Bachelor of Science - Integrated Human Biology

Program Summary - Integrated Human Biology

The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Integrated Human Biology serves as excellent preparation for a career as a 21st-century health practitioner or biomedical researcher. This fully accredited undergraduate degree equips students with the competencies necessary to pursue a range of professional degrees (naturopathic doctor, medical doctor, dentist, pharmacist), allied health degrees (physician's assistant, nurse, physical therapist) and graduate studies in biological sciences.

With a focus on hands-on scientific research, this progressive program connects concepts from physiology, anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics — rather than teaching each subject individually. This distinct approach helps students unravel the complexities of human biology and achieve a unified understanding of the structure and function of the body. In this way, students acquire a strong foundation in biological science and are prompted to develop critical thinking skills applicable to careers in biology and health.

New students must have completed 90 college credits to enter. The program provides a space for community college students looking to complete a degree and also welcomes transfer students from traditional four-year colleges.

Program Features

• Excellence in teaching and mentoring — Small class sizes, an introductory seminar the first quarter, and faculty mentorship throughout the program all serve to foster a supportive learning environment, encourage collaborative learning and develop communication skills.
• An emphasis on scientific research skills — Students participate in hands-on, inquiry-based labs and must complete a research proposal. Students also have the opportunity to complete an original research project. Additional research opportunities may be available through the Bastyr University Research Institute.
• Multidisciplinary electives — Students have the opportunity to take elective coursework in psychology, nutrition, herbal sciences and other disciplines that provide a broader perspective on human health.
• Access to the University's numerous resources — including financial aid, modern student housing, a whole food dining commons, a health sciences library and a 51-acre Seattle-area campus.
• Serene, wooded surroundings — The University campus abuts the second largest lake in Washington and the 316-acre Saint Edward State Park, which features miles of hiking, running and biking trails.
• A diverse student body — Bastyr draws undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across the United States and 28 other countries.

Curriculum - IHB

The curriculum tables that follow list the tentative schedule of courses each quarter. Next to each course are the number of credits per course (Crdt.), the lecture hours each week (Lec.), the lab/clinic hours each week (L/C) and the total contact hours for the course over the entire quarter (Tot).

Junior Year (Year I)

Senior Year (Year II)

Total Requirements

Expected Learning Outcomes

The Department of Basic Sciences has established the following expected learning outcomes for its Bachelor of Science with a Major in Integrated Human Biology programs:

• Demonstrate understanding of the scientific process and describe how scientific knowledge is developed and supported.
• Use mathematics and quantitative reasoning appropriately to describe or analyze natural phenomena
• Demonstrate understanding of basic physical principles and apply these principles to living systems
• Demonstrate understanding of basic principles of chemistry and apply these principles to living systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how biological molecules contribute to the structure and function of cells.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the link between structure and function at all levels within a living organism: molecular, microscopic, macroscopic.
• Explain how internal environments are maintained in the face of changing external environments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theory of evolution by natural selection.       
• Demonstrate an understanding of the biological basis for human behavior 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the human organism and the biosphere as a whole.