Credit hours

Health, Behavior, and Communication

The human body is fascinating and our health is affected by a variety of factors beyond strictly physical concerns. This major takes an interdisciplinary approach to biology.

Students complete a natural science core complemented by courses that address personal and group behavior, the role community can play in an individual’s health, and how to communicate health information to a variety of stakeholders. Students are prepared for careers in patient care and engagement, health care management, and health care administration.

Perfect First Step

The study of human biology is excellent preparation for graduate study in patient care and public health.

Program Information

Format & Locations

Campus

College/School

College of Arts & Sciences

Degree type

Undergraduate

Credential type

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS)

Interdisciplinary Tracks

Students complete two of the following tracks.

Communication (9 credit hours)

Students will learn communication strategies, methods, and principles in order to disseminate health information effectively, influence audiences, and bring about change in the health field.

Sociology (9 credit hours)

Students will gain an understanding of the interaction between individuals, groups, and institutions and learn how to apply this to the health field.

Psychology (9 credit hours)

Students will gain an understanding of psychological principles and human behavior. They will then be able to evaluate research and health policy and improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of themselves and those they serve.

Health Science (9 credit hours)

Students will gain an understanding of community-based programs that focus on the overall health behaviors and risk factors of the community and be able to evaluate and apply these programs.

Exceptional Experience

Be Part Of The Conversation

Small class sizes and extensive interaction with instructors and fellow students promote a vibrant learning community where you’ll be challenged every day.

Beyond Biology

Human biology majors complete a core of biology courses, then choose two of these four tracks to round out their science education: communication, psychology, sociology, and health science.

Internships & Summer Shadows

Baker’s faculty excels at placing students in full-time summer internships and facilitating opportunities for job shadowing.

Students examine a glowing digital human anatomy model on an interactive table.

Dr. Erin Morris, Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry
"We saw a growing number of students who showed interest in biology and the social sciences, so we designed a major that allows students to take courses in multiple disciplines in preparation for a career in health care. This major is a good choice for students considering a job in health care and for students applying to nursing school or pharmacy school after earning a bachelor’s degree."

Careers

Human biology majors are prepared for these pursuits:
Graduate study in a variety of health-related fields
Nursing
Pharmacy
Health-care administration
Public health
Medical and pharmaceutical sales

Scholarships

The Department of Biology and Chemistry gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Biology
Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Chemistry
Howard T. Bonnett Scholarship and Mrs. Ivan L. Boyd Memorial Scholarship
Margaret E. Scanlon Endowed Memorial Scholarship
J. Cragoe Scholarship
Chemical Rubber Company Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award
Sonia Browning Endowed Scholarship
Doris Cink and Kathryn Zimney Endowed Scholarship

Student in green goggles carefully pours liquid from a beaker, another student in lab.

Academic Recognition

Outstanding Senior in Biology
Outstanding Freshman in Biology

Coursework & Requirements

BIOLOGY CORE REQUIREMENTS (22-24 hours)

Students must complete three of the following courses:

BI 151 and BI 151L Cell and Molecular Biology and Lab

BI 246 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

BI 247 Human Anatomy and Physiology II

BI 262 and BI 262L Microbiology and Lab

Students must complete three additional upper-level biology courses (10-12 hours)

INTERDISCIPLINARY TRACKS

Students majoring in human biology are required to complete two of the following tracks:

COMMUNICATIONS (9 hours)

CO 237 Introduction to Intercultural Communication

CO 337 Interpersonal Conflict Management

Choose from one of the following:

CO 245 Advanced Public Speaking

CO 355 Group and Team Communication

PSYCHOLOGY (9 hours)

PY 111 General Psychology

Choose one of the following:

PY 168 Human Sexuality

PY 234 Psychopathology

PY 236 Social Psychology

PY 243 Human Development

Choose one of the following:

PY 382 Health Psychology

PY 386 Clinical Psychology (If choosing this course, student must choose PY 234 Psychopathology as a prerequisite.)

SOCIOLOGY (9 hours)

SO 115 Principles of Sociology

One 200-level sociology course (SO prefix)

Choose one of the following:

SO 328 Sociology of the Family

SO 329 Gender and Sexuality

SO 330 Race and Ethnicity

SO 331 Social Class and Status

SO 338 Life Course

SO 363 Religion, Ritual, and Belief

SO 364 Culture and Society

SO 372 Sociology of Medicine

SO 410 Power, Politics, and Society

HEALTH SCIENCE (9 hours)

ED 180 Concepts of Health

EX 247 Public Health Aspects

EX 328 Health Promotions