This Web document is updated twice a year, on or about the first day of registration for Fall and Spring semesters.

3001  Experiences of Aging: Challenges and Promise (3) Fulfills Social/Behavioral Science Exploration.
   A multidisciplinary overview of ways people experience the course of life by examining the challenges and promise of the aging experience in the United States. Emphasis on demographics, business, health, and current policy issues facing individuals, families, communities, and society.

3005  Race, Ethnicity, and Aging (3) Fulfills Diversity.
   Meets with GERON 5005. This course is designed to present a broad overview of aging within the framework of race and ethnicity by examining some of the major issues related to our aging society, research methodology, and theories of aging with future implications on the local, regional, and national levels. It will focus on diversity and some of the multicultural factors that contribute to the life-course: the socialization differences and the "life-chance" differences that may follow ethnic, racial and/or minority status, including gender.

3050  Aging: Self, Family and Society (3)
   Introduction to the demographic effects on society of the graying of America including the aging process in regard to social, psychological, physical, functional, economics, and the myths of aging. May be taken as a telecourse or video-assisted home study course.

3220  Caregiving and Aging Families (3)
   Research findings, written materials depicting caregiving experience, outside speakers, and texts based on professional experiences with caregiving are used to provide practical information about dealing with aging family members. Students, caregivers, professionals. family members, and friends are equipped with information to provide quality care for elderly people while taking care of their own needs for support and rest.

5001  Introduction to Gerontology (3)
   Overview of gerontology presented by examining some of the major issues, problems, and solutions related to an aging society; research methodology and theories of aging; and future implications at local, national, and international levels. The value of interdisciplinary and life course perspectives are emphasized.

5002  Service Agencies and Programs for the Elderly (3)
   Analyze the current delivery system of services and programs for the elderly at the national, state, and local levels. Local services and programs specifically examined to determine the quality and effectiveness, identify service gaps, and be better prepared to meet the increasing demands of a rapidly aging population. Learn about current concepts in health and social policy reform and evaluate current public policy recommendations.

5003  Research Methods in Aging (3)
   Introduction to the essential issues involved in designing and implementing research projects and the unique aspects of research conducted on older adults or aging. Focuses on issues pertaining to the formulation of hypotheses and research questions, sampling and recruitment, study design, measurement data collection, and management. Examples relevant to aging incorporated throughout.

5005  Race, Ethnicity, and Aging (3) Fulfills Diversity.
   Meets with GERON 3005. This course is designed to present a broad overview of aging within the framework of race and ethnicity by examining some of the major issues related to our aging society, research methodology, and theories of aging with future implications on the local, regional, and national levels. It will focus on diversity and some of the multicultural factors that contribute to the life-course: the socialization differences and the "life-chance" differences that may follow ethnic, racial and/or minority status, including gender.

5050  Best Practices in Geriatric Nursing (3) Cross listed as NURS 5050.
   Meets with GERON 6050. The course presents an overview of best practices in the care of the older client and his/her family. Included in the course are assessment and management of safety risks, and symptoms, and syndromes common in older adults emphasizing evidence-based practices. Included are detection and management of pain, falls, medication safety, end of life care, and behavioral syndromes. The impact of attitudes, ethical issues, special communication needs, and culture on formal and familial care giving are also considered.

5100  Applications of Research in Aging (3) Prerequisite: MATH 1070 or approval from instructor. Fulfills Quantitative Intensive BS.
   This course is designed to develop the basic ability of the student as an informed consumer and participant in the process of aging research. Students will collect, analyze, display, and interpret data in order to address issues related to aging populations. Development of a sense of inquiry through understanding and applying the logical steps of the research process are emphasized.

5140  Communication and Aging (3) Cross listed as COMM 5140.
   Introduction to communication and aging perspectives. These perspectives provide a unifying thread to a truely interdisciplinary inquiry into the studies of the aging process. Issues pertaining to the communication and aging perspective, including attitudes and ageism, relational considerations of older adults (such as the role of communication in reminiscence, intimacy, helping, and loneliness), mass media, work, leisure and retirement, and family relationships and friendships included. Offered odd years.

5220  Caregiving and Aging Families (3)
   Research findings, written materials depicting caregiving experiences, outside speakers, and texts based on professional caregiving experiences are used to provide practical information about dealing with aging family members. Students, caregivers, professionals, family members, and friends are equipped with information to provide quality care for elderly people while taking care of their own needs for support and rest.

5280  International Dimensions of Lifelong Learning (3) Fulfills International Requirement.
   Meets with ED PS 5960. An exploration of the social value of lifelong learning, considering how individuals, families, and society might benefit from expanding the provision of education for older learners from a global perspective.

5320  Death, Dying, and Bereavement (3)
   Practical assessment and intervention strategies for working with dying and bereaved individuals and their families. Overview of clinical, philosophical, spiritual, and social issues concerning dying and bereavement. Strategies related to personal growth and awareness of unfinished business is emphasized.

5370  Health and Optimal Aging (3) Cross listed as H EDU 5370.
   Meets with GERON 6370. Central issues involved in promoting healthful behavior and quality of life among older adults are explored and bring together the influences and contributions of theory, research, and practice as applied in gerontological health promotion and wellness. Content includes health promotion and wellness programming, the theoretical foundations of behavior change, lifelong learning and development, and relevant research findings pertaining to the health and well-being of older adults.

5380  Retirement Planning and Adjustment (3)
   Information and resources applicable to preretirement preparation and many concerns involved in living through the retirement experience. Economics of aging on both a macro and micro level blending social psychology and group in-class activities so the material is personally applicable for the student and illustrates adjustments that retirees may face.

5390  Geriatric Care Management: Clinical Issues (2)
   Meets with GERON 6390. The Geriatric Care Management course presents the practice domains of care management: comprehensive assessment, decision-making in care planning including implementation, monitoring, reassessment, and termination, quality assurance and improvement, and resource selection, acquisition, and evaluation. Geriatric Care Management is explored in the context of family and culture within specific economic, legal, ethical, and environmental constraints. The course is appropriate for individuals preparing for the responsibility of managing the care of older adults.

5395  Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum (1) Prerequisite: GERON 5001/6001, 5002/6002, 5004/6004, 5390/6390 and 6604 and Permission of Instructor.
   Meets with GERON 6395. Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum provides supervised skill development opportunities in comprehensive geriatric care management in a variety of settings working directly with elderly clients, their families, and those providing care, resources, and services. Emphasis is on service provision within the family's particular economic, legal-ethical, and cultural environment. Individual students will be placed in field experiences after evaluation of past academic and work experiences, consideration of needed skills, and availability of appropriate practicum sites. Formal arrangements must be between the University of Utah, College of Nursing and the practicum site for the educational placement prior to beginning field experiences.

5400  Gerontology Research (1 to 3)
   Students participate in faculty supervised research; program evaluation at national, state, or local levels; or implement their own research studies in aging.

5604  Physiology and Psychology of Aging (2 to 3)
   Meets with GERON 6604 and NURS 6604. Biological and psychosocial theories of aging analyzed. Normal physiologic and psychological aging changes presented. Emphasis on distinguishing normal changes from common age-related diseases.

5950  Independent Study (1 to 3)
   Increases knowledge in a specific area under the direction of a selected faculty member.

5960  Special Topics in Gerontology (1 to 9)
   In-depth exploration of topics of special interest in gerontology

5990  Gerontology Practicum (1 to 3)
   Field experience within the aging network including opportunities for program or service administration, implementation, and/or research and evaluation.

6001  Introduction to Gerontology (3)
   Overview of gerontology presented by examining the major issues, problems, and solutions related to an aging society, research methdology, theories of aging, and future implications at local, national and international levels. The value of interdisciplinary and life course perspectives are emphasized.

6002  Service Agencies and Programs for the Elderly (3)
   Analyze the current delivery system of services and programs for the elderly at the national, state, and local levels. Local services and programs specifically examined to determine quality and effectiveness, identify service gaps, and be better prepared to meet the increasing demands of a rapidly aging population. Learn about current concepts in health and social policy reform, and evaluate current public policy recommendations.

6003  Research Methods in Aging (3)
   Introduction to the essential issues involved in designing and implementing research projects and the unique aspects of research conducted on older adults or aging. Focuses on issues pertaining to the formulation of hypotheses and research questions, sampling and recruitment, study design, measurement, and data collection and management. Examples relevant to aging incorporated throughout.

6050  Best Practices in Geriatric Nursing (3)
   Meets with GERON/NURS 5050. The course presents an overview of best practices in the care of the older client and his/her family. Included in the course are assessment and management of safety risks, and symptoms, and syndromes common in older adults emphasizing evidence-based practices. Included are detection and management of pain, falls, medication safety, end of life care, and behavioral syndromes. The impact of attitudes, ethical issues, special communication needs, and culture on formal and familial care giving are also considered.

6320  Death, Dying, and Bereavement (3)
   Practical assessment and intervention strategies for working with dying and bereaved individuals and their families. Overview of clinical, philosophical, spiritual, and social issues concerning dying and bereavement. Strategies related to personal growth and awareness of unfinished business emphasized.

6370  Health and Optimal Aging (3)
   Meets with GERON 5370/H EDU 5370. Central issues involved in promoting healthful behavior and quality of life among older adults are explored bringing together the influences and contributions of theory, research, and practice as applied in gerontological health promotion and wellness. Content includes health promotion and wellness programming, the theoretical foundations of behavior change, lifelong learning and development, and relevant research findings pertaining to the health and well-being of older adults.

6380  Retirement Planning and Adjustment (3)
   Information and resources applicable to preretirement preparation and many concerns involved in the retirement experience. Economics of aging on both a macro and micro level blending social psychology and group in-class activities so the material is personally applicable for the student and illustrates adjustments that retirees may face.

6390  Geriatric Care Management: Clinical Issues (2)
   Meets with GERON 5390. The Geriatric Care Management course presents the practice domains of care management: comprehensive assessment, decision-making in care planning including implementation, monitoring, reassessment, and termination, quality assurance and improvement, and resource selection, acquisition, and evaluation. Geriatric Care Management is explored in the context of family and culture within specific economic, legal, ethical, and environmental constraints. The course is appropriate for individuals preparing for the responsibility of managing the care of older adults.

6395  Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum (1) Prerequisite: GERON 5001/6001, 5002/6002, 5004/6004, 5390/6390 and 6604 and Permission of Instructor.
   Meets with GERON 5395. Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum provides supervised skill development opportunities in comprehensive geriatric care management in a variety of settings working directly with elderly clients, their families, and those providing care, resources, and services. Emphasis is on service provision within the family's particular economic, legal-ethical, and cultural environment.

6400  Gerontology Research (1 to 3)
   Faculty supervised research; program evaluation at national, state, or local levels; or implement their own research studies in aging.

6604  Physiology and Psychology of Aging (2 to 3) Cross listed as NURS 6604.
   Biological and psychosocial theories of aging analyzed. Normal physiologic and psychological aging changes presented. Emphasis on distinguishing normal changes from common age-related diseases.

6950  Independent Study (1 to 3)
   Increase knowledge in a specific area under the direction of a selected faculty member.

6960  Special Topics (1 to 9)
   In-depth exploration of topics of special interest in gerontology.

6970  Thesis Research: Master's (2 to 6)
   Self-directed research in conjunction with the supervisory committee.

6975  Master's Project (2 to 4)
   Self-directed project in conjunction with the supervisory committee.

6980  Faculty Consultation (1 to 3)
   Thesis or project study and research with faculty consultation.

6990  Gerontology Practicum (1 to 3)
   Field experience within the aging network including opportunities for program or service administration, implementation, and/or research and evaluation.