Prepare for Clinical Lab Work or Medicine — or Work Toward Your Advanced Degree
Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology
Our program is designed to open doors into the areas of clinical lab work and medicine. You'll be prepared to advance your education in graduate school or pursue medicine or dentistry.
The human biology program will give you an understanding of anatomy, physiology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathophysiology and biochemistry. Our combined 5-year physician assistant track allows you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.
We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a pre-physician assistant status.
Requirements for Your Human Biology Major
General Cellular Biology Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will study the basic principles of biology. Course topics will focus on cellular principles, metabolism and genetics. The lab component will provide a hands-on investigation of topics discussed in the lecture.
General Microbiology Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will study the basic principles of microbiology. Topics covered will include the history of microbiology including classic experiments, microbial structure and function, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism and genetics of microbes. The lab component of General Microbiology will provide an introduction to microbiological techniques, as well as a hands-on investigation of bacterial anatomy and physiology, growth conditions, genetics and basic biotechnology.
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will cover the chemical organization, cellular organization and tissue organization of the body. You will learn the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and endocrine system. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiology of osseous tissue, muscle contraction and nerve function and conduction, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of neural pathways and CNS regional specialization.
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture/Lab
This course will cover the application of advanced anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections and laboratory exercises to develop your understanding of the body systems covered in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I.
Immunology
In this course, you will study of the nature and theory of antigen-antibody interaction, mechanisms of immunity and principles and procedures of serodiagnosis.
Genetics Lecture/Lab
This course will provide an introduction to the basis of inheritance from molecular to organismal level with emphasis on the role of genetics in evolution and adaptation to the environment, as well as considerable human application. The lab component will provide a study of basic genetic principles with the aid of a variety of organisms and online lab exercises.
Biochemistry Lecture/Lab
This course will provide you with a discussion of the structure and function of proteins (and enzymes), lipids and carbohydrates. Energetics of biochemical reactions and enzyme kinetics will also be discussed. The lab component of this course will be an application of basic methods and techniques in biochemistry.
Pathophysiology
This course deals with the disruption of normal physiology with the alterations, derangements and mechanisms involved in disruption and how they manifest themselves as signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings.
Statistics
In this course, you’ll learn about collecting and tabulating data, averages and measures of disbursement, correlation and regression analysis, probability and sampling and hypothesis testing.
Scientific Methods
This course will familiarize you with the steps of the Scientific Method — including proper experimental design and use of controls — and the basic format of scientific papers and presentations.
Scientific Literature
In this course, you will begin to develop critical thinking skills by observing and evaluating presentations by your peers. Primary literature will be discussed and presented, as well as critical analyses of experimental designs in journal articles and as presented by students in other seminar courses.
Capstone Project
Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you will design an independent project to be completed before graduation.
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary
To earn your bachelor of science degree in human biology, you must complete:
- 43 credit hours of general education
- 38 credit hours of major courses
- 31 credit hours of supporting field classes
- 16 credit hours of electives
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application
-
To begin the human biology program, you must meet the prerequisites for MTH 114, ENG 101 and CHM 110 (by placement or past coursework)
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Academic Description
Prepare for Clinical Lab Work or Medicine — or Work Toward Your Advanced Degree
Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology
Our program is designed to open doors into the areas of clinical lab work and medicine. You'll be prepared to advance your education in graduate school or pursue medicine or dentistry.
The human biology program will give you an understanding of anatomy, physiology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathophysiology and biochemistry. Our combined 5-year physician assistant track allows you to earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years.
We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a pre-physician assistant status.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements for College of Saint Mary
-
Submit your application
-
To begin the human biology program, you must meet the prerequisites for MTH 114, ENG 101 and CHM 110 (by placement or past coursework)
-
Transcripts from any post high school institutions for transfer students. Students who have earned 12 or more credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from other institutions qualify as transfer students.
Test-Optional Admissions
CSM accepts undergraduate students with or without test scores (ACT/SAT). Below are a few key details to consider:
- Choosing not to submit test scores will not result in any penalties during the admission or merit scholarship evaluation process.
- If you decide to submit scores after being admitted, we will assess your eligibility for a potential increase in merit scholarship (scores must be submitted by March 31). No merit scholarship will be revoked due to test scores submitted after admission.
Curriculum
Requirements for Your Human Biology Major
General Cellular Biology Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will study the basic principles of biology. Course topics will focus on cellular principles, metabolism and genetics. The lab component will provide a hands-on investigation of topics discussed in the lecture.
General Microbiology Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will study the basic principles of microbiology. Topics covered will include the history of microbiology including classic experiments, microbial structure and function, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism and genetics of microbes. The lab component of General Microbiology will provide an introduction to microbiological techniques, as well as a hands-on investigation of bacterial anatomy and physiology, growth conditions, genetics and basic biotechnology.
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will cover the chemical organization, cellular organization and tissue organization of the body. You will learn the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and endocrine system. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiology of osseous tissue, muscle contraction and nerve function and conduction, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of neural pathways and CNS regional specialization.
Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture/Lab
This course will cover the application of advanced anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections and laboratory exercises to develop your understanding of the body systems covered in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I.
Immunology
In this course, you will study of the nature and theory of antigen-antibody interaction, mechanisms of immunity and principles and procedures of serodiagnosis.
Genetics Lecture/Lab
This course will provide an introduction to the basis of inheritance from molecular to organismal level with emphasis on the role of genetics in evolution and adaptation to the environment, as well as considerable human application. The lab component will provide a study of basic genetic principles with the aid of a variety of organisms and online lab exercises.
Biochemistry Lecture/Lab
This course will provide you with a discussion of the structure and function of proteins (and enzymes), lipids and carbohydrates. Energetics of biochemical reactions and enzyme kinetics will also be discussed. The lab component of this course will be an application of basic methods and techniques in biochemistry.
Pathophysiology
This course deals with the disruption of normal physiology with the alterations, derangements and mechanisms involved in disruption and how they manifest themselves as signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings.
Statistics
In this course, you’ll learn about collecting and tabulating data, averages and measures of disbursement, correlation and regression analysis, probability and sampling and hypothesis testing.
Scientific Methods
This course will familiarize you with the steps of the Scientific Method — including proper experimental design and use of controls — and the basic format of scientific papers and presentations.
Scientific Literature
In this course, you will begin to develop critical thinking skills by observing and evaluating presentations by your peers. Primary literature will be discussed and presented, as well as critical analyses of experimental designs in journal articles and as presented by students in other seminar courses.
Capstone Project
Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you will design an independent project to be completed before graduation.
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary
To earn your bachelor of science degree in human biology, you must complete:
- 43 credit hours of general education
- 38 credit hours of major courses
- 31 credit hours of supporting field classes
- 16 credit hours of electives
