The B.S. in Health Science at Saint Mary's College is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills for pursuing various careers in healthcare. It provides a strong academic foundation in human biology and natural sciences, crucial for understanding the complexities of health and disease. The program actively encourages students to engage in practical experiences such as internships, clinical work, and volunteer opportunities, which are vital for career exploration and graduate school applications in allied health fields like physical therapy, occupational therapy, public health, and physician assistant programs.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Health Science is structured to provide a broad yet deep understanding of the scientific principles underpinning human health. Required lower-division courses typically include "Introduction to Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry," "Introductory Biology for Majors: Organisms and Evolution," "Human Anatomy," "Human Physiology," "Introduction to Probability & Statistics," and "Introduction to Psychology," along with their corresponding labs. Students also take foundational chemistry courses (e.g., General Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry I, or General Chemistry II) and a lower-division science elective. Upper-division requirements mandate at least six courses from Biology, Psychology, and Kinesiology (with at least one from each department), and a minimum of two upper-division courses must include a laboratory component. The selection of upper-division courses is made in consultation with a dedicated Allied Health Advisor, ensuring alignment with students' career goals. The curriculum culminates with a writing-intensive course that fulfills a Writing in the Discipline requirement.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Health Science at Saint Mary's College strongly emphasizes students' engagement in scientific inquiry and research. The program aims to develop students' ability to "reason through unfamiliar problems" and acquire "the tools to investigate topics in-depth." Students are provided with "numerous opportunities to make discoveries alongside our world-renowned faculty" and are encouraged to "gain some research experience on campus." This focus is evident in the program's outcomes, where graduates demonstrate an understanding of "the practice of scientific inquiry through laboratory experimentation including the logic of experimentation, data analysis and ethical implications." This hands-on research training is a significant component, preparing students for evidence-based practice and critical analysis in healthcare.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College is highly committed to fostering industry engagement for its Health Science students. The program explicitly encourages every student to gain "some experience in the health care field by working, doing internships or volunteer work." The College maintains "Clinical & Internship Opportunities" with local providers, including outpatient facilities like Tice Valley PT and Lamorinda Orthopaedic & Sports PT, and inpatient settings such as John Muir Inpatient Rehabilitation. They also list resources like Health Career Connection and Summer Health Professions Education Programs to help students find relevant experiences in the Bay Area. This strong emphasis on practical, real-world exposure is designed to immerse students in their future work environments, helping them make informed career decisions and build valuable professional connections.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Health Science at Saint Mary's College integrates a global perspective by preparing students for a field that inherently deals with global health challenges and diverse populations. While the core curriculum focuses on biological and psychological aspects of human health, the liberal arts context encourages a broader understanding of health disparities, cultural influences on health behaviors, and global health systems. The College also promotes study abroad opportunities, enabling students to gain international experiences that can broaden their understanding of healthcare practices and public health issues in different cultural contexts. This global exposure helps graduates develop the cultural competence and adaptability necessary to address health needs in an increasingly interconnected world.
