Please note: This is NOT the most current catalog.

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Biomedical Studies

http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/biomed/

Director, 2011-12: Jean Porterfield (Biology)

Biomedical studies is a multidisciplinary program offering a contract concentration that can be earned in conjunction with any B.A. academic major. The concentration is intended as a plan of study that will enhance the preparation of students entering careers in the biomedical arena ranging from medicine to sports science to hospital administration. The concentration offers students an opportunity for a broad and thoughtful exposure to biomedical studies. Students develop a biomedical studies concentration by implementing a plan of study to match their individual needs. Students must first consult with the Biomedical Studies Program director and develop a contract anytime between the end of their first year and the beginning of their junior year. The contract may be altered by mutual consent at any time.

overview of the concentration

With such a variety of careers in health care today, it can be difficult for undergraduate students interested in human health and medicine to find the path that fits them best. The biomedical studies concentration was designed and implemented in 2000 in order to provide students with an academic experience that helps them not only research but also prepare for careers in health care. This concentration includes course, practical, and experiential requirements which together help the student explore many aspects of potential health careers.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE CONCENTRATION

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONCENTRATION

The biomedical studies concentration consists of five courses and non-course experiences. All students must take a foundation course in human biology (Biology 123 or 243, depending on their course of study). In addition, students are required to choose one course from opportunities in each of three core components: 1) practical application; 2) ethical consideration; and 3) level II or III elective outside the student's major. Within each of these three components, several choices fulfill the requirement. Seminars and Interim courses may be included as they become available. An experiential learning requirement may be fulfilled by an appropriate course or by a non-course activity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Course selected must be outside the student's major.

Art 103: Foundation 3-D Media
Art 207: Ceramics
Art 223: Sculpture/Metal Casting
Chemistry 260: Medicinal Chemistry in Jamaica
Dance 201: The Body Movable
Dance 232: Movement Analysis
Economics 245: Economics of Health Care
Exercise Science 255: Prevention and Care of Sport Injuries
Exercise Science 374: Biomechanics
Exercise Science 375: Physiology of Exercise
History 296: Medical Vocation in Historical Perspective
Nursing 110: Nutrition and Wellness
Nursing 302: Health Care Issues
Psychology 225: Psychophysiology
Psychology 238: Biopsychology
Psychology 375: Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Social Work 258: Social Policy
Sociology 248: Dying, Death, and Bereavement
Sociology 267: Medical Anthropology
Statistics 212: Statistics for Science

ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

Courses that address ethical issues related to biomedical science are:

Exercise Science 290: Sport Ethics in Society
Philosophy 250: Biomedical Ethics
Philosophy 252: Ethics and the Good Life

However, any course bearing EIN credit can be applied toward this requirement based on written justification from the student.

ADDITIONAL LEVEL II OR III COURSE

Students must select an additional level II or III course outside of their major that complements their plan of study.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

This component requires students to arrange a non-classroom experience that exposes them to a hands-on or immediately present form of biomedical learning. Off-campus courses, internships or practica in this area enable the student to observe some area in the biomedical arena. Students may incorporate many different experiences into their biomedical contract. Examples include:

Academic Internships (294/394)
ACM Costa Rica Semester Tropical Field Research
Athletic Training
Biology 284: Peruvian Medical Experience
Biology in South India Semester Study-Service Abroad Projects
HECUA Urban Studies Semester Internship
Interdisciplinary 255: The Physician in Clinical and Hospital Health Care
Social Work 256: Family Social Services in Central Mexico
Statistics 285: Global Health and Biostatistics in Geneva

NON-COURSE ACTIVITIES

Please note that the biomedical studies concentration also consists of non-course requirements, including participation in some Piper Center for Vocation and Career workshops, attendance at career-related events, preparation of a resume, interviews with professionals, career research, and a senior capstone activity. Details are available at the Biomedical Studies Web page.