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  • Health Science

    The health science program leading to the Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree includes didactic and experiential activities for students to learn the foundation skills necessary for success in the dynamic health environment.

    About This Major

    • College: Public Health and Health Professions
    • Degree: Bachelor of Health Science
    • Hours for the Degree: 120
    • Specializations: Health Science General, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Preprofessional, Pre-Public Health
    • Minor: Yes
    • Combined-Degree Program: Yes
    • Website: www.phhp.ufl.edu/bahealthsci

    Overview

    The program has two major goals: to teach foundational skills to students whose career goal is to work in health care, particularly for those who want to become health care providers, and to teach foundational skills to students who want to work with individuals, groups or communities who face social, economic or health challenges. In addition, students who are interested have the opportunity to explore a combined-degree program in public health.

    The college offers five course specializations in the freshman and sophomore years: health science general, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, preprofessional and pre-public health.

    The health science general, preprofessional and pre-PT specializations collapse into one track beginning in the junior year and follow the same core curriculum, focusing on the health care system, different diseases and disabilities, the role of the health care provider in prevention and treatment, research methods and understanding core public health concepts. The senior year focuses on patient provider communication, effective leadership and critical-thinking skills important to clinical problem solving the bioethical and legal issues impacting health care.

    The pre-occupational therapy specialization offers the core health science curriculum plus OT prerequisites necessary for the Master of Occupational Therapy program at UF.

    Regardless of specialization selected, students complement core courses with electives to round out their academic skills and interests.

    Upon successful completion of the health science program, students receive the Bachelor of Health Science degree. While the majority of students pursue graduate or professional training in a health field (e.g. occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant, health administration, dentistry, public health), some students seek employment in hospital or related community organizations after completing the B.H.S.

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    Course Sequence

    While all specializations are designed for students interested in health care, students should select the specialization that most closely approximates their career plans and overall academic performance. Included are typical prerequisites for UF graduate and professional programs in specific tracks.

    All course specializations in the health science program require a minimum 3.0 overall and prerequisite GPA for admission at the junior level.

    Students must apply by February 1 for Summer B and fall admission. All prerequisites must be completed by the end of Summer A. However, for admission consideration at the junior level, all students must have completed APK 2105C, BSC 2007 or 2010, PSY 2012 and STA 2023 before the application deadline.

    The health science general specialization is designed for students who want to work in a health care field, but this field does not require extensive basic science background (e.g., health administration, public health).

    The health science preprofessional specialization is designed for students pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, physician assistant and dentistry, all of which require significant basic science prerequisites.

    The pre-OT, pre-PT and pre-public health specializations are designed specifically for students interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy or public health careers.

    Each specialization incorporates general education requirements and health science prerequisites. All specializations accept AP or IB credit for one prerequisite course. All other prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better at the university level. Students should consult a college adviser if they need assistance or have questions about a specific course schedule.

    Health Science - General
    Health Science - Pre-Occupational Therapy
    Health Science - Pre-Physical Therapy
    Health Science - Preprofessional
    Health Science - Pre-Public Health

    General Health Science

    The general specialization is designed for students who want to work in a health care field that does not require an extensive basic science background (e.g., health administration, public health).

    To be on-track for the junior year, students must meet the critical-tracking criteria listed below, beginning with the first fall or spring term.

    To be considered for admission at the junior level, students must:

    • Remain on track each subsequent fall and spring term, for a total of four semesters.
    • Complete APK 2105C, BSC 2007 or BSC 2010, PSY 2012 and STA 2023 by the end of the third semester.
    • Formally apply to the college by February 1. The college application packet is available on the BHS website. Transfer students must apply separately to UF and to the college.

    Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

    Critical Tracking

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

    Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

    Semester 1

    • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete ENC 1101 or ENC 1102 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework, including ENC 1101 or higher, with minimum grades of C

    Semester 2

    • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete BSC 2007 or BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete PSY 2012 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18, including the university writing requirement
    • Complete ENC 1102 with a minimum grade of C

    Semester 3

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA on all critical-tracking courses, based on all attempts
    • Complete CLP 3144 or DEP 3053 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete APK 2105C and STA 2023 with minimum grades of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

    Semester 4

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA and minimum grades of C on all critical-tracking courses, based on all attempts
    • Complete all general education coursework
    • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254, Writing for the Health Professions, or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
    • Complete the university math requirement
    • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework
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    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

    Semester 1 Credits
    ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR)
    3
    Elective 3
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Physical or Biological Science (GE-P or B) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics or
    BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (GE-B)
    3
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) 3
    HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions 3
    PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S) 3
    Humanities (GE-H, N) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 3 Credits
    APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology With Laboratory 4
    CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology (GE-S) or
    DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology (GE-S)
    3
    ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR) 3
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (GE-M) 3
    Elective 2
    Total 15
    Semester 4 Credits
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Humanities (GE-H, D and WR) 3
    Electives 9
    Total 15

    Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

    • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which must be taken before the senior year.
    • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses, which appear in bold.
    Semester 5 Credits
    HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System 3
    HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability 1 3
    PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts 3
    STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 3
    Approved college elective 3
    Total 15
    Semester 6 Credits
    HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science 4
    HSC 4558 Survey of Diseases and Disabilities 2 3
    OTH 3416 Pathophysiology 3
    Approved college elective 3
    Elective, 3000/4000 level 3
    Total 16
    Semester 7 Credits
    HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team 2
    HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles 3
    RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory 1
    Approved college elective 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 6
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care 4
    HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 7
    Total 14
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    Health Science - Pre-Occupational Therapy

    Occupational therapy is a graduate-level program. The preprofessional OT track within the health science program gives students the opportunity to learn core health science content while simultaneously completing 3000/4000-level prerequisite coursework required for the graduate-level occupational therapy program at UF.

    To be admitted to the pre-OT track, students must have completed all 2000-level prerequisites required for the master's program in occupational therapy and have a 3.0 GPA. Students who make satisfactory academic progress in their health science and pre-OT coursework receive the Bachelor of Health Science and have priority for admission to the graduate-level OT program.

    Successful completion of the graduate program is required for eligibility to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) Occupational Therapist Registered (O.T.R.) certification examination and for eligibility to become licensed by the Florida State Board of OT Practice, Department of Health. For additional information, refer to the Department of Occupational Therapy.

    Critical Tracking

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

    Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

    Semester 1

    • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete BSC 2007 and BSC 2009L with a minimum grades of C
    • Complete ENC 1101 or ENC 1102 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete sociology or anthropology with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework (including ENC 1101 or higher) with minimum grades of C

    Semester 2

    • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete ENC 1102 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete HSC 2000 with a minimum grade of C (highly recommended course)
    • Complete APK 2100C, PSY 2012, or either CHM 1030 or PHY 2004/2004L with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18
    • Complete 28 cumulative hours of coursework

    Semester 3

    • Complete 3 additional critical-tracking courses, including APK 2105C, CLP 3144 and STA 2023, with minimum grades of C
    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 GPA on critical-tracking coursework based on all attempts
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27
    • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254, Writing for the Health Professions, or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
    • Complete 14 additional cumulative hours of coursework for a total of 42

    Semester 4

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete all critical-tracking courses with a 3.0 GPA and no grade below C
    • Complete all labs
    • Complete all general education coursework
    • Complete the university math requirement
    • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework
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    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

    Semester 1 Credits
    BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics (3) and
    BSC 2009L Biological Sciences Laboratory (1) (GE-B)
    4
    ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR)
    3
    Elective 2
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Sociology or anthropology course (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    APK 2100C Applied Human Anatomy With Laboratory (highly recommended) (4)
    (GE-B) or
    PHY 2004 and 2004L Applied Physics 1 (3) and Applied Physics 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) or
    CHM 1030 Basic Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1 (3) (GE-B)
    3-4
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) 3
    HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions (highly recommended) 3
    PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S) 3
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Total 15-16

    Students can complete missing coursework in the summer, but all first-year tracking criteria must be completed by the end of the summer term.

    Semester 3 Credits
    APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology With Laboratory (GE-B) 4
    CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology 3
    ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR) 3
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (GE-M) 3
    Humanities (GE-H, D) 3
    Total 16
    Semester 4 Credits
    HSC 3537 Health and Medical Terminology 3
    Electives 5-6
    Humanities (GE-H, N) 3
    Writing requirement course (WR) 3
    Total 14-15

    Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

    • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which can be taken any time in the junior year.
    • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses and pre-OT coursework, which appear in bold.
    Semester 5 Credits
    HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System 3
    HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability 1 3
    OTH 3200C Applied Human Development 1 3
    STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 3
    Elective, 3000/4000 level 3
    Total 15
    Semester 6 Credits
    HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science 4
    HSC 4558 Survey of Diseases and Disabilities 2 3
    OTH 3201 Applied Human Development 2 2
    OTH 3416 Pathophysiology 3
    PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts 3
    Total 15
    Semester 7 Credits
    HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team 2
    HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles 3
    OTH 4418 and 4418L The Nervous System and Disorders (3) and The Nervous System and Disorders Laboratory (2) 5
    RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory 1
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 4
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care 4
    HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions 3
    OTH 3413C Applied Kinesiology 3
    OTH 4412 and 4412L Musculoskeletal Anatomy (3) and Musculoskeletal Anatomy Laboratory (2) 5
    Total 15
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    Health Science - Pre-Physical Therapy

    Physical therapy is a doctoral-level program. Listed below is the suggested undergraduate prerequisite course sequence. For a description of the program and additional information, please refer to the Department of Physical Therapy.

    Course Sequence

    The following course sequence permits completion of general education requirements and UF health science and physical therapy prerequisites.

    The pre-PT program accepts AP or IB credit for one health science prerequisite course. All other prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better. Students should consult a college adviser if they have questions.

    To be admitted to the pre-PT track, students must meet the health science critical-tracking criteria each semester, beginning with the first fall or spring term. To be considered for admission at the junior level, students must remain on track each subsequent fall and spring term, for a total of four semesters. Students also must submit an application to the college and Ttansfer students also must apply to UF.

    Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

    Critical Tracking

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

    Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

    Semester 1

    • 2.3 GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete ENC 1101 or ENC 1102
    • Complete MAC 1140 or MAC 1147 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete PSY 2012 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework, including ENC 1101 or higher, with minimum grades of C

    Semester 2

    • 2.7 GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete ENC 1102 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete STA 2023 or DEP 3053 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18

    Semester 3

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete APK 2105C, BSC 2010, DEP 3053 and STA 2023 with minimum grades of C
    • 3.0 GPA on all critical-tracking courses, based on all attempts
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

    Semester 4

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete HSC 2000 with a grade of C or better (highly recommended)
    • Complete all critical-tracking courses with a 3.0 GPA and no grade below C
    • Complete all general education coursework
    • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254, Writing for the Health Professions, or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
    • Complete the university math requirement
    • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework
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    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

    Semester 1 Credits
    CHM 1025 Introduction to Chemistry 2
    ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR)
    3
    PSY 2012 General Psychology 3
    Humanities (GE-H, D) 3
    MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra (3) (GE-M, MR) or
    MAC 1147 Precalculus: Algebra and Trigonometry (4) (GE-M, MR)
    3-4
    Total 14
    Semester 2 Credits
    BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) 3
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics (GE-M) or
    DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology
    3
    Humanities (GE-H, WR) 3
    Total 17
    Summer Credits
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    Total 4
    Semester 3 Credits
    APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology With Laboratory 4
    DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology or
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics (GE-M)
    3
    ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR) 3
    PHY 2053 and 2053L Physics 1 (4) and Physics 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 5
    Total 15
    Semester 4 Credits
    APK 2100C Applied Human Anatomy With Laboratory 4
    PHY 2054 and 2054L Applied Physics 2 (4) and Applied Physics 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 5
    Humanities (GE-H, N) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S, WR) 3
    Total 14-15

    Critical-tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

    • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which can be taken any time in the junior year.
    • A minimum grade of C is required in all health science core courses, which appear in bold.
    Semester 5 Credits
    HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System 3
    HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability 1 3
    PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts 3
    STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 4
    Total 16
    Semester 6 Credits
    HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science 4
    HSC 4558 Survey of Diseases and Disabilities 2 3
    OTH 3416 Pathophysiology 3
    Approved college electives 6
    Total 16
    Semester 7 Credits
    HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team 2
    HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles 3
    RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory 1
    Approved college elective 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 6
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care 4
    HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 6
    Total 13
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    Health Science - Preprofessional

    Students interested in health careers requiring strong basic science backgrounds, such as medicine and physician assistant programs, should enroll in the preprofessional specialization.

    Additional science coursework is included within the track to help students meet preprofessional course requirements, but this coursework is not specifically required for the health science program unless it appears in bold.

    Students should meet with a prehealth adviser in the Academic Advising Center (100 Farrior Hall) and a PHHP adviser to ensure adequate preparation for professional entrance exams and the professional school application process. Students are responsible for ensuring they have the correct prerequisites for the professional program of their choice.

    To be on track for the junior year, students must meet the critical-tracking criteria listed below, beginning with the first fall or spring term. All critical-tracking courses appear in bold. To be considered for admission at the junior level, students must remain on track each subsequent fall and spring term, for a total of four semesters.

    Students also must apply formally to the college by February 1 for junior-level admission. The college application packet is available on the department website. Transfer students must apply separately to UF and to the college.

    Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

    Critical Tracking

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

    Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

    Semester 1

    • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete PSY 2012 and ENC 1101 or ENC 1102 with minimum grades of C
    • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework, including ENC 1101 or ENC 1102, with minimum grades of C

    Semester 2

    • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete ENC 1102 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete DEP 3053 or CLP 3144 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete STA 2023 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18

    Semester 3

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 GPA on all critical-tracking courses, based on all attempts
    • Complete APK 2105C and BSC 2010 with minimum grades of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

    Semester 4

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA and minimum grades of C on all critical-tracking courses
    • Complete all general education coursework
    • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254, Writing for the Health Professions, or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
    • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework
    Back to Top

    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold

    Semester 1 Credits
    ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR)
    3
    MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (GE-M) 4
    PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (recommend sociology course; GE-S) 3
    Total 13
    Semester 2 Credits
    CHM 2045 and 2045L General Chemistry 1 (3) and General Chemistry 1 Laboratory (1) 4
    DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology (GE-S) or
    CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology (GE-S)
    3
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) 3
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 3
    Humanities (GE-H, WR) 3
    Total 16
    Summer Credits
    CHM 2046 and 2046L General Chemistry 2 (3) and General Chemistry 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 4
    Total 4
    Semester 3 Credits
    APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology With Laboratory (GE-B) 4
    BSC 2010 and 2010L Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 1 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR) 3
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 14
    Semester 4 Credits
    APK 2100C Applied Human Anatomy With Laboratory * 4
    BSC 2011 and 2011L Integrated Principles of Biology 2 (3) and Integrated Principles of Biology 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-B) 4
    CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry 3
    PHY 2053 and 2053L Physics 2 (4) and Physics 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P) 5
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Total 16
    Summer Credits
    CHM 2211 and 2211L Organic Chemistry (4) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1) and/or
    Electives (three at 3000-level)
    5-8
    Total 5-8

    * APK 2100C may not be required for your career goal.

    Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

    • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which must be taken before the senior year.
    • Minimum grades of C are required in all health science core courses, which appear in bold.
    Semester 5 Credits
    HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System 3
    HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability 1 3
    PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts 3
    PHY 2054 and 2054L Physics 2 (4) and Physics 2 Laboratory (1) (GE-P 5
    STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 3
    Total 17
    Semester 6 Credits
    BCH 4024 Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 4
    HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science 4
    HSC 4558 Survey of Diseases and Disabilities 2 3
    OTH 3416 Pathophysiology 3
    Total 14
    Semester 7 Credits
    HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team 2
    HSC 4184 Health Care Leadership: Skills and Styles 3
    RCS 4415L Therapeutic Communication Skills Laboratory 1
    Approved college electives 6
    Elective, 3000/4000 level 3
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    HSC 4608L Critical Thinking in Health Care 4
    HSC 4652L Ethical and Legal Issues in the Health Professions 3
    Approved college elective 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 4
    Total 14

    The health science program requires 120 hours for degree. Students following the preprofessional guidelines will require more than 120 hours, which includes all pre-professional coursework.

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    Health Science - Pre-Public Health

    The pre-public health specialization is designed primarily for students who want to pursue advanced degree work in public health or a related field. It is also appropriate for those who want to acquire foundational public health knowledge before continuing to graduate or professional school or who will work in a health-care setting after graduation. In order to be on track for pre-public health at the junior level, students must meet the critical tracking criteria listed below, beginning with their first fall or spring term.

    To be considered for admission at the junior level, students must:

    • Remain on track each subsequent fall and spring term, for a total of four semesters.
    • Complete APK 2105C, BSC 2007 or BSC 2010, PSY 2012 and STA 2023 by the end of the third semester.
    • Formally apply to the college by February 1. The college application packet is available on the BHS website. Transfer students must apply separately to UF and to the college.

    Off-track UF freshmen and sophomores must speak with a college adviser before registering for the next semester.

    Critical Tracking

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements.

    Equivalent critical tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

    Semester 1

    • 2.3 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete ENC 1101 or higher with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 hours of general education coursework, including ENC 1101 or higher, with minimum grades of C

    Semester 2

    • 2.7 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • Complete BSC 2007 or BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete PSY 2012 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 18, including the university writing requirement

    Semester 3

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA on all critical-tracking courses, based on all attempts
    • Complete CLP 3144 or DEP 3053 with a minimum grade of C
    • Complete APK 2105C and STA 2023 with minimum grades of C
    • Complete 9 additional hours of general education coursework for a total of 27

    Semester 4

    • 3.0 cumulative GPA on work from all institutions
    • 3.0 critical-tracking GPA and minimum grades of C on all critical-tracking courses, based on all attempts
    • Complete all general education coursework
    • Complete the university writing requirement, which must include ENC 3254, Writing for the Health Professions, or a substitution approved by a PHHP adviser
    • Complete the university math requirement
    • Complete 60 cumulative hours of coursework
    Back to Top

    Recommended Semester Plan

    To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold.

    Semester 1 Credits
    ENC 1101 Expository and Argumentative Writing (GE-C, WR) or
    Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
    3
    Elective 3
    Humanities (GE-H) 3
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Physical or Biological Science (GE-P or B) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 2 Credits
    BSC 2007 Biological Sciences: Cells, Organisms and Genetics or
    BSC 2010 Integrated Principles of Biology 1 (GE-B)
    3
    ENC 1102 Argument and Persuasion (GE-C, WR) or
    Higher-level English course (GE-C, WR)
    3
    HSC 2000 Introduction to Health Professions 3
    PSY 2012 General Psychology (GE-S) 3
    Humanities (GE-H, WR) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 3 Credits
    APK 2105C Applied Human Physiology With Laboratory (GE-B) 4
    CLP 3144 Abnormal Psychology (GE-S) or
    DEP 3053 Developmental Psychology (GE-S)
    3
    ENC 3254 Writing for the Health Professions (WR) 3
    STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics 1 (GE-M) 3
    Elective 2
    Total 15
    Semester 4 Credits
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Humanities (GE-H, D and WR) 3
    Electives 9
    Total 15

    Critical-Tracking Criteria Semesters 5-8

    • Students must enroll in all semesters and take all core courses in the term/order indicated, with the exception of Introduction to Statistics 2, which must be taken before the senior year.
    • A minimum grade of C is required in all pre-public health core courses, which appear in bold.
    Semester 5 Credits
    HSA 3111 U.S. Health Care System 3
    HSC 3502 Survey of Diseases and Disability 1 3
    PHC 3603 Critical Issues in Public Health 3
    PHC 4101 Public Health Concepts 3
    STA 3024 Introduction to Statistics 2 3
    Total 15
    Semester 6 Credits
    HSC 3057 Research Methods and Issues in Health Science 4
    HSC 4558 Survey of Diseases and Disabilities 2 3
    PHC 3440 Global Public Health 3
    Approved college elective 3
    Elective, 3000/4000 level 3
    Total 16
    Semester 7 Credits
    HSC 3661 Therapeutic Communication Skills with Patients, Families and the Health Care Team 2
    PHC 4024 Applied Epidemiology 3
    RCS 4415L Communication Skills Laboratory 1
    Approved college electives 6
    Elective, 3000/4000 level 3
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    PHC 4117 Public Health Management and Leadership 3
    PHC 4943 Service Learning Practicum 1 3
    RCS 4451 Public Health Aspects of Substance Use 3
    Electives, 3000/4000 level 5
    Total 14
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majors: health-science