Biological Sciences (BSBS)

Mission Vision Accreditation Program Learning Outcomes

Admissions Degree Requirements Tuition and Fees Refund Policy

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The School of Professional Studies offers a 6-trimester (two year) bachelor completion program for a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (BSBS) degree. Courses are held one at a time, for five weeks each, for a total of three per trimester. Courses are held on weekends.

Mission

Our mission is to develop competent students for graduate and professional healthcare institutions and degree programs, positions in research and development, and teaching in the field of biological sciences. The Department of Undergraduate Studies is committed to providing a comprehensive set of curricular requirements to achieve excellence in academics, the desired balance of technical competency, and deep and broad-based knowledge through both our degree and non-degree tracks.

• Degree track: Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences
• Non-degree track: Individual Accelerated Science Courses

Vision:

The Department of Undergraduate Studies will be recognized as a leader in evidence-based undergraduate education in biological sciences and integrative healthcare.

Accreditation

The BSBS degree program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501. Phone: (510) 748-9001.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Basic Science Knowledge: Graduates will apply the fundamental principles of biological sciences including those of human biology, microbiology, genetics, anatomy, biopsychology, chemistry, physics and physiology.
2. Integrative Health Knowledge: Graduates will apply the fundamental principles of integrative health sciences including but not limited to those of chiropractic, physician assistant, acupuncture and oriental medicine, yoga, ayurveda, and massage therapy.
3. Information Literacy: Graduates will use technology to appraise scientific and technical literature, especially those related to the biological sciences.
4. Quantitative Reasoning: Graduates will use basic mathematics calculations to develop hypotheses and claims, apply testing methodologies and the scientific method to create rational critiques and conclusions in biological sciences.
5. Critical Thinking: Graduates will analyze problems in the field of biological sciences and integrative health and develop solutions or strategies to solve those problems.
6. Communication Effectiveness: Graduates will professionally construct and express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written, verbal, and non-verbal communication.
7. Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate professionalism in all interactions. This relates to punctuality, respect, attire, and attitude.

Admissions

Application Requirements

Applicants for admission must provide:

• Completed application for admission. The online form is available and can submitted through www.scuhs.edu
• Official High school transcript indicating graduation date must be sent directly to SCU in a sealed envelope. Official digital transcripts can be provided through external or third party vendors such as: Credential Solutions, eTranscriptCA, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, etc.
• AP Exam Scores (if applicable). Order from the College Board and have them sent directly to SCU.
• Official transcripts from each college and/or university previously attended, showing all course work completed or in progress. Request from each college and/or university to have it sent directly to SCU in a sealed envelope. Official digital transcripts can be provided through external or third party vendors such as : Credential Solutions, eTranscriptCA, National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, etc.
• Essay stating interest in attending SCU’s BSBS degree program. The essay is included in the application. The essay will serve as the first portfolio project. Include in the online application and/or email separately.
• Two letters of recommendation (these cannot be from a relative and it is preferable that at least one is from a doctor of chiropractic, acupuncture/oriental medicine practitioner, college professor or other health care practitioner). Letters should be mailed by each author directly to SCU.

Please have transcripts, letters of recommendation, and/or other print items mailed to:

SCU Office of Admissions
16200 Amber Valley Drive
Whittier, CA 90604

Electronic Scans and other electronic items may be emailed or to admissions@scuhs.edu

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have:

• 56 credits of semester-based undergraduate coursework from an institution(s) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent foreign agency. Credits completed by quarter or trimester systems will be weighted against a semester credit.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in the following courses:
  • 3 semester credits English/writing
  • 3 semester credits college-level Algebra Math
  • The remaining 50 credits may be in any discipline and each course must be completed with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Physical Requirements

The primary goal of the BSBS program in SPS is to prepare students with a strong foundation in life sciences. Basic science education requires that the acquisition and utilization of scientific and professional knowledge be accompanied by necessary skills, professional attitudes, and behavior. The BSBS maintains that prospective and enrolled students must meet certain technical standards, which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the educational program. Candidates for the BSBS degree must meet the following technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations. Candidates for admission and students must demonstrate:

1. The ability to sit and focus for long stretches of time in the classroom or laboratory setting without being disruptive to other students;
2. The strength, manual dexterity, and tactile perceptiveness and ability to perform in all laboratory settings, and to maintain the safety and wellbeing of fellow students without posing a threat to themselves or others;
3. Computer literacy skills including, but not limited to, using the SCU online teaching platform, word applications, valid online research sites, and the library search functions;
4. The ability to reason, learn, and perform independently demonstrating the conceptual, integrative, and quantitative skills that are necessary for critical thinking, problem solving, measurement, and calculation; and
5. The emotional health required for the full use of intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt and safe completion of all responsibilities; the ability to adapt to change, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties and stressful situations; empathy, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation which will be assessed during the admissions process and throughout their education.

Degree Requirements

The BSBS degree may be conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:

Upon conclusion of the BSBS program a student will have taken 72 units at SCU (18 classes at 4 units each).

Students completing the BSBS degree must satisfy the admissions requirements, general education (GE) requirements, and major course requirements outlined below.

General Education (GE): Of the 56 total required semester credits, 33 must satisfy GE Requirements.

Areas: (A) humanities, (B) English/writing, (C) math, (D) history, (E) language, (F) social science

1. 6 credits of Humanities, Art, Literature
2. 6 credits of English, Writing Composition or related
3. 3 credits of College Mathematics or statistics course,
4. 3 Credits of College Algebra
5. 3 credits of U.S. History, World history, or related
6. 3 credits of Foreign Language or computer language
7. 9 credits of Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Anthropology or related

SCU Major Requirements (72 semester credits/18 courses) capitalize these

1. 8 credits of Human Biology and lab (I & II)
2. 8 credits of General Chemistry and lab (I & II)
3. 4 credits of Microbiology and lab
4. 8 credits of Physics (I & II) (that includes mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics)
5. 8 credits of Organic Chemistry and lab (I & II)
6. 8 credits of Anatomy & Physiology and lab (I & II)
7. 4 credits of Biochemistry and Lab
8. 4 credits of Integrative Health Professions
9. 4 credits of Human Genetics
10. 4 credits of Biological Psychology
11. 4 credits of Research and Evidence Based Health Care
12. 4 credits of Integrative Health Field Practicum
13. 4 credits of Integrative Health Capstone/Thesis

Undergraduate Thesis Project and Field Practicum

Each student must complete an undergraduate thesis project and is required to complete coursework within a field practicum placement setting. The field practicum setting must be approved and consist of a non-profit organization that provides integrative health or alternative or complimentary medicine. Each student will volunteer and provide weekly status reports and gain knowledge and experience and first-hand experience as they provide services for a community agency. In addition to coursework, exams, quizzes and readings, students will research, prepare and write an APA style term paper on their field practicum experience as it relates to integrative medicine, integrative healthcare and interprofessional practice and present this experience to the class.

To earn the degree, BSBS students must also comply with the following policies regarding attendance, incomplete grades, earned units, and cumulative grade point average.

Attendance Policy

It is expected that students attend all lecture and laboratory sessions. Students are responsible for being on time and prepared for each class session with homework assignments completed, appropriate attire, supplies, etc. The maximum amount of seat time students in the BSBS can miss is one lecture or one lab class session. If you miss more than one lecture or one lab class, you will need to withdraw from the course and re-enroll into the next offering. To obtain credit for a course a student must meet the attendance requirements stated above. Any absence does not exempt students from any academic requirements. The student is responsible for all of the work and activities associated with the class or lab that the student has missed.

It is the instructor’s prerogative to accept or reject a student’s late work. All homework and in-class assignments and exams will be graded. Students must maintain a 75% average on all assignments and exams to successfully continue in and complete the program. Students who fail to maintain hours and grades may be placed on academic probation and/or dismissed from the program.

Policy on Incomplete Grade

An incomplete grade (“I”) may be reported for a student who, for a good and acceptable reason, is unable to complete all coursework, according to the provisions in this policy.

1. Any student finding him/herself in an emergency situation that prevents his/her completing all assigned work by the third week can request an incomplete grade from his/her instructor. Reasons for requesting an incomplete grade: a) medical emergency. b) family emergency. c) Other justifiable emergencies that prevent the students to attend class and/or completing assigned coursework. The student must present documentation supporting the emergency when requesting an incomplete grade.
2. In order to be eligible for the incomplete grade, besides being in an emergency situation as stated in item 1 above, the student must meet all the following requirements: a) Student has attended at least 62.5% of the course (two full weekends plus one full day of class). b) Student has completed at least 50% of the assignments and quizzes/tests for the course. c) Student has a passing grade for the 50% of assignment and quizzes/tests that have been completed.
3. The student is not allowed to carry more than one incomplete grade at the same time.

Earned Units (Required Completion Percentage)

Earned units (or “completed units”) with satisfactory academic progress are those courses in which the student receives a passing grade. The number of units completed with a grade of “I” (incomplete), “F” (fail), “W” (withdraw), missing grades, no grades, and for audited classes (“AU”) will not count as earned units toward the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirement.

“Attempted units” are those units the student remains enrolled in after the add/drop period for each course. The number of units completed with a grade of “I” (incomplete), “F” (fail), “W” (withdraw), missing grades, no grades, will count as attempted units toward the minimum satisfactory academic progress requirement. The student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of total attempted hours in each term (Spring, Summer, Fall) to meet the requirement for satisfactory academic progress towards earned units.

Cumulative Grade Point Average (Cumulative GPA)

The student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to meet the requirement for satisfactory academic progress towards cumulative GPA.

Grade Grievance Deadlines

The deadline to file a grade grievance of a grade on an assignment is seven days. The deadline to file a grade grievance of a final grade in the course is fourteen calendar days after the course ends.

Tuition and Fees

For current tuition and fees, refer to the published Tuition and Fees schedule. Tuition and fees are approved by the Board of Regents annually. The University reserves the right to adjust tuition and/or fees. Financial compliance must be met each term to maintain future registration status.

Refund Policy

In the event a student must drop, withdraw, or take a program leave, a partial refund of term tuition may be available. The percentage of tuition student is responsible for is based on the number of calendar days elapsed between the first day of the program and the official date provided by Registrar department. Students have until the end of the second calendar day, from the first day of class, to officially drop the course with no tuition responsibility. Student is responsible for the full tuition of the course if the official Drop Date, Withdrawal Date, or LOA Date is after the end of the second calendar day, from the first day of class.