For those individuals who are seeking a career in medicine, dentistry, optometry or as a veterinarian, a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine degree creates the necessary educational foundation. While not required, completing a pre-med degree prepares graduates for the medical college admission test (MCAT), optometry admission test (OAT), veterinary admission test (VCAT), or dental admission test (DAT) and includes specialized coursework focused on preparing students for success in their graduate studies and professional careers.
Students will explore a range of subjects including sociology, psychology, ethical principles in health care and global health issues. Classroom lectures and lab work provide ample opportunity to study general and organic chemistry as well as the principles of biochemistry. Students of the GCU pre-med program will study genetics, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology including the unique opportunity to study gross anatomy in our own cadaver lab.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| MAT-274 | Probability and Statistics | This course provides an introduction to the study of basic probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, and decision making. Emphasis is placed on measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation, regression, discrete and continuous probability distributions, quality control, population parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT 134 or 1 year of high school algebra with a grade of C or better. | 4 |
| ENG-105 | English Composition I | This is a course in writing academic prose, including various types of essays, arguments, and constructions. A writing-intensive course. | 4 |
| ENG-106 | English Composition II | This course explores various types of research writing, with a focus on constructing essays, arguments, and research reports based on primary and secondary sources. A writing-intensive course. | 4 |
| BIO-181 | General Biology I - Lecture | This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Cell components and their duties are investigated, as well as the locations of cellular functions within the cell. The importance of the membrane is studied, particularly its roles in controlling movement of ions and molecules and in energy production. The effect of genetic information on the cell is followed through the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein. Co-requisite: BIO 181L. | 3 |
| BIO-181L | General Biology I - Lab | This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO 181 through experiments and activities which complement and enhance understanding of macromolecules, cell membrane properties, cellular components, and their contribution to cell structure and function. Assignments are designed to relate cellular processes such as metabolism, cell division, and the flow of genetic information to cell structure. Co-requisite: BIO 181. | 1 |
| BIO-182 | General Biology II - Lecture | This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of organization. Relationships of different life forms are studied, noting characteristics and general lifecycles of the different types of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Plant structure, function, and reproduction are studied, as well as photosynthesis and plant nutrition. Ecological principles are discussed, including organism interactions at the various ecological levels. Principles of conservation are introduced. Co-requisite: BIO 182L. | 3 |
| BIO-182L | General Biology II - Lab | This lab is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO 182. Organisms are examined to recognize similarities and differences among different types. Plant structure and processes, including photosynthesis and water transport, are investigated through observation and activities. Concepts of ecology are explored through study of species interactions projects and other activities. Co-requisite: BIO 182. | 1 |
| MAT-250 | College Algebra and Trigonometry | This course is a unified study of fundamental concepts from algebra and trigonometry that provide the necessary background for the study of calculus. Topics include modeling linear equations and inequalities; functions and their graphs; polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices and determinants; and conic sections. There is an emphasis on developing both a fundamental understanding of these concepts as well as their application to real-world problem solving. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT 134 or 3 years of high school algebra with a grade of C or better. | 4 |
| SOC-102 | Principles of Sociology | This course presents a survey of the concepts, theories, and methods used by sociologists to describe and explain the effects of social structure on human behavior. It emphasizes the understanding and use of the sociological perspective in everyday life. | 4 |
| PSY-102 | General Psychology | This foundation course in the science of behavior includes an overview of the history of psychology, the brain, motivation, emotion, sensory functions, perception, intelligence, gender and sexuality, social psychology, human development, learning psychopathology, and therapy. | 4 |
| MAT-134 | Applications of Algebra | This course is the university general education requirement, and develops and then applies the algebraic concepts of linear equations and linear inequalities in one variable; graphing linear equations and linear inequalities; linear systems; and rational, exponential, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic equations. There is an emphasis on developing both a fundamental understanding of these concepts as well as their application to real-world problem solving. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in MAT 110 or 2 years of high school algebra with a grade of C or better. | 4 |
| BIO-201 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture | This course is the first of a two-course sequence examining the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. This portion includes the study of cells; tissues; genetics; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Prerequisites: One of the following: 1) BIO 181 or satisfactory placement exam results. Does not substitute for BIO 360 or BIO 474; or 2) BIO 181. Co requisite: BIO 201L. | 3 |
| BIO-201L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lab | This course involves a study of the gross anatomy and functions of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. This experiential lab involves gaining basic knowledge of the use of human cadavers, and computer-assisted instruction. Prerequisite: One of the following: 1) None. Does not substitute for BIO 474; or 2) BIO 181L. Co requisite: BIO 201. | 1 |
| BIO-202 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture | This course is the second of a two-course sequence examining the structure and function of the human body and mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within it. This portion includes the study of immunity; metabolism; energetics; fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance; and the endocrine, hematologic, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: BIO 201. Co-requisite: BIO 202L. | 3 |
| BIO-202L | Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lab | This course is a study of the gross anatomy and functions of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems. The experiential lab involves an advanced exploration of concepts using human cadavers, animal demonstrations, and computer-assisted instruction. Prerequisite: One of the following: 1) none; or 2) BIO 201L. Co-requisite: BIO 202. | 1 |
| BIO-205 | Microbiology - Lecture | This course provides an introduction to the principles and applications of microbiology and a study of the general characteristics of microorganisms, their activities, and their relationship to humans. Students develop understanding of microbial cell structure and function, microbial genetics, related pathologies, immunity, and other selected applied areas. Co-requisite: BIO 205L. | 3 |
| BIO-205L | Microbiology - Lab | The laboratory section of BIO 205 supports further learning surrounding principles gained in the lecture course. Students develop fundamental skills in microbiological laboratory techniques, microscopy methodologies, and the isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms. Co-requisite: BIO 205. | 1 |
| BIO-457 | Genetics | This course provides a comprehensive examination of the principles of heredity and variation, including Mendelian, molecular, and population genetics. Students explore topics such as gene mapping, DNA structure and replication, population genetics, and molecular change. Prerequisite: BIO 181. | 4 |
| BIO-483 | Pathophysiology | This course is designed to bridge the gap between basic preclinical science courses and the clinical requirements of health care/life science professionals. Systematic studies focus on the etiology, pathogenesis, morphology, and clinical manifestations associated with various altered health states and diseases. Material is presented using clinically relevant terminology that increases accurate and effective communication through extensive vocabulary expansion. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to correctly discuss a variety of disease states with health care professionals and patients while addressing the following questions: What is actually happening at the physiological level that causes the signs and symptoms of a given condition or disease? How does a change in normal physiology cause the signs and symptoms of a given condition or disease? How do these physiological effects correlate to mechanisms of accurate diagnoses? Why is one treatment method chosen over another? How do different systems intricately interrelate to cause a clinical picture and complications? Prerequisites: BIO 201 and BIO 202 or BIO 360. | 4 |
| CHM-113 | General Chemistry I - Lecture | This is the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. The course assumes no prior knowledge of chemistry and begins with basic concepts. Topics include an introduction to the scientific method, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, the gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, and properties of solutions. Prerequisites: MAT 250 or college algebra. Co-requisite: CHM 113L. | 3 |
| CHM-113L | General Chemistry I - Lab | The laboratory section of CHM 113 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Experiments include determination of density, classification of chemical reactions, the gas laws, determination of enthalpy change using calorimetry, and determination of empirical formula. Prerequisite: MAT 250 or college algebra. Co-requisite: CHM 113. | 1 |
| CHM-115 | General Chemistry II - Lecture | This is the second course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. Upon successful completion of this course, students demonstrate knowledge and/or skill in solving problems involving the principles of chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics; understanding chemical reactions using kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics; comparing and contrasting the principal theories of acids and bases; solving equilibrium involving acids, bases, and buffers; describing solubility equilibrium; describing terms associated with electrochemistry and solving problems associated with electrochemistry; and describing fundamentals and applications of nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHM 113. Co-requisite: CHM 115L. | 3 |
| CHM-115L | General Chemistry II - Lab | The laboratory section of CHM 115 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Experiments include determination of rate law, examples of Le Chatelier‛s principle, the use of pH indicators, buffer preparation, experimental determination of thermodynamic quantities, the use of electrochemical cells, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Prerequisite: 1) CHM 113L; or 2) none. Co-requisites: CHM 115. | 1 |
| CHM-231 | Organic Chemistry I | This course is the first of two organic chemistry courses. The first half of this course develops the vocabulary and concepts of chemical bonding, chemical structure, acid-base principles, and nomenclature needed to understand properties and reactions of organic compounds. The second half of this course discusses chemical reactions, including radical reactions, substitution and elimination reactions, and synthesis and reactions of alkenes. Students learn how to predict reaction products and draw reaction mechanisms. Organic synthesis and structural determination are also covered. Instruction includes lecture and in-class problem solving. Prerequisites: CHM 115 and CHM 115L. Co-requisite: CHM 231L. | 3 |
| CHM-231L | Organic Chemistry I Lab | The laboratory section of CHM 231 reinforces principles learned in the lecture course through various techniques that organic chemists use to synthesize compounds. Students use these techniques throughout the semester. These techniques include determination of melting point, determination of solubility, thin layer chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation. Structural determination using theories discussed in CHM 231 is applied to unknown compounds. Prerequisites: CHM 115 and CHM 115L. Co-requisite: CHM 231. | 1 |
| CHM-232 | Organic Chemistry II | This course is the first of two organic chemistry courses. The first half of this course develops the vocabulary and concepts of chemical bonding, chemical structure, acid-base principles, and nomenclature needed to understand properties and reactions of organic compounds. The second half of this course discusses chemical reactions, including radical reactions, substitution and elimination reactions, and synthesis and reactions of alkenes. Students learn how to predict reaction products and draw reaction mechanisms. Organic synthesis and structural determination are also covered. Instruction includes lecture and in-class problem solving. Prerequisites: CHM 115 and CHM 115L. Co-requisite: CHM 231L. | 3 |
| CHM-232L | Organic Chemistry II Lab | The laboratory section of CHM-232 supports and extends principles learned in the lecture course. Students carry out various organic syntheses using techniques taught in CHM-231. The experiments include preparation of an alkene from an alcohol, a Grignard reaction, preparation of cinnamaldehyde, nitration of methyl benzoate, synthesis of N-Methyl Prozac, an Aldol reaction, Benzimidizole synthesis, and a Diazonium coupling reaction. Prerequisites: CHM-231 and CHM-231L. Co-requisite: CHM-232. | 1 |
| CHM-360 | Principles of Biochemistry - Lecture | The course objective is to survey basic biochemical principles, including the composition, structure, and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Important biochemical principles include structure-function correlation, chemical reactivity, kinetics and equilibrium, thermodynamics, membrane structure and function, and metabolic energy pathways. The application of biochemical concepts in the medical field is emphasized. Prerequisites: CHM-115, CHM-115L, BIO-181, and BIO-181L. Co-requisite: CHM-360L. | 3 |
| CHM-360L | Principles of Biochemistry - Lab | This laboratory course covers modern biochemical laboratory techniques and their theoretical foundations. Topics include methods for protein, nucleic acid, and lipid isolation and characterization; enzyme assays; chromatography; electrophoresis; and representing and manipulating proteins and nucleic acids. Experiments are designed for hands-on experimentation and students acquire practical techniques currently used in biochemistry laboratories. Prerequisites: CHM-115, CHM-115L, BIO-181, and BIO-181L. Co-requisite: CHM-360. | 1 |
| CHM-451 | Pharmacology I | This course presents the foundational concepts of pharmacology emphasizing basic mechanisms of drug action. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics principles and theories are presented. The course details the development of the current understanding of receptor signal transduction in mammalian systems. The course introduces the molecular biochemistry of receptor structure; mass action considerations governing ligand-receptor binding interactions; molecular pharmacology associated with signal transduction; and specific considerations of receptors as pharmaceutical targets. Following this introduction, a systematic study of the effects of drugs on representative organ systems and disease processes, the mechanisms by which drugs produce their therapeutic and toxic effects, and the factors influencing their absorption, distribution, and biological actions. Prerequisites: CHM 232, CHM 232L, CHM 360, and CHM 360L. | 4 |
| HLT-302 | Spirituality and Christian Values in Health Care and Wellness | This course explores the concepts of spirituality and Christian values as they relate to the role of the hospital or health care facility, the health care provider, and the patient. Since illness and stress can amplify spiritual concerns and needs, health care professionals are in a unique position to assist the patient/client in meeting those needs. Students explore and document the spiritual components of health care and wellness that permeate both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as a foundation of understanding pain, suffering, health care, and wellness. From this foundation, students evaluate and reflect upon concepts such as a healing hospital/health care facility, the caregiver‛s role in giving care, the caregiver‛s need to care for self, dealing with grief, the role of prayer in health care, and the spiritual needs of patients and families dealing with chronic and acute illnesses. | 4 |
| HLT-305 | Legal and Ethical Principles in Health Care | This course provides a broad understanding of professional ethics, legal standards, and responsibilities as they relate to health care administration. The course introduces students to major ethical theory, principles, and models for the recognition, analysis, and resolution of ethical dilemmas in health occupations. This course also includes a review of classic cases in health care ethics and how they have shaped health policy. Students learn how to approach ethical dilemmas using theoretical frameworks and decision-making processes. Throughout the course, students are given the opportunity to evaluate real-life scenarios and arrive at calculated decisions, thereby developing the critical thinking skills needed for the moral decisions encountered in the health care environment. In addition to learning about the ethical principles in health care, students are introduced to the relationship between law and ethics, and the consequences and impact on individuals and the health care field. This course addresses the concerns of every health care professional regarding legal responsibility, workplace safety, and the health care facility‛s obligation to provide protection from injury for patients, their families, and staff. Through the use of case studies, students are exposed to real-life scenarios dealing with the development, understanding, and execution of the law; employee rights and responsibilities; and patient rights and responsibilities, thereby developing the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate the right and wrong courses of action when faced with complicated legal problems. | 4 |
| HLT-411 | Global Health Issues | This course introduces global health and health-related challenges of developing and resource-limited nations and explores the social, behavioral, economic, biomedical and environmental determinants of health. This course will examine the global epidemiology of major diseases and threats to the populations of the world, and the current organizational structures that have been established to respond. Topics include communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, unintentional injury and violence, health romotion, reproductive health, maternal and child health, and disaster preparedness. Students will gain an understanding of the diverse determinants associated with these diseases and issues, such as poverty, education, gender imbalance, culture, and poor environmental conditions. Global health involves many disciplines within and beyond the health sciences and promotes inter-disciplinary collaboration. This course will use a wide variety of perspectives from disciplines such as epidemiology, biology, environment, human rights, nursing, psychology, public policy, technology and economics. Students will acquire an understanding of the nter-relationships between socio-cultural-economic development and health, and the impact of policy and health care delivery systems. | 4 |
| PHY-111 | General Physics I - Lecture | This course is a study of basic concepts of physics, including motion; forces; energy; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and heat and thermodynamics. The mathematics used includes algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis. A primary course goal is to build a functional knowledge that allows students to more fully understand the physical world and to apply that understanding to other areas of the natural and mathematical sciences. Conceptual, visual, graphical, and mathematical models of physical phenomena are stressed. Students build critical thinking skills by engaging in individual and group problem-solving sessions. Prerequisites: MAT 250 or college algebra. Co-requisite: PHY 111L. | 3 |
| PHY-111L | General Physics I - Lab | This course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY 111 lecture course. Learners are able to perform the proper analysis and calculations to arrive at the correct quantifiable result when confronted with equations involving gravity, sound, energy, and motion. Prerequisite: MAT 250 or college algebra. Co-requisite: PHY 111 | 1 |
| PHY-112 | General Physics II - Lecture | This course is the second in a 1-year introductory physics sequence. In this course, the basics of three areas in physics are covered, including electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The sequence of topics includes an introduction to electric and magnetic fields. This is followed by the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and topics associated with geometric optics. The final topic discussed in the course is quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: PHY-111 and PHY-111L. Co-requisite: PHY-112L. | 3 |
| PHY-112L | General Physics II - Lab | This course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY 112 lecture course. Some of the topics learners understand and analyze involve the relationship between electric charges and insulators/conductors, magnetism in physics, energy transformations in electric circuits, the relationship between magnetism and electricity, and how they relate to the medical industry. Prerequisites: PHY-111 and PHY-111L. Co-requisite: PHY-112L. | 1 |
| PSY-361 | Attitude and Social Behavior | This course provides students with an in-depth look at social influences on human behavior. It is intended for students who are interested in theory and research on how attitudes influence and are influenced by behavior. Emphasis will be placed on biological explanations of social behaviors in animals, group processes, observational learning, helping others, attachment, social support, modeling, and the factors that affect attitude change. Prerequisites: PSY 102 and SOC 102. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 104 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 104 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 8 - 12 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.