Health Sciences

Program Description

The Associate in Science (AS) degree in Health Sciences provides students with a diverse range of courses in biology, chemistry, nutrition, and math with an interdisciplinary focus. The goal of the program is to help students understand the core scientific concepts underlying human health and develop an appreciation for the scientific method of inquiry. The program offers a breadth of knowledge and fosters competencies in critical thinking and understanding of biological concepts of the human body.

Some courses in this major are designed to prepare students for future careers and programs in healthcare fields, including Dental Hygiene, Kinesiology, Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and other related disciplines, helps students pursue similar majors at four-year institutions, or for those who are advancing their knowledge within the specific field. Please consult with a counselor for specific information regarding your intended major at the specific colleges/universities of your choice.

To qualify for the Associate in Science Degree, students must satisfactorily complete the major requirements specified below and the local AA/AS general education requirements. The completion time for this degree program is generally 4 semesters. Completion time will vary based on student preparation and the number of units completed per semester.

This AS degree program requires:

1. Completion of at least 60 degree-applicable semester units including the following:

• 1. A minimum of 18 semester units from the program (major) requirements
  2. A minimum of 21 units of local AA/AS General Education requirements
  3. A minimum of 12 of the 60 units must be completed at Merritt College
  4. Courses taken outside the Peralta Community College District will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if they are degree-applicable
  5. If the General Education and the major units do not total 60, complete degree-applicable elective course(s) to reach the required 60 units

2. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major

3. A minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for General Education Area 1A: English Composition and Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

4. A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 in General Education coursework and in all coursework for the degree

As this degree alone may not be complete preparation for transfer, students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution should meet with a counselor to develop a plan which addresses all transfer requirements.

Career Opportunities

This degree serves as a starting foundation for students preparing for careers in entry-level positions in healthcare fields such as Healthcare Assistant, Administrator, Educator; or provides essential courses that are prerequisites for additional education as a Radiologic Technician, Dental Hygienist, Nursing, those who are required to complete a degree for job promotion; or for individuals who may wish to further their education and are considering a major that is interdisciplinary in focus.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Communicate and analyze issues affecting the health of humans that have been discovered by the scientific method of inquiry.
2. Demonstrate a proficiency of knowledge in biological processes related to the human body by using scientific terminology.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of chemical laws by solving quantitative problems and answering conceptual questions.