Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA)
Curriculum
This Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) track builds on a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students are prepared for admission into PA school at Mercy College or another institution. In the workplace, Physician Assistants provide patient care under the direction of a physician. Students who attend Mercy College’s Pre-PA track Biology degree and meet the College’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program competitive admission criteria are guaranteed an interview for the MPAS Program.
Sample Program of Study
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 205 | General Biology I | 5 |
| CHM 210 | General College Chemistry I | 5 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HSC 100 | Introduction to Health Careers | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 206 | General Biology II | 5 |
| CHM 211 | General College Chemistry II | 5 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 220 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MTH 150 | Calculus | 4 |
| PHS 220 | College Physics I | 4 |
| General Education course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity – Religious Studies (GAHR) | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 221 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 240 | Career Topics for Biology Majors | 1 |
| MTH 140 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PHS 221 | College Physics II | 4 |
| 3 Free Elective Credits | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 200 | Science in the News | 2 |
| BIO 290 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| CHM 320 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| SOC 211 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 336 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHM 321 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| REL 290 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 350 | Biology of Human Reproduction | 3 |
| BIO 410 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 430 | Principles of Ecology | 4 |
| PSY 201 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
| 1 Free Elective Credit |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 400 | Service Learning in Biology | 2 |
| BIO 420 | Histology | 4 |
| CHM 410 | Biochemistry | 5 |
| General Education course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity - Religious Studies (GAHR); or Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS) at the 300/400 level | 3 |