Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies
within us. Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
Course Information:
BEH 405 Mind-Body Medicine
Credits: 3
Class: Section B - Thursday
Location: White 308
Prerequisite: LIB120 Introduction to Psychology
Contact Information:
Professor: Marie Dacey, EdD
Phone: 617-732-2842
E-mail: marie.dacey@ mcphs.edu
Office: W202D
Office Hours: Wednesday 1 3:30pm; Thursday 3-4pm (and by appointment)
Mailbox: Fennell 268: A&S Admin Office
Course Description: Students critically review current scientific literature that addresses the mechanisms
and efficacy of mind-body medicine, a category of complementary and alternative medicine. Topics include
psychoneuroimmunology, the relaxation response, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, the placebo effect, and
expressive therapies. Students also practice interventions, examine their utilization in health care
settings, and consider how they may apply these in their future professional careers.
Primary Course materials:
A coursepack is available in the MCPHS bookstore. This contains most resources and required readings,
including copyrighted material. Additional resources, including links to electronic resources, are provided on
the course Blackboard site.
Students are strongly encouraged to place coursepacks in a 3-ring binder, and to include tabs that separate
sections sequentially by topic. Instructions for tab labels are provided on the course Blackboard site.
Students are strongly encouraged to bring coursepack binders to every class meeting.
Additional resources, readings or substitutions may be required at the discretion of Dr. Dacey.
Course Objectives: After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. explain theoretical, historical, and cultural foundations of mind-body medicine;
2. critically assess scientific literature in regard to mechanisms and efficacy of commonly used mindbody interventions;
3. utilize mind-body practices that promote personal stress resiliency;

BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

4. help future clients make informed decisions regarding utilization of mind-body practices.
Assessment of Student Learning and Teaching Effectiveness:
This hybrid course uses Blackboard as the course management system. Assessment of course objectives
will occur throughout the semester, and all grades are posted on Blackboard so students can monitor their
progress. Assessment includes in-class exams, graded online assignments and quizzes, student feedback
surveys, and evaluation of projects. Adaptations to this course may occur throughout the semester to meet
student needs.
Course Requirements:
Students may earn up to 200 points for the course, from the following categories. Grade percents will be
determined by dividing total points earned by 200.
Exams: 110 pts. Students will take two 40-point and one 30-point, in-class multiple-choice exams
evenly spaced throughout the semester. These will be based on readings, class lectures, activities, and
discussions. They will assess cumulative knowledge of course material. THERE IS NO FINAL EXAM
DURING FINALS WEEK.
Personal Interest Exploration (PIE): 30 pts. In order to gain increased awareness of and exposure
to current events, programs, research, and notable people related to the field of Mind-Body Medicine
in the Boston area, each student will select a venue, attend an event, and/or interview a professional
working in this field. S/he will provide evidence of attendance and write a reflection that incorporates
academic literature, in compliance with provided guidelines. Complete guidelines and a grading rubric
will be provided.
Online assignments: 60 pts. Students will complete twelve 5-point online graded homework
assignments, such as reading quizzes, worksheets, and written reflections. These relate to weekly
topics, and they will be due most Wednesdays at 6pm.
Online Submission Policy:
It is the responsibility of students to ensure that all online assignments are submitted correctly and
recorded in My Grades in Blackboard. The Blackboard recorded time will be the date/time of all online
submissions. Once submitted, students should check that either a ! or the grade appears in My Grades.
No accommodations are possible for personal computer failures or other personal issues.
If, for whatever reason, a student is unable to submit an assignment via Blackboard by the due date/time,
the submission will be accepted with no penalty IF it is emailed to Dr. Dacey BEFORE the due date/time.
Late Submissions:
The PIE reflection must be submitted by the due date and time. A late submission is possible; however,
points will be deducted from the total points possible, as follows: 0-48 hours = 25% deduction; 48-72
hours = 50%; after 72 hours = 100% deduction. Only exceptions are for documented absences, as
described in the section below.
BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

All other online activities must be submitted by designated due date and time. Failure to submit when due
will result in zero points. There is no option to submit online quizzes, worksheets, reflections or surveys
late, except as described in the documented absences section below.
Documented Absences:
If a student is absent for an exam or on a day that an assignment is due, it is possible to make it up only if
s/he has obtained a documented absence from the Dean of Students. In the case of a documented absence:

Within 2 days of returning to school, it is the students responsibility to either complete missed
work, or email Dr. Dacey to arrange to complete missed activities or exams, and to establish new
deadlines. If the student does not email Dr. Dacey within 2 days, s/he may not make up missed
work. The late submission policy, stated above, will become effective at this newly established time.

Attendance Policy:
As this is a hybrid course, there are 14 face-to-face classes meetings. Students are expected to attend all
classes on the day of their registered enrollment. Only in the case of a documented absence may a student
attend class on the alternative day that week. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of each class,
and no student should expect to receive special consideration for undocumented absences.
At the conclusion of the course, excessive class absences will result in a grade adjustment.
0-2 undocumented absences: no penalty
3-5 undocumented absences: 15 point deduction from total points earned
6 or more undocumented absences: Grade F
Grading Scale:
Students percents are determined by dividing points earned by 200, and then checking below for
correlated letter grade.

There is no curve, no individual opportunities for additional extra credit, and no modification of grading
policies to improve a students grade. Thus, students should not expect a change in grade to address
concerns regarding program progression, admission to an academic program, maintenance of visa or
scholarship status, or family expectations.
Grade %
92.5-100.

Letter Grade
A

Grade %
76.5-79.4

Letter Grade
C+

89.5-92.4

A-

72.5-76.4

86.5-89.4

B+

70-72.4

C-

82.5-86.4

60-69.9

79.5-82.4

B-

0-59.9

Students must abide by the Academic Policies and Procedures set forth in the MCPHS College Catalog.

BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

Important information regarding Documented Absence Approval, Disability Support Services for students,
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism and other academic policies is set forth in the Academic Policies and
Procedures section of the MCPHS Catalog. http://www.mcphs.edu/academics/college catalog. Students
must read, understand, and comply with all of these policies and procedures.
COF Student Blackboard Access:
You will need the MCPHS username and password assigned to you at the time of registration to access the
Blackboard website. Go to https://my.mcphs.edu/ , click on the Blackboard button, then sign in with your
MCPHS username and password. Our course should be listed. If you did not receive your username and
password at the time of registration or the one you were given does not work, then call (617.732.2170) or
email (Help.Desk@mcphs.edu) Information Services Help Desk.
Students responsibilities:
All students are expected to maintain behavior that contributes to a classroom environment that supports
student learning. Thus, students will:
1. come to class regularly and complete online assignments on time;
2. not use any electronic devices in class unless approved;
3. quiet cell phones and not have them visible to anyone;
4. not audio or video record any class activities or lectures;
5. be awake while attending class;
6. demonstrate respect for everyone in the course.
Dr. Dacey reserves the right to place visible electronic devices in a holding site until the end of class.
A student who violates the Code of Conduct, as designated in the MCPHS Student Handbook, will be
referred to the Dean of Students office. If warranted, Dr. Dacey may:
1. ask Campus Security to remove the student from class;
2. ask the student to leave class, and report the incident to the Chair, SAS Dean & Dean of Students.
Dr. Daceys responsibilities include to:
1. come to class prepared and on time;
2. facilitate, encourage and guide students learning to the best of her ability;
3. serve as a content expert and model for how to evaluate facts and ideas critically;
4. set high standards for individual performance;
5. write and grade tests and assignments that allow for a fair assessment of learning;
6. grade student work and respond to questions and email in a timely fashion;
7. be available to individual students who need additional consultation outside of class meetings.

BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

BEH 405B MIND-BODY MEDICINE Spring 2016 Outline

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Week 1: Jan 14

Course Overview and Intro to Mind-Body Medicine

Graham, R. (2014, May 24). Taking notes? Use a pen. The Boston Globe.
National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health. (2014). Facts at a glance.
National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health. (2015). Complementary,
alternative, or integrative health: What's in a name?
National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health. (2014). Mind-Body Practices.

Online assignment (5 points) due Jan 20th @ 6pm.

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Week 2: Jan 21
Can Stress Really Make Me Sick?
Online assignment (5 points) due Jan 20th @ 6pm.
Hanson, R. & Mendius, R. (2009). Alarms go off. In Buddhas Brain: The practical
neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom (pp51-60). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger
Publications, Inc. (only in coursepack)
McGonigal, K. TEDGlobal (2013). How to make stress your friend.
Stress Warning Signals
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Week 3: Jan 28
Ahhh.the Relaxation Response.

Online assignment (5 points) due Jan 27th @ 6pm

Hanson, R. & Mendius, R. (2009). Cooling the fires. In Buddhas Brain: The practical
neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom (pp79-87). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger
Publications, Inc. (only in coursepack)
Mini-Relaxation Techniques;
Techniques to Elicit the Relaxation Response; The Breath Quiz

Panoramic Awareness: Attention & Mindfulness

Begley, S. (2007). Mind over matter: Attention. In Train you mind, change your brain
(pp156-160). New York: Ballantine Books. (only in coursepack)
Siegel, R.D. (2010). Mindfulness: A solution. In The mindfulness solution (pp26-51). New
York: Guilford. (only in coursepack)
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BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

Week 4: Feb 4

Meditation: The Science & Practice

TWO online assignments (5 points each) due Feb 3rd @ 6pm

NCCAM website: Meditation: What you need to know

Headspace website: The science: Meditation for stress www.headspace.com
Rosenzweig, S., Jeffrey M. Greesonb, J., Reibelc, D., Greend, J., Jassere, S., Beasleyc, D.
(2010) Mindfulness-based stress reduction for chronic pain conditions: Variation in
treatment outcomes and role of home meditation practice. Journal of Psychosomatic
Research, 68(1), 29-36.

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Week 5: Feb 11
Exam 1 (40 points)
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Week 6: Feb 18

Mindfulness and Compassion

Online assignment (5 points) due Feb 17th @ 6pm

Condon, P., Desbordes, G., Miller, W., DeSteno, D. (2013). Meditation increases
compassionate responses to suffering. Psychological Science, 24 (10), 2125-2127
Neff, K. (2013). Mindfulness and self-compassion. [video]

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Week 7: Feb 25

Neuroplasticity: Whats going on in the brain?

Online assignment (5 points) due Feb 24th @ 6pm

Begley, S. (2007). Quieting the OCD Circuit: In Train you mind, change your brain (pp.137150). New York: Ballantine Books. (only in coursepack)
Lazar, S. et al. (2005). [Abstract] Meditation experience is associated with increased
cortical thickness. Neuroreport,16(17), 1893-1897.
Holzel, et al. (2011). [Abstract] Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain
gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging , 191(1), 36-43.

Garrison, K., Santoyo, J., Davis, J., Thornhill, T., Kerr, C., Brewer, J. (2013). [Abstract]
Effortless awareness: Using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of

BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

posterior cingulate activity in meditators self report. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7,

1-9.

Free the Mind video: Available at MCPHS library, on Netflix, and other sources

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Week 8: Mar 3rd

Neuroplasticity (cont).

Online assignment (5 points) due Mar 2nd @ 6pm

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Spring Break March 7 11!!

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Week 9: Mar 17th

Exam 2 (40 points)

Online reflection (5 points) on Schwartz Rounds: due date TBA.

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Week 10: Mar 24th

Beliefs & the Placebo Effect

Online assignment (5 points) due Mar 23rd @ 6pm

Feinberg, C. (2013, Jan/Feb). The placebo phenomenon. Harvard Magazine, 36-39.

Meissner, K., Kohls, N., & Colloca, L. (2011). Introduction to placebo effects in medicine:
Mechanisms and clinical implications. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B:
Biological Sciences, 366, 1783-1789.
Kelley, J., Kraft-Todd, G., Schapira, L., Kossowsky, J. & Riess, H. (2014). The influence of
the patient-clinician relationship on healthcare outcomes: A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. [Abstract] PLOS ONE(9), 4, e94207.

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Week 11: Mar 31st
Acupuncture
Personal Interest Exploration Report (30 points) due March 28 th @ 6pm
Guest Speaker: Licensed Acupuncturist. New England School of Acupuncture
NCCIH publication: Acupuncture What You Need to Know
Vickers, A & Klaus, L. (2014). Acupuncture for chronic pain. JAMA(311), 9, 955-956.
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Online assignment on Acupuncture (5 points) due April 6th @ 6pm.
BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016

Week 12: April 7th

Yoga Workshop

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat or large towel!

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Week 13: April 14th

Yoga (continued) & Course Review

Online assignment on Yoga (5 points) due April 13th @ 6pm

NCCIH publication: Yoga for Health: An Introduction, and videos.
WBUR.org. (2012, Feb 10). Downward-Facing Docs: Med Students Study Yoga To Help
Patients, Selves.
Sherman, K., Cherkin, D., Erro, J., Miglioretti, D., Deyo, R. (2005). Comparing yoga,
exercise, and a self-care book for chronic low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, 143,
849-856.
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Week 14: April 21st

Exam 3 (30 points)

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BEH 405B Mind-Body Medicine Spring 2016