Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Certificate Program

This is the first of a series of two courses in Anatomy and Physiology. It is fast-paced and designed to provide the foundation for students that intend to pursue a career in healthcare or seek admission into a professional school.

This course is structured to teach the anatomy and physiology of the human body by organ systems and includes a laboratory component that reinforces concepts learned in the theory component of the course, while simultaneously providing opportunities to master skills that are commonly used in healthcare practice. Emphasis is placed on clinical applications, structure and function, integration of body systems, homeostasis, and critical thinking.

Topics covered in this course include an overview of anatomy concepts, levels of organization of the human body (molecules to organismal), histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, human development, and reproductive system. Delivery method: fully online.

Desirable background: Basic biology and chemistry.

This is the second of a series of two courses in Anatomy and Physiology. It is fast-paced and designed to continue to provide the foundation for students that intend to pursue a career in healthcare or seek admission into a professional school. This course is structured to teach the anatomy and physiology of the human body by organ systems and includes a laboratory component that reinforces concepts learned in the theory component of the course, while simultaneously providing opportunities to master skills that are commonly used in healthcare practice. Emphasis is placed on clinical applications, structure, and function, integration of body systems, homeostasis, and critical thinking. Topics covered in this course include the nervous system, cardiovascular system, Immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, fluid, electrolyte and acid balance, metabolism, and nutrition.

Delivery method: fully online. Desirable background: A&P I

Cultural Anthropology 1011 introduces you to the study of human cultural patterns and learned behavior. You will explore the discipline through weekly topics that include linguistics and religion, social and political organization, race and ethnicity, culture and personality, culture change and applied anthropology. The study of cultural anthropology helps to provide you with a more open and sensitive attitude towards persons of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds by exploring commonalities of belief and life intention and reflecting on the role of enculturation in shaping the lives of societies and individuals.

Biology I is a four credit course incorporating an at-home laboratory component. This course is designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who need Biology as a prerequisite to apply for admission to various health professions’ programs, such as, but not limited to, graduate programs in dietetics, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dental medicine and medicine. Biology I can be both a standalone course or a precursor to Biology II (BIO 1011) with an emphasis on providing a conceptual framework for understanding the basics of modern biology, the scientific method, the chemical basis of life, cell biology and reproduction, and genetics so that the student will be well equipped to apply this knowledge in his or her further studies.

Biology II is a four-credit course incorporating an at-home laboratory component. This course is designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who need Biology as a prerequisite to apply for admission to various health professions programs, such as, but not limited to, graduate programs in dietetics, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dental medicine and medicine. Biology II can be both a standalone course or a continuation of Biology I (BIOL 1010) with an emphasis on providing a conceptual framework for understanding the basics of modern biology, evolution, ecology, biodiversity, anatomy, and physiology so that the student will be well equipped to apply this knowledge in his or her further studies.

This course explores the animal branch of the family tree of all living things, focusing especially on vertebrates. We will learn what makes animals different from other organisms like plants or fungi, and also how the various animal species differ from each other. Major themes running through the course include: phylogenetics (how animal species are related to each other); evolution (how we got all the different kinds of animals); metabolism (how different animals survive and regulate their bodies); reproduction strategies (how animals make more animals); and ecology (how animals interact with other living things and their environments).

Topics covered in this course include: the history of microbiology, microbial morphology and physiology, bacterial metabolism, genetics, ecology, and the classification of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Therapeutic agents used to disrupt and control microbial growth are considered and a body systems approach is utilized in the coverage of diseases.

This course will introduce and explore basic concepts and theories of cell biology with an emphasis on its application in understanding human health. Topics include an introduction to cell theory, the chemical composition of cells, cellular functions and cell signaling, reproduction and genetics. Each of these topics will be explored through course readings, video lectures/demonstrations, discussions, and a variety of experiential activities, including a course project. Students will demonstrate their mastery of cell biology concepts through quizzes and a cumulative final exam. Students will also have the opportunity to apply the concepts learned in this course to evaluate a human disease.

This course will introduce and emphasize on the basic concepts of molecular biology and the application of these concepts in the medical field. The knowledge attained in the course will be used to understand human diseases. Topics include knowing about biomolecules like DNA, RNA and proteins, central dogma, DNA replication, DNA repair and regulation of gene expression. Each of these topics will be explored through course readings, video lectures, case studies, journal clubs, discussions forums and digital concept mapping. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of molecular biology concepts through quizzes and a cumulative final exam.

This immunology course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the human immune system. It first introduces students to the structure, functions and capabilities of immune cells, tissues, and organs. Globally, the course informs students of different modes of action and the ability of immune effector populations in combating various types of infections. This course will also emphasize current immunological techniques such as recombinant antibody, flow cytometry, and ELISPOT technology. Further, issues related to vaccine development and therapeutics will also be included in the course. Finally, students will develop disciplinary appreciation through reviews of case studies, research articles, and current perspectives in the field of immunology.

Online General Chemistry I with Lab is designed to give the student an introduction to general chemistry and chemistry lab techniques. The concepts covered in this course include components of matter, atomic theory, stoichiometry, chemical reactions and bonding, thermochemistry, quantum theory, electron configuration, models of bonding, theories of covalent bonding, shapes of molecules, and gasses. Labs are performed concurrently with lecture topics, with an emphasis on reinforcing topics covered in the textbook and learning basic lab procedures. The hands-on labs will be performed in the home of the student using a designated lab kit. Course Pre Req: One semester of College Algebra.

Online General Chemistry II with Lab is designed to give the student an introduction to general chemistry and chemistry lab techniques. The subjects covered in this course include properties of liquids and solids, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, organic nomenclature, and nuclear chemistry. Labs are performed concurrently with lecture topics, with an emphasis on reinforcing topics covered in the textbook and learning basic lab procedures. The hands-on labs will be performed in the home of the student using a designated lab kit. Course Pre-req: One semester of College Chemistry and College Algebra.

This is the first semester course of a two semester sequence of organic chemistry. This course is designed to give the student a general understanding of how science contributes to their future profession and will prepare students for entrance exams in the health professions.  In addition, this course will lay the groundwork for more advanced understanding of the chemical reactivity topics covered in Online Organic Chemistry II and/or Biochemistry courses required for health-care professions.

Students will be introduced to organic structures (functional groups, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and conformations) and then learn carbonyl reactions (nucleophilic additions to ketones/aldehydes and nucleophilic substitution to acid derivatives). Finally, the course ends with an introduction to spectroscopic analysis. The corresponding laboratory experiments will introduce laboratory techniques covered on most professional entrance exams and will reinforce key classroom concepts in the context of separation and purification techniques and an introduction to spectroscopy. 

The course is designed to take lecture and lab concurrently for four credits. 

Course Prerequisite: Two semesters of college level general chemistry.

This course is designed to give the student, interested in the health professions, the depth of a second semester of organic chemistry exploring reactivity and synthesis. The goals of this course are to provide students with the logic and foundation to organic chemistry topics that will be needed in his/her professional studies. Students will be introduced to a wide range of organic chemistry reactions. Students will learn to predict reaction outcomes and build an understanding of how molecules are synthesized. The course also incorporates a laboratory experience that places an emphasis on understanding the concept of the labs and the scientific method, since today’s healthcare professionals are expected to have a general understanding of how science and the scientific method contribute to their profession.

The course and labs will introduce the student to important laboratory techniques covered on most professional entrance exams. 

Course Prerequisite: One semester of college level organic chemistry with lab.

This online course serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Students will explore the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This course will cover topics including metabolic pathways, enzymology, metabolism, and the integration of biochemical processes in cellular functions.

This public speaking course will examine the core principles and contexts of communication, specifically in oral presentations. You will learn to recognize the interrelationships among speaker, listener, context, organization, language, and delivery. The course will include information on proper techniques for rhetorical persuasion strategies, research, writing, and delivering oral presentations, as well as the preparation of audio visuals to enhance presentations. Students will also learn and demonstrate skills in rhetorical reasoning, argumentation, listening, and critical thinking.

This course provides a thorough introduction to microeconomic theory. This course begins with an analysis of opportunity costs and trade offs. These concepts are then used as the foundation for studying producer and consumer behavior. Next, consumer and producer behavior theory are combined and used as the building blocks for an analysis of supply, demand, consumer surplus, producer surplus, and elasticity. The course concludes with an overview of the four market structures commonly studied in microeconomics and how they rely on the concepts and theories that have provided the foundation for the course. Recommended prerequisite: College Algebra.

English Composition I is a three-credit college writing course to prepare students for the fundamental knowledge and skills of college-level expository writing and critical thinking. Areas of focus include idea presentation and organization, audience, point of view, authorship, paragraph and essay coherence, and technology-mediated evaluation of grammar, mechanics, and originality. Students are introduced to strategies for rhetorical writing, writing-as-process and product, and thinking-as-writing. An introduction to argument structure and writing from sources culminates in an academic essay as a comprehensive course assignment.

This course serves as an introductory course for pre-health professions students and non-science majors, covering basic chemical principles of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.  This foundational course is a systematic survey of measurements, atomic structure, periodic table trends, chemical bonding and equations, nomenclature, structures of organic compounds, and biochemicals. Altogether, this course will develop the critical thinking skills and self-confidence within the introductory sciences that come with foundational understandings.

This course is designed for health science majors needing to review essential mathematical concepts and skills. Topics include basic arithmetic operations on real numbers, systems of measurements, use of formulas, conversions, dimensional analysis, percents, decimals, fractions, ratio and proportion, linear and exponential equations and graphing, geometry, and basic trigonometry.

Precalculus was intentionally designed to prepare students for subsequent college level Calculus courses. This course will review a variety of the prerequisite mathematical concepts necessary for Calculus. Topics include rational functions, trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, sequences and series, probability, and a brief introduction to continuity. Each of these topics will be applied to real-world situations that can be modeled mathematically. In this course, students will practice communicating the realistic applications of each of these topics.

It is recommended that students have completed College Algebra, Algebra 2, or Intermediate Algebra within the last five years before enrolling in this course.

This course focuses on single variable calculus through graphical, analytical, and numerical techniques. Differentiation and its applications are thoroughly discussed. Basic integration techniques are introduced. Mathematical manipulation and computational competence is equally weighted with the ability to analyze, evaluate, synthesize and form accurate decisions using relevant information in applied settings.

This course continues the study of calculus. More techniques of integration will be investigated in this course. The concepts of limits, differentiation, and integration will be applied to problems in differential equations, sequences, series, and Taylor series. Parametric equations, polar coordinates, and vectors will also be introduced. (Calculus 1 is a prerequisite for this course).

This course introduces the students to both descriptive and inferential statistics.  Emphasis is placed on the practical use of statistics in the collecting, organizing, analyzing and interpreting of data. Students will learn standard topics such as sampling, bias, organization of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation and regression, probability, normal and standard normal distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.

This online course is a 3-credit hour course delivered at a distance and designed to provide the student interested in health care, health care delivery, or graduate study in some aspect of medicine or health care a broad and comprehensive understanding of the unique language of medical terminology.  

This is a science-oriented, introductory course that focuses on basic principles of human nutrition. Emphasis is placed on the nutrient requirements of healthy individuals, nutrient categories and their characteristics, physiological functions, metabolism, and food sources. The role of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention will be discussed in relation to personal health choices and with applications for students contemplating careers in health professions.

This course introduces the major theories of normative ethics, emphasizing consequentialism, non-consequentialism, and virtue ethics. Further emphasis is given to applying these theories to perennial ethical dilemmas such as abortion, the death penalty, euthanasia, and war. Students will complete weekly discussions, a midterm examination, and a final project. Upon completing the course, students should be able to navigate the various ethical theories, apply them critically, and articulate a vision of ethics, happiness, and the good life.

This is a one-semester course, with a laboratory, designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who need first semester physics as a prerequisite to apply for admission to health professions’ programs. These may include graduate programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, dental medicine, nursing, physical therapy and physician assistant.

This algebra-based online course is a four credit-hour course that includes a hands-on physics laboratory. The overall goal of this online course is to provide the student, interested in the health professions, with a continuing introduction to physics that emphasizes additional concepts than those covered in PHYS 1010 that are the foundation of science and which the students may encounter in their professional studies. These topics include thermodynamics, waves and sound, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, light and optics, and atomic and nuclear phenomena. Course pre-req: one semester of college algebra. PHYS 1010 or equivalent physics course is highly recommended.

This course will explore basic concepts and theories of human development with a focus on the nine major periods of life from prenatal development to death and dying. The nature of interactions between an individual’s biology and their environment will be examined by integrating information from a wide array of research studies. These studies consist of, but are not limited to, ground-breaking historic studies to recent studies of physical, neurological, and cognitive development.