Health Sciences

This course introduces students to the core disciplines of public health including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy. Using a social-ecological framework, emphasis is placed on understanding the determinants of health and approaches to public health challenges in the United States. HS 120 and PHP 120 are cross-listed.

Systems approach to study the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the levels of organization within the human body, and the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. (The remaining systems are covered in HS 210 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.) Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: Bio 111 or 113 and Bio 112.

Systems approach to study the structure and function of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive, and endocrine systems of the human body. (The remaining systems are covered in HS 209 Human Anatomy and Physiology I) Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisite: HS 209; or with permission of the instructor

Introduction to the construction, definitions, and applications of medical terminology. Students will progress through the major organ systems learning roots, prefixes and suffixes associated with structure and function with emphasis on terms used commonly in diagnosis and pathology. Relevant communication styles will be discussed, such as how medical notes are written, journal articles are structured, and how to precisely, but accessibly, communicate in lay terms. Intended for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Prerequisite: HS 209 and HS 210

An integrated overview of human nutrition. Emphasis is placed on understanding how dietary choices impact general health and the development of chronic diseases. Prerequisite: BIO 111 or 113.

An introduction to statistical methods commonly employed in the health sciences. Emphasis is placed on research design, descriptive statistics, fundamental probability theory, and hypothesis testing, and how to use common statistical software packages. Credit cannot be received for both this course and Biology 260, Economics 241, Mathematics 107, Psychology 205, or MGT 235.

Introduction to major bioethical theories in the health sciences including consequentialism, deontology, principlism, and casuistry. These ethical frameworks will be used to analyze a variety of topics common in health care including informed consent, confidentiality, and research ethics. Health issues discussed include abortion, reproductive technology, genetic choices, euthanasia, bias, pandemic ethics, disability ethics, etc.

Quarter credit internship graded S/U.

This course analyzes the social determinants of health – the non-medical and non-health factors that affect health outcomes. Social factors, such as education, race/ethnicity, income, environment, and housing, shape our health in obvious – and not-so-obvious – ways. This course outlines the historical causes of various social factors, illustrates how these social factors harm health, including the particular health outcomes linked with each of them, and examines public policies
designed to mitigate the deleterious effects of these social factors. HS 323, PHP 323, and PP 323 are cross-listed.

Study of a topic not normally covered in depth in the regular curriculum of Health Sciences. Topics vary and will often correspond to a faculty members area of academic research or a unique area of expertise. Offered irregularly.

This is an entry level pathophysiology course. Emphasis is placed on the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the chronic diseases most commonly found in western society. Course specifically focuses on Cardiovascular Diseases (Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Heart Attack, Stroke), Respiratory Diseases (Emphysema, Asthma, Bronchitis), Metabolic Disorders (Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidemia, Obesity), Cancer, Chronic Inflammation and others. Prerequisites: HS 209 and HS 210.

Overview of the aspects of environmental exposure assessment. Exposure assessment is a key component of environmental public health. Students will learn the foundations of exposure assessment including identifying sources of exposure, measuring and assessing exposures, and preventing harmful exposures to protect the health of populations. Topics will include the basics of exposure science, specific examples of sources and environmental agents (air, water, food, soil, etc.), routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, absorption), methodology on assessing exposure, specific exposures impacting vulnerable populations, and the role of agencies and policies in protecting human health. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior
HS 350 and PHP 350 cross-listed.

A study of human anatomy in motion. This course will examine how the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems interact to create movement. Topics include: the physical structure, muscular movements, and biomechanics involved with various physical activities. Anatomical concepts and physical laws related to joint and muscle action are included. Prerequisite: HS 209

Study of the physiological function and metabolic fate of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and their involvement in fulfilling energy needs for maintenance, growth, and work. Specific topics include the various pathways by which nutrients are stored, accessed and oxidized to provide energy; how exercise and disease affects these systems; the role of hormones and enzymes in regulating energy balance and substrate utilization; the role of diet and energy balance in metabolic syndrome X, obesity and other prevalent lifestyle diseases. Prerequisite: HS 230 or permission of Instructor

Introduction to the field of health equity, which focuses on ensuring that all populations—regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, immigration status, disability status etc.—have equal opportunity to achieve and maintain a healthy life. Due to issues of marginalization, discrimination, and social determinants of health, many groups do not have access to the means necessary to achieve health and well-being. This course raises conceptual, methodological and substantive issues, including applications to health care and community-based solutions. HS 328 and PHP 328 cross-listed.

Introduction to epidemiological approaches to understanding disease and health outcomes among populations. This course covers the basic principles and methods of epidemiology and the application to real-world public health issues in order to characterize and promote health at the population level. Content will include a variety of health topics, such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, social determinants of health, environmental health, and health behaviors. HS 326 and PHP 326 are cross-listed.

Introduction to the complex social, economic, environmental, political, biological, and cultural intersections that influence the global burden of disease. Emphasis is placed on understanding health inequities and the challenges to improving health outcomes on a global scale. Prerequisite: Juniors and Seniors only. HS 322 and PHP 322 are cross-listed.

Introduction to the physiological effects of, and adaptations to, extreme environments in humans, including hyperthermia (heat), hypothermia (cold), hyperbaric (high atmospheric pressure), hypobaric (low atmospheric pressure) and microgravity (space flight physiology). Prerequisite: HS 209 & HS 210.

In-depth study of the structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Special attention will be given to the integrated function of the two systems, both in normal and pathological states. Prerequisites: HS 209 and HS 210.

An examination of the neurological and physiological properties of skeletal muscle. An emphasis is placed on the structural adaptation caused by use and disuse as well as exposure to acute and chronic stimuli. Students gain an in depth understanding of variety of topics related to skeletal muscle including: skeletal muscle microstructure, temporal summation, excitation-contraction coupling, isokinetics, force-velocity dynamics, fiber typing, electrical stimulation, and immobilization. Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisites: HS 209 and HS 210.

A practical and theoretical overview of various physical assessments related to health and disease. Students learn the underlying physiological basis for different assessment techniques as well as the practical skills needed to perform and interpret them. Emphasis is placed on understanding the underlying technology and methodology used for each technique. Three class hours and three laboratory hours. Prerequisites: HS 209 and HS 210.

Students will be encouraged to learn and understand how the human body physiologically responds to both acute and chronic bouts of physical exertion. The instructor will take a systems-based (muscular system, pulmonary system, etc.) approach to explaining how the body adapts to physical work. Students will learn the various components of fitness and discover how to prescribe exercise based upon the unique physiological of an individual. Laboratory experiences in conjunction with laboratory analyses will be utilized to enhance understanding of lecture material. Prerequisite: HS 209 & HS 210.

Independent investigation of a topic of special interest, including both literature and laboratory/field research. An oral presentation to the department and a written thesis are required.

Independent internship experience under the direct supervision of professional personnel in a variety of HS-related areas. Internship must be approved by the Center for Career Development and the HS Department Internship Coordinator. Graded S/U.

Independent internship experience under the direct supervision of professional personnel in a variety of HS-related areas. Internship must be approved by the Center for Career Development and the HS Department Internship Coordinator. Graded S/U.

Independent internship experience under the direct supervision of professional personnel in a variety of HS-related areas. Internship must be approved by the Center for Career Development and the HS Department Internship Coordinator. Graded A-F.

Independent internship experience under the direct supervision of professional personnel in a variety of HS-related areas. Internship must be approved by the Center for Career Development and the HS Department Internship Coordinator. Graded S/U.

This Capstone course has been designed for your personal and professional development specifically utilizing the skills acquired as a Health Sciences major. Students will identify the professional expectations to both enter into and thrive in a Health Sciences career(s). Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively engage other professionals utilizing skills related to writing, verbal communication, visual presentations and other forms of professional engagement. Students will also identify the primary modes of professional continuing education, goal setting and demonstrate the ability to analyze and participate in the process of ongoing self-education. Finally, a tangible collection of capstone artifacts will be included in a portfolio that will be created over the course of the semester. Graded S/U.