HTH - Health Science

This course provides an overview of the science of nutrition and its influences on growth, development, and health maintenance. The relationship between illness and nutritional interventions will also be described and discussed. The student will be expected to recognize how nutrition influences a patient’s overall health and apply this information towards the comprehensive care of all patients across the lifespan.

This course provides the student with knowledge of the basic mechanisms involved in pathophysiological processes. Common health care problems, as identified by USA morbidity and mortality statistics and the Healthy People initiative, are discussed as prototypes of disease processes. Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances are discussed in relation to a variety of pathophysiological states. The effects of age and associated differences in adaptive capacity as related to disease processes are discussed.

This course will discuss the integration of genetic/genomic information into healthcare education which prepares students for future patient care. Ethical, legal, psychological, cultural, and social issues related to genetics and genomics are examined. The role of advocate for individual rights regarding access to and use of genetic information, decision-making, and actions are emphasized throughout the course.

This course provides foundational knowledge for healthcare careers. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the ever-evolving landscape of health professions. Students explore various health careers, learn about the healthcare system, and develop professional skills, including teamwork, safety, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on understanding the roles and responsibilities of interprofessional healthcare teams, as well as the educational, ethical, and community-oriented competencies required in health professions. Students will examine health disparities, patient-centered care, and emerging trends such as telemedicine and integrative health.

This course examines the development, implementation, and impact of healthcare policy in the United States and globally. Students will explore how laws, regulations, and policies shape healthcare access, quality, cost, and equity. Key topics include healthcare reform, insurance systems, public health policy, and the role of government and private stakeholders. Students will analyze contemporary policy debates and develop skills in policy evaluation, advocacy, and ethical decision-making.

This practicum immerses students in supervised, real-world health sciences environments through 80 hours at an external site. Students gain exposure to professional roles, interdisciplinary teams, and community health settings. An accompanying 10-hour seminar supports reflective practice, professional development, and the integration of academic learning with field experience. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, cultural competence, and foundational career skills. Placements may include clinical, administrative, public health, or community-based settings, providing a comprehensive bridge between the classroom and the professional health landscape.