Bioethics and Natural Sciences
The Bioethics and Natural Sciences (BNS) Department addresses the needs and interests of students who intend to enter such areas as medicine, healthcare administration, allied health professions, environmental sciences or graduate studies in the natural sciences.
The BNS major combines a core program in physical and life sciences with the humanities and social sciences through courses in Philosophy, Healthcare Ethics, and liberal arts disciplines. BNS graduates will thus be educated in a tradition that emphasizes the whole person in a religious, social, political, and economic environment.
Furthermore, the BNS major prepares students for admission to medical or other allied health professional schools. Thus, the curriculum satisfies the requirements of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC); a necessity for medical school admissions.
Currently, the BNS major offers certain courses in clinical ethics and research internships under an arrangement with Cedars Sinai Medical center and additional off campus sites. These courses require senior standing in the major and a formal application / orientation process both on campus and at the Cedars Sinai or other facility. Eligible seniors must meet with the department chair well in advance of the fall semester of their final year of studies in the major to complete the application and acceptance process in time for the beginning of the fall semester.
This department offers the following major and minor:
    • Bioethics and Natural Sciences
Three concentrations are offered within the BNS program:
    • Premedical Studies
    • Health Science
    • Environmental Studies
The Premedical concentration prepares students for admission to graduate, medical, dental, pharmaceutical or veterinary schools.
The Health Science concentration prepares students for continued study in professional programs in allied health fields including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or healthcare administration.
The Environmental Studies concentration prepares students for entrance into graduate studies in Environmental Sciences or for entrance into various private sector positions such as environmental consulting and environmental engineering.
LOWER DIVISION COURSES:
NSC 100/100L GENERAL BIOLOGY (NON SCIENCE MAJORS) - 4 CREDITS
A conceptual approach to biology, stressing the unity of cellular structure and function. Physiological processes will be related to universal laws of nature and studies at the biochemical and molecular levels. Genetic coding and gene expression, human development, and physiology are discussed. Not open for credit to BNS majors.
NSC 101/101L BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS I AND LAB – LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
An introduction to the science of biology and the variety of organisms in the biosphere. Topics presented include theories relative to the origin of life, cellular structure and function, evolution as a unifying principle in biology, and processes of inheritance. Laboratory experiences give students an opportunity to understand scientific methods of investigation. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.
NSC 102/102L BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS II AND LAB – LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
An introduction to the study of biology at the organism, population, and environmental levels. Included are topics dealing with the structures and coordination of functions of complex multicellular organisms, biological factors that support community life systems, ecological interrelationships of plants and animals, and man’s impact upon the environment. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours. PREREQUISITE BSC 101/101L WITH GRADES OF C OR HIGHER
NSC 110/110L FOUNDATIONS OF CHEMISTRY - 3 CREDITS
An introduction to the principles and laws of chemistry including atomic structure and the periodic table, bonding, nomenclature, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, and introductory organic chemistry. Note: This course is a prerequisite to  NSC 111 if the student fails to qualify on the Chemistry Placement examination.
NSC 111/111L GENERAL CHEMISTRY IA - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
Lecture: atomic theory, atomic structure and the periodic table, molecular structure and bonding, introductory organic chemistry, structure and properties of solids, liquids, and gases, kinetic theory and colligative properties. Laboratory: use of the analytical balance and volumetric equipment, stoichiometry, molecular, and equivalent weights. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, four hours. PREREQUISITES: HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY, THREE YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS, AND SATISFACTORY SCORE ON THE CHEMISTRY PLACEMENT EXAMINATION, OR A GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN NSC 111.
NSC 112/112L GENERAL CHEMISTRY IB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
Lecture: chemical reactions, equilibria, kinetics, oxidation-reduction, metals, nonmetals, metalloids, radioactivity, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Laboratory: quantitative analysis using gravimetric and titration techniques. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, four hours. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CSC 111/111L
NSC 120/120L ORGANIC CHEMISTRY IA AND LAB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
Study of the reactions of hydrocarbons and organic compounds. Students will learn nomenclature and become familiar with reactions mechanisms, organic synthesis, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, four hours. PREREQUISITE: GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN CSC 102/102L.
NSC 121/121L ORGANIC CHEMISTRY IB AND LAB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
A continuation of CSC 110. Introduction to the chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, four hours. PREREQUISITE: GRADE OF C OR BETTER IN CSC 110/110L.
NSC 130 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES LECTURE, 3 CREDITS
The course serves as an introduction to environmental science and environmental studies with a focus on sustainability. Topics include the use of basic scientific concepts and tools for environmental problems; human population growth; cycles of carbon, water, and other matter; weather and climate; and the use of natural resources, in particular water and energy. The course will evaluate natural environmental processes, as well as human impacts to these processes. Students will consider sustainability issues and individuals' contributions toward environmental sustainability.
NSC 133 POLLUTION STUDIES, 3 CREDITS
This course focuses on the sources of air, water and soil pollution, the relationships between climate changes and global pollution levels, the development and impact of remediation technologies and related issues. PREREQUISITE: EES 100. COURSE IN ECOLOGY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
NSC 140/240 INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGY - 3 CREDITS (UPPER DIVISION CREDIT FOR BNS MAJORS ONLY).
This is an introductory course in Ecology (the study of interactions between and among organisms and the environment). This course will use a combination of approaches including multimedia enhanced lectures, group based study/discussion sessions and some field or laboratory based instruction. Although prior background in a biology course would be helpful, this is not required. The overall emphasis of the course is on developing a thorough working knowledge of the major concepts of Ecology as a discipline of learning as well as providing a means for examining how human beings affect the planet overall. The course will begin with a consideration of the defining characteristics of life and basic definitions for the discipline of ecology. We will continue by learning about how various changing global conditions influence living organisms and their distribution around the world. We will then turn our attention to an in-depth look at the interactions that occur within and between populations of organisms (population ecology). The latter half of the course (approximately) will be devoted to a study of planetary ecosystems and biomes as well as the organisms that characterize each ecosystem. Throughout the course, we will be focusing on the development of analytical and reasoning skills (a.k.a. “critical thinking skills”) in the context of the ecological impact of human life upon the rest of life on the planet. PREREQUISITES: A PRIOR BACKGROUND IN BASIC BIOLOGY IS RECOMMENDED.
MAT 100 LOGIC - 3 CREDITS
Study of elements of symbolic reasoning including propositional calculus, elementary quantification, forms of reasoning, and the structure of language. Same as PHL 100. Co-requisite: MAT A00.
MAT 100L LOGIC LAB
A one hour study section for MAT 100 students, devoted to solving problems assigned in class. Required of all MAT 100 students. Not offered for credit.
MAT 102 PRECALCULUS - 3 CREDITS
Designed to prepare students for the study of calculus. Topics include: function concepts, linear and polynomial functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. PREREQUISITE: MAT 010 OR EQUIVALENT. CO-REQUISITE: MAT A02
MAT 102L PRECALCULUS LAB
A one hour study section for MAT 102 devoted to solving problems assigned in class. REQUIRED OF ALL MAT 102 STUDENTS. NOT OFFERED FOR CREDIT.
MAT 103 CALCULUS I - 3 CREDITS
This is the first of three courses comprising the calculus sequence. The focus of this course is on differential calculus. The following topics will be covered: functions and limits; continuity; differentiation of simple algebraic and trigonometric functions; chain rule; graphical representation of derivatives; rates of change; absolute and relative extremes; optimization; graphic representation of polynomial and rational functions. Students will use computer software for calculation of limits, derivatives, and to produce graphs of functions. Prerequisites: A working knowledge of algebra (including the binomial expansion) and trigonometry. PLACEMENT BY EXAMINATION OR COMPLETION OF MAT 102 OR EQUIVALENT. CO-REQUISITE: MAT A03.
MAT 103L CALCULUS I LAB
A one hour study section for MAT 103 students, devoted to solving problems assigned in class. REQUIRED OF ALL MAT 103 STUDENTS. NOT OFFERED FOR CREDIT.
MAT 104 CALCULUS II - 3 CREDITS
The second course in the calculus sequence. The focus of this course is on integral calculus. The following topics will be covered: anti-derivatives and summation concept of integrals; definite integrals; integration techniques; application of integrals to calculation of plane areas, surfaces, and volumes of bodies of revolution; length of plane curves; differentiation and integration of exponential, inverse trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions; numerical integration; improper integrals; first order differential equations. Mathematical software will be used to calculate integrals. PREREQUISITE: MAT 103 OR EQUIVALENT. CO-REQUISITE: MAT A04.
MAT 104L CALCULUS II LAB
A one hour study section for MAT 104 students, devoted to solving problems assigned in class. REQUIRED OF ALL MAT 104 STUDENTS. NOT OFFERED FOR CREDIT.
MAT 107 PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS - 3 CREDITS
A one semester course consisting of the following: various notions of probability; finite sample spaces; conditional probability and independence; random variables; moments; expectation, variance, and descriptive statistics; samples and sampling distributions; point and interval estimations; hypothesis testing; and applications of hypothesis testing to the mean of the normal distribution. PREREQUISITE: PLACEMENT BEYOND INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA BASED ON AJU PLACEMENT TEST. CO-REQUISITE: MAT A07
MAT 107L PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS LAB 1 CREDIT
A one hour study section for MAT 107 students, devoted to solving problems assigned in class. REQUIRED OF ALL MAT 107 STUDENTS. NOT OFFERED FOR CREDIT.
MAT 010 INTRO TO COLLEGE MATH - 1 CREDIT
A review of the fundamental concepts of pre-college mathematics to prepare students for more advanced mathematics. Not offered for credit. This course is 3 CREDITS for purposes of tuition and financial aid.
NSC 101/101L INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS I AND LAB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
A study of motion including force, conservation laws, vibratory motion, and wave motion; an introduction to light, field theory, electricity, magnetism, and quantum mechanics. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours. PREREQUISITE: COLLEGE LEVEL ALGEBRA, PRE-CALCULUS OR CALCULUS
NSC 102/102L INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS II AND LAB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
A study of the properties of matter; thermodynamics, electrical circuits, optics, topics in astronomy, and relativity. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, three hours.
PREREQUISITE: PSC 110/110L WITH GRADE OF C OR HIGHER.
UPPER DIVISION COURSES:
NSC 200/200L HUMAN ANATOMY - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
The study of the structure of the human body including skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Functional relationships between these systems will be examined.
PREREQUISITES: BSC 101/101L, 102/102L OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR.
NSC 201/201L PHYSIOLOGY- LECTURE, 3 CREDITS, LAB, 3 CREDITS.
This multimedia based course presents a comprehensive treatment of the functions of the human body from a systemic perspective. The course covers nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, reproductive system functions and as time permits an introduction to the immune system. The laboratory is correlated with major lecture topics and affords the student with opportunities to explore EEGs, ECGs, muscle function, sensory systems etc. PREREQUISITES: COMPLETION OF ALL PREREQUISITE COURSES IN THE MAJOR.
NSC 205 GENETICS/MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - 3 CREDITS
This course is a comprehensive exploration of the principles of classical and modern molecular genetics intended for future graduate life science students, medical students and others whose career path requires such background. The course emphasizes concept/content mastery and development of problem solving skills. We will include microbial, plant, animal and human genetics models as appropriate to the specific subject we are studying (see course outline). PREREQUISITES: BSC 101/101L, 102/102L, CSC 101/101L, CSC 102/102L (BSC 220/220L RECOMMENDED).
NSC 220/220L BIOCHEMISTRY AND LAB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
A study of protein and functions, enzyme mechanisms, basic aspects of metabolic pathway and regulatory function. PREREQUISITES: BSC 101, 102,CSC 101, 102, 110, 111
NSC 221/221L-ADVANCED BIOCHEMISTRY- 3 CREDITS LECTURE, 1 CREDIT DISCUSSION/PROBLEM SOLVING.
The primary focus of this course is the in-depth study of the major metabolic pathways of the human body that are crucial for carbohydrate, protein, lipid and nucleic acid anabolism and catabolism. PREREQUISITES: COMPLETION OF ALL LOWER DIVISION PREREQUISITES AND BSC 220 WITH GRADE OF B OR HIGHER, OR CONSENT OF THE INSTRUCTOR. PRIOR OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN GENETICS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ANTICIPATED INTRODUCTION SPRING 2013
NSC 225/225L MICROBIOLOGY 4 LECTURE CREDITS - 2 LAB CREDITS
This is a lecture and laboratory based course devoted to the study of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi) and parasites (helminthes (worms)). The course does place emphasis on microorganisms of human medical importance, but will also study microbes of much broader importance. In particular, we will study the following aspects of microorganisms: morphological types & defining characteristics, life cycles and ecology, microbial biochemistry and molecular biology, human importance (e.g. in depth study of selected diseases, their cause, diagnosis and treatment) and the occurrence of extremophile species. We will also devote time to learning basic immunology, parasitological and antimicrobial control measures/therapeutics. PREREQUISITES: COMPLETION OF GENERAL BIOLOGY, GENERAL, ORGANIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY SEQUENCES OR CONSENT OF INSTRUCTOR. GENETICS PREFERRED
NSC 256/256L CELL PHYSIOLOGY - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
A lecture and laboratory study of the organization of cells including cell specialization, chemical composition, regulation of metabolism, protein synthesis, membrane transport, and cellular genetics and the cell cycle. PREREQUISITES: GENERAL BIOLOGY, GENERAL CHEMISTRY, ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS.
NSC 275 IMMUNOLOGY-LECTURE 3 CREDITS,
Case Histories, 1 CREDIT This course combines lectures and case history analysis to explore the cellular and humoral immune systems. The course focuses on innate immunity, acquired immunity, the primary and secondary immune response, the causes and consequences of hypo- and hyperactive immune responses. Cases from actual patients illustrate many of the course concepts and afford students with opportunities for problem solving experiences. PREREQUISITES: COMPLETION OF LOWER DIVISION BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, BIOCHEMISTRY AND GENETICS COURSES. MICROBIOLOGY AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
NSC 280/280L DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT.
This course is a comprehensive study of the patterns and processes that underlie animal development. The overall approach to this discipline is to address each of the major topic areas from both conceptual and comparative viewpoints so that the student develops broad based and in-dept h understanding of developmental processes and the results of each process. Topics will include the molecular level control of gene expression during development, the cellular basis of morphogenesis and pattern formation, molecular and cellular bases of the differentiation, induction and growth of embryos. In addition, this course will examine the phenomena of regeneration and remodeling as they pertain to the development of appropriate organisms. Laboratory studies will include the experimental examination of selected developmental systems such as ciliated protozoa (for pattern formation and regeneration), flatworms (regeneration), sea urchins, insects (invertebrate development), chicks and humans (vertebrate development). The effect of the environment on developing organisms is an underlying theme throughout this course. PREREQUISITES: COMPLETION OF LOWER DIVISION BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, BIOCHEMISTRY AND GENETICS COURSES.
UPPER DIVISION, OFF-SITE COURSES
NSC 295 CASE HISTORIES IN ETHICS 3 CREDITS:
Course offered at Cedars Sinai. Senior standing in the major is required. Students must make formal application for enrollment in this course, and be accepted by the BNS department on campus and by Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Students explore issues in clinical ethics based on actual in-patient cases under the guidance of faculty for CSMC’s Center for Healthcare Ethics. The course is held on site at CSMC. PREREQUISITES: COMPLETION OF ALL LOWER DIVISION COURSEWORK IN THE MAJOR. OFFERED IN SPRING SEMESTER OF SENIOR YEAR ONLY. ARRANGE FOR APPLICATION /ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES DURING THE FALL SEMESTER OF YOUR SENIOR YEAR AT THE LATEST BY CONTACTING BNS DEPARTMENT CHAIR.
NSC 297 RESEARCH INTERNSHIP AT CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER - 6 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
This course is a two semester intensive internship at a lab or in a management setting within the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Students are placed in a setting based on interest, career goals, and satisfactory completion of the freshman , sophomore and at least 1-2 upper division science courses that may be taken concurrently.. Students spend 20 hours per week during their senior year at the Medical Center and work with the AJU Bioethics Chair and the Cedars-Sinai Internship Mentor to prepare for this internship.
COURSES INTENDED FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS:
NSC 135 PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN BIOLOGY- 3 CREDITS
Drawing on the perspectives of biology, physiology and modern approaches to healthcare, this course provides an examination of the functioning of the human body as it relates to common health problems and practices of healthful living. Included are such topics as nutrition (including consideration of the principles of kashrus); physical fitness; disease; human sexuality; and the effects of alcohol, drugs.
 POSSIBLE NSC NON LAB COURSE APPROX 2014
INT 204 HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE LECTURE, 3 CREDITS
This course satisfies the Core requirement for an ACS non-lab science course for non-science majors.
NSC 105/105L PHYSICS IN EVERYDAY LIFE - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
This course fulfills the CAS Core requirement for a lab science course for all non-Bioethics & Natural Sciences majors. The course focuses on the physics that underlies many aspects of our daily lives and experiences…often finding expression in what are otherwise very commonplace situations. Anyone wishing to explore an area of science with daily relevance will find something of interest here!
NSC 106: THE WAY THINGS WORK: A SURVEY OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN EVERYDAY LIFE-3 CREDITS
The Way Things Work-Technology and Modern Life, 3 CREDITS A course for the non-science student that addresses the role of technology in modern life through the examination of a set of now commonplace inventions we use on a daily basis. The course will delve into the science underlying such common objects as spray cans, light bulbs, cell phones, fasteners (paper clips, staples), copiers and many other such devices. Each semester the course is offered there will be a different assortment of technologies presented. Anticipated Fall 2014 for NSC non-lab sci requirement
NSC 160/160L ELEMENTARY ASTRONOMY AND LAB - LECTURE 3 CREDITS, LAB 1 CREDIT
A review of astronomy discoveries from ancient Greek time to today. This includes the impact of astronomical discoveries on modern life. Discussion of modern techniques and discoveries. The lab will include observations and testing of hypotheses about the solar system using web-based astronomical resources. Field trips may be included depending on observation conditions during the semester.
PREMEDICAL CONCENTRATION
PREREQUISITES: MAT 100 (same as PHL 100); MAT 103, 103l, MAT 104, 104l, or MAT 107, 107L; NSC 101, 102, NSC101,102, 110,111, NSC 110,111
COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: NSC 205, 220,/220L, NSC 295, NSC 297 (2 semesters), PHL 203, 225, 290, , minimum of 2 upper division electives with more strongly recommended.
HEALTH SCIENCES CONCENTRATION
PREREQUISITES: MAT 100, MAT 107, PSY 100, SOC 101, NSC 101, 102, NSC 101, 102, NSC 101,102
COURSES REQUIRED: FOR THE MAJOR NSC 200 or NSC 254, 205, PHL 203, 225, 290, 295 (3 semesters), PSY 226, 233, 2 electives
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CONCENTRATION:
PREREQUISITES:  MAT 100 or college algebra, 107, NSC 101,102, NSC 101,102, NSC 101,102
COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: NSC 205, NSC 100, 110, 140, PHL 203, 225, 290, plus upper division sciences