Natural science departments aim to provide the background and experience necessary for professional work in the natural sciences, for continuation of the study of natural science in graduate school, and to stimulate and interrelate scientific thinking with other disciplines. A belief in the God of the Bible as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe is a basic presupposition.
Courses of study are offered in applied health science, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, geology, mathematics, and physics, with cooperative programs in engineering and nursing. Assistance is provided for all students to help them make appropriate educational plans and career choices. This aid is given by the student's faculty advisor, by department chairs, and by the Director of Health Professions, who provides advising and resource materials to students interested in various health professions.
Preparation for Health Professions
www.wheaton.edu/academics/programs/healthprofessions/
The Health Professions Program provides a comprehensive program of profession-driven opportunities and support services that prepare students for diverse fields in the health professions and for service in helping build the church and benefit society worldwide. The Health Professions Program aims to promote student development through excellence in acquainting students with the wide array of health professions careers, guiding their pre-professional formation and development, providing strategies and perspective to shape their pathway to the health profession of choice, and encouraging them in thinking holistically and with a Christ-centered worldview about how they may serve in the chosen health professions field.
Students planning on a career in medicine or one of the related health fields may major in any subject area but must meet the specific admission requirements of the professional schools to which they expect to apply. The Director of the Health Professions works closely with students who are interested in any of the health fields. Career information and advising are provided to help students in selecting courses, preparing for required admissions tests, and understanding the application process to professional schools in their chosen fields. These activities are coordinated through the Health Professions Office. Students can make use of the resources through one-on-one advising appointments, open office hours and various workshops. Additionally, healthcare professionals visit campus to meet with students in interested in various career paths throughout the year.
Medicine and Dentistry
Specific training in medicine and dentistry is given in professional schools and is based on a broad and strong preparation in the liberal arts. This is true for optometry, podiatry and veterinary medicine as well. Critical analysis and reasoning skills, clear speaking, and writing are necessary skills in these professions. Experiences such as shadowing healthcare professionals, volunteer service, and research are important practices that help a student gain a greater understanding of healthcare and develop various relational and technical skills. Both interpersonal and intrapersonal attributes are valued. Personal attributes such as integrity, concern for the well-being of others, humility, professionalism, compassion, personal maturity, and a deep commitment to a life of service are highly sought by leaders in the health professions.
The new competency-based MCAT 2015 was first administered in April 2015. Some changes occurred in the DAT in 2015 as well. School-specific changes in medical school admissions requirements may align with courses required for the MCAT 2015. In addition to course pre-requisites, school-specific admissions requirements may include competencies (both academic and personal, interpersonal and intrapersonal) and foundational concepts in science and social and behavioral science. The four sections of MCAT 2015 are:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems,
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills,
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
Therefore to prepare for MCAT 2015 students should take:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 241 | Organization of Life: Genetics and Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 242 | Diversity of Life: An Introduction to Zoology and Botany | 4 |
| CHEM 231 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 232 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 341 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 342 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 461 | General Biochemistry | 4 |
| PHYS 221 | General Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 222 | General Physics II | 4 |
The subjects of psychology, sociology and statistics are also covered on the exam. Students may discern whether or not they would benefit from formal study in these areas. If so, the appropriate courses would be:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| SOC 115 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| MATH 263 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| PSYC 268 | Statistics | 4 |
| AHS 281 | Biostatistics | 4 |
Regardless of the major selected at Wheaton, students planning on these careers must take courses to prepare for the national admissions exams and the pre-professional courses which meet the minimal entrance requirements for most medical and dental schools. Beyond the courses listed as preparation for MCAT 2015, school-specific admissions may require other courses such as:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 231 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus II | 4 |
| BIOL 362 | Cell and Developmental Biology | 4 |
Additional courses, such as the following, may be helpful toward the student's preparation for professional training:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 116 | Introduction to Anthropology | 4 |
| ANTH 353 | Biculturalism | 4 |
| ANTH 361 | Medical Anthropology | 2 |
| BIOL 317 | Biomedical Ethics | 2 |
| BIOL 331 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 332 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 336 | Neurobiology | 4 |
| BIOL 356 | Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 362 | Cell and Developmental Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 364 | Microbiology & Immunology | 4 |
| BIOL 375 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 2 |
| BIOL 381 | Public Health and Nutrition in Developing Areas | 2 |
| CHEM 355 | Introduction to Analytical Chemistry | 2 |
| COMM 221 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 |
| COMM 362 | Group Dynamics | 2 |
| CSCI 135 | Computer Literacy | 2 |
| CSCI 231 | Introduction to Computer Science Concepts | 2 |
| AHS 351 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
| AHS 368 | Concepts in Nutrition | 4 |
| AHS 378 | Community Health and the Urban Environment | 4 |
| AHS 381 | Concepts in Epidemiology | 4 |
| AHS 452 | Applied Physiology | 4 |
| PHYS 311 | Introduction to Medical Physics | 2 |
| PSYC 268 | Statistics | 4 |
| PSYC 317 | Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 348 | Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| SOC 228 | Sociology of Sexuality | 2 |
| SOC 238 | Contemporary Social Concerns | 2 |
| SOC 364 | Urban Sociology | 4 |
| SOC 383 | Statistics | 4 |
SCI 229 Internship/Seminar in the Health Professions is highly recommended and provides an opportunity for an approved observational/experience in a health profession, to study the issues affecting the quality and form of health care in America, and to make an informed choice of a vocation in the health professions.
Because competition for entry into medical schools is significant, strong performance in academic course work and national admissions tests (MCAT) is essential. In 2017 there were 49,990 applicants nationwide. Of these applicants, about 40% attended medical school the following year. Applicants who matriculated in 2016 nationally had an average GPA of 3.7. For competency-based admissions, a holistic review of applicants includes evaluation of their experiences, attributes, and academic metrics. Good planning and careful preparation by Wheaton students and a comprehensive advising and counseling program provided by the Health Professions Office combine to enhance the possibilities of acceptance into medical school.
Allied Health Professions
Students can receive basic preparation for many allied health careers such as nutrition and dietetics, health systems management, pharmacy, audiology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, health information management, physician assistant, and public health. Students generally pursue a major, receive a B.S. degree, and continue their studies in clinical or graduate programs. The Health Professions Office maintains catalogs and information concerning health careers, and is available for advice and counsel concerning course selection, types of programs, and the application process.
Liberal Arts/Nursing
See Liberal Arts/Nursing in catalog.
Summer Courses at Science Stations
The Science Division offers students the opportunity to take courses at affiliated science stations during the summer. Information on Wheaton's own Black Hills Science Station in South Dakota and information about the Au Sable Institute in Michigan can be found in the Special Programs section of this catalog.
Science Area Courses
SCI 211. Natural Systems of the Northwoods. (2 Credits)
An integrative science course centering on natural history and systems with an exploration of abiotic and biotic factors. Offered exclusively during the summer for education students only (preservice teachers) at HoneyRock. Su only.
SCI 229. Internship/Seminar in the Health Professions. (2 Credits)
Economic, political, sociological, psychological, and ethical problems facing health professionals and some biblical responses to these problems. Designed for students with a definite interest in one of the health professions, this course provides opportunity to observe the field first hand through a required shadowing internship, and to study the scope of health care in the U.S. Prerequisites: sophomore standing, registration with the Health Professions Program, one year of college biology or chemistry, consent of instructor. Does not apply toward the general education science requirement. (lin)
SCI 301. Natural Science: Foundations, Methods, Challenges. (4 Credits)
A historical and philosophical study of methodological and foundational issues in the natural sciences focusing principally on physics, astronomy, biology, and challenges the natural sciences present to culture. Prerequisite: Any SP course.
Tags: PI, SIP
SCI 302. Origins of Scientific Thought. (4 Credits)
An introduction to the history of science, helping students understand its value for making sense of our contemporary cultural context. This is accomplished through studying the development of natural philosophy and the emergence of scientific methods and modes of thought. Particular emphasis is placed on the philosophical, religious, and institutional contexts, continuity and change over time, causality, contingency, and complexity of the emergence of scientific thought. This course engages in an in-depth exploration of a period, issue, concept, key figures, or a set of over-arching questions.
Tags: HP, SIP
SCI 311. Theories of Origins. (4 Credits)
Examination of scientific theories of origins and development, such as Big Bang cosmology, Earth's formation and early history, origin of life, origin of species, history of life, and human origins. Relationships between biblical and scientific explanations are explored for each topic. Prerequisite: any SP course. Field trip fee. Counts as upper division science requirement under legacy gen ed.
Tags: SIP
SCI 321. Science for Middle and High School Teachers. (2 Credits)
Required for science majors who plan to teach high school. Survey of science curricula, computer applications in science teaching, laboratory theory and evaluation processes, management of laboratories, and field trips. Prerequisites: ten hours of education courses and ten hours of courses in teaching area major.
SCI 322. Elementary Grade Education Science Curriculum. (2 Credits)
Required for elementary education majors. Survey of elementary science curricula and resources; consideration of perspective, process, content, and application of science in teaching. Concurrent with EDUC 305L, 311, 311L, 312, 315, 317, SSCI 321 or consent of instructor. Prerequisites: ten hours of education courses and at least one science laboratory course.
SCI 325. Methods of Teaching Middle Grade Science. (2 Credits)
Required for those seeking an endorsement for teaching middle grade science. Includes theories and methods for teaching science at the middle grade level (grades 5-8). Topics include effective teaching strategies, planning, and assessment of science content, particularly with science processes and inquiry. Based on the Next Generation Science Standards and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. Prerequisite: Admission to the WheTEP program.
SCI 393. Interdisciplinary Studies in Science. (2 to 4 Credits)
Interdisciplinary study of topics in the natural sciences. Prerequisite: a lab course in the Studies in Nature cluster. Does not satisfy the Nature cluster non-lab legacy general education credit.
SCI 494. Nursing Capstone. (2 Credits)
The capstone seminar will evaluate contemporary issues within nursing and healthcare with special attention to some biblical responses to these issues. This course provides opportunity to observe the field of nursing firsthand through a required shadowing internship, and to study the scope of healthcare in the U.S. Prerequisites: Junior standing, declared LA-Nursing major, consent of instructor. (lin)