Introduction to the Biomedical Professions USC 108

USC 108: Introduction to the Biomedical Professions

Gateway Student Success Center

Instructor: Monica Bai

General Information

Department: Undergraduate Studies, Gateway Student Success Center

Course Prefix/Number: USC 108

Course Pre-requisites: None

Meeting time: Fridays, 11:30-12:20

Credit Hours: 1

Office Address: Gateway Student Success Center, Building 43

Office Hours: 8:00-5:00 (by appointment only)

Contact Information: Monica Bai – 523-6514

Course Description

This course is designed to help students understand how to prepare themselves to become successful applicants for professional programs in the Biomedical Professions through work on personal statements, study skills, professional schools’ expectations, clinical experience, and creating a timeline for completing the necessary courses and activities recommended by professional programs. In addition, we will explore the various career options available to students including Medical, Dental, Optometry, Chiropractic, Podiatry, Osteopathic, and many others.

Student Learning Expectations

Understand the components of successful preparation for Biomedical Professions:

choosing a major
creating an effective timeline for prerequisite courses
gaining clinical experience
preparing for entrance exams (e.g., MCAT, DAT)
personal statements and interview preparation

Gain exposure to various Biomedical Professions from guest speakers
Begin the self-reflection required to effectively communicate the motivation to pursue his/her chosen field
Make informed choices about career goals by incorporating an understanding of the field, the academic path ahead, and realistic self appraisal.

Course Structure and Approach:

There will be weekly lectures, occasional group activities, guest speakers, research and writing assignments.

Bibliography

Health Professions Admissions Guide, Strategy for Success, Sixth Edition. National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, Inc. 2004. www.naahp.org

Grading System

This course is graded as pass/fail only.
Satisfactory attendance and completion of all assigned tasks will earn a grade

of Pass. There will be no final examination for this course.

More than 3 absences will result in a failing grade.

Assignment	Points
Self Assessment activity	5
Create profile in the Biomedical Professions Database	5
Group Project: Researching Your Profession	20
Admissions requirements fact finding activity	10
Class participation & attendance	30
Four Year Plan	20
Self Reflection Essay	10

Total	100

Course Outline:

August 31	INTRODUCTION AND EXPECTATIONS
Sept 7	SELF ASSESSMENT, BIOMEDICAL PROFESSIONS OVERVIEW
Sept 14	GETTING EXPERIENCE Self assessment due
Sept 21	PERSONAL STATEMENTS AND INTERVIEWS
Sept 28	TEST PREPARATION
October 5	GUEST SPEAKER
October 12	GUEST SPEAKER
October 19	GUEST SPEAKER Group research project due
October 26	GUEST SPEAKER
Nov 2	GUEST SPEAKER
Nov 9	GUEST SPEAKER Admission requirements fact-finding due
Nov 16	GUEST SPEAKER
Nov 23	NO CLASS Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 30	GUEST SPEAKER
December 7	PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER/WRAP UP Database Entry Self Reflection entry Four Year Plan

Student Expectations, University Policies

1. Integrity: Students are expected to do all the work of the class, including all readings, quizzes, and assignments. Cheating, including plagiarism, on assignments or quizzes will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for that assignment and will be reported to the Department Chair. It is your responsibility to understand and avoid plagiarism. For an explanation of plagiarism and how to avoid it, you can consult the Cline Library website:

http://www.nau.edu/library/information/guides/plagiarism.html

2. Conduct: Students are expected to be on time for class and to remain in class for the duration of the period. If you must enter class late or leave early, do so in the most undisruptive manner possible. Missed information may result in lower quiz and test scores. Disruptive behavior cannot be tolerated and is grounds for dismissal. In addition, attendance will be taken periodically and does contribute to the overall grade for the course

3. Drop Deadlines: The University drop deadline is September 21, 2007. The deadline to withdraw from a course (with a W) is October 26, 2007.

4. Make ups/Extensions: Make-up assignments or quizzes will be given only in cases of institutional excuses or documented medical emergencies. Unless previously cleared with the instructor, all assignments must be completed and submitted on the established due date. Late assignments will not be accepted. Incompletes (I) will be given only under extraordinary conditions and require a signed contract. This decision will be at the discretion of the instructor.

5. University Policies: NAU requires that several policy statements be included on each syllabus. The Safe Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional Review Board, Academic Integrity, and Academic Contact Hour policies should be read and understood by each student. They are available at the website listed below.

http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/academicadmin/policy1.html

In addition, NAU requires that all syllabi reference the classroom management statement. This statement should be read and understood by each student.

http://www4.nau.edu/stulife/handbookmanagement.htm