Restricted Electives
When choosing electives, be sure to determine if you still need restricted electives. All business students who are not General Studies majors must complete 11 credits of either 3/4000 level courses or any level foreign language. This includes courses from outside of the business school (ex. ADV3008, AEC3030c, SPM3012, etc.). Internship, independent study courses graded S/U, or assistantship credit will not count toward this requirement.
Below is a partial list of courses. For additional course options, see an advisor in 333 Heavener Hall.
- ADV3008 Principles of Advertising
- AEC3030C Effective Oral Communication
- AEC3414 Leadership Development
- EDF3110 Human Growth and Development
- ENT3003 Principles of Entrepreneurship
- FYC3005 Intro to Personal and Family Financial Planning
- SDS3340 Career and Lifespan Planning
- SDS3482 Stress and Anxiety Management
The following courses can help you develop research focused skills:
- EDF3423: Educational Research
- EDF4430: Measurement and Evaluation in Education
- EDF4440: Program Evaluation in Educational Settings
- EDF4470: Survey Research Methods in Education
- Horticultural therapy has long been used to improve mental health in those with existing medical conditions.
- Scientists wanted to know if healthy people could also reap mental health benefits from gardening.
- The study’s results suggest that gardening can help many people improve their mental health, though more research needs to be done to understand cause and effect.
Many longtime gardeners will tell you that the garden is their happy place. New research suggests that many people may indeed reap mental health benefits from working with plants — even if they’ve never gardened before.
In a study published in the journal “PLOS ONE,” University of Florida scientists found that gardening activities lowered stress, anxiety and depression in healthy women who attended twice-weekly gardening classes. None of study participants had gardened before.
“Past studies have shown that gardening can help improve the mental health of people who have existing medical conditions or challenges. Our study shows that healthy people can also experience a boost in mental wellbeing through gardening,” said Charles Guy, principal investigator on the study and a professor emeritus in the UF/IFAS environmental horticulture department.
The study was co-authored by an interdisciplinary team of researchers with the environmental horticulture department, the UF College of Medicine, the UF Center for Arts in Medicine and the UF Wilmot Botanical Gardens, which also hosted all the study treatment sessions.
Thirty-two women between the ages of 26 and 49 completed the study. All were in good health, which for this experiment meant screening for factors such as chronic health conditions, tobacco use and drug abuse, and having been prescribed medications for anxiety or depression. Half of the participants were assigned to gardening sessions, while the other half were assigned to art-making sessions. Both groups met twice a week for a total eight times. The art group served as a point of comparison with the gardening group.
“Both gardening and art activities involve learning, planning, creativity and physical movement, and they are both used therapeutically in medical settings. This makes them more comparable, scientifically speaking, than, for example, gardening and bowling or gardening and reading,” Guy explained.
In the gardening sessions, participants learned how to compare and sow seeds, transplant different kinds of plants, and harvest and taste edible plants. Those in the art making sessions learned techniques such as papermaking, printmaking, drawing and collage.
Participants completed a series of assessments measuring anxiety, depression, stress and mood. The researchers found that the gardening and art making groups experienced similar improvements in mental health over time, with gardeners reporting slightly less anxiety than art makers.
Given the relatively small number of participants and the length of the study, the researchers were still able to demonstrate evidence of what medical clinicians would call the dosage effects of gardening — that is, how much gardening someone has to do to see improvements in mental health.
“Larger-scale studies may reveal more about how gardening is correlated with changes in mental health,” Guy explained. “We believe this research shows promise for mental wellbeing, plants in healthcare and in public health. It would be great to see other researchers use our work as a basis for those kinds of studies.”
The idea of using gardening to promote better health and wellbeing — called therapeutic horticulture — has been around since the 19th century.
But why does being around plants make us feel good? The answer might be found in the important role of plants in human evolution and the rise of civilization, the study’s authors explain. As a species, we may be innately attracted to plants because we depend on them for food, shelter and other means of our survival.
Whatever the deeper reasons might be, many of the study participants left the experiment with a newly discovered passion, the researchers noted.
“At the end of the experiment, many of the participants were saying not just how much they enjoyed the sessions but also how they planned to keep gardening,’” Guy said.
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OAS coordinates a variety of workshops that are offered Summer B, Fall, and Spring semesters. In collaboration with our campus partners, we offer interactive sessions that provide students with information and learning strategies to help them develop the skills and attributes needed to be successful in college. Workshops are coordinated by OAS student staff and we encourage student participants to provide feedback on topics that they have found most helpful in an effort to continue to strengthen our programming.
We also welcome faculty and staff to suggest or present on topics or learning strategies that support students’ academic and personal development.
To register for a workshop, please click on the name of the workshop and complete the registration form. Students must ensure they sign in at the beginning or end of the workshop to earn credit.
Promise students are required to attend all Academic Enrichment Workshops (AEWs) for their first Summer B semester. For details regarding workshop attendance requirements for fall and spring semesters, please refer to the UF Promise Canvas page. If Promise students experience scheduling conflicts with attending an OAS workshop, they must contact OAS staff to communicate any conflicts or unexpected circumstances. Additionally, students may receive credit for one (1) pre-approved academic workshop hosted by different UF departments. Promise students must provide reasonable documentation of workshop attendance and deliver it to OAS in order to receive full credit.
For SSS-specific workshop requirements, please visit the UF SSS expectation page for more information.
Definition
An erection problem occurs when a man cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for intercourse. You may not be able to get an erection at all. Or, you may lose the erection during intercourse before you are ready. Erection problems do not usually affect your sex drive.
Erection problems are common. Almost all adult men have trouble getting or keeping an erection at one time or another. Often the problem goes away with little or no treatment. But for some men, it can be an ongoing problem. This is called erectile dysfunction (ED).
If you have trouble getting or keeping an erection more than 25% of the time, you should see your health care provider.
Video: Erection problems
Erectile Dysfunction Quiz
Erection problems are common in adult men.
A. TrueB. False
The correct answer is true. Almost all men have problems getting or keeping an erection at times. It’s often nothing to worry about. Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when erection problems occur more often. If you feel concerned about erection problems, tell your doctor. There are many ways to treat ED.
Which physical problem could cause ED?
A. DiabetesB. Thyroid disorderC. High blood pressureD. Nerve damage from prostate surgeryE. Low testosteroneF. All of the above
The correct answer is all of the above. Your doctor will want to check to see if you have a health problem that could be causing ED. Treating the health problem may help improve your erections.
If you have an erection in the morning, it can mean there is no physical cause for ED.
A. TrueB. False
The correct answer is true. Having 3 to 5 erections at night also may mean you don’t have a physical problem. Even so, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. An erection problem that does not go away can make you feel bad about yourself. It can also harm your relationship with your partner. In most cases, treatment can help.
What else can lead to ED?
A. DepressionB. AnxietyC. Feelings of doubt or angerD. Not communicating well with your partnerE. Expecting too much from sexF. All of the above
The correct answer is all of the above. Feeling depressed, anxious, or out of touch with your partner can lead to ED. Make time to relax and talk openly with your partner about sex. Counseling may help. See your doctor if you have signs of depression or anxiety.
Which of the following habits may make ED worse?
A. SmokingB. Drinking alcoholC. Using illegal drugsD. All of the above
The correct answer is all of the above. Smoking and smokeless tobacco can cause blood vessels all over the body to become narrow. This may keep blood from getting to the penis. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs such as cocaine also can cause erection problems. Talk with your doctor about how to quit.
Which type of medicine could cause ED?
A. Some medicines for depressionB. Some heart medicinesC. Some medicines to treat ulcersD. Sleeping pillsE. All of the above
The correct answer is all of the above. Ask your doctor if any of the medicines you take could be causing ED. Your doctor may suggest a lower dose or have you change to another medicine. Do NOT change or stop taking any medicines without first talking to your doctor.
Which healthy habits may improve ED?
A. Regular exerciseB. Healthy dietC. Getting enough sleepD. Reduced stressE. All of the above
The correct answer is all of the above. The same things that help you stay mentally and physically healthy can improve ED. Talk with your doctor about how to make healthy changes in your life.
Prescription pills for ED will work only when you are sexually aroused.
A. MythB. Fact
The correct answer is fact. Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) are prescription pills that treat ED. These medicines help make erections firmer and last longer, but only when you are sexually aroused. They take effect within 15 – 45 minutes and may last for several hours or longer.
You should NOT take ED pills if you also take nitrates for heart disease.
A. TrueB. False
The correct answer is true. Men who take nitroglycerin or nitrates for heart disease should not take pills for ED. Taking both together can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. This can cause death. ED pills also may not be safe for men with certain health problems. Your doctor can help you decide if these pills are safe for you.
Testosterone therapy can improve erections in some men.
A. MythB. Fact
The correct answer is fact. Low testosterone can cause erection problems and a loss of interest in sex. Testosterone therapy can help treat ED and low sex drive. Talk with your doctor if you have lost all interest in sex, notice mood changes, or have swollen breasts. These may be signs of low testosterone.
When medicine doesn’t work, other treatments for ED include:
A. Penis implantB. Medicine injected into the penisC. A vacuum deviceD. All of the above
The correct answer is all of the above. A vacuum device pulls blood into the penis and causes an erection. Penis implants are placed in the penis during surgery. They cause the penis to become erect. You can also have medicine injected into your penis. This may work better than ED pills. Talk to your doctor about your options to treat ED.
Herbal supplements help treat ED.
A. TrueB. False
The correct answer is false. Many herbs and supplements are marketed to help improve desire for sex or the ability to have sex. However, supplements have not been proven to work, and they may not always be safe. Always talk with your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies.
Alternative Names
Erectile dysfunction; Impotence; Sexual dysfunction – male
Causes
To get an erection, your brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels all need to work together. If something gets in the way of these normal functions, it can lead to erection problems.
An erection problem is usually not “all in your head.” In fact, most erection problems have a physical cause. Below are some common physical causes.
Disease:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart or thyroid conditions
- Clogged arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Depression
- Nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson disease
Medicines:
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medicines (especially beta-blockers)
- Heart medicines, such as digoxin
- Sleeping pills
- Some peptic ulcer medicines
Other physical causes:
- Low testosterone levels. This can make it difficult to get an erection. It can also reduce a man’s sex drive.
- Nerve damage from prostate surgery.
- Nicotine, alcohol, or cocaine use.
- Spinal cord injury.
In some cases, your emotions or relationship problems can lead to ED, such as:
- Poor communication with your partner.
- Feelings of doubt and failure.
- Stress, fear, anxiety, or anger.
- Expecting too much from sex. This can make sex a task instead of a pleasure.
Erection problems can affect men at any age, but are more common as you get older. Physical causes are more common in older men. Emotional causes are more common in younger men.
If you have erections in the morning or at night while you sleep, it is likely not a physical cause. Most men have 3 to 5 erections at night that last about 30 minutes. Talk with your provider about how to find out if you have normal nighttime erections.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Having an erection that is not firm enough for intercourse
- Less interest in sex
Exams and Tests
Your provider will perform a physical exam, which may include:
- Taking your blood pressure
- Examining your penis and rectum to check for problems
Your provider will also ask questions to help find the cause, such as:
- Have you been able to get and keep erections in the past?
- Are you having trouble getting an erection or keeping erections?
- Do you have erections during sleep or in the morning?
- How long have you had trouble with erections?
Your provider will also ask about your lifestyle:
- Are you taking any medicines, including over-the counter medicines and supplements?
- Do you drink, smoke, or use recreational drugs?
- What is your state of mind? Are you stressed, depressed, or anxious?
- Are you having relationship problems?
You may have a number of different tests to help find the cause, such as:
- Urinalysis or blood tests to check for health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, or low testosterone
- A device you wear at night to check for normal nighttime erections
- Ultrasound of your penis to check for blood flow problems
- Rigidity monitoring to test how strong your erection is
- Psychological tests to check for depression and other emotional problems
Treatment
The treatment may depend on what is causing the problem and how healthy you are. Your provider can talk with you about the best treatment for you.
For many men, lifestyle changes can help. These include:
- Getting exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Losing extra weight
- Sleeping well
If you and your partner have trouble talking about your relationship, it may cause problems with sex. Counseling can help both you and your partner.
Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. There are many treatment options.
- Pills you take by mouth, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), avanafil (Stendra), and tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis). They work only when you are sexually aroused. They usually start to work in 15 to 45 minutes.
- Medicine inserted into the urethra or injected into the penis to improve blood flow. Very small needles are used and do not cause pain.
- Surgery to place implants in the penis. The implants may be inflatable or semi-rigid.
- A vacuum device. This is used to pull blood into the penis. A special rubber band is then used to keep the erection during intercourse.
- Testosterone replacement if your testosterone level is low. This comes in skin patches, gel, or injections into the muscle.
ED pills you take by mouth can have side effects. These can range from muscle pain and flushing to heart attack. DO NOT use these drugs with nitroglycerin. The combination can cause your blood pressure to drop.
You may not be able to use these drugs if you have any of the following conditions:
- Recent stroke or heart attack
- Severe heart disease, such as unstable angina or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Severe heart failure
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Very low blood pressure
Other treatments also have possible side effects and complications. Ask your provider to explain the risks and benefits of each treatment.
You may see many herbs and supplements that claim to help sexual performance or desire. However, none have been proven to successfully treat ED. Plus, they may not always be safe. DO NOT take anything without talking with your provider first.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Many men overcome erection problems with lifestyle changes, treatment, or both. For more severe cases, you and your partner may have to adjust to how ED affects your sex life. Even with treatment, counseling can help you and your partner overcome the stress ED may put on your relationship.
Possible Complications
An erection problem that does not go away can make you feel bad about yourself. It can also harm your relationship with your partner. ED may be a sign of health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. So if you have an erection problem, do not wait to seek help.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if:
- The problem does not go away with lifestyle changes
- The problem begins after an injury or prostate surgery
- You have other symptoms, such as low back pain, abdominal pain, or a change in urination
If you think any medicine you are taking may be causing erection problems, talk with your provider. You may need to lower the dose or change to another drug. DO NOT change or stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider.
Talk to your provider if your erection problems have to do with a fear of heart problems. Sexual intercourse is usually safe for men with heart problems.
Call your provider right away or go to an emergency room if you are taking ED medicine and it gives you an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours.
Prevention
To help prevent erection problems:
- Quit smoking.
- Cut back on alcohol (no more than 2 drinks per day).
- DO NOT use illegal drugs.
- Get plenty of sleep and take time to relax.
- Stay at a healthy weight for your height.
- Exercise and eat a healthy diet to keep good blood circulation.
- If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar well-controlled.
- Talk openly with your partner about your relationship and sex life. Seek counseling if you and your partner have trouble communicating.
Images
References
American Urological Association website. What is erectile dysfunction? www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction(ed). Updated June 2018. Accessed October 15, 2019.
Burnett AL. Evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 27.
Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633-641. PMID: 29746858 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29746858.
