Health Science

The School of Science offers an interdisciplinary major in Health Science. This program provides a strong foundation in natural science and human biology. The Health Science major prepares students to pursue graduate programs in various fields including but not limited to physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, occupational therapy, public health, and other health careers that require a science background and have a service orientation (listed below). Upon entry to the program, the student  and Health Science Advisor meet to design a course of study suitable to their interests and career path. 

The Health Science major is consistent with the mission of the College to offer students a diverse liberal arts curriculum that is enhanced by an area of study-in this case the biological, biochemical, chemical, psychological, and physical sciences. The Health Science Program offers both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The B.S. Health Science major provides a solid foundation for students pursuing graduate programs with intensive math and science prerequisites. The B.A. Health Science major provides students the flexibility to undertake a minor, prepare for a single-subject teaching credential, or complete courses for graduate school.The courses that fulfill the Health Science major allow students to acquire scientific knowledge, integrate that knowledge among different fields of science, and apply it in the professional environment. Finally, the Health Science major facilitates education of a community of students with common goals to enhance the health and well-being of their communities through a variety of health service-oriented professions.

Faculty

Rainbow Rubin, PhD, Director

Learning Outcomes

1. DEMONSTRATE understanding of the biological workings of the human body and its relevance to human health;
2. UNDERSTAND and practice scientific inquiry through observation and/or experimentation including logic of experimentation, data analysis and ethical implications;
3. ANALYZE, interpret, integrate and evaluate scientific literature with the ability to communicate findings in a written format;
4. DEMONSTRATE a high degree of professional integrity and social awareness through consideration of social inequities and respect for the value of individuals, communities and perspectives of difference. 

Career Paths

Career paths suitable for the B.S. in Health Science and their electives.  

• Physical Therapy: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011 , PSYCH 140 , PSYCH 152 , PSYCH 160  

• Occupational Therapy: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011  PSYCH 140 , PSYCH 152  

• Physician Assistant: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011 , CHEM 104  & CHEM 106 , BIOL 105 , BIOL 130 , BIOL 135 , BIOL 139 , PSYCH 110 , SOC 002 /SOC 004  or ANTH 001      

• Optometry: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011 , CHEM 104  & CHEM 106 , BIOL 105 , BIOL 130 , BIOL 135 , BIOL 139  

• Pharmacy: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011 , CHEM 104  & CHEM 106 , BIOL 105 , BIOL 130 , BIOL 135   

• Medical and Clinical Lab Tech: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011  and CHEM 104  & CHEM 106  

• Sonography: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011  

• Nutrition: PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011  and CHEM 104  & CHEM 106  

• Radiologic Technology: COMM 112 ​, PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011 , and Medical Terminology off campus

• Nuclear Medicine: COMM 112 ​, PHYSI 010  & PHYSI 011 , and Medical Terminology off campus

Career paths suitable for the B.A. in Health Science and their electives.  

• Dietetics: CHEM 104  & CHEM 106 , BIOL 105 , BIOL 130 , BIOL 135 , HS 131  

• Genetic Counseling: CHEM 104  & CHEM 106     

• Public Health

• Health Administration

Major Requirements 

The Health Science Bachelor of Science major comprises 16 lower- and upper-division courses, many with corresponding laboratories, detailed below. To officially declare a Health Science major, students must have completed CHEM 008  & CHEM 009  with a C- or better. In order to finish a Health Science B.S. major within four years, it is essential that students complete CHEM 010  & CHEM 011  prior to the beginning of their sophomore year.

Upper Division Requirements

A minimum of seven upper-division science courses are required. Six courses are to be taken from biology, psychology, kinesiology (at least one from each department), and chemistry (optional). At least two upper division courses must have a laboratory component. Finally, HS 131/133, will be taken which fulfills the Writing in the Discipline requirement of the major and the seventh upper division science. A total of 17 upper-division courses are to be completed by graduation.

The Health Science Bachelor of Arts major comprises 13 lower- and upper-division courses, many with corresponding laboratories, detailed below. To officially declare an Health Science major, students must have completed CHEM 008 & CHEM 009 with a C- or better. In order to finish a Health Science B.A. major within four years, it is highly recommended that students complete CHEM 010 & CHEM 011 prior to the beginning of their sophomore year.

Programs

• Health Science, BA

• Health Science, BS

Courses

• HS 131 - Nutrition
• HS 133 - Environmental Health