Special Program
Students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree should major in Biology or another appropriate major from the Department of Health and Movement Science. Students should review the admissions requirements for the physical therapy schools of their choice. We recommend that students complete the following courses (in addition to major requirements) for preparation for admission and success in physical therapy school:
During summers, students should consider internships or volunteer experiences working with licensed physical therapists at local hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience. Most students take the GRE exam in April of their junior year and begin to apply to physical therapy schools during the summer following their junior year. Early application using the PTCAS application service is strongly recommended.
Students interested in other allied health professions should follow similar recommendations. As always, students should review the admissions requirements for the programs of their choice and seek practical experience in the field.
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology.
A comparative study of form and function across organisms, focusing on the various structures and strategies used by plants and animals to fulfill basic life needs, levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems), and the chemical reactions of metabolism. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
A survey of the major groups in the animal kingdom, including sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms, vertebrates, etc. Within each group, taxonomy, internal and external form, reproduction, nutrition, and habitat will be considered. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL1500, BIOL1520 or instructor's consent. +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
A continuation of CHEM1430. Includes semimicro methods of qualitative analysis and common gravimetric and volumetric methods of quantitative analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM1430/1431. Corequisite: CHEM1441 Principles of Chemistry II Lab. Goal 1A
Additional fee required. Corequisite: CHEM1440 Principles of Chemistry II. Goal 1A
Presentation of introductory research and writing methods. Introduction to the application of evidence-based practice using various tools to evaluate the research as evidence. This class will result in a final critically appraised topic paper and poster presentation.
The principles and practices of energizing the human body for physical exercise. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3440 with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
An elementary physics course emphasizing the fundamental concepts associated with the physical universe. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. Designed to meet the needs of biology majors and students preparing for the medical profession and related fields. Prerequisites: Two years high school algebra and one year geometry; plane trigonometry recommended.
A continuation of PHYS1410. Topics included are electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS1410.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
A self-study, programmed-based opportunity to learn and understand medical terminology.
A comparative study of form and function across organisms, focusing on the various structures and strategies used by plants and animals to fulfill basic life needs, levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems), and the chemical reactions of metabolism. Includes a lab. Additional fee required.
A survey of the major groups in the animal kingdom, including sponges, cnidarians, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms, vertebrates, etc. Within each group, taxonomy, internal and external form, reproduction, nutrition, and habitat will be considered. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: BIOL1500, BIOL1520 or instructor's consent. +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of gross human anatomy utilizing charts, three dimensional models, computer simulations, and dissection of mammalian animals. The course will discuss regional and surface anatomy to establish the relationships of the various organ systems of the body. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL2100 or PHED1500.
A systems oriented study of the function of the human body on the cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels with an emphasis on medical physiology. Laboratory includes computer simulations and use of Biopac equipment. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: BIOL3420 (grade of C or better strongly recommended) and one semester of chemistry or BIOL2100.
A continuation of CHEM1430. Includes semimicro methods of qualitative analysis and common gravimetric and volumetric methods of quantitative analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM1430/1431. Corequisite: CHEM1441 Principles of Chemistry II Lab. Goal 1A
Additional fee required. Corequisite: CHEM1440 Principles of Chemistry II. Goal 1A
Presentation of introductory research and writing methods. Introduction to the application of evidence-based practice using various tools to evaluate the research as evidence. This class will result in a final critically appraised topic paper and poster presentation.
The principles and practices of energizing the human body for physical exercise. Prerequisite: BIOL2300 or BIOL3440 with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of C or higher required to count toward the Allied Health major.
An elementary physics course emphasizing the fundamental concepts associated with the physical universe. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, fluids, heat thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound. Designed to meet the needs of biology majors and students preparing for the medical profession and related fields. Prerequisites: Two years high school algebra and one year geometry; plane trigonometry recommended.
A continuation of PHYS1410. Topics included are electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic waves, light, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics. Prerequisite: PHYS1410.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. ELO5 Social Science – Innovation, GE3E Liberal Learning-Social Sciences.
99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.
As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.
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