
For individuals wanting to pursue a career as a physical therapist, Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy as the first step on the path to a career in this field. This program includes specialized coursework focused on preparing students for success in their graduate studies to earn a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Graduates of the pre-physical therapy bachelor‛s degree will acquire foundational knowledge in biological sciences, exercise science, social sciences and health care issues. Since physical therapists work closely with physical therapy assistants, physicians, other health care professionals and patients, interpersonal communication skills are paramount. These skills as well as the psychological, spiritual, and physical components of health, wellness and therapeutic intervention will be explored. One of the advantages of Grand Canyon University‛s pre-physical therapy program is that students have the opportunity to work on cadavers in our state-of-the-art 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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-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 |
| 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 |
| EXS-214 | Care, Treatment, and Prevention of Athletic Injuries - Lecture | This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of sports medicine, the care and treatment of athletic trauma, and the use of proper conditioning principles for the prevention of injury. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or 2) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or 3) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 214L. | 3 |
| EXS-214L | Care, Treatment, and Prevention of Athletic Injuries - Lab | This lab is designed to complement and support the principles taught in EXS 214. The course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the principles of sports medicine; the care and treatment of athletic trauma; safety and its importance in related settings; and the use of proper conditioning principles of the prevention of injury. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or 2) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or 3) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 214. | 1 |
| EXS-335 | Kinesiology - Lecture | This course is an analysis of human movement, integrating knowledge of the skeletal, muscular, and neurological systems with the effects that gravity, friction, internal and external forces, and the laws of motion have on their functions. Topics presented include biomechanics of human bone, joint, and skeletal muscle; structure and function of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine; concepts of linear and angular kinematics and kinetics as applied to human motion; equilibrium and stability on land; and motion through a fluid medium of air or water. Included is the application of these factors to various types of physical skills. Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) BIO 160 or BIO 201; or 2) one of these combinations (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 335L. Recommended: PHY 101 or PHY 111 (may be taken concurrently). | 3 |
| EXS-335L | Kinesiology - Lab | This laboratory course is designed to apply the anatomical, kinesiological, and biomechanical principles learned in the lecture course to human body movement. Movement of all of the major joints of the body is analyzed by relative and absolute joint position and muscle action, and biomechanical terms—such as linear and angular kinematics, friction, work, power, energy, and torque—are applied to human motion. Prerequisites: One of the following: 1) none; or 2) one of the following combinations: (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 335. Co-requisite: EXS 335. | 1 |
| EXS-340 | Physiology of Exercise - Lecture | This course is a study of the effects of exercise on the body. Topics include nutrition as the basis for physical activity; how energy is produced and utilized during physical activity; the energy delivery and vital functions of the respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems during exercise; how these systems can be enhanced through training; the impact of ergogenic aids and environmental stress on performance; and the effect of exercise on body composition, weight control, aging, and disease prevention. The body‛s responses and adaptations to exercise at the systemic, as well as the subcellular level, are also discussed. Prerequisites: Prerequisites: One of the following combinations: 1) HLT 253 or BIO 160 or BIO 201 and BIO 202; or 2) one of these combinations: (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 340L. | 3 |
| EXS-340L | Physiology of Exercise - Lab | This is a course of field and laboratory experiences designed to reinforce the basic principles learned in the lecture course. Skills of measurement and evaluation, including computerized methods employed to facilitate testing, are applied to physiological and systemic principles of exercise. Prerequisites: One of the following: 1) none; or 2) one of the following combinations (a) BIO 155 and BIO 155L; or (b) BIO 201, BIO 201L, BIO 202, and BIO 202L; or (c) BIO 360, BIO 360L, and either BIO 474 or BIO 484. Co-requisite: EXS 340. | 1 |
| EXS-370 | Pharmacology: Drug Use and Abuse | This course examines current theories and practices of pharmacology and epidemiology of drug use as related to athletic training and sports medicine. Additional topics include drug abuse issues, such as: performance-enhancing substances; psychological, legal, social, and cultural implications; and approaches to solving drug abuse problems. Prerequisites: EXS 214 and EXS 214L. | 4 |
| EXS-458 | Theory & Practice of Strength and Conditioning | This course is the study of the physiological responses to exercise, exercise technique, program design for anaerobic and aerobic exercise, exercise prescription principles, and organization and administration of strength and conditioning facilities. This course provides students information on the design and implementation of a successful strength and conditioning program. Emphasis is placed on assessment, description, and analysis of sport movement, and designing weight training programs to enhance performance variables. Workshops reinforce these goals, focusing on assessment of athletic performance, as well as the development of musculoskeletal flexibility, speed, agility, quickness, strength, and power. This course assists those students who desire to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association‛s Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS) Exam. Prerequisites: EXS 340 and EXS 340L. | 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 |
| 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-352 | Health Psychology | This course reflects psychology‛s growing interest in health-related issues. Topics include physician adherence; stress and pain management; cardiovascular disease; cancer; chronic illnesses; using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs; proper nutrition; and exercise, among others. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| PSY-357 | Lifespan Development | This is a course in developmental psychology with emphasis on the physical, social, cognitive, personality, and moral developments within an individual. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the transitions of life from conception to death. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| 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: | 100 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 100 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.