Prephysical Therapy Completion Program | Northwestern SPS - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

This course will introduce the fundamental concepts of biology, including: Chemical composition and organization of living material, cellular organization, energy conversion by organisms, genetics and reproduction, ecology, evolution, and other topics. These topics will build the foundation needed for students to further explore the biological sciences. Through a mixture of lecture and discussion, students will apply the knowledge from the course into critical analysis of the scientific method and hypothesis testing. There are no course prerequisites; the course is geared toward students with an interest in the topic but without a background in biological sciences.

This is an introductory general biological sciences course. Topics include evolution, biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, population biology, and the relationship between structure and function in organisms. The significance of core concepts in relation to practical life applications will be discussed. Teaching methods will be varied, with an emphasis on lecture with also time for discussion. Evaluation will include several tests. Students will write about, and give presentations on, topics of their choice. There are no course prerequisites; the course is geared toward students with an interest in the topic but without a background in biological sciences.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition. 

This course is part of the four-course introductory biology sequence. Students will learn about the basics of molecular biology, including the structure of macromolecules, DNA replication, transcription, and translation and the mechanisms by which these processes are regulated. Students will also learn current biotechnology methods used to study molecular biology.

Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 201 and BIOL SCI 215. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 215 should not register for this course.

This course is part of the four-course introductory biology sequence. The cell biology course covers mechanisms the cell uses to compartmentalize and transport proteins, to move, to regulate growth and death, and to communicate with their environments.

This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 232. Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 219 and BIOL SCI 202. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 219 should not register for this course. 

Prerequisite: Students must have completed BIOL SCI 201 or 215 with a grade of C- or better to register for this course.

Fundamentals of genetics and evolution. From the rules of heredity to the complex genetics of humans, the methods and logic of genetics as applied to inheritance, development, neurobiology, and populations. The process and tempo of evolution, from natural selection to speciation, emphasizing how genetics plays a critical role.

Prerequisite: Students must have completed BIOL SCI 202-CN or BIOL SCI 219-CN with a grade of C- or better to register for this course.

The physiology course covers organization and functioning of the major organ systems in mammals.

Prerequisite: CHEM 131.

This is the first course in a three-quarter sequence of introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of results. The experimental model revolves around atherosclerosis and macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and molecular biology techniques.

This course should be taken concurrently with BIOL SCI 202. Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 221 and BIOL SCI 232. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 221 should not register for this course.

This is the second course in a three-quarter sequence of introductory biology laboratory. The course is designed to provide students with an authentic laboratory experience that investigates relevant scientific research and teaches scientific inquiry skills such as experimental design, writing research proposals, data collection, data analysis/interpretation, and the presentation of results. The experimental model revolves around aggregate prone proteins in nematodes and how RNA interference (RNAi) can be used to affect protein folding and the clearance of protein aggregates. Students will learn and become proficient at various cell and molecular biology techniques.

Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 220 and BIOL SCI 233. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 220 should not register for this course.

Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 232

This course is the culminating life-science lab experience in the biology lab sequence. Students design and generate reagents that can be used in larger experiments. The topic varies from year to year, but typically revolves around the sub-cloning of a specific gene fused to a reporter for detection.

Credit not allowed for both BIOL SCI 222 and BIOL SCI 234. Students who have previously completed BIOL SCI 222 should not register for this course.

Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 233.

An exploration of the functions of the human body at the tissue, organ, and organ system level. Emphasis on homeostatic mechanisms and interdependence within organs and organ systems and the influence of modulatory systems. Topics will include, but are not limited to: nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems.

Prerequisite: CHEM 131

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.

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.

This course will be conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition. There will be optional online office hours on Thursday from 6:15-9:15pm.

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.

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.

Credit for this course is 0.34 units. Enrollment is in the course limited to 15 total, and is limited to students in professional health careers certificate programs.

Prerequisite: BIOL SCI 313. Only students who have completed the prerequisite will be able to register for this course.

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.

This course will be conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.

Prerequisites: BIOL SCI 217 Physiology or an equivalent Introduction to Physiology course that provides an introduction to the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, neuronal and autonomic systems.

Note: This course cannot be taken unless the student has previously completed an introductory physiology course.

Solution strategies for traditional word problems and their application to basic chemistry quantitative problems: dimensional analysis, chemical equations, stoichiometry, limiting reagents

Quantum mechanics, electronic structure, periodic properties of the elements, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, intermolecular forces, properties of solids and liquids, special topics in modern chemistry.

This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 141-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align.

Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN.

Solutions and colligative properties, chemical equilibrium, aqueous solution equilibria, chemical kinetics, metals in chemistry and biology, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry, special topics in modern chemistry.

This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 142-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align.

Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN.

Chemical analysis of real samples using basic laboratory techniques including titration, colorimetric analysis, density measurements, and atomic spectroscopy. Planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units.

This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 131-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry I. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align.

Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 110 (grade of C– or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 110-CN.

General Chemistry Lab 2 is a laboratory course in which techniques applied to materials science and nanotechnology, acid-base chemistry, and chemical kinetics will be employed. Major objectives involve work involving planning, data collection, interpretation, and reporting on experiments. Credit for this course is 0.34 units.

This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 132-CN Fundamentals of Chemistry II. Additionally, while the material in the inorganic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align.

Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 131-CN and CHEM 141-CN (grade of C- or better), or current enrollment in CHEM 131-CN/CHEM 141-CN.

Advanced concepts in modern organic chemistry will be introduced. The material will focus on recent developments in synthetic organic chemistry, including: concerted/pericyclic reactions, catalysis, green/environmental chemistry, automated synthesis, and combinatorial/screening methods. Additional topics will include an introduction to materials and polymer chemistry.

This course is required to be taken concurrently with CHEM 215-C. Additionally, while the material in the organic chemistry lecture and lab courses is intended to be linked, students should not expect the lecture and lab content to always align.

Prerequisite: completion of CHEM 215-B and CHEM 235-B with a grade of C- or better.

This is the first quarter of a three-quarter algebra-based physics course with lecture and laboratory. Physics is the most basic of the sciences, dealing with the behavior and structure of matter. Lectures and labs illustrate physical principles: mechanics, motion, momentum and energy, and fluids. Continues in winter and spring quarters as PHYSICS 130-B, C. 

Requires concurrent enrollment in the PHYSICS 131-A lab. Two lab sections are available in in Fall quarter; lab times are Tuesdays 8:00-9:50 pm or Saturdays 2:00-3:50 pm.

Prerequisite: college algebra or higher college math course.

This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A algebra-based physics with lecture and laboratory; the sequence concludes with PHYSICS 130-C in the spring quarter. Harnessing the forces of electrical power; how they have altered the way we live and perceive ourselves in the universe. Lecture demonstrations illustrate physical principles: electricity and magnetism, DC and AC circuits. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-B Physics Laboratory II. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-A or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-A.

This course is the continuation of PHYSICS 130-A,B. Wave motion, optics, and introduction to the basic concepts of modern physics including quantum mechanics, relativity, and atomic physics. The course focuses on conceptual understanding of basic physical principles and their real-world applications. Demonstration experiments will be used to illustrate physical phenomena and concepts. Must be taken concurrently with PHYSICS 131-C Physics Laboratory III. Lab times are Tuesdays 8:00-9:50 pm or Saturdays 2:00-3:50 pm. Labs will meet for the first time after the first lecture session. Prerequisite: completion of PHYSICS 130-B or current enrollment in PHYSICS 130-B.

This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-A and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units.

This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-B and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units.

This is the laboratory course associated with PHYSICS 130-C and must be taken concurrently. Credit for this course is .34 units.

This course is intended to familiarize students with the basics of statistics as a baseline for academic and/or professional application. Topics include (but are not limited to) basic descriptive statistics, data testing, correlations, analyses of variance, and regression analysis. The course will include instruction on how to use Excel to help students perform statistical analyses for future problem-solving and decision-making. Basic knowledge of algebra is recommended.

This course provides an introduction to probability and statistics theory and foundational data science applications. The focus will be on the analysis of data using computer software, and the approach is is conceptual—the goal is for students to understand, not to memorize. Important concepts include samples versus populations, normal curves and the central limit theorem, sampling distributions, standard errors, statistical inference, correlation and regression, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the chi-squared test. The replication crisis in science and how bad statistics helped cause it will also be discussed. There are no formal prerequisites for this course. Recommended skills include comfort with basic algebra and some experience with spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

This course is conducted completely online. A technology fee will be added to tuition.