Mar 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health Science, B.S.


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The HealthScienceMajor focuses on human biology and prepares students for careers in diverse areas of the health industry. Our students develop an understanding of how the human body functions in health and disease, consider the methodologies used to obtain this knowledge, and acquire the skills to communicate this information within the scientific community .Our program emphasizes the scientific process by utilizing both independent and collaborative investigative approaches in the laboratory, stressing scientific communication and offering senior thesis research internships and practical so that students might gain practical experience in their area of interest.

 

Master of Science in Athletic Training:

Accelerated 3+2 track allows students to receive a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science or Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Athletic Training in 5 years (174 credits).  The student will complete three years of prerequisite courses for a pre-professional education including all liberal studies core requirements (94 credits) by the spring of their third year. 

The remaining 32 credits required for the Bachelor of Science degree (126 credits) will be earned through graduate level courses taken in Summer 1 and Fall 1 of the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT).  The MSAT will be awarded at the end of the fifth year of study with the completion of 48 graduate credits.

Students will formally apply into the graduate program (MSAT) in early spring of their third year, in order to be officially admitted into the program.  Students in the 3+2 Accelerated program who meet all requirements are given priority over post-baccalaureate and other applicants from the College within different majors who would like to choose the 3+2.

Students in other majors interested in applying into the 3+2 (five year accelerated program) may apply although additional coursework may be needed to stay on track.

Students who do not matriculate into the MSAT will use their fourth year to complete their undergraduate degree in Exercise Science or Health Science.

Retention:

  • Students in the 3+2 track will be required to achieve/maintain:
    • Prerequisite courses:
      • Preferred C+ or better in the following:
      • Anatomy and Physiology I & II
      • Biology with lab
      • Introduction to Nutrition
      • Introduction to Psychology
    • Preferred C or better in the following:
      • Chemistry I & II
      • Statistics
      • 1 Semester of Physics
  • Additional coursework in either biomechanics/kinesiology and/or exercise physiology is recommended.
  • Preferred 3.0 GPA

Major Requirements


A Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science is awarded to students who complete four years of academic study on campus (minimum of 126 school credit; minimum of 82 major credits). Courses required in this major include: 

Biology


Chemistry


Mathematics


Any one of the following:


Health Sciences Electives


Student in the Health Science major are also required to take five health sciences electives. Students are allowed to pick from the following list of courses to complete their health sciences electives requirement: 

Note


Students who major in Health Science will explore various aspects of human biomedical science, and may choose major courses and electives that suit their interests, aptitude, and career goals. Health Science graduates of the Merrimack program have entered diverse fields within the health care system, including professional medical practices, positions in biomedical research and industry, public health, hospital administration, education, and medical technology.

Students in the Health Science major are advised on an individual basis to include certain courses into their program depending on the particular career path they have chosen. For example, someone interested in a career in health care administration may elect related courses from the Girard School of Business. Most Health Science majors participate in the Internship program designed to explore career potential. Together with the Internship Coordinator, students plan their placement according to interest and career goals in clinical, academic, community, or industrial health care, laboratory or research settings. Each internship experience is equivalent to a four-credit course. This program has been very successful in helping students to confirm their career choices by offering hands-on experience in the workplace, as well as in allowing students to accumulate the prerequisite clinical experience required by certain professional graduate programs. A Co-op program is also available which places Health Science majors in positions related to their field of interest. 

Students choosing any of the majors in the department who are interested in professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, etc, should be consulting with their advisor to be sure that they are meeting all necessary prerequisites. Students choosing this concentration who are interested in professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc. may be required to take CHM2220/L and 2 semesters of physics with lab to fulfill program pre-requisites.

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