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Degrees and Requirements

Health Science

A major in Health Science is meant to provide a bridge between study in the natural sciences and the application of science principles to diverse health-related professions.

The B.A. in Health Science is designed to meet the needs of two groups of students: 1)undergraduates preparing for post-baccalaureate study in a health profession; and 2)those already credentialed health professionals who are seeking to complete a Bachelor's degree. For both categories of students, the major in health science combines study in the natural sciences with liberal arts study through the Core Curriculum. The health science major also offers substantial general elective credits, which a student can use to add a second major or a minor, or to further one's background in the sciences or liberal arts.

The Health Science Major is meant to prepare students for health profession study in graduate school. For example, this option is suitable for undergraduates preparing to attend graduate programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Clinical-Nutrition Dietetics, Health Information Management, and Physician Assistant at another institution.

To successfully complete the Health Science major the following coursework is required:

  • 37 credits of Science and Mathematics Component
  • 18 credits of Health Science Component Electives
  • 2 credits of Health Science Capstone requirement
  • 37 credits of CORE Curriculum courses
  • 26 credits of General Electives

A minimum of 120 credits are required for degree, the last 30 of which must be earned at La Roche University.

Summary of Requirements

Health Science Component: Select 18 credits

  • HSCU3015
    BIOLOGY OF AGING

    HSCU3015
    BIOLOGY OF AGING

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1024 AND BIOL1024L This course explores the anatomical and physiological changes associated with human aging. What is aging, lifespan, theories of aging, and evolution and aging will also be discussed.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1023 & BIOL1023L

  • HSCU3021
    HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY I

    HSCU3021
    HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1024L AND BIOL1024 The course will examine the causes, evolution, morphological changes, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of diseases. Representative disorders of the integument, musculosketetal, nervous, and endocrine systems will be studied.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1024 & BIOL1024L

  • HSCU3025
    EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND SPORTS

    HSCU3025
    EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND SPORTS

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1024 AND BIOL1024L This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles Sports Nutrition and Exercise Physiology with an emphasis on wellness promotion throughout life.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1024 & BIOL1024L

  • HSCU3031
    PUBLIC HEALTH

    HSCU3031
    PUBLIC HEALTH

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    This course focuses on public health practices, as well as the United States’ health system evolution, emergency preparedness, careers in the field, and various factors affecting our population’s overall health.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • HSCU3033
    TOXICOLOGY

    HSCU3033
    TOXICOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1017, BIOL1001, SLSC1011 This course focuses on the study of numerous toxicants and how they affect all levels of biology and the human body. Various research studies will be introduced, as well as public policy perspective.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • HSCU3041
    HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY II

    HSCU3041
    HUMAN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: HSCU3021, BIOL1024, BIOL1024L This course is a continuation of the study of human pathophysiology. It will examine the causes, evolution, morphological changes, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of representative diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive systems.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1024 & BIOL1024L & HSCU3021

  • HSCU3045
    PHARMACOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

    HSCU3045
    PHARMACOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1024, BIOL1015, CHEM1017, CHEM1002 This course is designed to introduce the student to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug therapy with emphasis on the actions, interactions, adverse effects and care implications of each classification of drugs used to treat clients and patients with diseases of body systems. The organization of the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system will be described. Drug metabolism and elimination will also be discussed. Related topics includes lifespan considerations, economics, legal and ethical aspects of drub administration and client/patient education.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1015 & BIOL1023 & BIOL1024 & CHEM1007 & CHEM1017

  • HSCU3050
    HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH

    HSCU3050
    HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN HEALTH

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1024 This course focuses on health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention for major health concerns of individuals throughout the life span. Emphasis will be on developing the student's ability to create an in-depth health history and health risk profile, and to perform physical assessment of clients of varying ages. Evidence-based screening tests for early detection of disease, immunizations and prophylaxis to prevent disease and counseling to modify risk factors that lead to disease will be explored.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1024

  • HSCU3055
    EPIDEMIOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

    HSCU3055
    EPIDEMIOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1015, BIOL1003, BIOL1001 This course focuses on the study of infectious disease, environmental, molecular, and behavioral epidemiology. It will examine both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the discipline.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1001, BIOL1003, BIOL1015

  • HSCU3060
    ENDOCRINOLOGY FOR HEALTH

    HSCU3060
    ENDOCRINOLOGY FOR HEALTH

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1024 AND BIOL1024L This course provides a broad overview of the human endocrine system, which will allow students to integrate and better understand the functions of the other systems of the body. Topics include the synthesis of hormones, storage and secretion, mechanisms of action and regulation, and methods used in endocrinology.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • HSCU3XXX

    HSCU3XXX

    Credits (Min/Max): /

    PREREQUISITES:

  • PHIL3027
    BIOMEDICAL ETHICS

    PHIL3027
    BIOMEDICAL ETHICS

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    The course addresses significant ethical issues and controversies that occur in the health professions. Students are not encouraged to adopt any particular ethical position or view but rather gain an ability to review and analyze the reasons that support various norms and opinions in this field.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • PSYC2015
    HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

    PSYC2015
    HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This course explores psychological contributions to physical health and illness enhancement of physical health and the understanding and control of psychological processes that undermine health are addressed from theoretical and applied perspectives. Topics include the psychology of stress, pain, illness and treatment, and addictive lifestyle behaviors such as drinking and smoking.

    PREREQUISITES:

    PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H

  • PSYC3035
    BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

    PSYC3035
    BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: PSYC1021 OR PSYC1021H This course explores physiological bases of human psychological experiences. The nervous and endocrine systems are examined in relationship to emotions, stress, psychological disorders, and other processes.

    PREREQUISITES:

    PSYC1021 or PSYC1021H

Health Science Required: 2 credits

  • HSCU4055
    Health Science Capstone

    HSCU4055
    Health Science Capstone

    Credits (Min/Max): 2/2

    As a Health Science or Exercise Science senior, this course is a culminating experience that aims to integrate previous academic coursework along with the student's area of interest. The course will focus on preparing students for their future. An individual research project on a subject related to the student's future in healthcare will be required, and then presented at the end of teh semester. Resume creation and interviewing skills will also be taught and practiced.

    PREREQUISITES:

Science and Mathematics Component: 37 credits

  • BIOL1001
    LIFE SCIENCE (SLSC)

    BIOL1001
    LIFE SCIENCE (SLSC)

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    An introductory course directed toward the development of an answer to the question: What is life? The course explores various life processes and the human person's position in the total scheme. Emphasis is placed on current scientific discoveries. This course is not open to science majors. (SLSC)

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL1015
    MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

    BIOL1015
    MICROBIOLOGY FOR HEALTH SCIENCES

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    The primary effort of this course will be to provide the student with practical and clinically relevant information about microbes through lectures and laboratory exercises. Students will be introduced to basic facts about the structure and life processes of microbes. Major emphasis will be placed on relationships between microbes and humans, causes and diagnosis of microbial diseases, common sources of infections, disease transmission, and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The tools and techniques for handling and identifying microorganisms will be introduced in the laboratory exercises.

    PREREQUISITES:

    Concurrent: BIOL1015L

  • BIOL1015L
    MICROBIO FOR HEALTH SCIENCES LAB

    BIOL1015L
    MICROBIO FOR HEALTH SCIENCES LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Lab for BIOL1015: Microbiology for Health Sciences

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL1020
    MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

    BIOL1020
    MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    This course will introduce the language of medicine through the analysis of medical terminology structure and the understanding of the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical terms.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL1023
    HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I

    BIOL1023
    HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    A basic course concerned with the structural and physiological processes of the human body. Interdependence of structure and function is stressed to promote better understanding of the entire body environment.

    PREREQUISITES:

    Concurrent: BIOL1023L

  • BIOL1023L
    HUMAN ANAT AND PHYSIO I LAB

    BIOL1023L
    HUMAN ANAT AND PHYSIO I LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for BIOL1023: Anatomy & Physiology I

    PREREQUISITES:

  • BIOL1024
    HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II

    BIOL1024
    HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: BIOL1023 The second of two basic courses concerned with the structural and physiological processes of the human body. Interdependence of structure and function is stressed to promote better understanding of the entire body environment. Lecture and laboratory courses.

    PREREQUISITES:

    BIOL1023 & Concurrent: BIOL1024L

  • BIOL1024L
    HUMAN ANAT AND PHYSIO I LAB

    BIOL1024L
    HUMAN ANAT AND PHYSIO I LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for BIOL1024: Anatomy and Physiology II.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • CHEM1007
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I

    CHEM1007
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    An introduction to the basic principles of general, organic and biochemistry. The principles are related to living systems including the properties and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. Lecture and laboratory course. (SLSC)

    PREREQUISITES:

    Concurrent: CHEM1008

  • CHEM1008
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I - LAB

    CHEM1008
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY I - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for CHEM1007 Principles of Chemistry I

    PREREQUISITES:

  • CHEM1017
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II

    CHEM1017
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1007 This course provides an introductory survey of biochemistry, along with biomedical applications. Important biomolecules such as hemoglobin will be discussed, with an emphasis on correlating structure with function. A discussion of intermediary metabolism follows, including an introduction to inborn errors of metabolism. The course concludes with a discussion of molecular including potential biomedical application.

    PREREQUISITES:

    CHEM1007 or SLSO1008 & Concurrent: CHEM1018

  • CHEM1018
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II - LAB

    CHEM1018
    PRINCIPLES OF CHEMISTRY II - LAB

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    PREREQUISITE: CHEM1008 Laboratory for CHEM1017 Principles of Chemistry II

    PREREQUISITES:

    CHEM1008

  • HSCU1005
    INTRO TO HEALTH PROFESSIONS

    HSCU1005
    INTRO TO HEALTH PROFESSIONS

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    This elective course for health science majors introduces undergraduates to varied allied health careers through direct discussions with certified health professionals from each field. Weekly discussions touch on every major facet of a field, such as training requirements, job responsibilities, and salary ranges. The course also provides an increased perspective of the United States healthcare system.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • MATH1040
    PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

    MATH1040
    PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1010 The study of the fundamentals of probability theory with applications to natural and social sciences as well as to mathematics. Discrete and continuous distributions, sampling theory, linear correlation, regression, statistical inference, estimation and analysis of variance are included.

    PREREQUISITES:

    MATH1010

  • NSCI1025
    NORMAL AND CLINICAL NUTRITION

    NSCI1025
    NORMAL AND CLINICAL NUTRITION

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    This course covers the fundamental principles of nutrition and their relationship to health. The role of diet in the prevention and treatment of representative pathophysiological conditions will be examined. This course is designed for students majoring in Nursing or interested in careers in the Health Sciences.

    PREREQUISITES:

  • PHYS1010
    PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

    PHYS1010
    PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

    Credits (Min/Max): 3/3

    PREREQUISITE: MATH1010 This course is designed to provide a broad background in physics for those who will enter the allied health professions. Applications will be made to the biological and physiological sciences, as well as to the various types of equipment. Lecture and laboratory course.

    PREREQUISITES:

    MATH1010 Coreq: PHYS1010L

  • PHYS1010L
    PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

    PHYS1010L
    PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCE

    Credits (Min/Max): 1/1

    Laboratory for PHYS1010 Physics for Health Science

    PREREQUISITES: