HSC Courses
HSC 1490 Statistics for the Health Professions (4 sh) GE
This course introduces students to biostatistics, focusing on the application of statistical ideas and methods to collect, summarize, analyze and interpret health sciences data. Topics covered include: data types, summary statistics, graphical methods, correlation, regression, standard scores, probability, risk and odds ratios, normal distributions, confidence intervals, para- metric and nonparametric inferential tests. Students develop analytic skills for working with data and critical thinking skills regarding the role of statistics in research in the Health Sciences professions.
HSC 2100 Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System (4 sh)
This course serves as an introduction to the field of health science. The student will develop an understanding of the health care system in the United States and the professions which impact it. The student will be learning how to navigate the health care resources and acquire knowledge of how health care is delivered.
HSC 2800 Introduction to Epidemiology (4 sh)
This course provides knowledge and skills to apply a population focused approach to addressing health-related problems in the US. This course will cover basic epidemiological concepts, statistics, and tools used in descriptive and ana- lytic epidemiology. Students will gain practice in reading and interpreting epidemiologic studies used as a basis for improving health. Tools for improving public health will also be covered, including screening programs, Healthy People initiatives, and disease surveillance systems. Prerequisite: HSC 1490 or Instructor Consent.
HSC 2850 Nutrition Science for Population Health (4 sh)
Students will learn to evaluate and interpret the latest nutrition science, with an emphasis on nutritional epidemiologic in large populations, including nutritional assessment methods. This course will describe the scientific basis of national nutrition recommendations and how to support patient/consumer efforts to implement dietary advice provided by public health officials and clinicians. Prerequisites: HSC 2800 and either NURS 2540 or EXS 3180.
HSC 3120 Fads and Emerging Health and Wellness Therapies (4 sh) GE
Students will build health literacy skills by learning how to evaluate and communicate the science behind fads and emerging new health and wellness therapies both verbally and in writing for general lay audiences. Topics will include nutritional supplements, diet and exercise “fads,” and various alternative and complementary health therapies. Prerequisite: EXS 3180 or NURS 2540; NURS 4240/HSC 4240 or EXS 3070.
HSC 3540 Ethics in Health Care (2 sh)
Issues and dilemmas in the health care system serve as a basis for examination of theories and principles of ethics. The spiritual domain is considered a valued context for decision-making. Prerequisite: HSC 2100.
HSC 3560 Healthcare Informatics (3 sh)
This course prepares healthcare professionals to successfully apply technology to manage healthcare challenges and opportunities. It emphasizes the vital requirement of healthcare professionals to effectively use technology tools that will engage healthcare consumers as partners in care. A theoretical foundation for the field of informatics is introduced and applied. The course is designed for students in nursing or health science programs of study. It is built upon and connected to the University urban, intercultural, and Christian distinctives. Prerequisite: HSC 2100.
HSC 3800 Regulatory and Oversight Issues in Health Care (2 sh)
The course explores how legal, policy, and political considerations influence legislative enactments and administrative agencies’ regulatory policies in the health care arena. The first part of the course will examine policy and political reasons for government intervention at the state and federal level. The second unit will review the manner in which administrative agencies’ implement health care statutes. The third unit will address health care enforcement and compliance issues. Prerequisite: HSC 2100.
HSC 3900 Health Organizations: Principles and Practice (4 sh)
Students will learn to integrate organizational principles with organizational practice in the preparation of healthcare leaders and managers. This course will lead students through foundations, research and new directions in health organizations. Pre-requisites: HSC 2100.
HSC 3910 Topics in Health Sciences (2-4 sh)
Concentrated study on selected topics in the health sciences. Some topics may have prerequisites (see annual class schedule).
HSC 4010 Health Science Capstone (4 sh)
The Health Science Capstone course enables students to synthesize their educational experiences in the major and prepare for careers in their selected field of health care. The capstone project will require the student to demonstrate critical analysis of data and develop a plan to respond to an issue in health care relevant to their concentration (Health Systems Management or Health and Wellness). Students will present their research at the end of the semester through a research paper and formal presentation to each other and invited guests. Pre-requisites: Senior standing in the HSC major; HSC 4240 or EXS 3070.
HSC 4910 Independent Study in Health Science (2-4 sh)
Intensive, independent study of a topic chosen in consultation with an instructor in the Department of Health Sciences. Students must have consent of the instructor and department chairperson to register.
HSC 4240 Research Process (2 sh)
Introduces elements of the research process with emphasis on becoming a consumer of research. Focus is on relevance of research findings to evidenced-based quality health care. Considers ethical issues in research. Prerequisite: HSC 2100.
HSC 4540 Health Care Policy and Politics (2 sh)
Examines and emphasizes the challenges and opportunities related to issues in health policy and health care from a local, national, and international perspective. Addresses the political, economic, legal, and ethical aspects of the United States Health Care policy and health care issues; their impact on patients; and mechanisms and strategies for political advocacy and influence. Prerequisite: HSC 3540; HSC 4240 or EXS 3070.
HSC 4930 Directed Research (1-4 sh)
This course is open to students with an interest in a special topic in research related to Health Sciences. Students must be an HSC major, either a junior or senior in standing, with a minimum HSC GPA of 3.0. Students will work under the direction of a faculty mentor on a novel research project. Permission of the faculty mentor and departmental approval is required prior to enrollment in this course.
HSC 4970 Internship in the Health Sciences (1-4 sh)
An on-site internship at an approved business or organization. The student must have completed at least 14 semester hours of credit in the Health Sciences and have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in NPU Health Sciences core and track courses. A maximum of 4 semester hours of elective credit can count toward the overall graduation requirement. Please refer to the internship section of the catalog for additional requirements and guidelines. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 14 semester hours in Health Science courses.