Science & Health Department Overview

Dr. Vins Sutlive, Chair
Dr. Bruce Branan, Health Professions Advisor

The Department of Science & Health includes programs in biology, chemistry, exercise science, pre-physical/pre-occupational therapy, physics and pre-nursing and early acceptance programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. Many Asbury science students go on to graduate programs or medical school. Asbury also has a long tradition of preparing students for service in medical missions. Students receive personal attention in both introductory and upper division classes. The curriculum is challenging. The Department has well equipped labs for studies in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. All of our students conduct a senior research project, some at Asbury and others at research centers around the world.

Major and Minor requirements

 

THE SCIENCE PROGRAMS

BIOLOGY PROGRAMS – The degree in biology prepares students for entry level work in the life sciences, medical school, or graduate programs such as anatomy, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and plant sciences. Students can also receive credit for approved field experiences abroad.

CHEMISTRY PROGRAMS – The most popular chemistry program at Asbury is Biochemistry. The biochemistry major includes basic and intermediate courses in chemistry and upper level work in the chemistry of DNA, proteins and other molecules important to cellular structure and function. The job market in biochemistry is steadily growing. The traditional chemistry major prepares students for entry level work or for graduate programs. Most graduate programs in chemistry provide full scholarships.

BIOLOGY OR CHEMISTRY EDUCATION – Asbury is well known for the quality of its education programs, and science teachers are in demand. The natural science department offers majors leading to grades 8-12 certification in either Biology or Chemistry. Students interested in middle school certification choose two concentration areas (minors), one of which can be Science.

COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE – Computational science (CPS) is a multi-disciplinary field that includes elements of computer science, applied mathematics, and the traditional scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and/or physics. CPS focuses on the integration of information and methods from each of these disciplines. Computational Science has joined theory and experimentation as critical tools for developing scientific knowledge and new technology.

SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS – Asbury is well known for the quality of its education programs, and science teachers are in demand. The natural science department offers majors leading to grades 8-12 certification in either Biology or Chemistry. Students interested in middle school certification choose two concentration areas (minors), one of which can be Science.

EXERCISE SCIENCE – HUMAN PERFORMANCE concentration prepares the student for entry level positions in a growing number of career opportunities. This major provides for preparation in health, fitness and movement areas, thus providing academic and field experience internships in such areas as corporate, commercial, private and clinical based fitness/wellness, and athletic strength and conditioning in high schools, colleges and sports medicine clinics. This concentration provides the academic preparation for certification by the leading organizations in the field, such as the American College of Sports Medicine or The National Strength and Conditioning Association.

EXERCISE SCIENCE – KINESIOLOGY concentration provides students with a strong background in the science of physical activity. It is designed to prepare the student for graduate or professional school and ultimately employment in such professions as physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and other health areas. Employment settings might include public schools, rehabilitation clinics, and extended care facilities. This concentration also provides the academic preparation for certification by the leading organizations in the field, such as the American College of Sports Medicine or The National Strength and Conditioning Association.

 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS (HPER)

ADVENTURE EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP – Adventure Education and Leadership (AEL) prepares students for jobs and careers in the experiential education and adventure programming fields. Areas of emphasis include Outdoor Behavioral Intervention, Outdoor Ministry, Environmental Studies, and Outdoor Recreation. Additionally, AEL is strategically designed to develop leadership capacity in students who wish to work in any profession. Uniquely, students are prepared for leadership roles IN and THROUGH Adventure based programming!

EQUINE STUDIES – The Equine Studies major prepares students  for numerous career possibilities, including Equine Administration and Management, Horse Training, Equine Ministry, and Graduate School. The Equine Studies major includes a core of various foundational equine classes with four concentration areas offered including: Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Science, Equine Management, and Equine Training. A dual track major may be pursued in Equine Facilitated Wellness by completing the Equine Studies major in combination with a Psychology major.

EQUINE SCIENCE – The Equine Science major prepares students to pursue veterinary school and graduate school in related fields of study. Students completing the Equine Science major will also be equipped to pursue careers in the equine nutrition and pharmaceutical fields. Additionally, the Equine Science major prepares students to pursue graduate education in the growing field of equine rehabilitation (physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.). This major combines a core program of the basic sciences with the application of many hands-on classes in the equine program to provide students the foundation they need to pursue a career in the sciences with a focus on applications to equine health.

The HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION MAJOR prepares the students for positions as kindergarten through high school teachers in both health and physical education. Dual certification may be obtained. This area of study combines pedagogy courses from the Department of Education and content classes from the Science & Health Department.

[All HPER student majors are encouraged to become involved in state and national professional organizations related to their major. Students are encouraged to attend professional conventions, hear guest lectures, and gain work experience in their area of interest.]

For Physical Education Foundations requirement see Traditional Undergraduate Foundations.

 

HEALTH PROFESSIONS

Medical, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary schools do not require a science major, but a strong preparation in science is required. While medical schools do not have a prescribed list of science courses applicants must take, a sound understanding of the following areas is required: a) biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical foundations of living systems, b) psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior, and c) critical analysis and reasoning skills. Asbury students interested in medicine are assigned to the Health Professions Advisor who assists them in planning their schedules and meeting other admissions requirements.

Pre-Nursing (PNR) Program

Asbury University offers a major in Pre-Nursing which provides options to students interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

1. Students may complete an Asbury University degree by transferring to and completing credits at an approved school of nursing in their fourth year. Students take a prescribed course of study (PNR) and Foundations courses at Asbury University. The PNR major must transfer to an accredited 4-year school of nursing. Upon completing the first 30 hours of professional nursing courses the credits must be transferred back to Asbury University to complete the Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Nursing. Asbury has arrangements with UK-CON and with IWU-SON for accepting qualified Asbury students, but other Schools of Nursing may be used.
   1. University of Kentucky – College of Nursing (UK-CON) – Students can complete two degrees by successfully completing this program, a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Nursing from Asbury and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kentucky. Participating students take the prescribed course of study at Asbury, including Foundations courses, and then transfer to UK-CON. To complete the Asbury University degree in Pre-Nursing the first 30 credits of nursing courses from UK must be officially transferred to Asbury University upon completion. Entrance requirements for UK-CON must be met, and spaces are limited (Contact the Health Professions Advisor for more information).
   2. Indiana Wesleyan University – School of Nursing (IWU-SON) – Students can complete two degrees by successfully completing this program, a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Nursing from Asbury and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. Participating students take the prescribed course of study at Asbury, including Foundations courses, and then transfer to IWU-SON. To complete the Asbury University degree in Pre-Nursing the first 30 credits of nursing courses from Indiana Wesleyan must be officially transferred to Asbury University upon completion. Entrance requirements for IWU-SON must be met, and spaces are limited (Contact the Health Professions Advisor for more information).
   3. Other schools of nursing – Students may transfer to other approved nursing schools although there is no agreement on admission or programs at these other schools. The Asbury degree is completed by the official transfer of the first 30 credits of nursing courses. Degrees and requirements for the other nursing schools vary. The school must be approved for use in the Pre-Nursing degree program. (Contact the Health Professions Advisor about other schools).
2. Students may complete the pre-nursing requirements and seek admission to a nursing program without completing the Asbury three year pre-nursing curriculum, and Foundations requirement. This option will not lead to a degree from Asbury. No transfer of nursing courses would be needed.
3. Students with other Asbury majors may complete pre-nursing requirements without declaring the PNR major. Contact the Health Professions Advisor if you are interested in any nursing / medical related field.

Pre-Nursing (PNR) Program Restrictions

1. PNR Student completes the major requirements at Asbury. PNR majors transfer to an accredited 4-year school of nursing to complete the major and the AU degree by finishing 30.0 hours of nursing courses. These credits must be officially transferred back to Asbury University to receive an AU degree. Students must have 124.0 total hours to receive an AU degree. Entrance requirements at the school of nursing must be met.
2. PNR Student may not have a double major. If completing any other Asbury major the Pre-nursing major will not be listed. Student will complete and graduate from Asbury University in the other major only. However, any student who is preparing to apply for nursing or medical schools should contact the Health Professions Advisor about taking required pre-nursing or pre-medical courses outside their declared major.
3. The 75.0 hours maximum transfer rule applies and includes the 30.0 nursing hours which limits all other transfer hours and institutional credit to 45 hours.
4. Transfer course restrictions: 50% of the PNR major must be completed at Asbury University (minimum 33.0 major hours at Asbury) with the transferred nursing hours accounting for the other 50% of the major. If any of the other required major courses are taken at other schools the student will be required to take additional Asbury University course hours in BIO, PSY, CHE, or SOC to account for the 50% at Asbury.
5. All Pre-Nursing students are reviewed at the end of the sophomore year (60.0 cumulative hours). After 2 years, students should have no grade below a “C” in all BIO and CHE courses in order to continue in the program. Schools of nursing have stringent GPA requirements for admission (see the Health Professions Advisor for information).
6. Changing out of the PNR major – A student who decides not to pursue nursing needs to make this decision by the first semester of the junior year to allow time to complete the courses needed for another major. Discuss major changes with the Health Professions Advisor.

Early Acceptance Programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy

Asbury University has contractual agreements with certain schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy whereby students can gain early acceptance to these medical programs by meeting specific requirements.

1. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) – The Early Acceptance Program (EAP) is designed to facilitate the admission of Asbury students into LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program. LECOM will interview eligible students prior to their enrollment at Asbury University or within the first two years of study at Asbury. Students interviewing successfully will be offered a provisional acceptance in LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. Upon meeting the criterial for final acceptance they will matriculate at the LECOM campus of their choice (dependent upon space availability). Each academic year a maximum combined total of 5 students will be accepted by LECOM from Asbury University. Contact the Health Professions Advisor for eligibility information.
2. University of Kentucky College of Medicine – Northern Kentucky Campus – The Early Assurance Program (EAP) is designed to provide students from Northern and North Central Kentucky early assurance of admission to medical school. Students apply to the EAP during the spring semester of their sophomore year at Asbury University. An indicated clear interest in establishing medical practice in the Northern / North Central region of Kentucky, and commitment to participate in all elements of the EAP are required. Contact the Health Professions Advisor for eligibility information.
3. LECOM – School of Dental Medicine – The Early Acceptance Program (EAP) is designed to facilitate the admission of Asbury students into LECOM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program. LECOM will interview students prior to their enrollment at Asbury or within the first two years of study at Asbury. Students interviewing successfully will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM’s Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Upon meeting the criteria for final acceptance, they will matriculate at the LECOM Bradenton, FL campus. Each academic year a maximum combined total of 5 students will be accepted by LECOM from Asbury University. Contact the Health Professions Advisor for eligibility information.
4. LECOM – School of Pharmacy – The Early Acceptance Program (EAP) is designed to facilitate the admission of Asbury students into LECOM’s Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. LECOM will interview students prior to their enrollment at Asbury or within the first two years of study at Asbury. Students interviewing successfully will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM’s Doctor of Pharmacy program. Upon meeting the criteria for final acceptance, they will matriculate at the LECOM campus of their choice. Each academic year a maximum combined total of 5 students will be accepted by LECOM from Asbury University. (Contact the Health Professions Advisor for eligibility information).

5. University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy – The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy agrees to give priority applicant status during the admissions process to the Doctor of Pharmacy program.  The student must fulfill the requirements of the pre-pharmacy three-year program at Asbury University including Foundations and must make formal application for Early Decision admission to the UK Pharmacy program.  The student will be included in the early decision review of applications and possibly invited for an interview during the first two interview visit dates.  If accepted the student would transfer into the Doctor of Pharmacy program and the first 28 credits of completed pharmacy courses must be officially transferred to Asbury University to count towards completion of the Asbury Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology.   Entrance requirements for UK-CON must be met, and spaces are limited (Contact the Health Professions Advisor for more information).

 

 

2020-21 Academic Catalog