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Elective Courses in the College of Optometry
589(8400) Directed Readings
588(8410) Directed Research
569(8420) Ocular Photography
598(8440) Clinical Applications of Current Topics in Visual Science
Graduate Physiologic Optics Courses Approved for Elective Credit *
400(6400) Sensory Processes and Perception
401(6401) Visual Optics
402(6402) Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
403(6403) Psychophysical Methods and Experimental Design
404(6404) Sensory Neuroscience
405(6405) Neuroanatomy
406(6406) Geometric Optics
451(6451) Corneal Physiology
452(6452) Growth and Development of the Visual System
453(6453) Advanced Physiology of Other Sensory Systems
454(6454) Binocular Vision
455(6455) Visual Information Processing
456(6456) Oculomotor Systems
457(6457) Comparative and Evolutionary Aspects of Vision
458(6458) Noninvasive Assessment of the Visual System
459(6459) Introduction to Computer Programming for Vision Research
470(6470) Individual Studies in Physiological Optics
490(6490) Graduate Research in Physiological Optics
497(6497) Interdisciplinary Geriatric Care
499(6499) Current Topics in Optometry and Vision Science
*Due to advances in the optometric profession, sequencing of courses may change. The courses listed above are subject to change through normal academic procedures
Grades
All courses taken for credit in the professional program must be passed with a "C-" or better in order for a student to qualify for graduation. Furthermore, in order to qualify for graduation, a student must be in good academic standing and the cumulative professional GPA must be 2.5 or higher. Beginning in May 2003, students must submit evidence to the Office of Student Services that they have taken the 3 part NBEO examinations prior to graduation. Such evidence may include a copy of the score report received from NBEO.
To assure graduating at the end of a specific semester, all work for that semester and any delayed grades from previous semesters must be completed with the grades sent to the Office of Student Services no later than the official date for submission of final semester grades.
Time limitations
All of the required courses during the first 6 semesters of first course enrollment and all required courses for the O.D. degree must be completed within 6 years after the first course enrollment.
Graduate Studies
Physiological Optics
Physiological optics is a multidisciplinary area concerned with the study of normal and anomalous vision. The goal of this program is to train the next generation of researchers in clinical and basic vision science, to conduct research, and to educate faculty for schools of optometry. Students will be required to integrate basic skills in vision science with focal studies in an area of research emphasis.
This program will emphasize research aimed at new treatments and cures for vision disorders, as well as research in basic mechanisms of visual functions. The College of Optometry offers both an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. degree. Students may apply to the Graduate School for admission to either the M.S. or the Ph.D. program.
Admission Requirements
Students should have the appropriate background for graduate training in physiological optics and appropriate undergraduate courses for their anticipated research emphasis. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within the United States or from an equivalent institution outside the United States. To be admitted as regular graduate students, applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their overall undergraduate work, in their undergraduate major, and in any postbaccalaureate academic work. Students must arrange for transcripts to be submitted from all postsecondary academic work and to have at least three letters of recommendation sent by faculty members at previously attended colleges and universities. Students must also submit GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytic). Applicants to the M.S. program must have combined scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of at least 1000; applicants to the Ph.D. program must have combined scores of at least 1100. In addition, students from countries where English is not a primary language must submit TOEFL scores of 550 or better. All materials and scores must be submitted by March 1 if an applicant wishes to be considered for financial assistance for the fall semester.
Master of Science in Physiological Optics
Degree Requirements
The M.S. degree requires 30 semester hours of course work, including the core courses. At least 25 of these hours will normally be taken from courses offered by the College of Optometry, with no more than 10 of these in Physiological Optics 490, Graduate Research in Physiological Optics. Each M.S. student will be required to teach at least two semesters in areas determined by the Graduate Committee in Physiological Optics.
The core courses for this program are:
Physiological Optics 400(6400), Sensory Processes and Perception (3 credits)
Physiological Optics 401(6401), Visual Optics (3 credits)
Physiological Optics 402(6402), Ocular Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)
Physiological Optics 403(6403), Psychophysical Methods and Experimental Design (3 credits)
Physiological Optics 404(6404), Sensory Neuroscience (3 credits)
Special Topics, Individual Studies, and Advanced Topics courses in Physiological Optics are also offered.
Each M.S. student must also complete a thesis based on research conducted during the program. The thesis must be approved by a committee of at least three members of the graduate faculty, at least two of whom must be from the graduate faculty in physiological optics.
Ph.D. in Physiological Optics
Degree Requirements
The doctoral degree requires 60 semester hours of course work, including the core courses. Each Ph.D. student will also be required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, computer language, advanced statistical methods, or another acceptable tool skill. The tool skill and level of proficiency must be selected in advance in consultation with the Graduate Committee in Physiological Optics. Students will be required to teach at least two semesters in areas determined by the graduate committee.
Written qualifying examinations will be offered each semester. Students must declare their intent to take the examinations at least one month prior to the beginning of that semester or summer session. Full-time students must attempt qualifying examinations before beginning their third year of study. Students must declare their intent to take the examinations at least one month prior to the beginning of that semester or summer session.
The preparation of the dissertation will be supervised by a dissertation committee which will be appointed by the Graduate Dean upon the recommendation of the Director of Graduate Programs in the College of Optometry. Input from the student's advisor will be solicited by the Director prior to finalization of the recommendation by vote of the Graduate Faculty. An oral examination of the written dissertation proposal will be conducted by the Committee. A public oral defense of the completed written dissertation is also required.
The core courses for this program are:
Physiological Optics 400(6400), Sensory Processes and Perception
Physiological Optics 401(6401), Visual Optics
Physiological Optics 402(6402), Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
Physiological Optics 403(6403), Psychophysical Methods and Experimental Design
Physiological Optics 404(6404), Sensory Neuroscience
Special Topics, Individual Studies, and Advanced Topics courses in Physiological Optics are also offered.
Continuing Education
The College of Optometry offers continuing education programs for optometrists throughout the Midwest region as well as nationwide. Courses on management of ocular diseases, ocular anomalies, and visual skills are held on a frequent basis. In addition to College of Optometry faculty, optometric specialists, medical educators, and researchers have input into course development as well as participation in course presentations.
All CE courses offered by the school are accepted by those states requiring continuing education credit for relicensure.
Continuing Education course information may be obtained by contacting:
University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry
Office of Continuing Education
8001 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63121-4499
314) 516-5615
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