School of Health Sciences Core Curriculum

The interprofessional education that makes you a 21st century healthcare professional.

Caring for patients in the 21st century takes a village. For this reason, the School of Health Sciences puts tremendous emphasis on interprofessional education and interdisciplinary coursework and experiences.

Every student in the School of Health Sciences will take part in a shared, core curriculum that consists of courses from across the University and the School of Health Sciences.

Teamwork & Leadership
  • Communication

    COMM 1130: Principles of (Health) Communication

    This course will address the role of verbal communication, nonverbal communication, identity, culture, and listening in multiple communicative contexts. Students will have the chance to structure, organize, develop, and present information in multiple settings, such as interviews, group discussions, conflict situations, and social media.

  • Health Policy

    HLTH 2200: Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System

    An overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States including exploration of the purpose and functions of the health care system, the institutions that comprise the US healthcare system, the roles that healthcare institutions and professionals play in society, and the impacts of institutions, professionals, and law and policy on healthcare delivery in the United States.

  • Global & Cultural Awareness

    DIET 1175: Food, Nutrition, and Culture

    This course introduces the student to the study of food and culture of diverse groups in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. It examines how ethnic foods and dietary practices may affect the nutritional status of a population. It explores intercultural communication strategies and studies the history, religion, family structure, and traditional health practices to illuminate the cultural context from which ethnic cuisine emerges, evolves, and influences North American fare.

  • Human Biology

    BIOL 2259/60: Anatomy & Physiology

    This course is an examination of structure and function of vertebrate organ systems with an emphasis on human systems.

  • Professionalism & Ethics

    HLTH 2230: Bioethics

    This course introduces students to contemporary issues in bioethics, an interdisciplinary field focused on ethical issues in healthcare, health policy, medical practice, medical, and scientific research. Students will engage with ethical theory, case studies, media, and simulations of clinical decision-making in topics such as advanced reproductive technology, research ethics, allocation of human organs for transplantation, consent for human subjects research, and end-of-life treatment, and will hold simulated hearings about patenting human DNA, human cloning, and the enhancement of humans through surgery and pharmaceuticals.

  • Human Behavior

    PSYC 1111: Introduction to Psychology

    A one-semester introduction to the science of physics primarily for liberal arts, business, and hospitality/tourism students. The course provides a broad, algebra-based understanding of the basic laws of nature, their application to our everyday lives, and their impact on our technological society.