Certificate

Certificate in Human Biology

The Certificate in Human Biology is a 28-29 credit hour interdisciplinary program within the College of Arts and Sciences. The objectives are to provide students an introduction to the biological sciences relevant to the understanding of human biology, and consider ethical issues related to human biology.

Human Biology Certificate requirements

To apply for the Area Certificate in Human Biology, students should contact their major advisor and a Human Biology advisor. Applications are available in the Human Biology office or by downloading the Certificate Application. To register for HUBI B480, the e-portfolio capstone course for seniors who have applied for the Area Certificate, contact our advisors.

To be eligible for the Area Certificate, students must:

  1. have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (B-) at the time of admission;
  2. maintain a GPA of 2.7 (B-) to graduate with the certificate;
  3. maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) in the certificate program.

Students will develop a program retrospective in the capstone course, HUBI B480, that demonstrates the connections they have made between the courses they have completed as part of the certificate and where they are directing their careers and studies upon graduation. We also encourage students to create a LinkedIn professional profile, highlighting the skills they have accrued in the Human Biology Program.

A student who has completed the certificate will have “Human Biology Certificate” noted on their transcript.

Course Requirements (28-29 credit hours)

Integrated picture of the manner in which organisms at diverse levels of organization meet problems in maintaining and propagating life.

Structure and function of DNA and RNA. DNA replication, mechanisms of mutation, repair, recombination, and transposition. Mechanisms and regulation of gene expression. The genetic code, transcription, and translation. Introduces bacteriophages, plasmids, and the technology of recombinant DNA.

Disease or injury provides the basis for a discussion of the anatomy and physiology of human organ systems. Disease process and medical devices and interventions employed in the treatment and diagnostic processes are also discussed.

An organ systems approach to the study of the human body, including microscopic and gross structure.

Course in human physiology designed to introduce the senior undergraduate student to the function of the human body in health, disease, and extreme environments. Emphasizes how the different organ systems work to maintain homeostasis and how organ function is integrated. The content and key concepts are presented in order to provide students insight into the scientific process through problem-solving and exploration of resources. Utilizes experimental inquiry, case-based and problem-oriented methodology with students working in teams and an emphasis on clinical application. The laboratory component is incorporated into the structure of the course.

Interactions of human beings with other elements of the biosphere with emphasis on population, community, and ecosystem levels of ecology.

Variation within and between human populations in morphology, gene frequencies, and behavior. Biological concepts of race, race classification along with other taxonomic conditions, and evolutionary processes acting on humans in the past, present and future.

An introduction to how and why behavior changes over time. The theories and methods used to study behavioral change in both human and non-human models. Topics include perception, movement, language, cognition, and social/emotional behavior.

An examination of the cellular bases of behavior, emphasizing contemporary views and approaches to the study of the nervous system. Neural structure, function, and organization are considered in relation to sensory and motor function, motivation, learning and other basic behaviors.

A survey of contemporary neuroscience, examining the neural basis of behavior with approaches including molecular, cellular, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience. Sensory and motor function, learning and memory, and other behaviors are considered using anatomical, physiological, behavioral, biochemical, and genetic approaches, providing a balanced view of neuroscience. Credit given for only one of P346 or P326.

Examines questions about human nature, finitude, the meaning of suffering, and appropriate uses of medical technology in the face of natural limitations, such as disease and death, that humans encounter. Issues include prenatal/genetic testing, transhumanism, enhancement technologies, cloning, euthanasia, and organ-transplantation. Judeo-Christian and cross-cultural perspectives on illness are considered.

In this capstone course, students will develop an electronic portfolio to document and reflect upon their academic coursework and extra-curricular activities and relate their work to their future studies or careers.