverse ocular reactions caused by systemic agents, followed by sources of drug information, new drug development, drug regulations and prescription writing to finish all the course material. Like the previous quarter, when applicable, you’ll be given lectures that provide information on more general and systemic topics of pharmacology before focusing on the eye. (4 credits)

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BVS 266: Microbiology

1.5 hours of lecture per week

Microbiology is designed to provide a basic introduction to pathogenic microbiology. The course reviews the major pathogens of human disease, the processes by which these pathogens grow, reproduce, and cause disease, and how these pathogens are identified. Viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic pathogens are discussed. In addition, the impact of infectious disease on public health is also discussed with emphasis on current trends and resources. (1.5 credit)

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BVS 390: Evidenced Based Health Care

2 hours of lecture per week 

This course will enhance the students’ ability to interpret and critique the medical literature to help develop an evidenced-based approach toward clinical care. It will also provide foundational principles of public health. Some of the topics that will be covered include an introduction to epidemiologic methods, study design, statistical reporting commonly used in clinical reports, and issues surrounding research involving human subjects. A few contemporary topics relevant to public health will be discussed such as better understanding the social and behavioral factors related to health. (2 credits)

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BVS 403: Student Research Project

Independent Study

This activity is designed to provide an exercise in professional-level clinical case study, literature review, and research. The student will learn the basics of researching a topic, analyzing the information gained, and writing a summary of the conclusions. All optometrists need to be able to analyze concepts presented, review the literature, and determine for themselves what they consider best for their patients. By developing these skills, the optometrist is in a better position to remain current in their knowledge throughout their career. (3 credits)