What You’ll Learn in Our BS in Biology With an Emphasis In Pre-Physician Assistant Program

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for physician assistants (PAs) will grow by 37 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all professions. For learners who plan to pursue a career as a PA, the Bachelor of Science in Biology With an Emphasis in Pre-Physician Assistant degree program from Grand Canyon University can provide an ideal educational platform.

This program is offered through the College of Science, Engineering and Technology and incorporates coursework from a variety of disciplines. Keep reading to discover some of what you will learn while earning this biology degree.

Properties of Biological Networks

Students in this program complete a series of courses that introduce them to a broad range of biological concepts. You will study, for example, the duties of cell components, how genetic information affects cells, the relationships of different life forms, photosynthesis and plant structure and the interaction of organisms at different ecological levels.

Anatomy

While earning this degree, learners study the anatomy and function of various biological systems, as well as homeostasis of areas such as integument, tissues and the nervous system. Also, you will participate in experiential labs and explore the use of human cadavers. The availability of cadavers in an undergraduate setting is a rare experience that provides a unique and challenging opportunity to help students prepare for the rigors of graduate school as well as a future career in healthcare. In addition, top students have the opportunity to perform dissections on the human cadavers, which is a skill needed for medical school.

Physiology & Pathophysiology

After successfully completing the anatomy and physiology courses, students will progress to pathophysiology, where information learned will be applied through a mixture of higher-learning class activities and exams. Through case studies and stories, pre-PA students will enjoy putting their knowledge to the test to diagnose and master several diseases, from Alzheimer’s and Diabetes Mellitus to analyzing an ECG and predicting the clinical outcomes of fictional patients.

Scientific Enquiry and Critical Analysis

Coursework in this degree program introduces students to the use of analytic skills in problem-solving and approaches to inquiry, logic and reasoning as they apply to science and health care research.

Real-Life Application

This BS in biology from GCU includes several laboratory courses that provide learners with hands-on experience, allowing them to develop their skills through real-life application. In this program, you will complete lab courses in the areas of biology, general and organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, physics and biochemistry.

Prepare for an in-demand career as a physician assistant by earning Grand Canyon University’s BS in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Physician Assistant. To discover more about this degree program, visit our website or click the Request More Information button on this page.