Health Sciences Major
The Health Sciences Major is a broad-based program of study that prepares students for careers or graduate study in the health care industry and related areas. This major provides excellent preparation for students entering Allied Health professions such as physical therapy, physician's assistant, and pharmacy. Requirements for each professional program vary, thus early consultation with an advisor is encouraged. At the center of the major is the Health Sciences Core, a group of courses that provides a foundation in the natural and social sciences in a manner consistent with the liberal arts tradition. In addition to completing the Health Sciences Core, each student majoring in Health Sciences must also develop a concentration of study in an approved area. For example, those interested in clinical laboratory work may elect to concentrate in biochemical sciences. Each concentration (~20 units) builds on the foundation of the Health Sciences Core and develops expertise in a particular academic discipline. Because the foci overlap significantly with the requirements for some other majors, certain "double majors" are not permitted with Health Science. Although an internship is not required, the college offers a wide range of internship opportunities in health care and related fields.
The Health Sciences Core
The core includes 16 courses. Many of these (*) overlap with the nursing requirements.
- CHE-141*General Chemistry I
- CHE-142*General Chemistry II
- BIO-120* Frontiers in Biology
- BIO-220* Organismal Biology
- BIO-303* Human Anatomy
- BIO-304* Human Physiology
- One course in the study of disease (3-4 credits) from:
- PSY-100* Introduction to Psychology
- ATH-101* Cultural Anthropology
or
SOC 100*. Introduction to Sociology - MAT-112* Introduction to Statistics
- PHI-202.3:* Bioethics
- REL-251 Theology & the Sciences
- POE-241 Introduction to Public Policy
- HSC-499.X Health Sciences Seminar
- Any modern foreign language: Successful completion of one elementary course in a modern foreign language or the equivalent language competency as assessed by the Department of Modern Foreign Languages or a standardized foreign language exam.
In addition to the Core, students majoring in Health Sciences must choose a focus. Each focus (~20 units) develops depth in a particular discipline. The foci are described below.
Biochemistry focus (22-24 credits)
The following focus in biochemistry prepares students for employment, research, and further study in biomedical research, clinical biochemistry, pharmacology, and biophysical research. Possibilities also exist for careers in food science and industrial sales. Students are required to take the following courses:
- CHE-252 Analytical Chemistry I & Lab
- CHE-301 & CHE-302 Organic Chemistry & Lab
- CHE-412 Biochemistry & Lab
- two courses chosen from:
Business Focus (21 credits)
The following focus in business prepares students for work and further study in public and private health administration, and for careers in businesses related to the health care industry. Students are required to take the following courses:
- ACC-221 Financial Accounting
- ACC-222 Managerial Accounting
- ECO-271 Principles of Microeconomics
- ECO-272 Principles of Macroeconomics
- BUS-497 Internship (3 credits)
- Two courses chosen from:
NOTE: MAT-123.1 (or MAT-151) is a prerequisite for courses in this focus. Students should take the mathematics course no later than the sophomore year.
Human Biology Focus (18 credits)
The following focus in human biology prepares students for graduate programs such as physical therapy, physician's assistant, nursing, and biomedical science and for employment in the biomedical or health care industries. Students are required to take 18 credits chosen from the following list of courses:
- BIO-316 Genetics
- BIO-330 Cell Biology
- BIO-355 Human Anatomy: Selected Topics
- BIO-356 Molecular Biology
- BIO-360 Microbiology*
- BIO-361 Pathobiology*
- BIO-365 Immunology
- BIO-371 Endocrinology
- BIO-372 Developmental Biology
- CHE-412 Biochemistry
- PHE-319 Kinesiology
- PSY-330 Introduction to Neuropsychology
*These courses cannot count toward both the Core and the Human Biology Focus.
Political Economy Focus (19 credits)
The following focus in political economy prepares students for work and further study in areas such as government service, public health, non-profit service, and health administration. Students are required to take the following courses
- POE-120 International Politics
- POE-250 Introduction to Political Philosophy
- POE-263 Introduction to Political Economy
- POE-299 Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge
- POE-302 Economic Development
or
POE-351 Politics in Developing Countries - POE-498 Senior Seminar: Politics & Economics
or
499 Senior Seminar: International Political Economy
Psychology Focus (20-21 credits)
The following focus in psychology prepares students for work and further study in areas emphasizing scientifically-oriented psychological research and analysis. Students are required to take the following course:
- PSY-312 Research Design and Analysis I & Lab
- PSY-313 Research Design and Analysis II & Lab
- PSY-330 Introduction to Neuropsychology
- PSY-331 Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- PSY-404 Abnormal Psychology
- BIO-365 Immunology & Lab
or
BIO-371 Endocrinology
(PSY-406 History & Systems of Psychology is also recommended for students pursuing graduate training in Clinical Psychology [PhD or PsyD], Neuropsychology, Medical Psychology and related programs)