Online Undergraduate Certificate in Pre-Health

This course provides a foundational basis for the study of basic biology. It is the first in a two-part biology series designed for students who intend to complete a degree that requires a majors-level biology course. Topics covered in this course include an introduction to the molecular basis of life; the biology of the cell; genetic and molecular biology; evolution; and the diversity of life on Earth. This course includes virtual laboratories that complement the topics and concepts covered in the lectures.

This course includes the study of the history of Microbiology, as well as the fundamentals of microbe staining, culture and growth. We will also focus on sterilization, disinfection and antimicrobial therapies that help to keep microbes in check. Finally, the course will focus on microbial infections of the skin, eyes and wounds as well as the urogenital, respiratory, oral gastrointestinal and nervous systems. This course includes a laboratory component that allows the student to explore exercises in the principles and concepts of microbiology. This course is designed for students with interests in basic science, microbiology and the medical professions. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL202 or SCIN202 for credit, but not both versions of microbiology. (Prerequisites: BIOL133 or SCIN130)

This course is the first of a two-course sequence in human anatomy and physiology. It is an intensive course intended provide knowledge and skills often required in the health sciences, such as sports medicine, physical therapy, EMS, nursing, or physician assistant. The lessons and laboratory exercises focus on the organization of the human body; homeostasis; basic chemistry; cell biology; genetics and heredity; and the integumentary, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. It also includes a virtual laboratory component. This is a time- and resource-intensive course. Students intending to pursue a career in the health sciences should verify that the BIOL250 and BIOL251 course sequence meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy and physiology. (Prerequisites: CHEM133 or SCIN131, and MATH110, MATH111, or MATH225)

This is the second of a two-course sequence in human anatomy and physiology. It is an intensive course intended to enhance knowledge often needed in the health sciences, such as sports medicine, physical therapy, EMS, nursing, or as a physician assistant). The lessons and laboratory exercises focus on homeostasis; metabolism; acid-base balance; human growth and development; and the body’s endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. Students are also required to successfully complete a cumulative assessment of anatomy and physiology objectives from both BIOL250 and BIOL251. This course also includes a virtual laboratory component. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of the anatomy and physiology courses. (Prerequisite: BIOL250)

This is the first course of a two-course general chemistry sequence that introduces students to the principles, terminology, methodology, and worldview of chemistry. Lecture and lab topics are both descriptive and mathematical and include matter, measurement and problem solving; atomic theory and structure; the periodic table; and nomenclature. Other topics covered in the class are the physical properties of gases, liquids, and solids; molecular bonding and geometry; stoichiometry; thermochemistry; the types of chemical reactions; and solution chemistry. The virtual laboratory exercises in this course are designed to help students to learn how to make qualitative and quantitative observations about physical and chemical phenomena; to make calculations; and to test their own reasoning. Students will also acquire skills in laboratory techniques to reinforce and build upon the concepts presented in class lectures. This is a time- and resource-intensive course. Students intending to use this course to satisfy prerequisites for pre-professional programs should verify that the CHEM133 and CHEM134 course sequence meets the requirements of their intended program prior to enrollment. To be successful in this course, it is recommended that students complete high school chemistry or a basic college equivalent, and they should also be comfortable with basic algebra, including the manipulation of equations.

This course will encompass the basic concepts involved in graphing points and linear equations and the solution and graphing of inequalities and systems of linear equations. The course will also concentrate on the manipulation and use of exponential expressions and radicals and the solution of quadratic equations and their applications. Practical applications will be provided throughout the course. There is careful attention to the presentation of concepts that will become important in the study of analytic geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.