Apr 30, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2022-2023 
    
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Academic Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

 

Vision Science
  

  • VSC 503 - Evidence-Based Research & Practice

    1 credit(s)
    This course provides methods and training for understanding and evaluating scientific and health care literature. Develop critical thinking skills related to evidence-based optometric care. Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
  

  • VSC 511 - Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics I

    3 credit(s)
    This course is the first of a two-semester sequence that provides an introduction to optics. Topics in this semester include laws of light propagation, thin lenses & prisms, spherocylindrical lenses, single spherical refracting interfaces, thick lenses, & angular magnification. Emphasis is placed on applications such as lens models of the eye & optical instruments. Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
    Corequisite(s): OPT 501L  
  

  • VSC 511L - Lab: Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics I

    0 credit(s)
    Hands-on laboratory that supplements lecture material from VSC 511 .
    Corequisite(s): VSC 511 . 
  

  • VSC 512 - Geometric, Physical and Visual Optics II

    3 credit(s)
    This course is the second of a two-semester sequence that provides an introduction to optics.  Topics in this semester include mirrors, stops and pupils, aberrations, optical energy, absorption, electromagnetic waves, interference, diffraction, and polarization.  Emphasis is placed on applications such as lens models of the eye, optical instruments, antireflection coatings, and viual acuity.  Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
    Corequisite(s): OPT 502L
  

  • VSC 512L - Lab: Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics II

    0 credit(s)
    Hands-on laboratory that supplements lectur material from VSC 512 .
    Corequisite(s): VSC 512 . 
  

  • VSC 513 - Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics

    4 credit(s)
    This course covers the optics of the uncorrected & corrected eye, photometry, & an introduction to binocular vision. Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
    Corequisite(s): OPT 503L 
  

  • VSC 513L - Lab: Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics

    0 credit(s)
    Hands-on laboratory that supplements lecture material from VSC 513 .
    Corequisite(s): VSC 513 .
  

  • VSC 514 - Clinical Optics

    4 credit(s)
    Laboratory section for VSC 514.  This course covers basic optics, including spherical and cylindrical refraction, vergence of light, thin and thick lenses, ametropia, accommodation, prisms, depth of field, magnification, retinal image size, reflection, aberrations, entrance and exit pupils, anti-reflective coatings and polarization.
  

  • VSC 514L - Clinical Optics Lab

    0 credit(s)
    Laboratory section for VSC 514.  This course covers basic optics, including spherical and cylindrical refraction, vergence of light, thin and thick lenses, ametropia, accommodation, prisms, depth of field, magnification, retinal image size, reflection, aberrations, entrance and exit pupils, anti-reflective coatings and polarization.
  

  • VSC 515 - Visual Optics I

    2 credit(s)
    This is the first in a two-course sequence on integrated optics. It reviews the fundamentals of geometrical, physical, and physiological optics as they apply to real life visual performance and clinical practice. Topics include refraction at spherical and plane surfaces; retinal image; thin and thick lenses; spherical ametropia; accommodation; astigmatism and cylindrical lenses; prisms; depth of field; magnification; reflection; aberrations; and peripheral vision, etc. Problem-solving skills are emphasized to develop an intuitive sense of optics that supports successful vision research and clinical interventions. Labs help students to visualize concepts covered in lectures.
    Prerequisite(s): OPT 501  
  

  • VSC 516 - Visual Optics II

    2 credit(s)
    This is the second in a two-course sequence on integrated optics. It reviews the fundamentals of geometrical, physical, and physiological optics as they apply to real life visual performance and clinical practice. Topics include refraction at spherical and plane surfaces; retinal image; thin and thick lenses; spherical ametropia; accommodation; astigmatism and cylindrical lenses; prisms; depth of field; magnification; reflection; aberrations; and peripheral vision, etc. Problem-solving skills are emphasized to develop an intuitive sense of optics that supports successful vision research and clinical interventions. Labs help students to visualize concepts covered in lectures.
    Prerequisite(s): OPT 501   or VSC 515  
  

  • VSC 521 - Anatomy, Biochemestry, & Physiology of Eye I

    3 credit(s)
    The gross anatomy, fine structure, histology, and physiology of the globe and adnexa, as well as ocular biochemistry. Laboratory topics are coordinated with the lecture material. Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
    Corequisite(s): VSC 521L   
  

  • VSC 521L - Lab: Anat, Biochem, & Physio of Eye I

    .5 credit(s)
    Hands-on laboratory that supplements lecture material from VSC 521 .
    Corequisite(s): VSC 521 . 
  

  • VSC 522 - Anatomy, Biochemestry, & Physiology of Eye II

    2 credit(s)
    Anatomy, histology, and physiology of the orbit and extraocular muscles; ocular embryology, circulation and sensory, motor, and autonomic innervation of the visual system; visual pathways and visual field defects; pupillary innervation and pupil defects. Laboratory topics are coordinated with the lecture material. See also OPT 532.
    Corequisite(s): VSC 522L   Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled
  

  • VSC 522L - Lab: Anat, Biochem & Physio of Eye II

    1 credit(s)
    Hands-on laboratory that supplements lecture material from VSC 522 .
    Corequisite(s): VSC 522 . 
  

  • VSC 523 - Neuroanatomy of the Visual Pathways

    2 credit(s)
    This course provides an overview of the field of neuroscience, with primary focus on the structure and function of the eye and the entral visual pathways. Basic anatomical structures and concepts of physiological and neurological processes related to the eye and vision will be addressed. It sets the foundation for future research and clinical application on the anatomy and physiology in visual in visual performance and ocular disease processes.
  

  • VSC 556 - Independent Study

    1-9 credit(s)
    Customized independent study on topics related to Vision Science.
  

  • VSC 631 - Common Ocular Diseases

    2 credit(s)
    This course covers the ocular and visual consequences of common diseases in the eye or the visual pathway across all age groups, including the current knowledge, research findings, diagnosing and treatmentmethods.
  

  • VSC 641 - Normal & Abnormal Eye Movements

    1 credit(s)
    Provides in-depth examination of normal & abnormal eye movements, including fixations, vestibular, optokinetic, saccades, pursuits & vergence. Includes diagnosis & treatment of infantile & acquired nystagmus. Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
  

  • VSC 642 - Visual Perception & Sensitivity

    3.5 credit(s)
    This course covers the neurophysiology of normal & abnormal visual information processing, from retina to cortex. Includes dark and light adaptation, contrast and flicker sensitivity, motion and depth perception, and color vision. Perceptual consequences of proper function & dysfunction of the visual pathways, striate & extra-striate cortices during the human lifespan are discussed. Includes application through independent-study lab exercises & student presentations. Course elements may be tailored for the cohort enrolled.
  

  • VSC 642L - Lab: Visual Perception & Sensitivity

    .5 credit(s)
    Hands-on laboratory that supplements lecture material from VSC 642 . OPT 662L . 
    Corequisite(s): VSC 642 . 
  

  • VSC 643 - Ocular Motility

    2 credit(s)
    Provides in-depth examination of normal and abnormal eye movements, including fixations, vestibular, optokinetic, saccades, pursuits, and vergence. Diagnosis and treatment of infantile and acquired nystagmus, as well as the effects of medullary, pontine, midbrain, cerebral dysfunction on ocular motility. Includes nerve palsies, ophthalmoplegias, disorders of neuromuscular transmission and the extraocular muscles.
  

  • VSC 644 - Fundamentals of Ocular Motility

    1 credit(s)
    Examines the anatomy, physiology, and normal function of the ocular motor system. Neurology of eye movement control, biophysics, and kinematics of functional classes of eye movements are discussed.
  

  • VSC 656 - Independent Study

    1-9 credit(s)
    Customized independent study on topics related to Vision Science.
  

  • VSC 660 - Practice of Clinical Skills

    1 credit(s)
    Practice and development of diagnostic skills in vision care. Students will work with simulated patients under supervision of the class instructor.  May be repeated for credit, with a maximum of 3 credits applicable toward the degree. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 915.
  

  • VSC 701 - MS Vision Research Colloquium

    1 credit(s)
    The research colloquium consists of weekly talks, featuring new creative and scholarly work that encompasses the areas of broad vision research, provided by a variety of speakers including faculty, residents, graduate students, and guests from the academic and industry communities. Must be taken at least twice. May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 933. Pass/No Pass
  

  • VSC 702 - Research Methodology

    1.5 credit(s)
    Systematic analysis of the methods applied to clinical research. It comprises the principles of scientific testing of theories and observations, the methods of systematic inquiry, and the tools of empirical experimentation. The main focus is on obtaining skills for conducting clinical and laboratory research, critically evaluating and reporting empirical findings, and independently conducting clinical inquiries. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 923.
  

  • VSC 703 - Introduction to Statistics

    2 credit(s)
    Introduction to statistical analysis of quantitative research data, including random samples, probability,sampling distribution, hypothesis testing, graphical and numerical techniques of descriptive statistics. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 928.
  

  • VSC 751 - Vision Science Seminar I

    3 credit(s)
    Review of fundamental concepts in vision science. May include directed study. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 911.
  

  • VSC 752 - Vision Science Seminar II

    3 credit(s)
    Discussion of important topics and new developments in the various areas of vision science. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 912.
  

  • VSC 753 - Vision Science Seminar III

    2 credit(s)
    Examination of current issues in various topics in vision science. Emphasis is on the optometric perspective, but integrates psychological, physiological and neurological perspectives. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 913.
  

  • VSC 756 - Independent Study

    1-9 credit(s)
    Customized independent study on topics related to Vision Science.
  

  • VSC 760 - Curricular Practical Training

    1 credit(s)
    This course provides for graduate students seeking internship for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This allows graduate students, those who want to earn University to work off campus in the USA under CPT, to apply for OPT 940. Registration will be approved only when the employment is directly related to the student’s academic study and approved by the VSG Committee. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 940. Pass/No Pass
  

  • VSC 791 - Thesis Research

    1-3 credit(s)
    Conducting a Master’s research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Typically 1-3 credits, although exceptions may be allowed. May be repeated, with an unlimited number of credits applicable toward the degree. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 995.
  

  • VSC 801 - PhD Vision Research Colloquium

    1 credit(s)
    The research colloquium consists of weekly talks, featuring new creative and scholarly work that encompasses the areas of broad vision research, provided by a variety of speakers including faculty, residents, graduate students, and guests from the academic and industry communities. Must be taken at least twice. May be repeated for credit. Pass/No Pass
  

  • VSC 802 - Advanced Research Methodology

    1.5 credit(s)
    The course is designed to help guide graduate students in how to think about, negotiate and actually design a research project with various research methods and experimental design. The course focuses on the theory, logic, and practice of fieldwork, specific methodological and ethical issues associated with studies in vision science and current debates about the bounds and limits of clinical research. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 924.
  

  • VSC 803 - Advanced Statistics

    2 credit(s)
    Methods of analyzing quantitative data including: two sample T test, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, etc. Use of Computerized data recording, data analysis, and reporting procedures will be stressed. Methods for preparing for publication or oral presentation will also be covered. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 929.
  

  • VSC 811 - Advanced Seminar in Vision & Optics

    3 credit(s)
    Aims to help the student develop funded proposals by acquiring an understanding of the major theoretical or practical issues in the area of Vision and Optics. Students will produce an annotated bibliography and a document with specific aims to address the scientific gap in knowledge that has been discovered through the course discussion.. May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 936.
  

  • VSC 812 - Focused Study in Vision & Optics

    2 credit(s)
    Under the guidance of the instructor, students will conduct literature review on a selected topic in the area of Vision and Optics. Performance evaluation is based on the final report as a deep review paper or a research proposal (must include a detailed method section and a description of statistical analysis). May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 946.
  

  • VSC 821 - Adv Sem in Ocular Anatomy & Physio

    3 credit(s)
    This course aims to help the student develop funded proposals by acquiring an understanding of the major theoretical or practical issues in the area of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Eye. Students will produce an annotated bibliography and a document with specific aims to address the scientific gap in knowledge that has been discovered through the course discussion. May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 937.
  

  • VSC 822 - Focused Study in Ocu Anat & Phys

    2 credit(s)
    Under the guidance of the instructor, students will conduct literature review on a selected topic in the area of Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Eye. Performance evaluation is based on the final report as a deep review paper or a research proposal (must include a detailed method section and a description of statistical analysis). May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 947.
  

  • VSC 831 - Adv Sem in Eye Diseases & Public Health

    3 credit(s)
    This course aims to help the student develop funded proposals by acquiring an understanding of the major theoretical or practical issues in the area of Eye Diseases and Public Health. Students will produce an annotated bibliography and a document with specific aims to address the scientific gap in knowledge that has been discovered through the course discussion. May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 938.
  

  • VSC 832 - Focused Study in Eye Dis & Public Health

    2 credit(s)
    Under the guidance of the instructor, students will conduct literature review on a selected topic in the area of Eye Diseases and Public Health. Performance evaluation is based on the final report as a deep review paper or a research proposal (must include a detailed method section and a description of statistical analysis). May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 948.
  

  • VSC 833 - Advanced Seminar in Health Policy & Eye Disease I

    1.5 credit(s)
    The first in a two-course sequence on eye disease and health policy. Class discussion will cover common eye diseases or age-related vision disorders. Students will identify an eye disease or a vision issue and develop a fundable proposal with specific aims on the chosen topic.  The goal is to seek and shorten the scientific gap in knowledge or to develop relevant health policies to improve the condition.
  

  • VSC 834 - Advanced Seminar in Health Policy & Eye Disease II

    1.5 credit(s)
    This is the second in a two-course sequence on eye disease and health policy. Class discussion will cover common eye diseases or age-related vision disorders. Students will identify an eye disease or a vision issue and develop a fundable proposal with specific aims on the chosen topic. The goal is to seek and shorten the scientific gap in knowledge or to develop relevant health policies to improve the condition.
  

  • VSC 841 - Adv Sem in Ocular Func & Vis Perf

    3 credit(s)
    This course aims to help the student develop funded proposals by acquiring an understanding of the major theoretical or practical issues in the area of Oculomotor Functions, Visual Performance, and Applied Vision Science. Students will produce an annotated bibliography and a document with specific aims to address the scientific gap in knowledge that has been discovered through the course discussion. May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 939.
  

  • VSC 842 - Focused Study in Ocu Function & VP

    2 credit(s)
    Under the guidance of the instructor, students will conduct literature review on a selected topic in the field of Oculomotor Functions, Visual Performance, and Applied Vision Science. Performance evaluation is based on the final report as a deep review paper or a research proposal (must include a detailed method section and a description of statistical analysis). May be repeated for credit. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 949.
  

  • VSC 856 - Independent Study

    1-9 credit(s)
    Customized independent study on topics related to Vision Science.
  

  • VSC 861 - Survey of Vision Science Laboratories

    1 credit(s)
    The goal of this course is to introduce first-year Ph.D. students to the faculty and various labs. Students are presented with an overview of the various research opportunities represented in the college. Weekly one-credit lab meetings or lab tours are presented by Vision Science faculty from different areas. This course can be taken up to two times. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 926.
  

  • VSC 862 - Laboratory Study

    3 credit(s)
    The goal of this course is to allow the Ph.D. student to become familiar with selected areas of research, learn experimental techniques, obtain hands-on experiences by immersing time for research in the selected research laboratories, and then ultimately to identify a lab in which to conduct his/her dissertation research. This course may be taken up to four times. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 927.
  

  • VSC 902 - Proposal Writing & Grant App

    3 credit(s)
    In this project-based course, students will identify an achievable and fundable topic in their area of expertise, research and assess viable
    funding sources, and prepare a full proposal package for submission.  Through the complete process of grant proposal development, students
    will further their knowledge in the chosen research topic and become familiar with tools and resources for grant application.
  

  • VSC 903 - Statistics Seminar

    2 credit(s)
    This seminar will be taken by graduate students after completing all required woursework in statistics. Topics vary from year to year and are chosen from advance probability, statistical inference, statistical modeling, time series, decision analysis, and research design with principal emphasis on applications. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 950.
  

  • VSC 956 - Independent Study

    1-9 credit(s)
    Customized independent study on topics related to Vision Science.
  

  • VSC 991 - Dissertation Research

    1-3 credit(s)
    Conducting a PhD level research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Typically 1-3 credits, although exceptions may be allowed. May be repeated, with an unlimited number of credits applicable toward the degree. Previously Listed As: Previously listed as OPT 997.
  

  • VSC 998 - Continuing Enrollment: Pre-Thesis/Dissertation

    1-9 credit(s)
    Enrollment following completion of full-time coursework and prior to achievement of candidacy for the thesis or dissertation. May be repeated for credit. Course fee: $1800.
  

  • VSC 999 - Continuing Enrollment: Thesis/Dissertation

    1-9 credit(s)
    Enrollment following elevation to candidacy for the thesis or dissertation. May be repeated for credit. Course fee: $1800.

World Languages
  
  

  • WORL 195 - Independent Study

    See department for details. Independent study contract required.
  
  

  • WORL 275 - Internship

    1-4 credit(s)
    See department for details. Internship contract required.
  

  • WORL 325 - Mentoring & Tutoring in the Languages

    2 credit(s)
    Students in this course will be a mentor in one section of a beginning language class at Pacific, at least one day/week. They may assist in the classroom and in preparing materials at the language instructor’s discretion. Students will also offer at least two hours/week of tutoring in the Tutoring Center (TLC), attend an orientation, and promote the TLC and language in the community. Students will meet 130 minutes/week with the supervising WORL 325 instructor. Mentoring may not be available in all languages or in all semesters. Instructor’s consent required. May be repeated once for credit.
    Core Requirement(s): Counts toward core requirement: Civic Engagement.
    Prerequisite(s): 202-level of target language or equivalent proficiency.
  
  

  • WORL 365 - Teaching Lang & Culture Elem School

    4 credit(s)
    Students will learn the basics of foreign language acquisition, lesson planning and classroom management through this seminar and practicum in foreign language instruction. Students will meet with the instructor of the course for the first four weeks to learn pedagogical and class-management skills; thereafter, they will make weekly trips (11 weeks total) to local elementary schools to teach the language and culture of the target language (must be a language taught at Pacific). During the practicum portion of the class, students will also meet weekly with the instructor to develop upcoming lessons and to evaluate/troubleshoot previous lessons. In addition the instructor will rotate weekly to each school group to observe the students’ class.
    Core Requirement(s): Counts toward core requirement: Civic Engagement.
    Prerequisite(s): Foreign Language 202 or equivalent proficiency. Instructor’s consent required.
  

  • WORL 395 - Independent Study

    See department for details. Independent Study contract required.
  

  • WORL 401 - Capstone Dual Languages and Cultures I

    1 credit(s)
    Students will conduct individual research on a topic related to their study of two languages and cultures. They will begin work on a capstone project written in English (15-25 pages) wherein they compare a specific phenomenon or topic related to the two languages and/or cultures they have studied. Students will finish this capstone project in WORL 402 and present their finalized project in the spring at senior presentations day.
    Prerequisite(s): SA-476
  

  • WORL 402 - Capstone Dual Languages and Cultures II

    1 credit(s)
    Students will complete the work they began in WORL 401 . They will finish a capstone project written in English (15-25 pages) wherein they compare a specific phenomenon or topic related to the two languages and/or cultures they have studied. Students will present their finalized project in the spring at senior presentations day.
    Prerequisite(s): WORL 401  
  

  • WORL 430 - Methods of Teaching Foreign Language

    3 credit(s)
    Theoretical and practical considerations in the teaching of foreign languages at the elementary and secondary school levels. Required of all who are working for certification as language teachers. Instructor’s consent required.
  
  

  • WORL 495 - Research

    See department for details. Independent study contract required.

Writing

Graduate-level courses for the Master of Fine Arts program.
  

  • WRI 581 - MFA Writing Course

    4-15 credit(s)
    MFA Writing Course May be repeated for credit. Pass/No Pass
  

  • WRI 582 - MFA Final Residency

    0 credit(s)
    Successful completion of this course signifies that the student is ready to graduate. Pass/No Pass
    Prerequisite(s): 60 credits of WRI 581  
 

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