College of Arts and Sciences - Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Dr. Justin Ahoyt, second from left, outlined the challenges and rewards of careers in dentistry to the AU Science Club.

The Health Science B.S. provides students with the science background to understand the structure and function of human and animal bodies and the factors that contribute to health or cause illness. It provides students with the basic preparation for entry to a professional school or a position such as a technician in a medical laboratory. The student may choose from a wide range of health careers including, but not limited to, osteopathic medicine, allopathic medicine, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, pharmacology, chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, and dentistry. Professional schools have high standards and are very competitive, and it is the strengths and weaknesses of the individual candidate that determine entry into a school. Each student is encouraged to investigate the admissions requirements of professional schools in their field of interest before making a career decision.

Expected Student Outcomes for Health Science B.S. Degree

• Senior health science major Holly Becker helped a resident of Elmwood Nursing Home in Aurora paint a flower pot at a Hawaiian-themed party students staged for home residents. Under the tutelage of biology professor John Lloyd, 20 AU students sponsored games, music, and crafts as part of a course, "BIO381: Biology of Aging."

• Be able to describe, apply, and integrate the basic concepts of biology including the fundamentals of cell biology, genetics, and anatomy and physiology.

• Analyze and evaluate the relationships between science and society, including the impact of technology.

• Gain experience with and be able to correctly use the tools of the health scientist/professional, including computer applications, Internet, library resources, and scientific equipment.

• Develop thinking skills necessary in science, including the acquisition of appropriate study techniques, ability to ask critical questions, and application of problem solving skills.

• Ability to search for, interpret, and communicate scientific information.

• Understand the scientific method by demonstrating the ability to: identify and ask research questions; design and implement an independent research project; interpret data based on scientific reasoning and evidence; and communicate this knowledge formally and informally in oral, written, and/or poster format.

• Be able to describe, apply, and integrate the basic concepts of chemistry, physics, and math as they apply to health sciences.

• Obtain practical experience in the field of health science within the community through work experience, internships, assistantships, and service learning projects.

• Be able to construct, implement and promote an exercise and nutritional plan for a healthy lifestyle.