Biology Programs | Cedar Crest College

Biology Major (B.S.)/Minor

For information, contact Department Chair and Associate Professor Audrey Ettinger, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3512

Program Description

The Biology major is offered within a challenging, comprehensive liberal arts education, with state-of-the art laboratories and facilities and a very active program of undergraduate research. The same is true for all other majors within the Department of Biological Sciences: Environmental Conservation, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Neuroscience, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Biology/Secondary Education, as well as the department’s minors in Biology and Global Diseases. The department also provides pre-professional education for medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other allied health fields. All coursework and laboratories emphasize the development of skills in reading, questioning, analyzing, and evaluating assumptions along with development in technical writing and oral presentations. Highly motivated students commonly participate in research during their first year and all students are encouraged to participate in research during their sophomore, junior, and senior years at Cedar Crest College with the option of completing a senior thesis. Graduates with biology majors go on to advanced study, professional programs, and research positions in universities and pharmaceutical firms. Biologists work in agriculture and medical professions, in schools, hospitals, clinics, the government and zoos, and as naturalists, science writers, medical illustrators, and forensic scientists.

Program mission statement for the Biology Major

Within the broader mission of the Department of Biological Sciences, the mission of the Biology major is to promote an understanding of the structure and function of, and the interrelationships among, biological systems; and to promote a broad understanding of the physical world. To accomplish this mission, students study biological systems at all structural levels of the biological hierarchy: molecules and cells; organisms; and populations, communities, and ecosystems. Students also complete course work in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Program requirements for the Biology Major

A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 and a minimum average in the major of 2.000 is required for the major and minor in Biology. A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill the departmental requirements. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Students may not declare multiple majors in any combination of: Biology, Environmental Conservation (B.S. or B.A.), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Integrated Biology, Neuroscience, or Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students majoring in the Biological Sciences may not minor in Biology. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time.

Total number of credits: 58 credits

Course requirements

Electives (15 credits)

Any 200- or 300-level BIO courses (aside from the Core*), with the exception of BIO 354, and BIO 357. CHE 217 or CHE 307, CHE 308, and FSC 348, may be applied. A student may apply up to 2 credits of BIO 243 or BIO 353 or CHE 391 or HON 350/351, and up to 1 credit of BIO 201. At least one course must be a 4-credit lecture/lab course (i.e., with the lab explicitly associated with the lecture).

* The Biology Core is defined as BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 231, BIO 239, BIO 350, and BIO 358.

(See additional information on Thesis Option, Fulfilling the LAC requirements, and combining with Secondary Education below section on Integrated Biology Major.)

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.S. in Biology or the B.A. in Integrated Biology

BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits
A 4-credit lecture/lab course and additional Electives, such that a student’s Biology/Integrated Biology Electives taken at Cedar Crest College total 7 credits (see Electives above)

It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work.

Additional course requirements for the Thesis Option

All students, particularly those who are interested in attending graduate school or obtaining a research-based job following graduation, are highly encouraged to participate in independent research, which may culminate in a thesis. The thesis option begins during the student’s junior year as part of Junior Colloquium (BIO 350). Most majors from the Department of Biological Sciences require students to develop a research proposal to investigate an original research question. This experience allows the students to go beyond the basic course information, select a problem that interests them, and apply what they have learned in their coursework to a novel situation. As part of the thesis option, students will spend a minimum of two semesters working with a faculty member to conduct the research outlined in their proposal. They will then develop a written thesis detailing their project and present their final project to the department in the form of a seminar talk or poster. Requirements towards fulfilling the thesis include: a.) two semesters (4 credits) of Independent Research (BIO 353) or b.) two semesters of Independent Research (BIO 243); and one semester of Independent Research (BIO 353), and one semester (1 credit) of Senior Thesis and Presentation (BIO 354) with grades of C- or better.

Recommended courses for the B.S. in Biology or the B.A. in Integrated Biology for students also majoring in Secondary Education with a Biology concentration

A student majoring in Secondary Education with a Biology concentration may elect to also complete the B.S. in Biology or the B.A. in Integrated Biology. Students should note that the Secondary Education major with a Biology concentration has flexible requirements; in some cases, specific options should be selected in order to complete the requirements of both majors. While fulfilling all of the requirements of the B.S. in Biology or the B.A. in Integrated Biology (see above), taking the following courses will allow for the most efficient completion of the requirements for both majors.

BIO 260 (Comparative Animal Physiology, lecture and lab; toward completion of the Electives requirement)
BIO 316 (Conservation Biology and GIS, lecture and lab; toward completion of the Electives requirement)
MAT 141 (Calculus I; toward completion of the mathematics requirement)

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirement through successful completion of the following required courses: BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 239, BIO 231, BIO 350, and BIO 358. Students also fulfill the Natural Science requirement by completing BIO 123 and BIO 124, and the Mathematics and Logic requirement by completing the mathematics requirement of the major. Students will fulfill the Ethics and Writing 2 requirements with BIO 358.

Program outcomes

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Biology B.S. outcomes:

Students can apply concepts and principles of the biological sciences beyond those that comprise the foundation.
Students can apply the foundation concepts of the physical sciences and mathematics, including chemistry, physics, and calculus.

Integrated Biology Major (B.A.)

Program mission statement for the Integrated Biology Major

Within the broader mission of the Department of Biological Sciences, the mission of the Integrated Biology major is to promote an understanding of the structure and function of, and the interrelationships among, biological systems; and to promote thoughtful reflection on the interrelationship between the biological sciences and another discipline. To accomplish this mission, students study biological systems at all structural levels of the biological hierarchy: molecules and cells; organisms; and populations, communities, and ecosystems. Students also complete course work in a second discipline and demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which the discipline integrates with biology.

Program requirements for the Integrated Biology Major

A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 and a minimum average in the major of 2.000 is required for the major and minor in Integrated Biology. A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill the departmental requirements. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Students may not declare multiple majors in any combination of: Biology, Environmental Conservation (B.S. or B.A.), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Integrated Biology, Neuroscience or Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students majoring in the Biological Sciences may not minor in Biology. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time.

Total number of credits: 56.5 credits

Course requirements

Mathematics two courses 6 credits*

Electives (12 Credits)

Any three 200- or 300-level BIO courses (aside from the Core**), with the exception of BIO 354. CHE 217 or CHE 307, CHE 308 or FSC 348, may be applied. A student may apply up to 2 credits of BIO 243 or BIO 353 or CHE 391 or HON 350/351, and up to 1 credit of BIO 201. At least one course must be a 4-credit lecture/lab course (i.e., with the lab explicitly associated with the lecture).

Integration Across the Disciplines (9 credits)

The Integrated Biology major offers the student the opportunity to make connections with other disciplines across the College. Students may choose 9 credits from one discipline outside the biological sciences, or may self-design a program across multiple disciplines with advisor approval. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors to choose courses appropriate for their future plans.

* Two math courses appropriate for the student’s career plans, one being MAT 140 or above, to be chosen with advisor approval.

** The Integrated Biology Core is defined as BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 239, BIO 231, BIO 350, BIO 358, and BIO 357.

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.S. in Biology or the B.A. in Integrated Biology

BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits
A 4-credit lecture/lab course and additional Electives, such that a student’s Biology/Integrated Biology Electives taken at Cedar Crest College total 7 credits (see Electives above)

It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work.

Additional course requirements for the Thesis Option

Recommended courses for the B.S. in Biology or the B.A. in Integrated Biology for students also majoring in Secondary Education with a Biology concentration

BIO 260 (Comparative Animal Physiology, lecture and lab; toward completion of the Electives requirement)
BIO 316 (Conservation Biology and GIS, lecture and lab; toward completion of the Electives requirement)
MAT 141 (Calculus I; toward completion of the mathematics requirement)

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through successful completion of the following required courses: BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 239, BIO 231, BIO 350, and BIO 358. Students also fulfill the Natural Science requirement by completing BIO 123 and BIO 124, and the Mathematics and Logic requirement by completing the mathematics requirement of the major. Students will fulfill the Ethics and Writing 2 requirements with BIO 358.

Program outcomes

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Integrated Biology B.A. outcomes:

Students can apply concepts and principles of the biological sciences beyond those that comprise the foundation.
Students can demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the integration of biology with another academic discipline.

Biology Minor

Course requirements

The Biology minor requires 18 credits of BIO courses (CHE 217 or CHE 307, CHE 308, and FSC 348 are allowable). One of the courses must be a lecture/lab course and at least three credits must be taken at or above the 200-level. Students may not include both BIO 127/227, BIO 117/BIO 217, or BIO 118/218. For transfer students planning to minor in Biology, 12 of these credits must be completed at Cedar Crest College.

Environmental Conservation Major (B.S./B.A)

For information, contact Professor Amy Faivre, , (610) 606-4666 ext. 3580

Program Description

The Environmental Conservation major is for students who are concerned about the environment and are interested in helping to protect species, habitats, and ecosystems – the world’s biodiversity. The B.S. in Environmental Conservation is a field-based major that allows students to pursue a scientific study in environment conservation by providing students with a strong foundation and advanced study in the concepts and principles of ecology and conservation biology. The B.A. in Environmental Conservation also provides a strong foundation in conservation biology but is more interdisciplinary and allows students to focus through the integration of environmental conservation with other disciplines. Both majors present environmental conservation within global, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts.

Upon graduation, students of either major will be able to pursue graduate study or careers in environmental conservation and related fields, for example, governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations; education, policy and advocacy organizations; environmental consulting, law, and publishing firms; sustainability officers/managers; and museums, zoos and aquariums. The B.A. in Environmental Conservation is especially suited for students who want careers outside the typical science career path, for example in journalism, policy, or writing.

Program mission statement for the Environmental Conservation Major (B.S.)

The mission of the B.S. in Environmental Conservation is to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to protect biodiversity: species, habitats, and ecosystems. Students majoring in Environmental Conservation study conservation issues within global, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts, become civically engaged, and learn to communicate the importance of preserving biodiversity to a variety of audiences. Students who complete the B.S. degree are prepared to solve the environmental issues that affect biodiversity through scientific study and conservation-related research and to become leaders in the field of environmental conservation.

Program requirements for the Environmental Conservation Major (B.S.)

A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 and a minimum average in the major of 2.000 are required for the major in Environmental Conservation (B.S.). A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill the departmental requirements. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Students may not declare multiple majors in any combination of: Biology, Environmental Conservation (B.S. or B.A.), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Integrated Biology, Neuroscience, or Nuclear Medicine Technology. Environmental Conservation majors may not minor in Biology. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time.

Total number of credits (B.S.): 61

Course requirements (B.S.)

Field Research Experience (minimum 3 credits*)

Electives chosen from the following (minimum 5 credits)

BIO 207 Botany 3 or 4 credits
BIO 224 Animal Behavior 3 credits
BIO 227 Microbiology 4 credits
BIO 228 Marine Ecology (can be taken without lab) 3 or 4 credits
BIO 260 Comparative Animal Physiology (can be taken without lab) 3 or 4 credits
BIO 243/353 Independent Research** up to 4 credits
PSC 213 Environmental Justice, Ethics and Policy 3 credits

The following courses are strongly recommended for students planning to go to graduate school

PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits

* Students can take one of the following to satisfy the Field Research Experience requirement (minimum of 3 credits)

BIO 228 Marine Ecology (must take with lab) 4 credits
BIO 225 The Amazon Basin: Natural History, Culture, and Conservation 3 credits
BIO 229 Ecology and Natural History of the American Southwest 3 credits
BIO 243/353 Independent Research** up to 4 credits
School for Field Studies (see below), variable credits
Other field research experience (international or domestic) approved by advisor, variable credits

** With Advisor approval. Cannot be used to satisfy both the Field Research Experience and Elective requirements.

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.S. in Environmental Conservation

BIO 316 Conservation Biology and GIS (lecture and lab) 4 credits
BIO 315 Case Studies in Conservation Biology 3 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics, and Society 3 credits

It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work.

School for Field Studies

Cedar Crest College is an affiliate member of the School for Field Studies (SFS). Through this affiliation, Cedar Crest students are able to conduct hands-on, community-focused environmental field work in SFS programs around the world, including sites in Australia/New Zealand, Turks & Caicos Islands (British West Indies), Costa Rica, Panama, Bhutan, Vietnam/Cambodia, Peru, and Tanzania. These are month-long summer and semester-long programs and are in addition to the field opportunities provided directly by Cedar Crest College.

The benefits of the affiliation with SFS to Cedar Crest students include

Receiving credit for the program directly from Cedar Crest (i.e., not transfer credit)
Waiver of the $150 registration fee
Preferential consideration for SFS financial aid
Access to specially designated spaces held for Affiliates until March 15th and October 15th for the following fall and spring semesters, respectively.

For more information about the programs at SFS, visit www.fieldstudies.org

Fulfillment of LAC requirements (B.S.)

Students fulfill the Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirement through successful completion of the following required courses: BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 239, BIO 231, BIO 350, and BIO 358. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences (BIO 123 and BIO 124), Mathematics and Logic (MAT 141 and BIO 248), Ethics and Writing 2 (BIO 358), and Global Studies (BIO 316) requirements upon successful completion of the major.

Additional course requirements for the Thesis Option (B.S. only)

Program outcomes (B.S.)

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Environmental Conservation B.S. outcomes:

Students can explain the value of biodiversity and why it is important to conserve it, from both an ecosystem and human health and welfare perspective.
Students can explain the causes of biodiversity loss and design appropriate strategies to maintain and restore biodiversity.
Students can build and interpret a phylogeny representing evolutionary relationships among organisms to better understand the cause and nature of biodiversity.

Program mission statement for the Environmental Conservation Major (B.A.)

The mission of the B.A. in Environmental Conservation program is to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to protect biodiversity: species, habitats, and ecosystems. Students majoring in Environmental Conservation study conservation issues within global, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts, become civically engaged, and learn to communicate the importance of preserving biodiversity to a variety of audiences. Students who complete the B.A. degree are prepared to solve the environmental issues that affect biodiversity through an interdisciplinary approach and to become leaders in the field of environmental conservation.

Program requirements for the Environmental Conservation Major (B.A.)

A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 and a minimum average in the major of 2.000 are required for the major in Environmental Conservation (B.A.). A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill the departmental requirements. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Students may not declare multiple majors in any combination of: Biology, Environmental Conservation (B.S. or B.A.), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Integrated Biology, Neuroscience or Nuclear Medicine Technology. Environmental Conservation majors may not minor in Biology. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time.

Total number of credits (B.A.): 48

Course requirements (B.A.)

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
(Students with Advanced Placement credit for BIO 123 and/or BIO 124 are required to take the BIO 123 and 124 labs.)
BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development and Evolution 4 credits
BIO 316 Conservation Biology and GIS 4 credits
BIO 315 Case Studies in Conservation Biology 3 credits
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
ANT 101 Cultural Anthropology 3 credits
GST 100 Introduction to Global Studies 3 credits
ECO 222 Economic Geography 3 credits
PSC 213 Environmental Justice, Ethics and Policy 3 credits
COM 150 Introduction to Journalism 3 credits
or COM 212 Intercultural Communication 3 credits

Field Experience (minimum 3 credits*)

* Students satisfy the Field Experience requirement (minimum of 3 credits) through the following

BIO 228 Marine Ecology (must take with lab) 4 credits
BIO 125/225 The Amazon Basin: Natural History, Culture, and Conservation 3 credits
BIO 229 Ecology and Natural History of the American Southwest 3 credits
School for Field Studies, variable credits (see above for information about School for Field Studies)
Hawk Mountain courses (totaling at least 4 credits)
Other study abroad experience (international or domestic) approved by advisor, variable credits

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.A. in Environmental Conservation

BIO 316 Conservation Biology and GIS (lecture and lab) 4 credits
BIO 315 Case Studies in Conservation Biology 3 credits

It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work.

Fulfillment of LAC requirements (B.A.)

Students fulfill the Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirement through successful completion of the following required courses: BIO 123, BIO 124, and BIO 239. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences (BIO 123 and BIO 124), Social Sciences (PSC 213 and COM 212 if chosen), Writing 2 (COM 150 if chosen), and Global Studies (BIO 316) requirements and partially fulfill the Mathematics and Logic (MAT 110) requirement upon successful completion of the major.

Program outcomes (B.A.)

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Environmental Conservation B.A. outcomes:

Students can explain the causes of biodiversity loss and design appropriate strategies to maintain and restore biodiversity.
Students can discuss show sociopolitical and cultural contexts influence environmental conservation strategies and policies.
Students can effectively communicate to a variety of audiences the value of biodiversity and the need to conserve biodiversity, from an ecosystem and a human health and socioeconomic perspective.

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Major (B.S.)

For information, contact Associate Professor André Walther, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3513

Program Description

The Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology major is offered through the Department of Biological Sciences where state-of-the-art laboratories allow students to experience biotechnology first-hand. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology students develop a basic understanding of molecular genetics as they explore the technology that has led us to recent advances in the field and discover how molecular biology impacts various other fields such as oncology, gene therapy, immunology, medical genetics, etc. All coursework and laboratories emphasize reading, questioning, analyzing, and evaluating assumptions along with development in technical writing and oral presentation skills. Research is a key component to the program’s success. Students are continually exposed to research throughout the completion of their coursework all the core courses are research-based, illustrating advances in the field through the interpretation of data. In addition, the lab courses include original research projects, some of which are self-designed by the students. Students often supplement their coursework with an independent research experience, often beginning as early as their freshman year, and the majority of the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology students opt to spend two or more years working with a faculty member conducting original research projects that they then present at scientific conferences. This work can count towards the thesis option for the degree (see further information below). Graduates from the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology program, especially those who complete multiple semesters of independent research, are prepared for: (1) immediate employment as a research technician in an industrial or academic setting, (2) admission to graduate school, or (3) admission to a professional school.

Program mission statement for the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Major

The mission of the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology program is to provide undergraduate women with an intensive, progressive, and balanced learning experience in cellular and molecular biology, emphasizing theory and laboratory skills. Students develop technical expertise that allows them to directly enter the workforce as laboratory technicians, supporting current research in fundamental biological phenomena as well as applied science fields. Alternatively, the leadership skills developed through independent and collaborative thinking, when combined with the solid background in molecular genetics, prepare students for graduate work in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and other health-related disciplines. Regardless of their future direction, students are required to express their views effectively through written and oral communication, and engage in critical thinking activities that prepare all graduates for a lifetime of learning.

Program requirements for the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Major

In addition to a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade-point average, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology students must have a minimum average of 2.000 in the major. A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill major requirements. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago.

Total number of credits: 65

Course requirements

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
(Students with Advanced Placement credit for BIO 123 and/or BIO 124 are required to take the BIO 123 and BIO 124 Labs.)
BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development and Evolution 4 credits
BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Core Courses

BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
BIO 336 Molecular Genetics II 4 credits
BIO 345 Advanced Recombinant DNA Techniques 3 credits
CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits
*CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry may be substituted for CHE 307 with approval.

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Technique Courses (3 credits; choose 2 of the following)

BIO 341 Mammalian Cell Culture and Microscopy 1.5 credits
BIO 343 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) 1.5 credits
BIO 344 DNA Sequencing 1.5 credits
BIO 349 Protein Purification and Analysis 1.5 credits

Electives chosen from the following (7-credit minimum; one course must include a lab)

BIO 227 Microbiology 4 credits
BIO 300 Evolution 3 or 4 credits
BIO 317 Human and Biomedical Genetics 3 credits
BIO 327 Microbial Pathogenesis and Human Immunology 3 or 4 credits
BIO 332 Developmental Biology 3 or 4 credits
BIO 339 Biology of Cancer 3 credits
BIO 348 Diseases of the Nervous System 3 or 4 credits
CHE 308 Biochemistry II 3 or 4 credits
FSC 348 Forensic Molecular Biology 3 credits

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.S. in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
BIO 336 Molecular Genetics II 4 credits
BIO 345 Advanced Recombinant DNA 3 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits
Two Techniques Courses (see list above) 3 credits

Additional course requirements for the Thesis Option

All students, particularly those who are interested in attending graduate school or obtaining a research-based job following graduation, are highly encouraged to participate in independent research, which may culminate in a thesis. The thesis option begins during the student’s junior year, as part of Junior Colloquium (BIO 350). Most majors from the Department of Biological Sciences require students to develop a research proposal to investigate an original research question. This experience allows the students to go beyond the basic course information, select a problem that interests them, and apply what they have learned in their coursework to a novel situation. As part of the thesis option, students will spend a minimum of two semesters working with a faculty member to conduct the research outlined in their proposal. They will then develop a written thesis detailing their project and present their final project to the department in the form of a seminar talk or poster.

Requirements towards fulfilling the thesis include: a.) two semesters (4 credits) of Independent Research (BIO 353) or b.) two semesters of Independent Research (BIO 243) and one semester of Independent Research (BIO 353); and one semester (1 credit) of Senior Thesis and Presentation (BIO 354) with grades of C- or better.

Other minors and majors

A Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology majors commonly minor in Chemistry. This requires one additional chemistry course (CHE 230 or CHE 331 or CHE 335). By fulfilling all of the other requirements for a major in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (i.e., C- or better in all courses), students will meet the remaining requirements for the Chemistry minor. Please refer to the Chemistry section of the catalog for details.

A Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology major is not allowed to complete a second major in Environmental Conservation (B.S. or B.A.), Biology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Integrated Biology, Neuroscience or Nuclear Medicine Technology, nor may she minor in Biology.

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

Students fulfill the Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirement through successful completion of the following required courses: BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 239, BIO 231, BIO 350, and BIO 358. By successfully completing the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology major, students will also satisfy the Ethics and Writing 2 (BIO 358), Natural Sciences (BIO 123 and BIO 124), and one of the Mathematics and Logic (MAT 141) requirements for the Liberal Arts Program.

Program outcomes

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology major outcomes:

Students will recall molecular pathways and processes in fine detail.
Students will engage in critical thinking as they develop scientific methodologies and use technological skills to conduct original research.

Genetics and Counseling Psychology Major (B.S.)

For information, contact Professor Richard Kliman, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3501

Program Description

The Genetics and Counseling Psychology major is multidisciplinary, drawing on course work particularly from the Departments of Biological Sciences and Psychology.

All students in the major take the same Genetics and Counseling Psychology Core requirements and then choose electives that match their interests creating a full program that covers the basic content, while allowing the students to further explore areas of interest and making their training broader than in either genetics or psychology alone. The consensus requirements for admission to genetic counseling programs would be met by successful completion of the major.* The overall program will provide students with a broad training across both genetics and psychology, preparing them for various careers they may select to pursue.

*Graduate programs, including those in Genetic Counseling, may have specific requirements. A student aiming for any graduate degree should research program-specific requirements and discuss these with their advisor.

Program mission statement for the Genetics and Counseling Psychology Major

Within the context of the college’s mission, this program encourages its graduates to take a leadership role in an emerging healthcare field and to use independent thinking skills to investigate the real-world impact of genetic variation. As our understanding of the nature of human variation improves, so will our understanding of the nature of risk. Students completing the Genetics and Counseling Psychology major develop an appreciation for the complexity of human traits, as well as the strengths and limitations of existing and emerging approaches to understand the bases of traits and the etiology of disorders with at least some heritable variation.

Program requirements for the Genetics and Counseling Psychology Major

A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 and a minimum average in the major of 2.000 are required for the major in Genetics and Counseling Psychology. A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill the program requirements. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Students who withdraw from a course or earn a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time.

Total number of credits: 58-64

Course requirements

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
(Students with Advanced Placement credit for BIO 123 and/or BIO 124 are required to take the BIO 123 and BIO 124 Labs.)
BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution 4 credits
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
OR PSY 212 Research and Statistical Methods II 4 credits
OR MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
OR MAT 210 Mathematical Statistics and Probability 3 credits
BIO 317 Human and Biomedical Genetics 3 credits
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 203 Survey of Organic Chemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 205/206 Organic Chemistry I/II 8 credits (Preferred)
CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry I 4 credits (Preferred)
HLT 101 Introduction to the Health Professions 1 credit
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
PSY 210 Lifespan Development 3 credits
PSY 215 Biological Psychology 3 credits
OR BIO 200 Introduction to Neuroscience 3 credits

Electives chosen from the following (*minimum 6 credits with CHE 205/206, 7 credits with CHE 203)

BIO 260 Comparative Animal Physiology 3-4 credits
BIO 300 Evolution 3-4 credits

BIO 332 Developmental Biology 3-4 credits

BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
BIO 336 Molecular Genetics II 4 credits
BIO 339 Biology of Cancer 3 credits
BIO 345 Advanced Recombinant DNA Techniques 3 credits
BUA 211 Introduction to Health Care Systems 3 credits
PSY 201 Mind-Body Medicine 3 credits
PSY 211 Research and Statistical Methods I 4 credits
PSY 227 Principles of Helping Relationship 3 credits
PSY 251 Health Psychology 3 credits
PSY 270 Psychology Internship 1-3 credits
PSY 304 Stress, Disease and Psychophysiological Interventions 3 credits
PSY 309 Psychopathology 3 credits
PSY 316 Systems of Psychotherapy 3 credits
PSY 317 Learning & Lab 4 credits
PSY 336 Cognitive Psychology 4 credits
PSY 330 Professional Ethics 3 credits
PSY 351 Theories of Personality 3 credits

SOC 321 Family as a Social Institution 3 credits
SOC 313 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice 3 credits

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.S. in Genetics and Counseling Psychology

It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work.

Program outcomes

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Genetics and Counseling Psychology major outcomes:

Students can demonstrate knowledge of the basic genetic principles that govern heredity and normal cellular function, and demonstrate a basic understanding of inherited genetic disorders.
Students can demonstrate knowledge of the psychology foundations of human behavior, learning, memory, sensation and perception, and development over the lifespan, and demonstrate a basic understanding of abnormal psychology.
Students can demonstrate knowledge of the counseling profession and demonstrate an understanding of the practice and profession of counselors and the multiple contexts of counseling.

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

The Natural Science (BIO 123, 124), Social Science (PSY 100, PSY 210), Ethics (BIO 358), Writing-2 (BIO 358), and 3 credits of Math/Logic (Statistics course) are fulfilled by courses required by the major (with grades of C or better). Students fulfill Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through successful completion of the following required courses: HLT 101, BIO 239, BIO 231, and BIO 358.

Global Diseases Minor

For information, contact Professor Amy E. Faivre, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3580

Program Description

The Global Diseases minor is designed to help address a global problem: millions of children and adults die each year from AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, and from a diversity of other diseases. Solutions to these diseases will be multidisciplinary in nature, and thus, draw upon the talents of those who can communicate across the disciplines. Ultimately, the goal of this minor is to help mitigate or eliminate the impact of these diseases on the health and wellness of individuals around the globe while considering how alterations in the environment can lead to their increase and spread.

Although the Global Diseases minor is based within the Department of Biological Sciences, this minor is designed to serve the interests of students from all disciplines. The impact of diseases permeates all fields, ranging from art, communications, history and literature to economics, psychology, nursing and the natural sciences.

The coursework associated with the minor comes from a diversity of disciplines and culminates in a capstone course during which each student gives a presentation on their cultural experience and designs a project to inform the public about a particular global disease or public health related issue.

Program mission statement for the Global Diseases Minor

The mission of the Global Diseases minor is to provide our society with individuals who have an enhanced awareness of global diseases, a sincere interest in finding solutions to the many problems associated with these diseases, and the skills and initiative required to effect change. Key to the success of the graduates of this minor is an understanding that no discipline stands alone in solving global problems.

Total number of credits: 19*

* The total number of credits required for the global diseases minor, excluding the cultural experience, is 19, though it may be higher depending upon the cognate courses chosen. The credit load for the cultural experience will depend on the specific opportunity chosen by the student. The specific cultural experience will be determined in consultation with the Global Diseases Advisor.

Program requirements for the Global Diseases Minor

In order to successfully complete a minor in global diseases, a student must have a 2.000 cumulative grade-point average in the courses used to satisfy the requirements of the minor. A grade of C- or better is needed for all courses that fulfill minor requirements. In addition, students must have completed an approved cultural experience. Participation in the capstone course (BIO 311) should occur when a majority of the coursework for the minor is completed, ideally in the spring of the student’s senior year. Courses transferred in from another institution must have been completed within ten years from the time the minor in global diseases is declared.

Course requirements

BIO 128 Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Environment 3 credits
BIO 129 Principles of Epidemiology 3 credits
BIO 129 Principles of Epidemiology 3 credits
HLT 103 Introduction to Global Health 3 credits
OR HLT 102 Introduction to Public Health 3 credits

Cultural Experience: any number of credits

BIO 311 Multidisciplinary Solutions for Global Diseases 1 credit

Cognate Courses: 3 of the following courses from 3 different disciplines (e.g., ANT, BUA, and ECO). If a student wishes to use other courses in this category, the student should discuss these options with the Global Diseases Advisor.

ANT 101 Cultural Anthropology 3 credits
ANT 310 Women in the Developing World 3 credits
BIO 112 Concepts in Human Biology and Health Issues 3 or 4 credits
BIO 125/225 The Amazon Basin: Natural History, Culture, and Conservation 3 credits
BIO 304 Pathophysiology 3 credits
BIO 316 Conservation Biology and GIS 3 or 4 credits
BIO 330 Drugs and the Brain: Neuropharmacology of Disease and Addiction 3 credits
BIO 339 Biology of Cancer 3 credits
BIO 348 Diseases of the Nervous System 3 or 4 credits
BUA 211 Introduction to Health Care Systems 3 credits
BUA 350 Organizational Leadership 3 credits
COM 212 Intercultural Communication 3 credits
ECO 222 Economic Geography 3 credits
GST 100 The Globalizing World 3 credits
HIS 107 European Civilization: Ideas and Experiences 3 credits
HIS 121 Survey of United States History 3 credits
LLC 200* Social Justice: A Global Perspective 3 credits
NTR 130 Food and Culture 3 credits
NUR 328 Nursing in the Global Community 3 credits
PSC 210 American Public Policy 3 credits
PSC 215 Political Economy 3 credits
PSY 201 Mind-Body Medicine 3 credits
REL 220 Death and Dying 3 credits
REL 233 Spirituality and Wellness 3 credits
SOC 222* Social Justice: A Global Perspective 3 credits
SPA 205 Spanish for Health Professionals 3 credits
SWK/SOC 202 The Social Welfare Institution 3 credits
SWK 300 Community Organizing 3 credits
* Either SOC 222 or LLC 200

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the Minor in Global Diseases

BIO 128 Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Environment 3 credits
BIO 129 Principles of Epidemiology 3 credits
BIO 311 Multidisciplinary Solutions for Global Diseases 1 credit

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

Several components of the Liberal Arts Curriculum requirements are fulfilled through successful completion of courses within the Global Diseases minor. BIO 128 (Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Environment) is a Global Studies (GS) course, and BIO 129 (Principles of Epidemiology) and BIO 311 (Multidisciplinary Solutions for Global Diseases) are designated as SCI (Natural Science) courses. Three cognate courses must be completed for the minor; within this set of courses, most, but not all, carry LAC designations. The same is true for the Cultural Experience if taken for credit.

Neuroscience Major

For information, contact Department Chair and Associate Professor Audrey Ettinger, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3512

Program Description

The interdisciplinary field of neuroscience is concerned with basic brain function and its relationship to complex processes of behavior and cognition, as well as to the mechanisms of neurological and mental illness. The Neuroscience program at Cedar Crest College reflects the multidisciplinary nature of this exciting and growing field and provides a multilevel approach, from molecular mechanisms to the study of the mind. Students complete courses offered by the Biological Sciences, Psychology, Chemical and Physical Sciences, and Math Departments.

Housed within the Department of Biological Sciences, the Neuroscience major is appropriate for students interested in the workings of the nervous system and its relationship to behavior, and those with an interest in human health. It prepares students for admission to graduate and professional programs in neuroscience, medicine, and related health professions fields, as well as for immediate employment in research laboratories. A student completing this course of study will earn a B.S. degree in Neuroscience, and will have completed the set of courses required by most health professions programs.

Participation in independent research at Cedar Crest is strongly encouraged; many students also complete internships off-campus. Students wishing to complete the thesis option should refer to the thesis requirements listed below. In conjunction with the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience, students majoring in Neuroscience have opportunities to present their research in a professional setting and to participate in service learning experiences.

Neuroscience majors are subject to all policies of the Department of Biological Sciences. Students may not declare multiple majors in any combination of: Biology, Environmental Conservation (B.S. or B.A.), Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Genetics and Counseling Psychology, Integrated Biology, or Nuclear Medicine Technology. Neuroscience majors may not minor in Biology.

Program mission statement for the Neuroscience Major

The mission of the Neuroscience program is for women to gain understanding and skills relevant to the broad field of neuroscience, including current issues, trends, and questions in the field, within the context of the core concepts of biology. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with content knowledge across the field, training students to become future leaders in the field. Graduates of the program are qualified to work as scientists, to pursue further graduate training in neuroscience or other scientific fields, or to enter training programs for health professionals.

Total number of credits: 64

Biology Core Courses: 21 credits
Neuroscience Core Courses: 14 credits
Neuroscience Electives: 7 credits

Cognate Courses (Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Math): 22 credits

Program requirements for the Neuroscience Major

Admission and retention in the Neuroscience program require a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000, and no less than a C- in required courses. Students must earn a grade of C- or better in prerequisite courses before proceeding to subsequent courses. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time. Courses transferred in for all majors must be taken less than ten years ago. Attendance at all laboratory sessions is mandatory. An internship in the student’s area of interest is strongly recommended.

Course requirements

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
(Students with Advanced Placement credit for BIO 123 and/or BIO 124 are required to take the BIO 123 and 124 Labs.)
BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development and Evolution 4 credits
BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits

Neuroscience Core Courses

BIO 200 Introduction to Neuroscience: Neurons, Systems, and Brains 3 credits
BIO 220 Sensation and Perception: Processing Reality 3 credits
BIO 223 Sensation and Perception Laboratory 1 credit
BIO 330 Drugs and the Brain: Neuropharmacology of Disease and Addiction 3 credits
BIO 340 Advanced Brain Lab: Experimental Approaches to Neuroscience 4 credits

Neuroscience Elective Courses

Electives chosen from the following (minimum 7 credits, at least one course must include an associated lab)

BIO 224 Animal Behavior 3 credits
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
BIO 260 Comparative Animal Physiology 3 or 4 credits
BIO 332 Developmental Biology 3 or 4 credits
BIO 348 Diseases of the Nervous System 3 or 4 credits
CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry I 3 or 4 credits
PSY 309 Psychopathology 3 credits
PSY 317 Learning 4 credits
PSY 332 Comparative Animal Behavior 3 credits
PSY 336 Cognitive Psychology 4 credits

Cognate Courses

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

While students may choose any of the listed courses for their Neuroscience electives, the following topical lists offer guidance for students with particular interests. Students interested in Health Professions are strongly encouraged to complete CHE 217 or CHE 307 and SOC 100 as part of their undergraduate coursework.

Brain Health and Disease

BIO 260 Comparative Animal Physiology 3 or 4 credits
BIO 348 Diseases of the Nervous System 3 or 4 credits
BIO 332 Developmental Biology 3 or 4 credits
PSY 309 Psychopathology 3 credits

Brain and Behavior

BIO 224 Animal Behavior 3 credits
PSY 317 Learning 4 credits
PSY 332 Comparative Animal Behavior 3 credits
PSY 336 Cognitive Psychology 4 credits

Molecular Approaches to the Brain

BIO 348 Diseases of the Nervous System 3 or 4 credits
BIO 332 Developmental Biology 3 or 4 credits
CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits OR CHE 307 Biochemistry 3 or 4 credits

Transfer students must complete at least the following at Cedar Crest College for the B.S. in Neuroscience

BIO 223 Sensation and Perception Laboratory 1 credit
BIO 330 Drugs and the Brain: Neuropharmacology of Disease and Addiction 3 credits
BIO 340 Advanced Brain Lab: Experimental Approaches to Neuroscience 4 credits
BIO 350 Junior Colloquium 2 credits
BIO 358 Science, Ethics and Society 3 credits

It is a general Cedar Crest College policy that a student must complete a minimum of 18 credits of major requirements through Cedar Crest College course work.

Additional course requirements for the Thesis Option

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

Students fulfill the Technology, Oral Presentation, and Information Literacy requirements through successful completion of the following required courses: BIO 123, BIO 124, BIO 239, BIO 231, BIO 350, and BIO 358. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences requirement (BIO 123 and BIO 124), Mathematics and Logic requirement (MAT 141 and MAT 142), Ethics and Writing-2 requirements (BIO 358).

Program outcomes

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the Biological Sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Neuroscience major outcomes:

Students will demonstrate, through recall, recognition, and application, understanding of core concepts and principles of neuroscience, including basic neuroanatomy, signaling within and across neurons, sensory transduction, neuropharmacology, neural circuits, functional neural systems, cognitive neuroscience, and/or experimental methods.
Students will engage in critical analysis and scientific reasoning through interpretation of primary literature in neuroscience and related fields.

Nuclear Medicine Technology Major (B.S.)

For information, contact Assistant Professor Eileen Epsaro, , 610-606-4666, ext. 4443

Program Description

Nuclear medicine is the scientific and clinical discipline concerned with diagnostic, therapeutic, and investigative use of radionuclides. The program leading to the B.S. degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology will prepare students for a professional career as a nuclear medicine technologist and spans four years (a 3+1 program), the first three of which are spent at Cedar Crest College. The fourth year consists of didactic and clinical training at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (PA College) and one of the affiliated hospitals of PA College or another university and associated hospitals with which Cedar Crest maintains a cooperative agreement, including University of Findlay, Ohio, and Rowan College South Jersey; students should consult the Coordinator of Nuclear Medicine at Cedar Crest College to determine the current options for the clinical year and the appropriate application process. Admission to Cedar Crest College does not guarantee admission to the hospital clinical year. Students must earn a minimum of 2.0 in each of the required prerequisite courses; however, a GPA at or above 3.000 is highly recommended for the competitive selection and acceptance into the clinical year. At the end of the fall semester of the junior year, the student applies for admission to the clinical year through the Coordinator of Nuclear Medicine at Cedar Crest College. The Admissions Committee of PA College, Findlay University, and Rowan Collegedecides which students will be accepted into the clinical year and also designates the hospital assignment. If the clinical site requires shadowing hours, students must complete the required number of hours prior to the beginning of the clinical year. Prior to beginning the clinical year, the student must complete the required number of shadowing hours at the assigned hospital. The typical clinical year begins in August and is twelve months in duration. Students enrolled at PA College will spend three days per week in clinical practice at an affiliated hospital and one day per week in classroom instruction at PA College; the format of other programs may vary slightly.

Upon successful completion of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Cedar Crest College and a certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology from PA College, University of Findlay, or Rowan College will be awarded. These programs are approved by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Program mission statement for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Major

The mission of the program is to provide the health community with intelligent and technically skilled entry-level technologists who are competent in the performance of nuclear medicine procedures for patient studies and work effectively with members of a health care team.

Total number of credits required for the major and clinical program: 79-84 credits at Cedar Crest, plus 32 credits in the Clinical Year. Students must complete 88 credits at Cedar Crest before entering the Clinical Year.

Program requirements for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Major

Students should declare the major upon matriculation. Prior to eligibility for completing the Nuclear Medicine Technology academic certificate curriculum at PA College the following Nuclear Medicine prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or above; students should confirm with the Program Coordinator whether any additional courses are required for other schools:

Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs
Physics: one course with lab
Chemistry: one course with lab
College Algebra or above (such as Precalculus)
English Composition: one course
Humanities: one course
Social Science: one course

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 is required to remain in the major. Any student who withdraws from a course or earns a grade lower than a C- may repeat the course only one time at Cedar Crest College. Additional courses required by Cedar Crest College for the major or for the Liberal Arts Curriculum not listed above must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Students are strongly encouraged to pursue 25 hours of clinical shadowing or volunteer work prior to applying for the clinical year. Some clinical programs require this clinical experience.

Cedar Crest College major requirements

The following courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester preceding the beginning of the clinical year.

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
(Students with Advanced Placement credit for BIO 123 and/or BIO 124 are required to take the BIO 123 and 124 Labs.
BIO 127 Clinical Microbiology 4 credits
BIO 117 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
BIO 118 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
BIO 304 Pathophysiology 3 credits
BUA 258* Health Care Management 3 credits
OR BUA 341* Health Care Practice Management 3 credits
CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
and CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
OR CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
and CHE 203 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4 credits
HLT 205 Women’s Health 3 credits
HLT 207 Health Equity 3 credits
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
MAT 140 Precalculus (recommended) or Algebra 3 credits
PHY 103 Introductory Physics 4 credits OR PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
and PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
THS 105 Public Speaking 3 credits
*BUA 258 or BUA 341 must be used as a prerequisite for PHI 210 at PA Colleg

Clinical year requirements at PA College and other institutions

No student will be allowed to begin the clinical year unless all of the following requirements have been met:

Completion of all Nuclear Medicine prerequisite courses listed above with a grade of C or above and all additional Cedar Crest College requirements with a grade of C- or above by the end of the spring semester preceding the beginning of the clinical year.
Completion of a minimum of 88 credits of study at Cedar Crest College.
Acceptance to the Nuclear Medicine Technology certificate program at PA College, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another approved institution; Acceptance into the clinical year is competitive and not guaranteed by satisfaction of the minimum requirements. It is based on strong academic performance and the available number of positions in the clinical program.
Completion of all required health history, physical exam, certifications, clearances, and background checks as required by PA College, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another institution.
Completion of all other documents required by the affiliated hospitals.
Documentation of health insurance; CCC health insurance is acceptable.

Nuclear Medicine Technology students are responsible for any fees involved in the fulfillment of the above requirements.

The nuclear medicine clinical training typically begins in August and is 12 months in duration. This will involve commuting one day per week to PA College for classroom instruction and commuting to the affiliate hospital three days per week for clinical practice; the schedule at other institutions may vary.

Clinical practice includes the following duties: performing venipuncture and injecting radiopharmaceuticals, preparation and administration of radioactive compounds, radionuclide imaging and external monitoring with computer processing and image enhancement, radiation safety and protection, patient positioning and clinical nursing procedures, sympathetic approach to patient care and nuclear medicine administrative procedures that include maintaining patient confidentiality. Clinical year coursework at PA College and affiliated hospitals or the equivalent coursework through University of Findlay, Rowan College, or other institutions with which Cedar Crest maintains a formal agreement. (At PA College, the minimum acceptable grade to make academic progress is a “C” in the theory courses and a “B” in the clinical courses.)

Fall Semester at PA College

HSC 100 Medical Terminology 1 credit
HSC 101 Methods of Patient Care 1 credit
NMT 201 Nuclear Medicine Theory I 4 credits
NMT 211 Nuclear Medicine Clinical I 5 credits
PHI 210 Ethical and Legal Dimensions in the Health Sciences 1 credit

Spring Semester at PA College

HSC 195 Cross-Sectional Anatomy 1 credit
NMT 202 Nuclear Medicine Theory II 6 credits
NMT 202 Nuclear Medicine Theory II 6 credits
NMT 212 Nuclear Medicine Clinical II 5 credits

Summer Session at PA College

NMT 203 Nuclear Medicine Theory III 2 credits
NMT 213 Nuclear Medicine Internship 6 credits

Nuclear Medicine Technology, as any health profession, has some potential risks/hazards related to the occupation; students may be exposed to ionizing radiation, blood and body fluids including urine, feces, vomitus, etc. on a daily basis. Nuclear Medicine Technology students are required to assess patients and provide general nursing care to patients while in nuclear medicine departments of the affiliated hospitals.

An extensive amount of verbal communication and self-motivation is required in the clinical year which necessitates working with patients in a professional setting. Therefore, it is important that the student has advanced interpersonal skills, mature judgment, and appropriate professional demeanor. The clinical year is accelerated, and students are required to immediately begin interacting with patients and instructors and perform procedures under the supervision of clinical instructors.

Fulfillment of the LAC requirements

Students fulfill the Technology, Oral Presentation, Information Literacy and Public Speaking requirements through successful completion of the following required courses:

BIO 123, BIO 124, , THS 105, and NMT courses during the clinical year. Students also fulfill the Natural Sciences requirement (BIO 123 and BIO 124), Ethics requirement (HLT 207). Mathematics and Logic requirement (MAT 110 and MAT 140 if taken), and partially fill the Social Sciences requirement (PSY 100).

All courses in the major and liberal arts curriculum except for the NMT courses must be completed before beginning the fourth, clinical year at PA College, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another institution.

Travel policies

Travel to and from PA College, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another institution and its affiliated hospitals required in the fourth, clinical year is the responsibility of the student.

Health requirements

Dental and eye examinations, immunizations and an annual complete physical examination are required, as well as freedom from any physical, mental, medical or drug impairment that would prohibit the candidate from practicing as a professional nuclear medicine technologist. Please refer to pages 12-13 and 19-20 for Core Performance Standards and Program-Specific Core Performance Standards in PA College’s Student Handbook: https://www.pacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/Student_Handbook.pdf

Policies may vary at other institutions.

Program completion

Upon completion of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program at PA College of Health Sciences, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another institution, a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Cedar Crest College and a Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another institution will be awarded. Since the clinical year is a twelve-month curriculum, a graduating student will be allowed to participate in Cedar Crest College’s May Commencement; however, the B.S. degree will be issued following completion of all requirements from the clinical year, typically ending in August.

After successful completion of the clinical year, students are then qualified to take one of the national registry examinations (ARRT or NMTCB) in order to become a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists (CNMT). For professional growth and continuing education and leadership opportunities, please visit the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging: http://www.snmmi.org/

The granting of a degree from Cedar Crest College and a certificate from PA College of Health Sciences, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or another institution does not guarantee that a student will be licensed, certified, or accepted for practice by professional licensing agencies.

Program outcomes

All majors within the Department of Biological Sciences have the following three outcomes:

Students can apply the foundation concepts and principles of the biological sciences, including cellular structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution and organismal diversity, and ecology.
Students can discuss the interaction of science and society, including the ethical practice of science, within the local, national, and global community.
Students can write about and interpret the methodologies of scientific research.

Nuclear Medicine Technology major outcomes:

Students can apply anatomical and physiological concepts of the organization and interrelationships of body organ systems and homeostasis to diagnostic imaging and health care using nuclear medicine protocols.

Clinical year educational outcomes (PA College, University of Findlay, Rowan College, or others):

Students can work effectively with members of the health care team.
Students can demonstrate competency in the performance of nuclear medicine procedures.
Students can show ability to think critically by applying didactic knowledge to clinical situations.
Students can assume responsibility for continuous learning, professional growth and service to the community.
Students can respect the ethical, legal, moral and cultural issues that impact the care of patients.

Pre-Health Professions Advising Program

For information contact Department Chair and Associate Professor Audrey J. Ettinger, , 610-606-4666, ext. 3512

Program Description

The Pre-Health Professions Advising Program (also referred to as the Health Professions Program or Health Professions Advising Program) is designed to provide students with individualized assistance in preparing and applying for postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, and other health professions careers, while also exposing them to the various health-related fields.

While health professions schools require certain undergraduate courses as prerequisites (see below), they do not require or prefer a particular major. Therefore, each student should choose their major based on their interests and abilities. Students considering health professions careers should inform their academic advisors, and contact the Health Professions Advisor as early as possible. Faculty advising and support services for students enrolled in the program include course scheduling, pre-medical orientation sessions, personal statement workshops, application assistance, and committee recommendation letters (where appropriate).

Program mission statement for the Pre-Health Professions Advising Program

The mission of the Pre-Health Professions Advising Program is to help women interested in health professional careers find the field that is the best fit for their interests, talents, and personality. The program provides opportunities for students to explore descriptions, qualifications, and traits of different health professional fields, including: medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, podiatry, public health, optometry, and other health-related careers. Students can participate in individual and group advising events and receive guidance in obtaining exposure to professional practice and gaining meaningful volunteer work. It is the goal that students will enter a health professional program and future career that is an ideal fit for them and their level of preparedness, and that contributes to the overall health of society.

Total number of credits required by program: minimum of 62

Program requirements for the Pre-Health Professions Advising Program

Students who wish to graduate from the Pre-Health Professions Advising Program at Cedar Crest must meet the required prerequisite courses listed below, fulfill an additional year of biology coursework, and maintain a science and overall GPA of 3.300 or above. Students interested in completing the Health Advising Program should use the concentration line of the declaration form.

Course requirements

Students should become familiar with the requirements of the particular professional school in which they are interested; each health profession and each individual school may set particular requirements in addition to those required here. The Cedar Crest courses that fulfill undergraduate requirements for most health professions schools are:

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits

Two additional courses from Biology 6-8 credits

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry 3 or 4 credits
PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits
MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits
BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits
OR MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits

Introductory course in Psychology 3 credits

Introductory course in Sociology* 3 credits

Two courses of college-level English or composition 6 credits

* Students intending to apply to schools of Veterinary Medicine may substitute BIO 224 Animal Behavior for SOC 100.

It is usually preferable for these courses to be taken at Cedar Crest, as part of a regular academic schedule. The Health Professions Advisor can answer questions regarding the suitability of AP or transfer credit, and part-time or summer study.

Students are encouraged to take HLT 101 Introduction to the Health Professions and HLT 201 Health Professions II. The sophomore biology core sequence of BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution and BIO 231 Genetics are also recommended and could fulfill the two additional courses in biology. Some medical schools may have additional coursework or minimum grade requirements. Health professional schools other than medical schools may require all or some of these courses and often require other courses. Information is available from the Health Professions Advisor about individual schools’ admissions standards.

Health professions education is extremely rigorous, and therefore schools expect a very strong record of undergraduate academic achievement, both in science courses and overall. Students should be aware that admission to schools in these areas is highly competitive, and participation in the Pre-Health Professions Advising Program does not imply or guarantee acceptance.

Standardized tests

Health professions schools usually require the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Dental Admission Test (DAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Examinations for other professional programs can vary. The appropriate test should usually be taken in the spring semester or early summer of the junior year if the student intends to enroll immediately after completing their undergraduate degree.

Additional preparation

In addition to their academic preparation, students should have a record of experience and service demonstrating an interest in, and commitment to, their field of choice, as well as clearly articulated reasons for choosing a career in their field. A sustained commitment to a meaningful volunteer activity, exposure to professional practice, participation in Health Professions Advisor-sponsored events, and active involvement in the student Health Professions Society are highly recommended.

Application process

The application process for health professions schools begins in the calendar year prior to the intended start date (i.e., in the spring of the junior year for students planning to enroll immediately after undergraduate graduation). Students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor early in their college work and throughout the process. Most medical schools expect a confidential composite letter of recommendation from the Health Professions Advisory Committee, and it is inadvisable for students to apply without requesting a letter. The Health Professions Advisory Committee requires a waiver application form for a composite letter and access to standardized test scores before being able to write a composite letter.

Salus University Partnership Programs

Cedar Crest College shares four articulation agreements with Salus University’s Doctor of Audiology Degree Program, Doctor of Optometry Degree Program, Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies Master’s Programs, and the Physician Assistant (PA) Master of Medical Science Degree Program. This partnership represents a commitment to the training of future primary health care practitioners. The required courses at Cedar Crest College provide students with a strong academic foundation along with professionally relevant interpersonal skills. Students then study at Salus to complete their graduate degrees. Transfer and International students are eligible for all four programs.

Doctor of Audiology Degree Program Description

For the Doctor of Audiology degree program, Cedar Crest and Salus University’s Osborne College of Audiology have agreed that students who successfully complete the 90 semester credit Pre-Audiology curriculum at Cedar Crest with a 3.3 GPA or above may be eligible for admission to the Salus University Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree program.

The educational pathway is structured as a 3 + 4 Doctor of Audiology Degree Program and is composed of two phases: Phase I is comprised of the student earning a minimum of 90 semester credits at Cedar Crest over a three-year period, which includes the pre-audiology curriculum; Phase II is comprised of the Doctor of Audiology degree program at Salus OCA.

Total number of credits required by program: minimum of 90

Phase I of the Program

To successfully complete Phase I of the program, students must:

Complete the Pre-Audiology curriculum at Cedar Crest College with grades of B- or better in the required prerequisite courses listed below,
Attain a GPA of 3.300 or above,
Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with minimum Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing scores greater than or equal to the 40^th percentile,
Submit a completed application to the Communication Science and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS), including GRE scores results and required letters of evaluation,
Shadow a practicing Audiologist(s) for a minimum of 25 hours,
Successfully complete an interview by the OCA and Office of Admissions.

Students interested in pursuing the Doctor of Audiology degree should express interest on the Cedar Crest application and can also indicate an intended major in either Biology or Neuroscience. Students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor early in their college work and throughout Phase I of the process.

Pre-Audiology Curriculum Required Courses

Basic Sciences:

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
OR BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
OR CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
OR CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits
OR PHY 103 Introductory Physics 4 credits
OR PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
OR PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

Physics or Hearing Sciences:

PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
OR BIO 220 Sensation and Perception: Processing Reality 3 credits

Mathematics or Statistics:

MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
OR MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits

English Composition or English Literature:

WRI 100 College Writing 3 credits
OR WRI-2 course

Social Sciences:

SOC 100 Introduction to Culture and Society 3 credits
OR PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits

Pre-Audiology Curriculum Recommended Courses

Hearing Science and/or Introduction to Audiology:

BIO 220 Sensation and Perception: Processing Reality 3 credits
AND BIO 223 Sensation and Perception Laboratory 1 credit

Anatomy, Physiology and/or Neurobiology:

BIO 117 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
AND BIO 118 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
OR BIO 26X Comparative Animal Physiology 4 credits
AND/OR BIO 200 Intro to Neuroscience: Neurons, Systems, and Brains 3 credits

Upper-level Physics, Chemistry and/or Biology:

Two additional BIO or CHE courses at 200 level or above

Precalculus or Calculus:

MAT 140 Precalculus 3 credits
OR MAT 141 Calculus 3 credits

Psychology and/or Counseling:

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits

Admission to Phase II of the Program

For consideration for admission into the Doctor of Audiology Program at Salus, a student must successfully complete Phase I as described above. Students must then apply to the Doctor of Audiology Program by following the application procedures as described on the Salus University website no later than January 31^st of the intended entering year. These admissions procedures include completion of a successful on-campus interview.

Salus OCA will reserve three seats in each incoming class for this program for Cedar Crest College students who have successfully completed Phase I of the program and Phase II of the application process. If there are more than three such qualified Cedar Crest students, the remaining students will be considered for admission along with all other applicants.

Program Completion

Cedar Crest College will confer the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology or Neuroscience to a student who successfully completes Phase I and year one of Phase II, provided that all requirements for graduation are met. Salus University will confer the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree to a student who successfully completes Phase II at Salus University, provided that all requirements are met.

Doctor of Optometry Degree Program Description

For the Doctor of Optometry degree program, Cedar Crest and Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry have agreed that students who successfully complete the minimum 90 semester credit Pre-Optometry curriculum at Cedar Crest with a 3.0 GPA or above may be eligible for admission to the Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree program.

The educational pathway is structured as a 3 + 4 Doctor of Optometry Degree Program and is composed of two phases: Phase I is comprised of the student earning a minimum of 90 semester credits at Cedar Crest over a three-year period, which includes the pre-optometry curriculum; Phase II is comprised of the Doctor of Optometry degree program at Salus PCO.

Total number of credits required by program: minimum of 90

Phase I of the Program

To successfully complete Phase I of the program, students must:

Complete the Pre-Optometry curriculum at Cedar Crest College with grades of C or better in the required prerequisite courses listed below,
Maintain a GPA of 3.000 or above,
Complete the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) with a score of 300 or above in each OAT section,
Submit a completed application to the Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS), including OAT scores results and required letters of evaluation,
Complete the supplemental application process, as indicated on the Salus website, through the CASPer online assessment,
Shadow a practicing Optometrist(s) for a minimum of 25 hours,
Successfully complete an interview by the PCO and Office of Admissions.

Students interested in pursuing the Doctor of Optometry degree should express interest on the Cedar Crest application and can also indicate an intended major in either Biology or Neuroscience. Students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor early in their college work and throughout Phase I of the process.

Pre-Optometry Curriculum Required Courses

General Biology or Zoology (with labs):

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits
OR BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution 4 credits

General Chemistry (with labs):

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits

Organic Chemistry (with labs):

CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits
OR CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry I 3-4 credits

General Physics (with labs):

PHY 103 Introduction to Physics 4 credits
OR PHY 104 College Physics I 4 credits
PHY 105 College Physics II 4 credits

Microbiology or Bacteriology (with lab):

BIO 227 Microbiology 4 credits

Psychology:

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits

Statistics:

MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
OR BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits

Mathematics:

MAT 141 Calculus I 3 credits
MAT 142 Calculus II 3 credits

English Composition or English Literature:

WRI 100 College Writing 3 credits
WRI-2 course 3 credits

Encouraged, Additional Coursework

Biochemistry and/or Molecular Biology:

CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry I 3-4 credits
OR BIO 335 Molecular Genetics I 4 credits

Anatomy and/or Physiology:

BIO 117 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
BIO 118 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
OR BIO 26X Comparative Animal Physiology 4 credits

Cell Biology:

BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits

Neurobiology:

BIO 200 Introduction to Neuroscience: Neurons, Systems, and Brains 3 credits
OR BIO 220 Sensation and Perception: Processing Reality 3 credits
AND BIO 223 Sensation and Perception Laboratory 1 credit

Genetics:

BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits

Experimental and/or Physiological Psychology:

PSY 215 Biological Psychology 3 credits
OR PSY 336 Cognitive Psychology 4 credits
OR BIO 200 Introduction to Neuroscience: Neurons, Systems, and Brains 3 credits

Admission to Phase II of the Program

For consideration for admission into the Doctor of Optometry Program at Salus, a student must successfully complete Phase I as described above. Students must then apply to the Doctor of Optometry Program by following the application procedures as described on the Salus University website no later than December 1^st preceding the intended entering year. These admissions procedures include completion of a successful on-campus interview.

Salus PCO will reserve three seats in each incoming class for this program for Cedar Crest College students who have successfully completed Phase I of the program and Phase II of the application process. If there are more than three such qualified Cedar Crest students, the remaining students will be considered for admission along with all other applicants.

Program Completion

Cedar Crest College will confer the Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Biology or Neuroscience to a student who successfully completes Phase I and year one of Phase II, provided that all requirements for graduation are met. Salus University will confer the Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree to a student who successfully completes Phase II at Salus University, provided that all requirements are met.

Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies Master’s Programs Description

For the Blindness and Low Vision Studies Master’s Programs, Cedar Crest and Salus University College of Education and Rehabilitation have agreed that students who successfully complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Cedar Crest with a 3.0 GPA or above may be eligible for admission to the Salus University Blindness and Low Vision Studies (BLVS) Master’s Programs.

The educational pathway is structured as a 4 + 2 Degree Program and is composed of two phases: Phase I is comprised of the student earning a Bachelor’s Degree at Cedar Crest College; Phase II is comprised of one of the BLVS Master’s Programs at Salus University. These include the Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation, the Master of Science in Orientation and Mobility, the Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, and the Master of Education in Blindness and Visual Impairment.

Total number of credits required by program: minimum of 120

Phase I of the Program

To successfully complete Phase I of the program, students must:

Complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Cedar Crest College,
Maintain a recommended GPA of 3.000 or above,
Submit a completed application to the Graduate Centralized Application Service (GradCAS), including the required letters of evaluation, job resume or curriculum vitae, and statement of purpose,
Successfully complete an interview by the Salus College of Education and Rehabilitation Blindness and Low Vision Studies Department Faculty.

Students interested in pursuing a BLVS Master’s Program should express interest on the Cedar Crest application. Students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor early in their college work and throughout Phase I of the process.

Admission to Phase II of the Program

For consideration for admission into the BLVS Master’s Programs at Salus, a student must successfully complete Phase I as described above. Students must then apply to the BLVS Master’s Programs by following the application procedures no later than Salus’ published application due dates as described on the Salus University website.

Salus will reserve three seats in each BLVS Master’s Program for Cedar Crest College students who have successfully completed Phase I of the program and Phase II of the application process. If there are more than three such qualified Cedar Crest students, the remaining students will be considered for admission along with all other applicants.

Program Completion

Cedar Crest College will confer the Bachelor’s Degree to a student who successfully completes Phase I, provided that all requirements for graduation are met. Salus University will confer either the Master of Science in Low Vision Rehabilitation, or the Master of Science in Orientation and Mobility, or the Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, or the Master of Education in Blindness and Visual Impairment to a student who successfully completes Phase II at Salus University, provided that all requirements are met.

Physician Assistant Master of Medical Science Degree Program Description

For the Physician Assistant Master of Medical Science Program, Cedar Crest and Salus University College of Health Sciences have agreed that students who successfully complete a Bachelor of Science Degree and the minimum 120 semester credit Pre-Physician Assistant curriculum at Cedar Crest with a 3.5 GPA or above may be eligible for admission to the Salus University Physician Assistant (PA) Program.

The educational pathway is structured as a 4 + 2 Degree Program and is composed of two phases: Phase I is comprised of the student earning a Bachelor of Science Degree at Cedar Crest College, which includes the pre-physician assistant curriculum; Phase II is comprised of the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree program at Salus University.

Total number of credits required by program: minimum of 120

Phase I of the Program

To successfully complete Phase I of the program, students must:

Complete a Bachelor of Science degree and the Pre-Physician Assistant curriculum at Cedar Crest College with grades of C or better in the required prerequisite courses listed below,
Maintain a GPA of 3.500 or above,
Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with minimum Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing scores greater than or equal to the 50^th percentile,
Submit a completed application to the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistant (CASPA), including GRE scores results and required letters of evaluation,
Complete a minimum of 300 hours of direct patient care and shadow a practicing Physician Assistant(s) for a minimum of 20 hours ,
Successfully complete an interview by the Salus College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Department faculty and Office of Admissions.

Students interested in pursuing the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree should express interest on the Cedar Crest application. Students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor early in their college work and throughout Phase I of the process.

Pre-Physician Assistant Curriculum Required Courses

Anatomy and Physiology (with labs):

BIO 117 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 credits
BIO 118 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 credits
OR BIO 26X Comparative Animal Physiology 4 credits

Biology (with labs):

BIO 123 Foundations in Biology 4 credits
BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits

Chemistry (with labs):

CHE 111 Chemical Principles 4 credits
CHE 112 Chemical Equilibrium and Analysis 4 credits

Microbiology:

BIO 227 Microbiology 4 credits

Organic Chemistry:

CHE 205 Organic Chemistry I 4 credits
CHE 206 Organic Chemistry II 4 credits

Psychology:

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits

Statistics or Biostatistics:

MAT 110 Probability and Statistics 3 credits
OR BIO 248 Biostatistics 3 credits

English Composition:

WRI 100 College Writing 3 credits

Encouraged, Additional Coursework

Medical Terminology:
To Be Developed

Genetics:

BIO 231 Genetics 4 credits

Immunology:

BIO 327 Microbial Pathogenesis and Human Immunology 4 credits

Embryology:

BIO 332 Developmental Biology 3-4 credits
OR BIO 239 Animal Ecology, Development, and Evolution 4 credits

Histology:

BIO 340 Advanced Brain Lab: Experimental Approaches to Neuroscience 4 credits

Biochemistry:

CHE 217 Principles of Biochemistry 3 credits
OR CHE 307 Biochemistry I 3-4 credits
AND CHE 308 Biochemistry II 3-4 credits

Cell Biology:

BIO 124 Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology 4 credits

Developmental or Abnormal Psychology:

PSY 309 Psychopathology (Formerly 3 credits
OR PSY 210 Lifespan Development 3 credits

Public Speaking:

THS 105 Public Speaking 3 credits

Ethics:

BIO 358 Science, Ethics, and Society 3 credits

Admission to Phase II of the Program

For consideration for admission into the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Degree Program at Salus, a student must successfully complete Phase I as described above. Students must then apply to the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Degree Program by following the application procedures as described on the Salus University website. These admissions procedures include completion of a successful on-campus interview.

Program Completion

Cedar Crest College will confer the Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree to a student who successfully completes Phase I, provided that all requirements for graduation are met. Salus University will confer the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant (PA) degree to a student who successfully completes Phase II at Salus University, provided that all requirements are met.