A minor in Pre-Health Sciences offers coursework necessary for admission to graduate and professional studies in allied health fields such as dental hygiene, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and ultrasound. Courses in the Pre-Health Science Minor offer students a strong background to continue studies in biology or other sciences.

 

Required Courses:

 

BIO 110          Biology I: Molecular and Cells (4 credits)

Studies the major biological principles that encompass all living things. Introduces cell structure and function, physical and chemical properties of the cell, reproduction of the cell and organism, genetics, biochemistry, properties of energy and energy in chemical reactions, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration. The laboratory portion covers biology principles, as well as lab techniques and the process of scientific experimentation, experimental design, and analysis. Note: Credit may not be earned for both BIO 110 and BIO 109.

Prerequisite(s): None

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BIO 220          Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)

Studies the gross anatomy of the human body, including the cellular and physiological structures and major systems. Emphasizes the basic interrelationships of normal human anatomy and physiology systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Includes lecture and laboratory components.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 110 (Biology I: Molecular and Cells)

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BIO 221          Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)

Provides further study on the human body structure and its functions. Covers advanced principles of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, respiratory, digestive, excretory (urinary), endocrine, and reproductive (male and female) systems. Develops advanced understanding of the interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. Includes lecture and laboratory components.   

Prerequisite(s): BIO 220 (Anatomy and Physiology I)

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Choose one additional science course from the following:

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BIO 230          Microbiology (4 credits)

Introduces the study of Microbiology. Examines microbes such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi and their impact on humans and on the environment. The laboratory portion covers lab techniques including proper use of microscopes, staining, aseptic technique, and the process of scientific experimentation, recording data, and analysis.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 110 (Biology I: Molecular and Cells)

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CHE 107        Fundamentals of Chemistry (3 credits)

Introduces the fundamental concepts of chemistry. Covers topics including include atomic structure, periodic table, bonding, various states of matter, nomenclature, chemical reactions, chemical equations, and quantitative relationships. 

Prerequisite(s): None

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CHE 123        General Chemistry I (4 credits)

Covers the fundamental principles, laws, and theories of chemistry. Topics discussed include the nature of chemistry, matter and thermochemistry, physical and chemical change, heat and temperature, stoichiometry, nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, and gases. The laboratory portion covers chemical concepts, as well as lab techniques and the process of scientific experimentation.

Prerequisite(s): None

 

PHY 101         Fundamentals of Physics (4 credits)

Covers the basic principles of physics. Introduces the concepts of Newtonian mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, sound and heat applications. Geared to students entering science, health, and technology fields. Includes a lab component that provides a hands-on approach to physical phenomena. Experiments focus on core physics concepts of mechanics: force, motion, conservation laws, and oscillations.

Prerequisite(s): MAT 121 (College Algebra) or equivalent

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Choose one elective course from the following:

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BIO 115          Medical Terminology (3 credits)

Introduces the language and terminology of the medical field. Explores how medical terms are constructed and used within the field. Discusses how to define, interpret, and translate medical terms as they appear in medical documentation and records.

Prerequisite(s): None

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BIO 265          Nutrition (3 credits)

Provides an overview to the study of nutrition and food science. Discusses nutrients, other food substances, food sources, food interactions, and balanced diets as they relate to healthy living and well-being. Covers the importance of nutrition and its connection to healthy body function.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 220 (Anatomy and Physiology I)

 

BIO 301          Psychobiology (3 credits)

Focuses on the relationship between biological and psychological phenomena (i.e., the mind-body connection). Explores the genetic foundations, developmental processes, and neurobiological systems that underlie and influence behavior, cognition, emotion, motivation, learning, memory, vision, sensation, and movement. Develops an appreciation for the reciprocal relationship between psychological experiences and environment and neurological development and brain functioning. Also studies the various illnesses and disabilities that occur when biological and psychological processes go awry and how knowledge of psychobiology can contribute to diagnosis and important treatment decisions.

Credit given for BIO 301 or PSY 378

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 280          Human Growth and Development (3 credits)

Provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the field of developmental psychology. Emphasizes major theories, perspectives, and associated research as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception through the end of life. Examines typical growth and development patterns, as well as factors that lead to disruption and change in those patterns. Students will develop insight into the factors that make people the way they are and how to support healthy human growth and development.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101(Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 360          Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

Presents in-depth analyses of the historical and philosophical foundations of abnormal psychology and psychopathology. Examines the development of classification systems for mental disorders and the implications for diagnosis and treatment. Discusses the integrated roles of biology, psychology, and social context in the assessment and diagnostic process, legal considerations, and the role of ethics and morality.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) 

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STA 201         Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)

Develops an understanding of statistical methodology and use of critical judgment in analyzing data sets. Includes descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, introduction to probability, both normal and binomial distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, linear regression, and correlation. Emphasizes developing the practical skills of interpreting and reporting descriptive and inferential univariate and bivariate statistical information.

Prerequisite(s): None