Biology - Major in Biology Program

Required courses:

First Year
EXSC 130 Allied Health Anatomy and Physiology I

This is the first course in a two-course series that includes basic structure and function of the human body in a systems approach. Primary topics include foundational content in biological chemistry and cell biology, and histology, and system content for integument, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratory activities include dissection of preserved animal and/or human specimens, use of microscopes, anatomical models and experiments supporting course concepts. This course is designed for nursing and allied health students; not intended as replacement for upper-level human physiology or anatomy courses offered by Exercise Science or Biology Departments. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Corequisite: EXSC 130L. 4 credits.

EXSC 131 Allied Health Anatomy and Physiology II

This is the second course in a two-course series that includes basic structure and function of the human body in a systems approach. Primary topics include the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems along with immunity, metabolism, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base homeostasis. Laboratory activities include dissection of preserved animal and/or human specimens, use of microscopes, anatomical models and experiments supporting course concepts. This course is designed for nursing and allied health students; not intended as replacement for upper-level human physiology or anatomy courses offered by Exercise Science or Biology Departments. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: EXSC 130/L with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: EXSC 131L. 4 credits.

HSC 170 Statistics for Health Professionals

This is an introductory statistics course for health care professionals. This course will provide foundational knowledge about types of variables, probability, hypothesis testing, choosing correct statistical tests, data collection and management, producing descriptive statistics, and applying and interpreting the results of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests to health-related datasets. A student may not receive credit for more than one of HSC 170, MAS 170, and MAS 270. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. 3 credits.

or MAS 170 Elementary Statistics

An introduction to elementary descriptive and inferential statistics with emphasis on conceptual understanding. A student may not receive credit for MAS 170 after completing MAS 372. A student may not receive credit for more than one of HSC 170, MAS 170, and MAS 270. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning,Natural Science Analysis. 3 credits.

MAS 104 Mathematics for Health Professions

This course aspires to provide every student with mastery of dosage computations through dimensional analysis. Students will begin by strengthening their arithmetic and algebra skills, reviewing topics including fractions, decimals, proportions, and percentages. Students will then consider measurement requirements and perform unit conversions, while applying their skills to dosage and intravenous flow rate computations. Course restricted to Nursing (or Exploratory-Health Science) majors. 3 credits.

PSY 110 General Psychology

This course is designed as an introduction to the conceptual and methodological foundations of psychological science. Through a broad exploration of neuroscience, cognition, social processes, development, and psychopathology, the course provides a conceptual background for understanding behavior, and active engagement with the scientific process including the addressing of connections between research and theory, and the role of empirical data, in understanding psychological processes. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. 3 credits.

PSY 220 Lifespan Development

This course provides an overview of developmental phenomenon focusing heavily on the prenatal environment through adolescence and highlighting adulthood and aging. Further, we will go beyond a 'milestone approach' to developmental psychology - in other words, rather than just memorizing what ages and stages children acquire certain skills, we will strive to understand why and how those skills are developing. Students will learn to articulate the relationship between theory and data and synthesize information to critically evaluate current developmental theories and apply developmental concepts to real-world issues. This course cannot be completed by students who have already taken PSY 238. 3 credits.

Second Year
BIO 200 Microbiology for Nursing Professionals

This course will cover the biology and diversity of microorganisms with a focus on the interaction between microorganisms and humans. Topics will include the role of microorganisms in causing human disease, the biological and chemical mechanisms governing treatments for infectious diseases, and the techniques and policies designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Prerequisites: EXSC 130, 131, and CHM 105/106 or 111/113, with a grade of C or better. 4 credits.

NUR 212 Technologies of Nursing Practice

This course introduces foundational knowledge and attitudes that support nursing skills used to promote health; provide safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care; and protect the health of diverse patients across the lifespan. Nursing skills are learned and practiced in the skills laboratory. This course carries additional fees for ATI standardized testing preparation and skills lab/simulation lab. Prerequisite: EXSC 130, 131, and MAS 104, with a minimum grade of C or better. 3 credits.

NUR 222 Health Assessment

Nursing Health Assessment teaches the knowledge base and nursing skills necessary for a systematic and comprehensive patient assessment. The course teaches how to conduct a health history and perform a physical assessment at the beginning level. Normal assessment finds, common variations, and cultural differences are incorporated. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the nursing program. EXSC 130, 131, and MAS 104 with a grade of C or better. 3 credits.

NUR 279 Modern Day Application of Nutrition for Nursing

This course will cover foundational principles of nutrition for the human body, such as the need for various macronutrients, micronutrients, fiber, and water. A basic understanding of change theory will also be discussed, as students learn about the motivation behind behavior change from a wellness perspective. Once students have an understanding in these areas, the class will move toward application of basic nutrition across the lifespan. Students will also gain understanding into our society's impact on body image, through the effects of fad dieting, American diet culture, and social media. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. 3 credits.

One lecture/lab combination from the following:
CHM 105 General, Organic and Biochemistry

An introduction to general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry for the students majoring in certain health science programs. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, pH, equilibrium, and radioactivity. This course is not intended as a substitute for any student who requires a typical two semester, Principles of Chemistry lecture sequence, such as those students planning to attend medical school or other health-related professional programs. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 106, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 106 General, Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory

This lab involves the application and experimental investigations of the principles and knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. This laboratory is not intended as a substitute for any student who requires a typical two semester, Introductory Chemistry laboratory sequence, such as those students planning to attend medical school or other health-related professional programs. Corequisite: CHM 105, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

or
CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I

An introduction to chemistry for the science major. First semester topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, and calculations involving chemical concentrations, gas laws and bonding. Fulfills requirement: Natural Science Analysis. Prerequisite: one year of high school chemistry or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: CHM 113 or 115, if not previously completed. 3 credits.

CHM 113 Introductory Laboratory I

Laboratory course to accompany CHM 111. Experiments provide exposure to both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include stoichiometry, synthesis, standard curves, spectrophotometry, quantitative analysis, and gas laws. In addition to the use of essential laboratory equipment and instrumentation, there is a strong emphasis on the use spreadsheets to organize and analyze data. Fulfills requirement: . Corequisite: CHM 111, if not previously completed. 1 credit.

Third Year
ENG 230 Grammar, Usage, Language: An Introduction to the Fundamentals of English Grammar

This course focuses on the basic parts of English sentences, and on how those parts combine to create grammatical sentences. The course also considers issues of usage as well as broader topics in linguistics. No prior study of grammar is required. 3 credits.

NUR 311 Clinical Judgment in Nursing

This course focuses on the concept of clinical judgment in nursing by analyzing and applying the major components used to think like a nurse. The student learns specific clinical judgment competencies used to collect, assess, analyze, and evaluate data applied to simple nursing situations supporting the nursing process as well as dealing with aspects of safe practice in the current healthcare environment. This course provides the foundation for the clinical judgment process used to arrive at conclusions based on evidence that is applied throughout all nursing courses. Prerequisite: NUR 212, 222 with a grade of C+ or better; BIO 200/L with a grade of C or better. 3 credits.

NUR 321 Fundamentals of Professional Nursing

Fundamentals of Professional Nursing introduces basic concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care for patients with well-defined healthcare concerns. The course also introduces concepts basic to the professional role of the Registered Nurse. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom and skills laboratory then further applied to patient care in the simulation laboratory and various healthcare clinical settings. This course carries additional fees for ATI standardized testing preparation and skills lab/simulation lab. Prerequisite: NUR 212, 222 with grade C+ or better; and BIO 200/L with grade C or better. 6 credits.

NUR 331 Nursing Pathophysiology

This course explores pathophysiology as an alteration in normal functioning and its presentation in diverse individuals across the lifespan. Students study common pathologies applied to nursing care using clinical judgment for the purpose of disease prevention, treatment, and early recognition to decrease morbidity and mortality and improve patient outcomes. Professional nursing concepts are addressed in relation to the nurse's role in helping individuals and populations move toward optimum health. Prerequisite: NUR 212, 222 with a grade of C+ or higher; BIO 200 with a grade of C or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 342 Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing Pharmacology builds on all previously learned nursing theory applied to the broader study of pharmacology. The course content expands on foundational concepts related to pharmacotherapeutics that will be applied in all nursing courses. The course connects nursing concepts, pathophysiology, nursing implications, and foundational knowledge for safe pharmacological care of diverse patients across the life span. Prerequisite: NUR 311, 321, 331 with a grade of C+ or higher; and ENG 230 with a grade of C or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 352 Adult Health Nursing

Adult Health Nursing expands on nursing concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care and applies them to patients with stable and unstable conditions. The course also expands on professional nursing concepts including clinical judgment and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom then further applied to patient care in the simulation laboratory and various healthcare clinical settings. This course carries additional fees for ATI standardized testing preparation and skills lab/simulation lab. Prerequisite: NUR 311, 321, 331 with a grade of C+ or higher; and ENG 230 with a grade of C or higher. 7 credits.

NUR 362 Nursing Practice to Improve Patient Outcomes

This course focuses on improving patient outcomes. The course covers the role of the nurse in case management, quality improvement, transitional care, sentinel events, and other areas of practice that affect patient outcomes. Focused concepts include safety, healthcare quality, evidence, health care organizations and health policy. Prerequisite: NUR 311, 321, 331 with a grade of C+ or higher; and ENG 230 with a grade of C or higher. 2 credits.

NUR 372 Mental Health Nursing

Mental Health Nursing builds on and applies concepts of nursing practice to the care of patients with various mental health needs. The course also expands on professional nursing concepts including clinical judgment and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom then further applied to patient care in the simulation laboratory and various healthcare clinical settings. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Prerequisite: NUR 311, 321, 331 with a grade of C+ or higher; and ENG 230 with a grade of C or higher. 3 credits.

Fourth Year
NUR 411 Nursing Care of the Reproducing Family

Nursing Care of the Reproducing Family continues to expand on nursing concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care, and applies that content to the care of the reproducing family and the neonate. The course applies professional nursing concepts including clinical judgment and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to the care of the reproducing family. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom then further applied to patient care in the simulation laboratory and various healthcare clinical settings. This course carries additional fees for ATI standardized testing preparation and skills lab/simulation lab. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Prerequisite: NUR 342, 352, 362, and 372 with a grade of C+ or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 421 Nursing Care of Children

Nursing Care of Children continues to expand on nursing concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care and applies that content to the care of children. The course applies professional nursing concepts including clinical judgment and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to the care of children. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom then further applied to patient care in the simulation laboratory and various healthcare clinical settings. Prerequisite: NUR 342, 352, 362, and 372 with a grade of C+ or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 431 Population Health Nursing

Population Health Nursing expands on and applies concepts learned in previous nursing courses to culturally diverse populations in various community settings. Emphasis is on promoting and maintaining health; and preventing illness among populations including individuals, families, groups, and communities. The course includes socio-cultural and economic dimensions of health and illness. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom then applied in all learning environments when caring for individuals and populations in various community and healthcare out-patient settings. The student will demonstrate how knowledge of one's own culture and that of other cultures impacts population care. Fulfills requirement: Intercultural Competence. Prerequisite: NUR 342, 352, 362, and 372 with a grade of C+ or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 441 Leadership and Management in Nursing/ Health Care Systems

Leadership and Management in Nursing/Health Care Systems applies nursing concepts to the nurse's role as a healthcare leader at the unit, system, state, and national levels. The course provides and overview of healthcare policy, legislative and regulatory issues and responses, healthcare equity, and social justice in the healthcare system. The course analyzes the effect of various leadership theories on collaboration with healthcare professionals necessary to identify the need to change health care to improve patient outcomes. Fulfills requirement: Civic Engagement. Prerequisite: NUR 342, 352, 362, and 372 with a grade of C+ or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 451 Nursing Research: Evidence-Based Practice

Nursing Research: Evidence-based Practice focuses on the interpretation and use of research evidence to inform practice. The course builds on previously learned nursing concepts and applies them to the research process. Specific concepts of interest are evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, collaboration, and communication. The concept of clinical judgment is used to develop a research proposal that demonstrates application of nursing concepts to a topic related to improving the health of individuals or populations. Fulfills requirement: Critical Thinking through Writing. Prerequisite: NUR 342, 352, 362, and 372 with a grade of C+ or higher. 3 credits.

NUR 462 Nursing Capstone and Leadership

The Capstone and Leadership course offers students the opportunity to integrate and apply their nursing knowledge within an acute care setting, under the guidance of a designated preceptor. Through this immersive experience, students complete a professional nursing leadership portfolio project that reflects their ability to synthesize learning from across the curriculum and critically evaluate their preceptor experience. The course includes 120 hours of experiential learning within a selected healthcare unit, complemented by 15 hours in the lab and simulation environment to reinforce clinical decision-making and leadership competencies. Fulfills requirement: Integrative Experience. Prerequisite: NUR 411, 421, 431, 441 and 451 with a grade of C+ or better. 6 credits.

NUR 472 Nursing Care of Complex Patients

Nursing Care of Complex Patients expands on the nursing concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care applied to the care of patients with complex healthcare issues. The course expands on professional nursing concepts including clinical judgment and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Nursing content and theory are acquired and applied in the classroom then further applied to the patient care in the simulation laboratory and various healthcare clinical settings. This course carries additional fees for ATI standardized testing preparation and skills lab/simulation lab. Fulfills requirement: Oral Communication. Prerequisite: NUR 411, 421, 431, 441 and 451 with a grade of C+ or better. 6 credits.

NUR 482 Transition to Nursing Practice

This advanced, comprehensive course provides a synthesis of all nursing concepts and content taught throughout the program with application using case-based learning in the classroom. This course enables the individual student to recognize areas that need enhancement prior to entering professional nursing practice. Also included is a review of content and strategies for success on the NCLEX-RN. Prerequisite: NUR 411, 421, 431, 441 and 451 with a grade of C+ or better. 3 credits.