Life Sciences, B.S. / Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.
Curriculum

General Education

Foundations Credits:
FCWR 101 Writing I: Foundations of College Composition 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: WRIT 100 or Writing Placement Exam

A course introducing students to the fundamentals of college composition. Topics include writing process, rhetorical strategies, basics of critical reading and thinking, analytical writing, and argumentative writing. This course serves as a foundation to prepare students to succeed in other academic writing contexts. Coursework includes a computer lab component.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
FCWR 151 Writing II: Foundations of Research Writing 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: FCWR 101 or WRIT 101

Further development of the academic writing process, critical thinking, and analytical reading skills taught in FCWR 101. Focus on academic research planning, source evaluation skills, and audience awareness leading to a documented research paper. Specific attention to academic integrity in research writing.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
FCWR 302 Communication for Healthcare Careers 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Take one course in each group: Group 1 (FCWR 101 or FCWR 111 or WRIT 101 or WRIT 111) and Group 2 (FCWR 151 or FCWR 161 or WRIT 151 or WRIT 161)

Building on courses taken in their majors, students will learn and apply concepts of effective written and oral expression appropriate for careers in the health and biology professions. In addition to closely examining a variety of texts across the discipline, students will develop public speaking skills while also learning to collaborate on grant proposals, literature reviews, pamphlets and posters, and a research paper. Topics covered include the rhetoric of writing in the health professions, ethics, images in the sciences, grant- and abstract writing, and researching and writing publishable manuscripts. Course work includes a computer lab component.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 9 Credits
 
Data Literacy Credits:
DATA 101 Making Sense of a Data-Oriented Society 3
This course introduces students to the power of data as applied to real-life problems in today's data-driven world. Students will learn basic statistical concepts, how to identify reliable data, and to think critically about how to extract meaning from data. The course will discuss various biases, including social biases, how they affect data gathering and analysis, and how to address these biases. The course will also address ethical and moral issues associated with statistics, data collection and visualization, and data analysis. Students will learn how to present a narrative supported by data.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
 
Seminars (select courses from at least three of the four areas) Credits:
ICLT 3XX Literature choice 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
ICPH 3XX Philosophy choice 3
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ICSS 3XX Social Science choice 3
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ICBS 3XX Behavioral Science choice 3
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    Total: 12 Credits
Students must take four seminar courses from at least three different areas of study.
 
Math and Science Credits:
MATH 141 Precalculus 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 101 or Math Placement Exam.

A study of relations and functions; inequalities; complex numbers; quadratic equations; linear systems of equations; higher degree equations; trigonometric functions; identities; functions of composite angles; graphs of the trigonometric functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; and binomial theorem. Note: A graphing calculator is used throughout the course.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 5-0-4
BIOL 110 General Biology I 4
The similarity in living things is demonstrated by a molecular and cellular approach to biology. After introductory biochemistry, the cell as the basic unit of life is studied structurally and metabolically. Life functions are examined from a cellular and from a vertebrate-organismic viewpoint. The central theme is the flow of energy between the biosphere and the ecosphere. The scientific method and hypothesis-testing are stressed as a means of investigation and forming conclusions. Collaborative laboratory assignments will include microscopic studies of the cell, its functions, and the dissection of a fetal pig.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
    Total: 8 Credits
 

Major Requirements

Life Sciences Credits:
BIOL 150 General Biology II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 110

The variety of living things is demonstrated by a study of representative plants and animals, emphasizing the viewpoints of taxonomy, phylogeny, morphology, and physiology. The continuity of life is demonstrated through studies in reproduction, genetics, and organic evolution. Scientific inquiry and critical thinking strategies are emphasized. Collaborative laboratory assignments include the dissection and study of fixed and living specimens representing the whole range of life.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 210 Human Gross Anatomy 4
A structural study of the human body. Topics include cells and tissue, skeleton, articulation, muscles, body systems, special organs, and surface anatomy.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 235 Microbiology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 150 except BS Health & Wellness and BS Nursing

A first course in microbiology which treats the anatomy, physiology, and relationships of bacteria, fungi, viruses, Rickettsiae, and protozoa. Included are discussions of the role of microorganisms in the food industry, in the environment, and in health.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 245 Histology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 110

A structural study of human cells, tissues, and organs with reference to their physiology and pathology. Special consideration is given to physiochemical principles in the identification of cellular components, as well as to principles of histological techniques. Laboratory exercises include the systematic study and preparation of normal and pathological tissues, emphasizing the practice of routine and special staining techniques.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 260 Nutrition and Diet Therapy 3
The purpose of this course is to provide theoretical knowledge that will be useful in clinical practice concerning the roles of food in maintaining health and in treatment of disease. Topics include the physiology of digestion, absorption and metabolism; the nutrient contents of foods, the nutritional requirements of people in health and in illness, and through the life cycle. Specific nutritional requirements of individual diseases will also be covered, as well as the various responsibilities of various health professionals, such as dietitians, nurses and physicians in comprehensive care of the patient.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
BIOL 310 Human Physiology 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 210 and one course in this group: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110. Life Sciences Osteopathy: One course in this group: CHEM 105 or CHEM 110.

An introductory course in the functions and mechanisms of the human body. Laboratory exercises include the detection and measurement of these functions using modern methods.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 312 Pathophysiology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 310 or BIOL 311

This course focuses on the basic physiological mechanisms and principles involved in the development of illness. It is intended to relate specific lesions and dysfunctions to the Origins of specific diseases. Topics include the role of microbial infection in disorders of the immune system, disorders of the vascular system and heart, especially as affected by nutritional factors; the origin and effects of tumors; the study of the gene dysfunctions. The latter part of the course provides brief descriptions of the more important diseases of organs and organ systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, hematopoietic, etc.) with emphasis on pathogenetic mechanisms.

BIOL 233 Genetics* 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisites: BIOL 150, CHEM 150

A study of the fundamental theories, methods, and application of genetics. Mendelian genetics, the foundation for the discipline, will be discussed as well as recent advances, including recombinant DNA research and cloning. Operational or modern genetics will be compared to traditional theories. Other topics will include: the operon, microbial genetics, the triplet code, complementation analysis, extra chromosomal inheritance, and population genetics.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 340 Biochemistry 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 150 and CHEM 210. Life Sciences Osteopathy majors: Prerequisite BIOL 150 and co-requisite CHEM 210.

A practical introduction to the fundamentals of the structure and properties of the biomolecules in close context with their metabolism. Major emphasis is placed on the dynamic nature of biochemistry and the interrelationships of the various metabolic pathways that make up the totality of life. Work in the laboratory illustrates the more common biochemistry techniques and principles encountered in the lecture.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
BIOL 456 Pharmacology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: (BIOL 310 or BIOL 311) and (CHEM 215 or BIOL 340)

This course will examine drugs' mechanism of action on a cellular and molecular level, and how they produce their therapeutic and adverse effects. In addition, the way in which drugs are administered, what the drug does to the body and what the body does to the drug, including influencing their absorption,distribution, metabolism and excretion, will be discussed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
CHEM 110 General Chemistry I 4
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: MATH 135 or TMAT 135, MATH 136 or TMAT 155, MATH 141, MATH 161, or MATH 170

An introduction to theoretical and inorganic chemistry. Studies include: types of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, states of matter, solutions, chemical reactions, gas laws, and chemical calculations. Laboratory work illustrates common laboratory techniques as well as chemical principles.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 150 General Chemistry II 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 110

A continuation of CHEM 110. Topics to be covered include thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, ionic equilibria, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. Laboratory work illustrates the principles discussed in the lecture.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: CHEM 150

This course includes the study of the stereochemistry and electronic structure of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, and the properties of their functional groups. Laboratory work consists of the determination of physical constants and the preparation of various organic compounds.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-3-4
    Total: 49 Credits
* BIOL 335 Genetics also counts towards this requirement.
 
Behavioral Sciences Credits:
PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology 3
An introduction to selected concepts, methods, and vocabulary of psychology. Focus of study will be on the individual and the conditions that influence behavior. Topics that will be covered include: growth and development, learning and thinking, emotions and motivations, personality and assessment, mal-adjustment and mental health, groups and social interaction, and social influence and society.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
PSYC 210 Statistical Analysis 4
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 115 or MATH 125 or MATH 141 or MATH 160 or MATH 161 or MATH 170 or MATH 180.

This course covers descriptive and inferential statistics, frequency distributions, percentile rank, measure of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression and tests of significance. Using computer software, students will directly apply these statistics to specific problems common to the behavioral sciences.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-4
PSYC 310 Abnormal Psychology 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PSYC 101

A study of mental health and abnormal behavior. The topics covered include: definitions of mental health and mental illness; problems of adjustment; the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Case studies supplement and illustrate the theoretical parts of the course material.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 10 Credits
 
Health Sciences Credits:
HSCI 195 Professional and Cultural Issues in Health 3
This course is designed to introduce the student to the various employment opportunities and career preparation required in the healthcare professions. The ethical, legal, cultural and professional considerations involved in health occupations will be explored. Local healthcare professionals will be invited to share their career choices in order to assist the student in making informed decisions regarding their future career choices.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 3-0-3
    Total: 3 Credits
 
Physics Credits:
PHYS 140 Physics for Life Sciences I 3
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MATH 141 or MATH 161 or MATH 170. Co-requisite: PHYS 141.

A basic course designed to meet the needs of health professions majors. Topics covered include vectors, laws of motion, work, energy, momentum, heat and wave motion. Illustrations from the field of life sciences will be stressed.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 4-0-3
PHYS 141 Physics I Laboratory 1
Prerequisite: Co-requisite: PHYS 140

Laboratory course illustrating principles taught in the introductory physics for life sciences course, PHYS 140.

Classroom Hours - Laboratory and/or Studio Hours – Course Credits: 0-2-1
    Total: 4 Credits
 
General Electives Credits:
Consult with advisor on any electives. 3
Please view all course descriptions: http://www.nyit.edu/courses
 
Undergraduate Credits = 101

B.S./M.S. students must complete the first year of the professional phase of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program to be awarded the B.S.

Total Required Credits for B.S. Degree = 120