Sciences for the Health Professions Certificate


The Certificate in Sciences for the Health Professions is a post-baccalaureate science program designed to meet the needs of students with bachelor’s degrees in non-science fields who seek a career change into the health professions, but lack some or all of the necessary science and mathematics background. It thus offers an affordable means for academically qualified students to prepare themselves for admission into professional programs in this field. Acceptance into this Certificate program requires an earned bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0.

Certificate Program Outcomes

  • To achieve a level of competency in the laboratory sciences, and in mathematics as necessary, sufficient to meet the intellectual challenges of a professional program in the health sciences.

  • Provide a post-baccalaureate program that will enable individuals to complete the specific academic preparation necessary to apply to professional programs in health care (e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Veterinary Medicine).

*Gainful Employment Mandatory Disclosure Statement

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Contact Information

Biology

Amanda Lavery
Hale Hall, Room 114
934-420-2530
Prehealth@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Fall 2023

Subject to revision

Required (16 credits)
BIO 130 Biological Principles I 4
BIO 131 Biological Principles II 4
CHM 152 General Chemistry Principles I 4
CHM 153 General Chemistry Principles II 4

Electives (18 credits selected from the following)

BIO 125 Nutrition 3
BIO 170 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIO 171 Human Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIO 318 Medical Microbiology 4
BIO 270 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIO 271 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIO 343 Principles of Genetics 3
BIO 348 Cell Biology 3
BIO 380 Pre-professional Experience I 3
BIO 381 Pre-professional Experience II 3
CHM 260 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry 4
CHM 270 Organic Chemistry I 5
CHM 271 Organic Chemistry II 5
CHM 380 Biochemistry 4
CHM 381 Advanced Biochemistry 3
MTH 129 Precalculus with Applications 4
MTH 130 Calculus with Applications 4
MTH 150 Calculus I 4
MTH 151 Calculus II 4
PHY 135 College Physics I 4
PHY 136 College Physics II 4
PHY 143 General Physics I 4
PHY 144 General Physics II 4

Curriculum Summary

Total Required Credits: 34

BIO 130 Biological Principles I

This course deals with biological processes primarily at the molecular and cellular level, and develops the foundations of evolutionary and ecological concepts. There is a study of cell structure, and an examination of cellular composition and metabolic processes including enzyme activity, respiration, and photosynthesis. Principles of genetics are studied at the cellular and molecular level, with reference to current techniques in molecular biology. Evolutionary mechanisms are introduced and ecological concepts are presented as a unifying theme. Note: BIO 130 is the first course in the required two-semester introductory sequence in the Bioscience Curriculum Core. It is also approved in the Natural Sciences General Education Competency Area and can serve as a lower-level laboratory science elective within the Liberal Arts. Note: The laboratory course, BIO 130L is a part of your grade for this course. Corequisite(s): BIO 130L

BIO 131 Biological Principles II

This course deals with biological processes primarily at the organismal level, and examines the diversity of living things. The origins and adaptations of the Prokaryota, Protista, and Fungi are explored, with emphasis on their ecological roles, economic value, and medical significance. Plant life cycles are introduced, and plant structure, physiology, and utilization are studied. The evolution and adaptations of various animal phyla are presented, with a consideration of structure and function in each; organ systems are studied with emphasis on humans as representative vertebrates. Note: BIO 131 is the second course in the required two-semester introductory in the Bioscience Curriculum Core. It is also approved in the Natural Sciences General Education Competency Area and can serve as a lower-level laboratory science elective within the Liberal Arts. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 131L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 130 Corequisite(s): BIO 131L

CHM 152 General Chemistry Principles I

The first part of a two semester sequence in General Chemistry Principles with laboratory. This course covers the qualitative and quantitative aspects of scientific measurement, the nature of matter, gases, liquids and solids, energy, atomic theory, properties of elements, chemical bonding, molecular structure and properties, stoichiometry, thermochemistry and solutions. Note: the laboratory course CHM 152L is a part of your grade for this course. Attendance in the laboratory course is required. Approved eye-protection and a laboratory coat are required materials. A student must pass the laboratory course to receive a passing grade in the entire course. Prerequisite(s): MP3 or MTH 116 AND Regents Chemistry or an equivalent High School Chemistry with Laboratory or CHM 124

CHM 153 General Chemistry Principles II

A continuation of General Chemistry Principles I, which includes laboratory. Topics include: solutions and their colligative properties, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, ionic equilibrium, pH, buffers, titration curves, oxidation and reduction balancing, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, the covalent bond and the shape of molecules. Note: the laboratory course CHM 153L is a part of your grade for this course. Attendance in the laboratory course is required. Approved eye-protection and a laboratory coat are required materials. A student must pass the laboratory course to receive a passing grade in the entire course. Prerequisite(s): CHM 152

BIO 170 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This sequence is appropriate preparation for nursing and other allied health professions. Topics included in Anatomy and Physiology I are: basic anatomical and directional terminology, fundamental concepts and principles of cell biology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 170 and BIO 270. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 170L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): High School biology with a lab or BIO 120 or 123 or 130; High School or College chemistry recommended Corequisite(s): BIO 170L

BIO 171 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This is the second semester of a two-semester sequence in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This sequence is appropriate preparation for nursing and other allied health professions. Topics include Anatomy and Physiology II are: the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system and immunity, the respiratory system, the digestive system, metabolism, the urinary system, fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance; and the reproductive systems. Note: students may not receive credit for both BIO 171 and BIO 271. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 171L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 170 Corequisite(s): BIO 171L

BIO 318 Medical Microbiology

This course focuses on the role of microbes as causative agents of disease in human hosts, including the morphological characteristics of pathogenic species, classification of communicable diseases, and epidemiological aspects. The course will emphasize common bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Both the laboratory and lecture will contain sections on the mode of action of antibiotics, sterilization, disinfection methods and contamination control. The course will elaborate on infectious agents (viral, prions, bacteria, fungi, and parasites) that cause disease. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 318, is part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): (BIO 130 and 131) or (BIO 171) or (BIO 270 or BIO 271) all with a grade of C- or higher Corequisite(s): BIO 318L

BIO 270 Anatomy and Physiology I

BIO 270 is a course in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This sequence is appropriate for students with a strong foundation in basic biological principles. Anatomy and Physiology I includes: anatomical and directional terminology, histology, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Note: The required course sequence for nursing students is BIO 170 and 171. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 170 and BIO 270. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 270L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 130 or equivalent with a C- or higher. Corequisite(s): BIO 270L

BIO 271 Anatomy and Physiology II

BIO 271 is a course in which human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach, with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. This sequence is appropriate for students with a strong foundation in basic biological principles. Anatomy & Physiology II includes: the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and immune systems, metabolism, and acid-base balance. Note: The required course sequence for nursing students is BIO 170 and 171. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 171 and BIO 271. Note: the laboratory course, BIO 271L is a part of your grade for this course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 270 with a C- or higher. Corequisite(s): BIO 271L

BIO 343 Principles of Genetics

Students will understand and be able to apply basic principles of genetic analysis. These principles include the Mendelian laws of inheritance, factors that contribute to modification of Mendelian patterns, chromosome organization, genetic variation, the structure of selected eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes and the analysis of the genetic makeup of populations. Note: Bioscience and/or MLS students taking BIO 343 must also take BIO 344L either during the same semester or after completion of BIO 343L. Prerequisite(s): (BIO 130, 131, 210, 212, and MTH 110) or (BIO 130, MLS 227 and MTH 110) all with a grade of C- or higher.

BIO 348 Cell Biology

This course investigates how cells develop, work, communicate, and control their activities. Topics include basic biochemistry and metabolism, DNA structure and function, membrane/organelle function and transport, cell communication, the cytoskeleton, and cell division. At the completion of this course the student should be able to engage in the broad themes of cell and molecular biology, and to relate these concepts to other studies in biology and other disciplines. Note: Bioscience and/or MLS students taking BIO 348 must also take BIO 349L either during the same semester or after completion of BIO 348. Prerequisite(s): (BIO 130, 131, 210 and 212) or (BIO 130 and MLS 227) all with a grade of C- or higher.

BIO 380 Pre-Professional Experience I*AL(ACIN)

Recommended students will engage in one of the following for at least 135 hours: 1) health care volunteer work that involves patient assistance in the health care environment; 2) shadowing of a health care professional (physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dentist, veterinarian etc...). The final grade is assigned by the Internship Coordinator based on consultation with the supervisor/health professional and evaluation of reports, logs and a final report prepared by the student. Students must submit a resume to the internship coordinator at least 3 months before registering for the course. Prerequisite(s): Junior Status in Bioscience and (BIO 130 and 131) or BIO 166 or (BIO 170 and BIO 171) or BIO 318 with a grade of C- or higher, recommendation by two Biology faculty members, submission of a resume to the Internship Coordinator at least 3 months prior to registering for the course, approval of the Internship Coordinator; additional courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology and/or Medical Microbiology recommended for some sites.

BIO 381 Pre-Professional Experience II

Recommended for students engaged in one of the following for at least 135 hours: 1) health care volunteer work that involves patient assistance in the health care environment; 2) shadowing of a health care professional (physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dentist, veterinarian, etc.) The final grade is assigned by the Internship Coordinator based on consultation with the supervisor/health professional and evaluation of reports, logs, and a final report prepared by the student. Prerequisite(s): BIO 380 with a grade of B or higher.

CHM 260 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry

A one semester course in organic chemistry designed to provide background in the fundamentals of nomenclature, mechanisms, structures, and synthesis of carbon based compounds. This course is designed for science and health science majors who desire a general rather than a detailed knowledge of the compounds of carbon. Topics to be covered include: structure and bonding, acid/base chemistry, isomerism, stereochemistry, and structure determination. Functional groups to be covered include: hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid derivatives and amines. Laboratory work will include common organic techniques and experiments supporting the principles covered in lecture. Note: the laboratory course CHM 260L is a part of your grade for this course. Attendance in the laboratory course is required. Approved eye-protection and a laboratory coat are required materials. A student must pass the laboratory course to receive a passing grade in the entire course. Prerequisite(s): CHM 153 Corequisite(s): CHM 260L

CHM 270 Organic Chemistry I

This course is a study of the compounds of carbon involving a thorough integration of observation and theory and emphasizing the relationships between structures, properties, mechanisms and reactions. This course, intended for science and pre-professional majors, covers topics such as bonding and structure, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, stereochemistry, alcohols, and phenols. Note: the laboratory course CHM 270L is a part of your grade for this course. Attendance in the laboratory course is required. Approved eye-protection and a laboratory coat are required materials. A student must pass the laboratory course to receive a passing grade in the entire course. Prerequisite(s): CHM 153 Corequisite(s): CHM 270L

CHM 380 Biochemistry

A one semester course covering the fundamentals of biochemistry. Topics covered include: the structure and function of important biomolecules such as carbohydrates lipids, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids; enzyme kinetics and the use of cofactors and coenzymes; and metabolic pathways including glycolysis, TCA, electron transport system, fatty acid and amino acid pathways. Laboratory work includes current biochemical laboratory techniques such as chromatography and electrophoresis, application of specific topics described above, and analysis of data from laboratory experiments. Note: the laboratory course CHM 380L is a part of your grade for this course. Attendance in the laboratory course is required. Approved eye-protection and a laboratory coat are required materials. A student must pass the laboratory course to receive a passing grade in the entire course. Prerequisite(s): CHM 260 or CHM 271

CHM 381 Advanced Biochemistry

A continuation of the concepts covered in Biochemistry. Students will examine the pathways, enzymes, and organic chemical mechanisms involved in the metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids, and photosynthesis. Additional emphasis will be placed on the unique coenzymes that are required for these metabolisms. Students will also be trained in reading and interpreting research publications in biochemistry. Prerequisite(s): CHM 271 and CHM 380

MTH 129 Precalculus

In this course, the topics introduced in College Algebra course will be extended. The course will provide a comprehensive study of functions, which are the basis of calculus and other higher-level mathematics courses. The students will study the properties, graphs, and some applications of polynomial, rational, inverse, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for MTH 117. Prerequisite(s): MP3 or MTH 116

MTH 130 Calculus I with Applications

This is a calculus course for those not majoring in Mathematics. Topics include the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, applications of the derivative and the definite integral. Applications are taken from technology, science, and business. Problem solving is stressed. A graphing calculator is required. Note: Students completing this course will not receive credit for MTH 150. This course may be non-transferable to science programs, such as Engineering Science or Computer Science, at other institutions. Prerequisite(s): MP4 or MTH 117 or 129

MTH 150 Calculus I

This is the first course of the calculus sequence. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation of functions of one variable, anti-differentiation, introduction to Riemann sums and integration, the fundamental theorem of calculus, and applications of differentiation and integration. Note: Students completing this course may not receive credit for MTH 130. Prerequisite(s): MP4 or MTH 117 or 129

MTH 151 Calculus II

A continuation of Calculus I (MTH 150). Topics include, integration of the transcendental functions, various techniques of integration with applications, improper integrals, sequences and series, power series, and Taylor series. Prerequisite(s): MTH 130 or MTH 150

PHY 135 College Physics I

An integrated theory/laboratory general college physics course without calculus. Topics will include fundamental concepts of units, vectors, equilibrium, velocity and acceleration in linear and rotational motion, force, energy, momentum, fluids at rest and in motion, and oscillatory motion. Laboratory problems, experiments and report writing associated with the topics studied in the theory are performed. Prerequisite(s): MTH 129 Corequisite(s): PHY 135L

PHY 136 College Physics II

A continuation of PHY 135. Topics will include heat, electricity, magnetism, light and optics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 135 Corequisite(s): PHY 136L

PHY 143 General Physics I (Calculus)

A fundamental, calculus based, physics course with laboratory offered primarily for students in Science curricula. Topics discussed include Mechanics, Wave Motion, Kinetic Theory, and Thermodynamics. One of MTH 130 or MTH 150 must be taken either as a prerequisite or corequisite.

PHY 144 General Physics II (Calculus)

A continuation of PHY 143. Topics discussed include Electricity, Magnetism and Optics. Prerequisite(s): PHY 143 Corequisite(s): PHY 144L

Last Modified 2/13/24