Serving as a stepping-stone into a bachelor’s degree program or career opportunity, the 60-unit Associate of Science (A.S.) in Health Sciences at Azusa Pacific Online University offers students a broad knowledge base for the major elements in health sciences. Incorporating faith and knowledge, the curriculum lays the foundation ethical evaluations, professional decision-making, practical experience, and respect for God-honoring diversity in the health sciences field.
Learn more about the career opportunities available with an A.S. in Health Sciences.
Career Opportunities
The ASHS program fulfills many of the basic requirements for those students that desire to enter health professions such as dental hygiene, medical assistance, health information careers, etc., as well as students who wish to enroll in preparatory health courses for nursing, science, and health education. The adult learner may complete the ASHS in order to gain promotions, develop health sciences skills, and/or prepare for bachelor’s-level studies. Graduates may apply for employment in such health care facilities as medical and dental clinics, hospitals, and gerontology agencies.
Program Highlights
- Integrate a Christian worldview
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
- Identify and evaluate key ethical issues
- Utilize technology and statistical analysis in decision-making
- Examine cultural and diversity issues
- Implement specific science functions and lab processes within the field
Coursework
Skills and University Requirements (18 units)
APOU 101 Momentum: Success in the University
Course Description
APOU 101
Momentum: Success in the University
3 units
This course lays a strong foundation for a successful transition to college by increasing critical thinking, curiosity, goal orientation, and motivation skills. It provides an orientation to Azusa Pacific Online University, the Moodle online learning system, digital library services, and other support services. Students will be introduced to the idea of a Christian Liberal Arts education, a strengths approach to learning, and opportunities to develop practical skills and strategies for addressing the challenges of college. This course is a prerequisite for all other APOU courses.
MATH 110 College Algebra
Course Description
MATH 110
College Algebra
3 units
This course is a study of basic college algebra, including polynomial and rational functions, inverse functions, the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations, advanced graphical procedures and interpretations, linear and nonlinear systems of equations, matrix representations of systems of equations, and introductory concepts in sequence, series and probability. Prerequisite: MATH 095 Intermediate Algebra, SAT 540/ACT 23 math score, or appropriate score on APOU mathematics placement test.
ENG 101 Expository Writing
Course Description
ENG 101
Expository Writing
3 units
This course focuses on the literacy skills essential to effective writing, including reading comprehension, audience awareness, genre knowledge, grammatical efficacy, syntactic fluency, and rhetorical sufficiency. Course is limited to 15 students.
ENG 102 Composition: Argument and Analysis
Course Description
ENG 102
Composition: Argument and Analysis
3 units
This course promotes the intellectual and rhetorical skills necessary to write persuasive and argumentative prose. Specific areas addressed include logic, grammar, and rhetoric. Clarity of purpose and perspicuity of argument are examined through attention to critical thinking, logical fallacies, and textual analysis. Prerequisite: ENGL 101. Course is limited to 15 students.
COMM 111 Public Communication
Course Description
COMM 111
Public Communication
3 units
This course offers practical instruction in how to speak effectively and introduces the basic principles underlying effective communication. Topics range from the study of theoretical models of interpersonal and public communication to the fundamental skills of research, organization, and delivery of informative and persuasive discourse.
CS 205 Basic Software Tools
Course Description
CS 205
Basic Software Tools
3 units
This PC-based course covers the basics of MS Windows and the use of applications software as problem-solving tools. In-depth coverage of popular word processing, database, and spreadsheet packages are included.
Foreign Language Requirements (4-6 units)
Select one of the following:
One intensive language course:
SPAN 123 Intensive Beginning Spanish
Course Description
SPAN 123
Intensive Beginning Spanish
4 units
This is an intensive accelerated course which emphasizes practical Spanish communication in real-life situations for beginners. The course addresses the pronunciation, intonation, and structure of Spanish within an online framework designed to develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Special cultural presentations supplement language study.
-or-
Two 3-unit language sequence:
SPAN 121 Beginning Spanish I
Course Description
SPAN 121
Beginning Spanish I
3 units
This two-course sequence emphasizes practical Spanish communication in real-life situations for beginners. The course addresses the pronunciation, intonation, and structure of Spanish within an online framework designed to develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Special cultural presentations supplement language study.
SPAN 122 Beginning Spanish II
Course Description
SPAN 122
Beginning Spanish II
3 units
This is a continuation of SPAN 121. Prerequisite: SPAN 121, passing Spanish CLEP Exam.
Integrative Health Sciences Core Requirements (31 units)
God’s Word and the Christian Response (12 units)
APBL 100 Biblical Survey of the Old Testament*
Course Description
APBL 100
Biblical Survey of the Old Testament
3 units
An overview of the Old Testament focusing on the biblical writers, book outlines, major themes, key individuals, and events in biblical history, along with personal application for students today. Subject matter includes creation, revelation, sin, redemption, and the Messianic promises.
APBL 105 Biblical Survey of the New Testament*
Course Description
APBL 105
Biblical Survey of the New Testament
3 units
An overview of the New Testament focusing on the political, cultural, religious, literary, and historical perspectives during the life of Jesus and during the early Church. Authorship, book outlines, key themes, persons, and events in pre- and early church history are examined, along with personal applications for students today.
APHS 100 Introduction to Medical Ethics*
Course Description
APHS 100
Introduction to Medical Ethics
3 units
This introductory course examines the dilemmas and ethical issues facing the health services professional, with an emphasis on medical situations. Topics include ethics of care, civility, medical malpractice, codes of conduct, etc. from a Christian perspective.
MIN 108 Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry*
Course Description
MIN 108
Christian Life, Faith, and Ministry
3 units
The theological, educational, and social bases for ministry and service are examined. An analysis of the church’s responsibility and methods for carrying out the ministry mandate of Jesus is emphasized. Field experience is required.
Health Sciences Fundamentals (19 units)
BIOL 220 General Microbiology/Lab
Course Description
BIOL 220
General Microbiology/Lab
4 units
This class is for students majoring in or planning to major in nursing. The focus is on fundamental microbiological principles and laboratory techniques with an emphasis on disease-causing microorganisms, new and old methods of disease treatment and prevention, and host immune responses. Special fees apply, including lab pack and other possible material fees. Prerequisite: BIOL 250 or BIOL 251, or their equivalents
BIOL 250 Human Anatomy/Lab
Course Description
BIOL 250
Human Anatomy/Lab
4 units
This course is designed to introduce the principles of human anatomy. It is taught from a systems perspective. Material covered in this course includes basic anatomical terminology, cell, tissue and organ structure and function, and examination of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Special fees apply, including lab pack and other possible material fees.
BIOL 251 Human Physiology/Lab
Course Description
BIOL 251
Human Physiology/Lab
4 units
Introduction to the principles of human physiology and how function relates to anatomical structure. Fundamental principles of cellular metabolism, transport mechanisms, cell signaling, fluid and electrolyte balance are covered to lay the foundation for organ system physiology. The course emphasizes homeostatic mechanisms and reciprocal communication of the body’s organ systems and how malfunction can lead to disease. Special fees apply, including lab pack and other possible material fees.
CHEM 115 Chemistry for Health Sciences/Lab
Course Description
CHEM 115
Chemistry for Health Sciences/Lab
4 units
This course covers organic and biochemistry topics related to the health sciences. Emphasis is placed on organic nomenclature, functional groups, selected organic reactions, and biochemical pathways. Lab activities will focus on the application of organic and biochemistry with respect to the health sciences. Special fees apply, including lab pack and other possible material fees.
MGT 280 Applied Statistics
Course Description
MGT 280
Applied Statistics
3 units
This is an elementary course in basic statistical concepts. Students are introduced to the understanding and use of necessary computational procedures to attain the basic skills in the following: frequency distributions, graphs, central tendency, variability, normal curve, probabilities, correlation, hypothesis testing, and chi square. Understanding and use of the above statistics are stressed over mathematical development. Prerequisite: MATH 110 College Algebra with a grade of B or higher
General Electives (5-7 units)
To complete the 60-unit General Studies Core requirement students may utilize any 100+ level college or university course. The elective requirement provides students an opportunity to pursue interests beyond program requirements.
*Must be taken at APOU
Note: This information is current for the 2012–13 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. To view 2012 program information, please refer to the Academic Catalog.