Earn Your Shield
In The
Prerequisites for the Health Professions Program
Doane offers several science online courses to help graduates earn the credit they need to pursue graduate education in the health industry or medical school.
Programs we offerEarn Your Shield
In the
Prerequisites for the Health Professions Program
Doane offers several science online courses to help graduates earn the credit they need to pursue graduate education in the health industry or medical school.
Program OverviewWhy choose Prerequisites for the Health Professions
Program Overview
Doane’s all-online Prerequisites for the Health Professions program is designed to provide future healthcare providers with the foundational coursework required for successful entry into a health professions graduate program or medical school.
Courses are offered in an entirely online, eight-week format within Canvas, Doane’s course management system.
Doane’s online courses are fully accredited through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Costs
Courses start at $329 per credit hour
Costs will vary by course. Additional lab and textbook fees may apply.
For more information on specific course costs, please request more information via our online request form or contact a Doane University enrollment specialist.
Courses Offered
Biological Sciences
BIOL 125 - Biology I
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
An introductory biology course. Students will become familiar with the nature of science and the ways in which scientific tools are used to investigate living systems. Students will understand the basic structure and function of cells as organisms and as part of multicellular organisms. Students will become familiar with the history of genetics, and understand how cells reproduce and how information is transmitted from one generation to the next. Each module will be accompanied with an online laboratory.
BIOL 126 - Biology II
4 credits - Includes lab and lectures
This course will introduce students to the concepts and connections between evolution and ecology and includes an online lab component. Students will learn how populations evolve, including what factors are necessary for the process of evolution to occur, and how evolution accounts for both the diversity and similarity among all forms of life on Earth (with a focus on vertebrates). Students will use this information to understand the association between how life on Earth has evolved and how animal form (or structure) relates to function. Finally, by learning about the different types of environments on Earth, students will understand how organisms, populations, and communities, are affected by the dynamics of their surroundings (i.e., the ecosystem), and the importance of conserving the diverse forms of life of Earth.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I or its equivalent.
BIOL 210 - Medical Terminology
3 credits - Includes lecture
Medicine has a very distinct and highly specialized language. It is necessary for any student wishing to pursue a successful career in the medical field needs to acquire a comprehension in this system of communication, including Allied Healthcare professionals. Students of the Medical Terminology course will receive thorough instruction in developing fluency with medical terms. Medical vocabulary will be taught with specific emphasis on root (or stem words), prefixes, suffixes and abbreviations. By the end of this course students will be expected to have a basic comprehension of medical terms and be able to communicate accurately to their peers in the field.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I or its equivalent.
BIOL 215 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
A study of the structure and function of the human body, beginning with cells and tissues and then continuing with the study of the 11 major systems. Upon successful completion of these courses students will have a solid foundation in human structure and function and be prepared for basic clinical course-work.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I and II or their equivalents.
BIOL 216 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
A study of the structure and function of the human body, beginning with cells and tissues and then continuing with the study of the 11 major systems. Upon successful completion of these courses students will have a solid foundation in human structure and function and be prepared for basic clinical course-work.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Anatomy and Physiology I or its equivalent.
BIOL 219 - Pathophysiology
3 credits - Includes lecture
An introduction to the basic concepts of pathophysiology. Students examine the phenomena that produce alterations in human physiologic function and the resulting human response. Upon completion of this course, students will understand pathophysiological changes, including how pathological processes are manifested, progress in the body, and primary and secondary effects.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students have completed 6 hours of Anatomy and Physiology courses.
BIOL 225 - Genetics
3 credits - Includes lecture
The course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of heredity, chromosome structure, patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, and the genetics of human disease. In this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the patterns of inheritance by analyzing how DNA, RNA, and proteins affect the genotype and phenotype of an organism. Students will apply this knowledge, along with their understanding of classic inheritance patterns, to a range of human genetic disorders.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I and Biology II or their equivalents.
BIOL 295 – Biostatistics
3 credits - Includes lecture
An introductory course to the use of statistics and study designs in biology. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to design experimental, quasi-experimental and observational studies that will meet regulatory guidelines; collect, analyze, and interpret data using appropriate statistical tools.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I and II or their equivalents.
BIOL 323 - Anatomy
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
This is a detailed course in human anatomy and histology of major body systems. With the successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify the major organs, structures, and the major functions of each body system. They will understand how form leads to function and be able to and be able to predict the function of a structure or organ based on its histology and organization. Students will engage in learning these structures and their relationships to each other through anatomical models, histological preparations, and study of human cadavers. Through this investigation, students will be able to predict which organs or body systems are affected with disease or injury. Students will work collaboratively to learn the organization of the human body and will gain an appreciation of the intricacy and detail of the human body.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with BIOL 125: Biology I, BIOL 126: Biology II or their equivalents.
BIOL 324 - Physiology
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
This course covers function aspects of the human body from the cellular to the organ-system level. Students will learn the major physiology of body systems, including mechanisms and regulation of normal body functions and pathophysiological aspects of disease. Students will gain skills in measuring physiological outputs and will analyze these data to give meaningful interpretations of the physiological status of the body. Finally, students will gain an appreciation of the intricacy and detail of the human body, the importance of precision and accuracy in experimental work, and the value of collaborative learning.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with BIOL 125: Biology I, BIOL 126: Biology II or their equivalents.
BIOL 330 - Zoology
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
The course offers a survey of the animal kingdom and animal-like protists from an evolutionary perspective. Major lines of evolution will be traced as characteristics of each animal group are compared and contrasted. The taxonomy, diversity, behavior and ecology of all animal phyla will be studied with an emphasis on the functional anatomy of the major groups. Upon completion of this course, students will be proficient in classifying animal taxonomy and phylogeny, distinguish between major animal phyla and will be able to provide examples of major theories of evolution within the animal kingdom.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Biology (BIOL 125) and Genetics (BIOL 225) or their equivalents.
BIOL 333 – Microbiology
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
This course is designed to meet the requirements of students interested in careers in allied health and nursing. Microbiology for Health Professions is a one semester course that emphasizes the interaction of microorganisms with humans and the diseases they cause. The primary focus of the course is the role of microbes in disease. Topics include nosocomial infections, microbial pathogens, virulence factors and pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, the immune system, epidemiology, and practical means of controlling the spread of disease. Critical thinking and analysis is emphasized throughout the course. Allied health students completing this course will understand the disease-causing mechanisms of a representative group of pathogenic microorganisms, how these microbes are transmitted and the relevant control techniques, as well as how the body defends itself from pathogen invasion.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with Biology I and II or their equivalents.
Course requires the purchase of a home lab kit to complete. (est. $120)
BIOL 343 – Immunology
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course will explore the human immune system and its relationship to human health and disease. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and development of the various components of the immune system, the mechanisms of innate and acquired immunity, the development of vaccines to modulate immune function, and the disease states that can result when the immune system fails. Students in this course will demonstrate knowledge about the basic experimental methods used to evaluate immune system function.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students have completed 6 hours of Biology and 3 hours of college-level General Chemistry.
BIOL 353 – Histology
3 credits - Includes lecture
Histology is the study of microscopic anatomy and is a vital tool in modern healthcare and many research environments. In this course students will be introduced to normal and abnormal microscopic anatomy of human tissues. Coursework will emphasize the dependence of morphological form on the functional demands of cells and tissue. Upon course completion, students will be able to distinguish common histological techniques and visualization methods including light and electron microscopy, as well as typical staining procedures. Students will demonstrate the ability to describe normal human cells and tissues and to correlate structural features of cell and tissue types with functional differences. Students will demonstrate the knowledge needed to identify representative histological micrographs of normal human tissues.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students have completed 3 hours of Biology.
BIOL 363 – Molecular Biology
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
This molecular biology course will explore the interface between genetics and biochemistry. Students will delve into the concepts underlying how biomolecules interact in various parts of the cell, focusing heavily on DNA replication, transcription, and translation. In this course, students will engage in a detailed study of varied aspects of molecular biology and will demonstrate their understanding of techniques such as molecular cloning, macromolecule blotting, and polymerase chain reaction, which are commonly used in research.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students have completed Biology I, Biology II, and Organic Chemistry I.
Cannabis Studies
CANN 105 - History of Cannabis
3 credits - Includes lecture
The course focuses on hemp origin and importance of the plant from a historical context. Topics will include the history of cannabis from ancient India to its place in the modern globalized 21st Century World.
CANN 210 - Cannabis Industry
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course will provide a general overview of cannabis, marijuana, hemp, cannabinoids, and effects on humans and animals. Topics will include, horticulture, seed genetics, cultivation, farming, and harvesting techniques of cannabis.
CANN 215 - Agronomy of Hemp
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course provides an in depth investigation of hemp as an agronomic and horticultural crop. Agronomic principles pertaining to industrial hemp as a field crop are explored, including the cultivation, management, and harvesting of hemp for fiber and seed production.
CANN 220 - Biology of Hemp
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course will explore fundamental concepts in plant biology as applied to industrial hemp. It emphasizes hemp anatomy and development, energy and water usage, primary and secondary metabolism, stress responses, pathophysiology and reproduction.
CANN 235 - Cannabis Testing Methods
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course covers all analytical and microbial testing methods of cannabis that are required by federal and state regulation laws.
CANN 240 - Cannabis Processing
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course will examine all processing and refinement methods of cannabis, including marijuana and hemp. Students will learn about extraction methods, distillation techniques, and purification methods.
Humanities
COMS 112 - Small Group Communication
3 credits - Includes lecture
A course in the theory and practice of communication in small groups for problem solving, decision making, education, therapy, and other purposes.
COMS 210 - Public Speaking
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course focuses on the development of effective public speaking skills. Students completing this course will understand and be able to apply public speaking knowledge, including audience analysis, exigency analysis, research and critical analysis of content, organization of content in appropriate formats, presentational skills, and the linguistic requirements of public speaking. These skills will be demonstrated through several speech presentations including informative, persuasive, interpretive, and other styles.
COMS 220 - Interpersonal Communications
3 credits - Includes lecture
A focus upon the nature and influence of communicative behavior in close, personal relationships. Interpersonal communication structures and processes are explored as they relate to the development and maintenance of identities and friendships, as well as romantic and family relationships.
COMS 316 - Business and Professional Communications
3 credits - Includes lecture
An exploration of the communication process in organizations and institutions. The course includes study and practice in interpersonal, small group, and public communicative situations as those typically encountered in the workplace.
ENGL 101 - English Composition I: Writing Seminar
3 credits - Includes lecture
A writing intensive course designed to enhance the quality of critical thinking and the knowledge of writing. A variety of texts are interpreted, and critical responses are written, using one or more literary forms. The student increases breadth and depth of critical thinking and knowledge of writing.
ENGL 102 - English Composition II: Writing Arguments
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course will engage students in the process of written argument. Students will take increased responsibility for the composition process, and, upon completion of the course, they will be able to develop informed perspectives based on the collection and analysis of authoritative sources. Students will be able to construct cogent arguments from those perspectives through the logical development of ideas, consistent style, and technical precision. Moreover, students will learn to adapt to varied audiences and rhetorical situations.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with English 101 or equivalent.
Health Sciences
HLHP 209 - Nutrition
3 credits - Includes lecture
An introduction to basic principles of human nutrition with emphasis on nutrients, food sources, and function ofßnutrients within the human body. Nutritional requirements throughout the lifespan are addressed, as well as the impactßof cultural, psychological, and physiological dimensions.
HLHP 342 - Sports Nutrition
4 credits - Includes lecture
This course is designed to provide the basic principles of sports nutrition for exercise/athletic performance with an emphasis on nutrition strategies for maximum performance and altering body composition; and nutrition before, during and after competition. Major topics explored include fluid and electrolytes, dietary supplements, hormones, performance enhancing substances and methods, and feeding and eating disorders.
HLHP 345 - Exercise Physiology
4 credits - Includes lecture
This course serves to nurture an understanding of the physiological systems and how they are applied to the biology of exercise and nutrition; including references to physical activity common to secondary school (7-12) aged children. Students will also demonstrate an ability to apply theory of appropriate procedures in the physical training and conditioning for competition and physical fitness.
HLHP 346 - Kinesiology/Applied Biomechanics
3 credits - Includes lecture
Provides information for the potential coach, physical educator, therapist, and/or sport/fitness manager. Course concepts will involve those factors which identify limitations to human locomotor and non-locomotor movement. The student will understand gross skeletal musculature anatomy, neuromuscular concepts, and physical laws of motion as they apply to human movement. The student will be able to apply theory of acquisition of motor skills and will be able to assess common musculoskeletal disorders as well as identify the etiology and therapeutic exercise for such conditions.
Mathematics
MATH 105 - College Algebra
3 credits - Includes lecture
This College Algebra course will cover fundamental concepts of algebra required to interpret a variety of functions and equations. Topics within this course include: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, inverse functions and their graphs; linear inequalities; and linear systems of equations. Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate increased ability in problem-solving and logical thinking.
MATH 110 - Introductory Statistics
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course will serve as an introduction to the many uses of statistics. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand the basics of description statistics, graphical presentations, the normal distribution, simple linear regression, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests as they apply to real-world situations.
MATH 125 - Precalculus
4 credits - Includes lecture
A study of topics in algebra and trigonometry that are used in calculus. Topics include functions, advanced algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions, and trigonometry. Students who successfully complete this course will have the mathematics background needed to study calculus.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students have completed two years of high school algebra.
MATH 235 - Calculus I
4 credits - Includes lecture
An examination of the fundamentals of limits and differentiation and an introduction to integration. Students successfully completing this course will be able to 1) conceptually understand the definitions of limit, derivative and integral, 2) apply the concepts of limits and differentiation to a variety of theoretical and real-life questions, and 3) decisively utilize paper/pencil and technology-based problem-solving techniques.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students have completed Precalculus.
Physical Sciences
CHEM 125 - General Chemistry I
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
Through lecture and lab experience, students will be exposed to and will demonstrate an understanding of basic conceptsin chemistry such as nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, the periodic table, the electronic structure,bonding, and the gas laws.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended students have 2 years of high school algebra or any 100 level math course.
CHEM 126 - General Chemistry II
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
Through lecture and lab experience, students will be exposed to and will demonstrate an understanding of the factors that determine the speed and extent of chemical reactions - kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Chemistry I or its equivalent.
CHEM 205 - Organic Chemistry I
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
Organic Chemistry is the chemistry of carbon and its compounds. Organic molecules are building blocks of life. Proteins, fats, sugars, nucleic acids are some examples of important organic molecules. However, organic chemistry also includes synthetic compounds, such as polyesters, plastics, and countless other materials used in everyday life. Through lecture and laboratory, students successfully completing the course will demonstrate an understanding of organic reactions, syntheses, mechanistic, and structural studies of organic compounds.
Students will also learn classical organic laboratory skills and instrumentation, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectroscopy.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with General Chemistry I and II or their equivalents.
CHEM 206 - Organic Chemistry II
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
This course will teach students advanced organic reactions, syntheses, mechanistic, and structural studies of organic compounds. Furthermore, students will learn the organic synthesis of proteins and DNA. Through lecture and laboratory, students successfully completing the course will demonstrate an understanding of organic synthesis, organic laboratory skills, and instrumentation, such characterization of unknowns, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectroscopy.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students are familiar with Organic Chemistry I or its equivalent.
CHEM 260 - Pharmacology
3 credits - Includes lecture
This pharmacology course will explore the mechanism of action of pharmaceutical drugs on a molecular level. We will delve into various drug classes and decipher how they affect systems within the human body. Students who successfully complete this course will demonstrate increased knowledge in pharmacokinetics, drug toxicity, therapeutics, and drug discovery. Suggested prerequisites: knowledge of General Chemistry and General Biology, or their equivalents, are recommended to be successful in this course
CHEM 330 - Biochemistry I
4 credits - Includes lab and lecture
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes at work in the context of living organisms. Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate an understanding of molecular structure and function of biomolecules, as well as chemical transformation, energetics and basic regulation of central metabolic pathways. In the lab students will gain experience with common methodologies for investigating proteins.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students are familiar with General Chemistry I, II, and Organic Chemistry I, or their equivalents.
PHYS 107 - Introductory Physics I (Algebra-based)
4 credits - Includes lecture and lab
A course designed to meet the needs of the pre-professional student and the science major as well as providing an introduction to physics for all students. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Students will gain conceptual understanding and ability to use quantitative methods to model physical phenomena of the topics covered. This course includes laboratory work.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students are familiar with Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry or their equivalents.
PHYS 108 - Introductory Physics II (Algebra-based)
4 credits - Includes lecture and lab
A course designed to meet the needs of the pre-professional student and the science major as well as providing an introduction to physics for all students. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, electronics, optics, and selected areas of modern physics. Students will gain conceptual understanding of the topics covered and ability to use quantitative methods to model physical phenomena. This course includes laboratory work.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students are familiar with Introduction to Physics I or its equivalent.
PHYS 201 - General Physics I (Calculus-based)
4 credits - Includes lecture and lab
A calculus-based introduction to physics. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and sound. Students will gain conceptual understanding of the topics covered and ability to use quantitative methods, including calculus, to model physical phenomena. This course includes laboratory work.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students are familiar with Calculus I or its equivalent.
PHYS 202 - General Physics II (Calculus-based)
4 credits - Includes lecture and lab
A calculus-based introduction to physics. Topics covered include electricity and magnetism, electronics, optics, and selected areas of modern physics. Students will gain conceptual understanding of the topics covered and ability to use quantitative methods, including calculus, to model physical phenomena. This course includes laboratory work.
For successful completion of this course it is recommended that students are familiar with General Physics I and Calculus II or their equivalents.
Social Sciences
PSYC 117 - Introduction to Psychology
3 credits - Includes lecture
An introduction to the systematic study of human cognition, emotion, and behavior with an emphasis on the scientific method. Fundamentals of behavior, learning, conditioning, development, cognitive processes, perception, emotion, personality, and psychopathology are among the content areas studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of the scientific method for the study of human nature. Students successfully completing the course will demonstrate a general understanding of the knowledge established in these areas, as well as the methods used by psychologists to acquire that knowledge.
PSYC 259 - Lifespan Development
3 credits - Includes lecture
A study of human development from the prenatal period through death. Cognitive, emotional, and social development are considered. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate their understanding of how physical, psychological, and social factors influence development; the research techniques used to study development; and the practical applications of developmental research.
PSYC 416 - Abnormal Psychology
3 credits - Includes lecture
This course examines abnormal behavior and psychopathology including diagnoses, causes, and treatments. The role of society and culture in determining definitions of abnormal behavior and approaches to treatment is also addressed. Students successfully completing the course will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the etiology, prevalence rates, and treatment of a variety of major psychological disorders and critically discuss social and cultural factors relevant to psychopathology.
For successful completion of this course, it is recommended that students have had two previous psychology courses.
SOCI 109 - Introduction to Sociology
3 credits - Includes lecture
An introduction to the systematic study of society in terms of social organization, processes, institutions, and relationships.
DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Student Perspectives
Doane has created a truly exceptional online Biochemistry course and Professor Beio is fantastic.
I am so incredibly impressed with this course so far. I have done a couple other sciences online and they do not compare to how well this course is designed. The way the course is designed ensures that we are learning the material and provides practical, “hands on” lessons and assignments.
I was so thankful to have found a program that allowed for online biology and chemistry courses. This allowed me to finish my optometry prerequisites and apply to optometry school on time. Doane gave me the opportunity to continue following my dream from home.
I can say with all honesty that this has been the best school I have ever worked with. Every step with your school was a breeze from the person who contacted me originally, to the bookstore, to the professor etc. The professor, by the way, is one of the best I have ever had.
LEARN MORE, EARN MORE
The Doane Difference
An education is an education, right? Not at Doane. At Doane, we understand that life, family and career come first - that’s why Doane offers flexible night and weekend classes that fit with your life. We make the time for your education, not the other way around.
Attending college as a non-traditional student is personal - and an education at Doane is just that… personal. You’re a first name and a smile when you walk in, not a number. We’re a reference for the job, a career coach, a life coach, a tutor and a mentor. We care that you succeed while attending Doane and long after you leave our doors.
Still have questions?
Request more information.