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Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR)
Course Schedules and Descriptions

 

MSiMR Course Schedule Layouts - Annual schedule of classes for completing the MSiMR program in two or four years

Winter 2012 Student Roadmap - An example schedule including classes, research project components, meetings and mentorship for four-year MSiMR students admitted in Winter 2012

 

Course Descriptions - Required Courses

Intro to Research & Ethics This course covers the requirements and ethical issues that are faced in conducting clinical research. Includes informed consent, institutional review board applications, HIPAA, conflict of interest, and issues of fraud and research misconduct.
Introduction to Integrative Medicine The field of integrative medicine involves many complex disciplines. This course introduces students to the basic philosophies and practices of ayurveda, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, shamanic healing and other integrative medicine practices.
Introduction to Laboratory Methods Familiarizes students with basic science, clinical, psychophysiology and food/nutrition laboratories, common diagnostic tests and how they are conducted.
Intro to Anatomy & Physiology An overview of gross and microscopic anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on how biological outcomes are collected to measure organ function.
Research Practicum I and II Students work on a CAM epidemiological or clinical study
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I & II   Seminar based course featuring national CAM research leaders who discuss their research
Journal Club I-II Discussion of recently published clinical trials
Research in Clinical Practice This practical course teaches learners how to conduct case studies, case series, or participate in Practice Based Research Networks
Research Design Introduction to research design, clinical population, randomization, etc.
Conducting Research Introduction to participant recruitment, data collection, data management, and data analysis
Biostatistics Covers basic concepts in probability, estimation, and hypothesis testing as well as statistical methods frequently used in clinical research. Provides familiarity with basic statistical concepts, issues in clinical research, and teaches simple data analysis.
Biostatistics II with computer lab Advanced biostatistics, delving deeper into the methods of statistical analysis introduced in Biostatistics I. Utilizes computer programs to manipulate data.
Intro to Immunology Focuses on the basic functions of the immune system with emphasis on using immunological outcomes to track health outcomes.
 
Intro to Microbiology Provides an overview of the major infectious bacteria and viruses as well as normal microflora. The course also includes the etiology, epidemiology, prevention and control of communicable diseases from a public health point of view.
Principles of Epidemiology Methodology of Public Health research
   
Bioethics Teaches recognition of legal, regulatory, and ethical issues in research, with special attention to vulnerable subjects. Covers basic concepts of regulation, study design, and ethics. Reviews common problems encountered in protocols and informed consent. Reviews the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the conduct of human research.
Public Health Policy How does policy play a role in public health? How does the government tackle this problem? Guest lecturers give perspective on current issues facing public health. Compares public health issues and concerns on international levels. Current journal and news articles will be examined on a broad range of topics.
Technical Writing Concentrates on writing professional lay abstracts, introductions, background, aims and hypotheses using students’ own project, grant application or paper.
Capstone Preparation of the capstone paper and thesis defense.

 

Course Descriptions - Sample Elective Courses

Grant Writing Teaches skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking in order to write successful grant proposals
Research & Skills Courses
(various topics)		 Students learn to evaluate published research, including analysis of study designs. Courses are offered in topics such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, mind-body research and nutrition.
Medical Academic  Practical skills and teaching strategies for students pursuing careers as academic faculty members.
Global Health An examination of global health issues through the lens of journal and news articles, followed by a discussion of challenges in practicing medicine and targeting research to different areas. Experts in global health from various medical backgrounds bring their perspectives to health policy and medicine from around the globe.
Health Disparities & Diversity All health professionals need to recognize and understand how to deal with health diversity and disparities. Partners from worldwide nonprofits will lecture on their experience and discuss how research can target these populations most effectively. Students will visit local low-income clinics and practices.
Advanced Research Methods CAM research is full of methodological challenges. This advanced course will delve deeper into how to create feasible hypotheses and research aims. It will also expose students to techniques and instrumentation through visits to local labs. Small research projects will be completed to utilize the new skills gained through this class.
Environmental Medicine Experts in the field will discuss toxicology, air and water quality, food standards and other issues.