HSCI 100 · Introduction to Health and Disease   3 Credits

Introductory examination of the causes and consequences of disease and the promotion of individual, family, and community health. The course covers public health, social science, and behavioral science findings. Examples of topics covered include major chronic and infectious diseases, mental health, reproductive health, and drug and alcohol use and misuse. Coursework emphasizes Identification of healthy personal behaviors that promote wellness and minimize unhealthy lifestyle.

HSCI 105 · Nutrition and Wellness   3 Credits

Nutrition and its specific impact on wellness and health risks. Topics explored are dietary-related disease (e.g., coronary heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, gluten allergies), obesity in the U.S., malnutrition among the youth and the elderly, nutrition-based interventions, and others.

HSCI 110 · U.S. Healthcare Systems   3 Credits

Broad overview of the healthcare system in the United States. Topics include a historic examination of the healthcare system in America; universal, primary, private, and managed care; advances in medical technology; best practices for healthcare providers; informatics; gerontology and long-term care; and healthcare reform and policy.

HSCI 300 · Bioethics   3 Credits

Focus on human choices and actions that typically occur in medical practice. The course begins with a brief overview of ethics, and then moves to develop and consider the moral values and principles relevant to medical practice and bioethics.

HSCI 305 · Introduction to Genetics   4 Credits

Focus on the principles of genetics with application at the level of molecules, cells, and multicellular organisms, including humans. The topics include structure and function of genes, chromosomes and genomes; biological variation resulting from recombination, mutation, and selection; population genetics; use of genetic methods to analyze protein function; gene regulation; and inherited disease.

HSCI 320 · Medical Sociology   3 Credits

Examination of culture and social interactions in mediating the health and illness effects as they impact individuals and groups. Topics include the social impact of illness, the relationships between patients and health professionals, advertising and pharmaceutical use/abuse, unhealthy lifestyle choices in families and communities, and healthful practices of social groups.

HSCI 400 · Health Education Programming   3 Credits

Exploration of health sciences career pathways. The course prepares the student with career readiness skills related to increasing awareness of occupational opportunities within the health sciences industry, career development, and career decision making process.

HSCI 491 · Senior Seminar: Health Sciences Capstone   3 Credits

Capstone course completing the BSHS program. Drawing on the health sciences core and concentration, students conceive and design a healthcare project in collaboration with project sponsors.

Prerequisites: PSYC 300, HSCI 300, HSCI 400, and senior standing.

HSCI 497 · Undergraduate Health Science Culminating Experience   3 Credits

The culminating experience course for the BSHS program. Students choose to conduct professional interviews, create a research paper, or complete further professional development in the field. All three options result in a final reflection paper connecting the student’s culminating experience to his/her future professional goals.

Prerequisites: PSYC 300, HSCI 300, HSCI 400, and senior standing; or assistant dean permission.