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 that is designed for students who intend to complete a degree that requires a majors-level biology course. Topics in in this course include an introduction to the molecular basis of life, biology of the cell, genetic and molecular biology, evolution and diversity of life on Earth. The laboratory portion of this course will include hands-on as well as virtual laboratories that complement the topics and concepts covered in the lecture component. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens and access to very hot or boiling water. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video.

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 is the first of a two-course sequence in human anatomy & physiology. This intensive course is intended to prepare students for careers in the health sciences (sports medicine, physical therapy, EMS nursing, physician assistant, etc.). 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. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component, and students are required to perform dissection of preserved animal specimens. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens through both BIOL250 and BIOL251. Refrigerated storage is not required. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video. 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. Lab material for this course will only be provided once. If you need replacement lab equipment for any reason or need to retake the course later, you will need to purchase your own lab refills. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy & physiology. (Prerequisites: CHEM133 or SCIN131, and MATH110, MATH111, or MATH225)

This is the second of a two-course sequence in human anatomy & physiology. This intensive course is intended to prepare students for careers in the health sciences (sports medicine, physical therapy, EMS, nursing, physician assistant, etc.). Lessons and laboratory exercises focus on homeostasis, metabolism, acid-base balance, growth and development, and the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. Students are also required to successfully complete a cumulative assessment of anatomy & physiology objectives from both BIOL250 and BIOL251. This course includes a hands-on laboratory component, and students are required to perform dissection of preserved animal specimens. Some of the laboratory activities require the use of glass or sharp laboratory instruments; therefore, students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials and specimens through both BIOL250 and BIOL251. Refrigerated storage is not required. In addition, students must be able to document their laboratory work using still pictures and/or video. Lab material for this course will only be provided once. If you need replacement lab equipment for any reason or need to retake the course later, you will need to purchase your own lab refills. NOTE: Students may take either BIOL201 or BIOL250/BIOL251 for credit, but not both versions of anatomy & physiology. (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, nomenclature, physical properties of gases, liquids, and solids, molecular bonding and geometry, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, types of chemical reactions, and solution chemistry. The laboratory component of this course is hands-on and designed for science students to learn how to make qualitative and quantitative observations about physical and chemical phenomena, make calculations, and test their own reasoning. Students will acquire skills in laboratory techniques designed to help reinforce and build upon the concepts presented in the lecture portion of the class. Students must have a safe work area available to perform laboratory activities, including working with an open flame. Students must be able to document their laboratory work using digital pictures and/or video. Students must also have room temperature storage available in order to maintain laboratory materials through both CHEM133 and CHEM134. Lab material for this course will only be provided once. If you need replacement lab equipment for any reason or need to retake the course later, you will need to purchase your own lab refills. 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. In order to be successful in this course, it is recommended that students will have completed high school chemistry or a basic college equivalent, and be comfortable with basic algebra, including manipulation of equations.

This course investigates the concepts of college algebra. The course covers the concepts of algebra, graphing and solution of linear and quadratic equations, inequalities and the solution of systems of linear equations. The course is organized into four distinct parts. The first part of the course covers the basic concepts involved in graphing points and linear equations. The second part of the course investigates the solution and graphing of inequalities and systems of linear equations. The third part of the course concentrates on the manipulation and use of exponential expressions and radicals. The final part of the course considers the solution of quadratic equations and their applications. Practical applications are 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. The course assumes the student has completed MATH101 Introduction to College Algebra or an equivalent course and is completely comfortable with the language of algebra, equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, and rational expressions.