Associate of Science in Human Biology

Prepare for a Career in Health Science

Are you interested in a career path related to health sciences, such as nursing or public health? Maybe you know you want a career related to health or biology but need to decide which is right for you. The Associate of Science in Human Biology provides the prerequisite coursework to transition into a bachelor’s degree program at National University including a BS in nursing, public health, clinical lab sciences, or biology.

Our AS in Human Biology provides valuable skills for any student considering a health career. The main coursework of the program includes anatomy & physiology and microbiology courses (lecture and lab), as well as chemistry and biostatistics. Introductory-level psychology, sociology, and communication courses ensure a strong background and breadth of knowledge.

Students planning to transition into a bachelor’s degree program or other health-related fields should check program requirements prior to completing our program.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Prerequisites for the Major

6 – 7 courses; 24 – 25.5 quarter units

An introductory course on the written academic discourse patterns required for college-level writing. Emphasizing essay-length compositions, the course covers critical reading, thesis formation, essay organization, and basic revision techniques.

This class is an introduction to the principles and application of speaking effectively to diverse audiences in a variety of settings. Focus is on topic selection, organization, analysis of research, and delivery, with special attention on learning effective delivery skills.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

A cross-disciplinary course that teaches effective report and research paper writing through the use of key computer technologies. Topics include library and Internet research; information organization, evaluation, and synthesis; MLA and APA style formats; and the use of document-production, image-editing, and presentation software.

Recommended Preparation: MTH 204, or MTH 215, or MTH 216A and MTH 216B

Fundamentals of inorganic and organic chemistry, including bonding and basic types of reactions. An introduction to nuclear, biological and environmental chemistry. Basic principles and calculations of chemistry with emphasis in the areas of atomic structure, molecular structure and properties, equilibrium, thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction and kinetics.

Prerequisite: CHE 101, or CHE 141 for science majors

This laboratory course will complement the student’s knowledge of chemistry with demonstrations and experiments.

Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement

A review of basic mathematics principles, including main algebra concepts, for business, probability and statistics, physical, natural, and social sciences for non-mathematics majors. This course provides the necessary skills to be successful in MTH 210, MTH 215, SCI 104 and SCI 104A, SCI 101 and SCI 101A, SCI 102, SOC 100 and SOC 260.

Or

Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation

Examines higher degree polynomials, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, Trigonometry and matrix Algebra. Completion of this course prepares a student to take Calculus and other upper level Math courses. This course is specifically for mathematics, computer science, and engineering majors.

Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation

The first part of a comprehensive two-month treatment of Algebra and Trigonometry preliminary to more specialized study in Mathematics. The course covers Higher Degree Polynomials, Rational Functions, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, transformations and the Algebra of functions, Arithmetic and Geometric sequences.

Requirements for the Major

9 courses; 31.5 quarter units

It is strongly recommended that students complete the BIO 201 – 203A series in numerical sequence: BIO 201 + 201A, 202 + 202A, 203 + 203A.

A survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the scientific principles and theories in psychology. Topics include: biological psychology, abnormal behavior, motivation, emotion, sexuality and gender, and personality theory.

Prerequisite: ENG 102

Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.

Corequisite: BIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A

Areas of study include chemistry, cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the development and repair of the organs and tissues in these systems. BIO201 should be taken with the co-requisite section of either BIO191A or BIO 201A with the same instructor (and classmates).

A – Choose one of the following two courses

Corequisite: BIO 201; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A

This course uses virtual labs and online resources to explore human anatomy and physiology. This first lab course in the series covers body plan, microscopes, cells, tissues, skin, bone, muscle, nervous system, and special senses. Students should verify that this course will transfer to their desired program.

Corequisite: BIO 191A, or BIO 201A; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A

Areas of study include chemistry, cells, tissues, organ systems (integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous), and their functional relation to each other. Topics also include the aging process and diseases in these systems, as well as the development and repair of the organs and tissues in these systems. BIO201 should be taken with the co-requisite section of either BIO191A or BIO 201A with the same instructor (and classmates).

Corequisite: BIO 202A, or BIO 192A; Prerequisite: BIO 201 and BIO 201A

Organ systems (autonomic nervous system, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive), and their functional relation to each other. In each system, the function of any specific molecules, cells, tissues, and organs are considered along with any diseases that may impact each system and how repair occurs.

Corequisite: BIO 202; Prerequisite: BIO 191A with a minimum grade of C-. Passing grade required; BIO 201 with a minimum grade of C-. Passing grade required

This course uses virtual labs and online resources to explore human anatomy and physiology. This second lab course in the series covers autonomic nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, along with clinical lab tests. Students should verify that this course will transfer to their desired program.

Corequisite: BIO 202; Prerequisite: BIO 201; BIO 201A

This laboratory course examines homeostasis in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, along with digestive, and urinary systems. Chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, development and different types of inheritance through the testing of vision, hearing and taste and smell. Cat/fetal pig is used to study the internal organs.

Corequisite: BIO 203A Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100 and BIO 100A; CHE 101 and CHE 101A or equivalent courses; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A

Biology of pathogenic and nonpathogenic microbes, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and viruses. The epidemiology of disease-causing agents is studied, along with the fundamentals of the human immune response. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.

B – Choose one of the follow two courses

Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 191A; BIO 201; CHE 101; CHE 101A

This course uses virtual labs and online resources to instruct students about biosafety procedures, as well as methods of isolation, quantification, and identification of microorganisms. Students will become familiar with light microscopy, preparation and analysis of stained slides. Students should verify that this course will transfer to their desired program.

Corequisite: BIO 203; Recommended: Prior completion of: BIO 100; BIO 100A; CHE 101; CHE 101A; BIO 201 and BIO 201A; BIO 202 and BIO 202A

This laboratory course introduced students to procedures for handling microbes, methods of identification of microorganisms (microscopic and by diagnostic media), preparation of stained slides and wet mounts, aseptic techniques, isolation of a single colony, preparation of a pure culture, inoculation and interpretation of select diagnostic tests. This two-month course is a combination of lecture and laboratory activities. Students should take both lecture and lab courses concurrently and with the same instructor to ensure a consistent learning experience. Students who are retaking one of the two courses or present special circumstances should petition for exception to this requisite.

*These online lab courses are not accepted into NU BSN programs.

An introduction to concepts, procedures and software used in the statistical analysis of data in the health professions.

Degree and Course Requirements

To receive the AS in Human Biology degree, students must complete at least 90 quarter units, 31.5 of which must be taken in residence at National University. Of the 90 units required, 40.5 must fall into the areas of general education listed below. Students must complete 4.5 quarter units in diversity enriched coursework. A plus (+) indicates a diversity enriched offering. All undergraduate students working toward the Associate of Science in Human Biology must meet the University diversity requirement. The other 49.5 units can be comprised of elective courses and/or specific major program preparatory courses.

Students are urged to meet English requirements as early as possible in their college studies to avoid serious difficulties in other coursework. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding application and placement evaluation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Discuss the social, physiological, and psychological aspects of human behavior at a basic level.
Discuss the complexities of human biology on the continuum from the level of organism to the level of organized social being.
Use computer technologies to augment productivity, apply statistical procedures and to gain access to multiple informational resource services.
Communicate effectively with others using oral, visual, and written methods.

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“We designed this program to offer maximum return and great flexibility. Students can explore possible career paths while they acquire both knowledge and valuable job skills.”

–Dr. Ana Maria Barral, Ph.D., Professor & Academic Program Director, AS Human Biology Program

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can! To see if your bachelor’s program of interest can accept entirely online courses, check its requirements. For example, the NU BS nursing program does not accept online biology laboratory classes and requires in-person anatomy & physiology/microbiology lab classes. The BS in Public Health and BS in Clinical Laboratory Sciences do not require in-person laboratory classes.

In-person classes are currently offered in San Diego at Spectrum and South Bay (Chula Vista) campuses as well as in LA and Fresno. They will soon be restarting at the Navy Hospital and Rancho Cordova (Sacramento). Most in-person classes are evening classes, although daytime sections also exist.

If you are new to NU, first take a foundational class such as SOC100 or PSY100 to get used to the condensed 4-week course schedule. It is recommended to take CHE101/101A before taking the BIO classes. Please note that anatomy & physiology (1 & 2) and microbiology are taught over 2 months, as lecture and lab count as separate classes.

You may consider taking a general biology class such as BIO100 to refresh your knowledge. Or BIO161, which is a prerequisite for some of the bachelor’s degree programs.

When applying to a nursing program, you must complete the TEAS Test, which has a chemistry section. In addition, chemistry is fundamental in understanding biology, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology.

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.