Advanced Studies in Biology for the Health Professions
Advanced Studies in Biology for Health Professions draws students from a wide range of backgrounds who are interested in careers in medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies or other health careers. Students complete four to eight advanced undergraduate courses in biology to help them prepare for professional programs.
START MY APPLICATIONRequest InformationIs the Advanced Studies in Biology program right for me?
The School of Professional Studies offers a several program options for students who need to complete the required science courses necessary to pursue graduate level study in the medical field. Expand this page using the "Explore" link below to see which of our program options is the best fit for your background. Please reach out to our Enrollment Advising team if you have any questions before you start the application process.
About Advanced Studies in Biology for the Health Professions
Advanced Studies in Biology Required Courses
Select at least four courses** from the following:
- BIOL SCI 302 Fundamentals of Neurobiology
- BIOL SCI 308 Biochemistry
- BIOL SCI 312 The Evolutionary Biology of Human Anatomy, Health and Disease
- BIOL SCI 313 Human Anatomy
- BIOL SCI 315 Advanced Cell Biology
- BIOL SCI 316 Human Structure and Function
- BIOL SCI 317 Regional Human Anatomy Lab (.34 units*)
- BIOL SCI 318 Advanced Human Physiology
- BIOL SCI 327 Biology of Aging
- BIOL SCI 328 Microbiology
- BIOL SCI 342 Evolutionary Processes
- BIOL SCI 355 Immunobiology
- BIOL SCI 390 Advanced Molecular Biology
*BIOL SCI 317 is .34 units. Students electing to take BIOL SCI 317 would need to take a minimum of four other courses to earn the certificate.
**Please note that this is not a grade enhancement program, and thus students are not allowed to retake courses that were previously completed at another university as part of this certificate program. Students applying to this program should select courses that they have not previously attempted.
Courses in biological anthropology may be applied to the certificate, with the approval of the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate and Professional Studies.
In addition to the program requirements, students have the option to enroll in any of the courses offered at SPS (e.g., calculus, psychology, bioethics). However, elective courses will not count toward the minimum of four courses for the certificate.
Additional Information
Students who need to complete the introductory core prerequisites for medical or professional health graduate programs may wish to consider one of the Professional Health Careers programs.
Advanced Studies in Biology Tuition
Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.
Admission for Advanced Studies in Biology
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.
Advanced Studies in Biology Registration Information
Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.
Advanced Studies in Biology Pre-Health Professional Student Group
Learn how students support one another through forums, resources and social networks on the Advanced Studies in Biology Pre-Health Professional Student Group page.
Find out more about Advanced Studies in Biology
Program Courses: | Course Detail |
---|---|
Fundamentals of Neurobiology <> BIOL_SCI 302-CN | This course will explore the structure and function of the mammalian central nervous system from the molecular to behavioral level. This course will emphasize a number of foundational concepts in neurobiology, including neuronal and glial structure and function, neurophysiology of membrane, resting and action potential, synaptic physiology, an introduction to sensory perception, and an emphasis in neuronal plasticity in learning and memory. We will consider how the nervous system develops and changes with experience throughout life, and how these systems can be affected by injury or disease. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215 and BIOL SCI 219. Recommended: BIOL SCI 308. There is no available section. |
Fundamentals of Neurobiology <> BIOL_SCI 302-DL | This course will explore the structure and function of the mammalian central nervous system from the molecular to behavioral level. This course will emphasize a number of foundational concepts in neurobiology, including neuronal and glial structure and function, neurophysiology of membrane, resting and action potential, synaptic physiology, an introduction to sensory perception, and an emphasis in neuronal plasticity in learning and memory. We will consider how the nervous system develops and changes with experience throughout life, and how these systems can be affected by injury or disease. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215 and BIOL SCI 219 or BIOL SCI 201 and BIOL SCI 202. Recommended: BIOL SCI 308. This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition. View BIOL_SCI 302-DL Sections |
Biochemistry <> BIOL_SCI 308-CN | This course covers basic concepts in biochemistry, emphasizing
the structure and function of biological macromolecules,
fundamental cellular biochemical processes, and the chemical logic
in metabolic transformations. View BIOL_SCI 308-CN Sections |
Evolutionary Bio of Anatomy, Health and Disease <> BIOL_SCI 312-CN | This course utilizes an evolutionary perspective to understand key features of human anatomy, health and disease. Coverage will include review of some basic evolutionary processes, a brief overview of human evolutionary history, followed by a consideration of the primary body systems and regions in the human organism. Our focus will be on the historical context of selected human structures and their function/dysfunction across these systems. Some specific topics covered include: evolutionary compromises and plasticity in musculoskeletal structures; complex structures and birth defects (pharyngeal arches, etc.); human developmental genetics, environmental plasticity, and epigenetics in relation to health and disease; theories of “mismatch” between modern lifestyles and our evolved features (related to metabolism; allergy, the microbiome, cancer, etc.); population growth and zoonoses; and human life history and aging in evolutionary perspective. This course is suitable for students interested in human evolutionary biology and health, and those planning careers in the health sciences. View BIOL_SCI 312-CN Sections |
Human Anatomy <> BIOL_SCI 313-CN | This course is an introduction to human anatomy. Topics include: system approach to anatomical organization; sections of the body; musculoskeletal and nervous systems; embryology development. Lectures are supplemented by selected prosections of human cadavers and dry exercises using bones, models, and computer animations. Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 165, 170, or equivalent course. View BIOL_SCI 313-CN Sections |
Human Anatomy <> BIOL_SCI 313-DL | This is an online course on human anatomy, focusing on
morphology and function. It follows both a regional and systems
approach. All course content, activities, and assessments will be
online learning activities and assessments. The course will also
have a broad emphasis on clinical application that is applicable to
all health care professions. The course covers gross anatomy of the
human body; therefore, images of human cadavers will be presented
in your textbook, as well as in other course resources. Readings
are assigned from the Marieb, Wilhelm and Mallatt text.
Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 165, 170, or equivalent course. View BIOL_SCI 313-DL Sections |
Advanced Cell Biology <> BIOL_SCI 315-CN | In this course, students will gain an understanding of important topics in cell biology. We will discuss membrane structure and dynamics, cell signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell division cycle, organelle structure and function, regulation of gene expression and cell-cell communication. A focus of the course will also be on understanding how experiments are designed and conducted. Students will gain experience with critical reading of primary scientific literature, learn the history of major discoveries in cell biology, and will be exposed to recent breakthroughs in modern cell biology and cell biology techniques. Evaluation will include class participation, quizzes, a final exam, a presentation, and homework sets. Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 202 (or 210-C or 216 or 219). View BIOL_SCI 315-CN Sections |
Human Structure and Function <> BIOL_SCI 316-CN | This course will provide introductory anatomy instruction using recent pedagogical frameworks which present basic human structure in a clinical anatomy context through an emphasis on clinical case studies investigated and presented by collaborative student teams. Coverage focus will be on the musculoskeletal and related systems. The regional anatomy of the muscles, bones and joints in the human body serves as the basis for more general biomechanical principles of anatomical structure, support and movement. Student case study presentations will be complemented by selected short lectures as well as interactive lab exercises using skeletons, anatomical models, and on-line resources. In-class demonstrations integrating anatomical prosections with the Anatomage virtual 3D dissection table system will provide important spatial perspectives of actual cadaver anatomy. Synthesizing these multiple modalities will help construct a strong foundation for subsequent study of human structure and function in multiple healthcare and biology contexts. View BIOL_SCI 316-CN Sections |
Regional Human Anatomy Lab <> BIOL_SCI 317-CN | This is a lab course utilizing prosections and demonstrations of
human cadavers. It is an advanced anatomy course examining the
details of human body systems. Topics include: Body wall and
cavities, contents and features of the thorax and abdomen (cardiac,
pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems), pelvis (genito-urinary
system), spinal cord and back, innervation and blood supply of the
upper and lower limbs, cranial cavities and contents, cranial
nerves and blood supply of the head and neck. The majority of the
coursework will be done in the cadaver lab, with limited lectures
to introduce topics. The lab work will be guided by a lab workbook,
handouts and instructor demonstrations. Models, bones (skeletal
materials), skulls, and medical images will supplement the cadaver
prosections. Lab work will be assessed by the weekly lab
assignment, three practical quizzes and a written final exam. A
research project will be assigned to allow the student to bridge
their knowledge of lab anatomy with more clinical concepts.
Students are expected to follow all lab safety guidelines including
the cadaver lab dress code; also students should show respect for
the cadavers at all times. View BIOL_SCI 317-CN Sections |
Advanced Human Physiology <> BIOL_SCI 318-DL | Advanced Human Physiology is a fully online course that builds
on the concepts covered in BIOL SCI 217 Physiology or an equivalent
physiology course focusing on the body as an integrated set of
systems. Our task will be to construct a global view of the body,
its systems, and the many processes that keep the systems working.
This course emphasizes an integrated approach to studying all major
organ systems including neural, autonomic/somatic motor, endocrine,
cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive
physiology. In addition to integration, we will focus on the
clinical relevance of the organ system that will include abnormal
function, disease states, and medications used to bring the system
back to normal functioning. View BIOL_SCI 318-DL Sections |
Biology of Aging <> BIOL_SCI 327-CN | This course examines various biological aspects of aging, from molecular to evolutionary, and explores what is presently known about how and why we age. Through discussions of experimental data from primary literature, we will study normal aging processes and disease states related to aging. Instead of providing a comprehensive overview, the course aims to develop a fundamental framework of how to think about the biology of aging and our ability to read and analyze current scientific literature. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 201-CN and BIOL_SCI 202-CN. View BIOL_SCI 327-CN Sections |
Microbiology <> BIOL_SCI 328-CN | This course provides an introduction to bacteria and viruses
with an emphasis on their impact on human health and society.
Topics covered include bacterial and viral morphology/structure,
physiology, metabolism, basic replication, and genetics. Practical
applications of research in microbiology are explored, including
genetic engineering and biotechnology. We will also discuss the
impacts of microorganisms on human health include a discussion of
pathogenesis, the human microbiome, and current challenges
regarding antimicrobial resistance. Students have an opportunity to
explore current topics in microbiology of interest. View BIOL_SCI 328-CN Sections |
Evolutionary Processes <> BIOL_SCI 342-CN | "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution" - Theodosius Dobzhansky Evolution is a central unifying biological discipline since it is within an evolutionary framework that the rest of biology is understood. An understanding of evolution is key to understanding the origin and maintenance of the diversity of life on Earth. This course reviews the dynamics of genetic variation in populations through evidence from natural history, experimentation, and theory. Topics include: natural selection, genetic drift, inbreeding, mutation, and geographic structure of populations, and will be reinforced through examination and discussion of primary literature. Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 215 and BIOL SCI 219, or BIOL SCI 201 and BIOL SCI 202. View BIOL_SCI 342-CN Sections |
Immunobiology <> BIOL_SCI 355-DL | Immunology is the study of the response of higher organisms to
invasion by pathogens. This course presents a foundation for
students to understand the role of the immune system in both health
and disease. Immunology as a scientific discipline is experiencing
changes at an explosive pace due to advances in genetics, cellular
and molecular biology. Immunology researchers integrate recent
developments and techniques in almost all fields of modern
biomedical research. The course will present current research
findings where appropriate. Prerequisites: Introductory classes in
cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Students should
have a basic working knowledge of cellular structure and organelle
function; signal transduction; gene structure and the regulation of
expression; structural features of amino acids and proteins. View BIOL_SCI 355-DL Sections |
Advanced Molecular Biology BIOL_SCI 390-DL | This course expands on topics introduced in Molecular Biology,
including techniques, transcriptional and translational regulation,
epigenetics, replication, regulatory RNAs, DNA repair, and genetic
engineering. Using primary research articles, a subset of these
subjects will be explored in more depth as students discuss the
articles, evaluate scientific data, and assess evidence-based
conclusions in current research. At the end of this course,
students will be able to clearly and concisely describe scientific
concepts and determine which molecular biology techniques are most
applicable to different research questions. View BIOL_SCI 390-DL Sections |