Biology, Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science Track, B.S.

Biology

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Biology prepares students for cutting-edge careers as well as advanced study in forensic, agricultural, pharmaceutical, governmental, clinical, and academic settings. Small class sizes and hands-on laboratory experiences make the Biology program at Neumann University unique. In this major, students can choose from one of the following three tracks of study, each of which is designed as a preparation for exciting career options in the life sciences that are most compatible with their interests and career goals.

Track I focuses on the study of General Biology. Students are introduced to a rigorous course of study that prepares them for careers in medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as opportunities for graduate study in research, forensics, and medicine. Students are offered challenging biology courses that prepare them intellectually for careers in general biological fields, forensic science, and biotechnology. The degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in the health professions, such as medicine, veterinary medicine, and physical therapy. Students in this track are required to participate in off-campus research or applied science through the University’s Office of Career Development..

Track II offers a combined study of Biology and Clinical Laboratory Science. Students are taught about medical conditions and how to apply that knowledge to the performance of clinical laboratory tests. Through this learning process, students are enabled to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. In addition, the degree provides for careers in medical, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as opportunities for graduate study in research, forensics, and medicine. As part of their program requirements, students must participate in and successfully complete a clinical practicum. Graduates of this track may also write to appropriate certifying agencies requesting a general certification in medical laboratory science as well as specialty certification in clinical biochemistry, clinical hematology, clinical immunohematology, and/or clinical microbiology.

Track III provides students the option of seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Biology and General Science as part of their program of study in Biology. Students pursuing this track of study are provided with an interdisciplinary experience that combines biology with selected education courses, including a secondary education student teaching practicum. This track enables students to pursue professional teaching positions in secondary education.

For Neumann graduates, limited space may be available in the University’s graduate program in Physical Therapy. Students interested in this option must meet all the criteria for admission into the Physical Therapy Program, as outlined in the University’s Graduate Catalog, including all prerequisite courses, and must have at least 2,000 hours of volunteer work, observation, or actual work experience in a physical therapy setting.

Mission

In accordance with the Mission Statement of Neumann University and that of the Division of Arts and Sciences, the purpose of the Biology Program is to provide excellent undergraduate professional education in general biology that is founded on the core values of St. Francis of Assisi. By linking Franciscan values and tradition with a strong liberal arts and professional education, graduates of Neumann University’s Biology Program will have the knowledge and skills that are required for competent professional practice; for lifelong development of that practice; for advanced study in biology, clinical lab science (CLS), or education; and for fulfillment of professional and social responsibility.

Accreditation

Neumann University’s Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science Track is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL 60018; Telephone: 773-714-8880; Fax: 773-714-8886; or www.naacls.org.

Biology Major: Program Goals

The Program Goals of the Biology Major are to:

• Provide students with a broad educational background by using a variety of resources, laboratory experiences, and reflection related to life sciences.
• Provide a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum based on current societal trends.
• Provide excellent quality instruction in all science courses using the latest in technological advances.
• Develop in students the professional attitudes and ethics required of scientists.
• Educate the students in the merits of continuing professional education in their field.
• Provide the region served by the program with graduate biology scientists who can function at career entry levels and who can assume leadership roles in the sciences.
   

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Biology Program, a graduate will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and will be proficient in the following entry level competencies to:

1. Describe the key concepts of biological and natural Sciences.

2. Perform a range of laboratory procedures that includes the latest in technological advances.

3. Practice the scientific method in laboratory exercises.

4. Demonstrate effective communication skills in both written and oral formats.

5. Demonstrate professional and ethical attitudes required of scientists.

6. Select appropriate test methods, and solve problems using critical thinking skills related to the life sciences.

7. Conduct literature searches and write reviews on scientific topics.

8. Discern in-depth career opportunities and benefits of continuing education related to career goals.

Note: For those students pursuing Track II of the Biology major, apply for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification Examination for Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) certification, which administered by the Board of Certification of the ASCP upon completion of the BIO/CLS Track.

Note: For those students pursuing Track III of the Biology major, apply for the  PRAXIS II and become properly certified to teach Biology and/or General Science, pending successful completion of all Secondary Teacher Certification requirements.

The granting of the degree is not contingent with the passing of any type of external certification or licensure examination.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for admission to the Biology major are required to:

• Complete two semesters of freshman biology with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Complete one semester of general chemistry with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in every required major and allied course requirement taken to date.
• Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the time of formal application to the major.
• Students seeking admissions into the Biology- Clinical Laboratory Science track must have a minimum cumulative Science GPA of 2.50 or higher.
• If seeking Secondary Teacher Certification, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 at the time of formal application to the major. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Certification sections of this catalog for more details.
• If seeking the BIO/CLS track, provide the Program Director of the BIO/CLS track with evidence of an optimal level of individual health, as well as the student’s ability to perform in the BIO/CLS track.
• If seeking the Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science track, the student should be aware that there are specific physical, emotional, and professional expectations that must be successfully demonstrated and maintained throughout the program’s course of study.
  • The physical demands that are required include the ability to:
    • Perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity;
    • Operate state-of-the-art instruments, including computers;
    • Use a microscope and differentiate microscopic components; and,
    • Perform delicate manipulations which require good eye-hand coordination.
  • The emotional demands that are required include the ability to:
    • Perform laboratory procedures accurately and quickly even under stressful conditions;
    • Exercise independent judgment and think logically in the performance of one’s duties; and
    • Organize and assume responsibility for one’s work.
  • The professional demands that are required include the ability to:
    • Communicate in a professional, positive, tactful manner with patients, physicians, nurses, other health care and non-health care employees, and fellow laboratory personnel;
    • Maintain patient confidentiality and exercise ethical judgment, integrity, honesty, dependability, and accountability in the performance of one’s laboratory responsibilities;
    • Perform laboratory tests carefully, while maintaining efficiency and organization;
    • Exercise critical thinking skills to solve problems; and
    • Project a well-groomed, neat appearance.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements

Progression in the Biology major leading to a Bachelor of Science degree requires students to:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for Track I ; a minimum of GPA in Science courses of 2.5 is required for BIO/CLS; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for the Secondary Education Certification program.
• Receive a grade of “C” or higher in every major course requirement for Track I; a minimum of C+ in every BIO course if seeking BIO/CLS and a minimum grade of “B” in every required Education course, if seeking Secondary Education Certification.
• If a course required for the major must be repeated more than one time, the permission of the Dean of the Division is required. Please refer to the “Repeated Courses ” policy in the Academic Regulations and Standards section of this catalog for additional information.
• Receive approval from the Dean of the Division of Education and Human Services for the educational component of the Secondary Teacher Certification program.
• Receive approval from the Program Director of Clinical Laboratory Science for the BIO/CLS track and meet health standards for the BIO/CLS track.
• For the BIO/CLS track, demonstrate satisfactory technical performance and professional attitude in the clinical laboratory, and maintain a satisfactory health record.
• Complete a minimum of 126 credits for the Biology major.
• Complete a minimum of 129 credits with a major in the BIO/CLS track.
• Complete a minimum of 139 credits for Secondary Teacher Certification in Biology and General Science.

Internship Requirement

Students in the Biology major are required to experience research or applied science in an off-campus setting through the Internship Program at Neumann.

Student Teaching fulfills the internship requirement for students seeking Secondary Teacher Certification. The Practicum in Clinical Laboratory Science fulfills the internship requirement for the BIO/ CLS track.

Track II: Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science

Mission Statement

In accordance with and reflective of the Mission Statement of Neumann University and the Division of Arts and Sciences, in addition to the Biology mission, the mission of the Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science track is to:

• Provide excellent undergraduate professional education in Clinical Laboratory Science that is founded on the core values of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Foster life-long learning by encouraging the importance of continuing professional education.
• Encourage service to others through contributions to workshops and public health care forums.

Goal of the Biology/CLS Track

The primary goal of the Biology/CLS track is to provide excellent undergraduate professional education in Clinical Laboratory Science. To achieve this goal, the program is guided by the following objectives:

• Provide students with a broad educational background by using a variety of resources and experiences.
• Provide a strong undergraduate curriculum based upon current industry needs.
• Maintain the highest level of quality instruction in all Clinical Laboratory Science courses by including the latest technological advances in both lectures and laboratories.
• Develop professional attitudes and ethics that are required of the clinical laboratory scientist.
• Educate the students in the merits of continuing professional education.
• Provide the region served by the program with graduate clinical laboratory scientists who can function at career-entry levels and who can assume leadership roles as health professionals.

Program Outcomes

After completing all BIO/CLS course work and clinical practicum requirements with a minimum competency of 80%, a graduate of the BIO/CLS track of the biology major will be proficient in the following entry level Learning Outcomes and will be able to:

• Develop and establish procedures for collecting, processing, and analyzing specimens.
• Apply scientific principles, such as physiology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, laboratory principles, and methodology to the clinical setting.
• Perform a full range of clinical laboratory tests in such areas as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, serology/immunology, coagulation, molecular, analytical tests of body fluids and other emerging diagnostics with accuracy.
• Evaluate discrepancies that impact on laboratory services by integrating and relating data generated by the various clinical laboratory departments and make corrective decisions.
• Operate equipment properly; and trouble-shoot, establish and perform preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Perform assays according to laboratory protocol and recognize factors interfering with test results and take corrective action.
• Confirm abnormal results, verifying quality control procedures, executing quality control procedures, and developing solutions to problems concerning the generation of laboratory data using interpretive algorithms.
• Evaluate laboratory data results using quality control and quality assurance measures, and institute proper procedures to maintain accuracy and precision.
• Apply principles of continuous assessment to all laboratory services by developing, evaluating, and selecting new techniques, instruments, and methods in terms of their usefulness and practicality within the context of a given laboratory’s personnel, equipment, space, and budgetary resources.
• Apply principles of quality assurance and quality improvement for all phases of laboratory services, such as pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical.
• Comply with established laboratory safety regulations and regulations governing regulatory compliance related to laboratory practice.
• Communicate, effectively and professionally, through oral and written skills to enable consultative interactions with healthcare personnel, external relations, customer service and patients in order to function successfully as a member of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct with patients, laboratory personnel, health- care professionals, and the public.
• Participate in continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
• Apply principles of educational methodology to educate providers and users of laboratory services.
• Evaluate published scientific studies utilizing knowledge of research design.
• Apply principles and concepts of healthcare delivery systems performance improvement dynamics in relation to laboratory service, laboratory operations, as well as financial management and human resource management of the clinical laboratory to enable cost-effective, high-quality, value-added laboratory services.

Clinical Practice Requirements

Health Standards

Health evaluations must be completed and the reports submitted to the University Health Services Office prior to application to the major and updated annually thereafter. Health forms may be obtained from the University Health Services Office.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is required of all Clinical Laboratory Science students. Proof of such health insurance coverage must be provided to the Program Director prior to the start of BIO 490 , BIO 491 , BIO 492 , BIO 493 , Practicum in Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Hematology and Hemostasis, Clinical Immunohematology and Clinical Microbiology in the senior year.

Transportation

Each Clinical Laboratory Science student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical practice sites throughout the entire program. Transportation requires that each student have personal access to a car.

Clinical Laboratory Practicum Settings

University laboratories and the clinical laboratories of Crozer-Keystone (Delaware County Medical Center, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Taylor Division, and Springfield Division Laboratories) and Philadelphia VA Medical Center,Wilmington VA Medical Center, Mainline Health System laboratories to include Lankenau, Paoli and Bryn Mawr, Cooper Health  System Laboratories, Inspira Medical Center to include Vineland, Woodbury, Elmer, and Bridgeton laboratories,  and Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Laboratoriesare utilized in the Clinical Laboratory Science courses.

Clinical Absence

Class size in Clinical Laboratory Science courses is limited to 15-20 students. Students are expected to be present for all clinical assignments. Absences from clinical assignments must be reported to the clinical agency and the Program Director before the expected time of arrival in the laboratory. All absences must be made up at the convenience of the clinical faculty.

Clearances

Students are required to apply for, obtain, and present to the Program Director a current FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance, by November 1st of their senior year prior to the start of the Spring Semester, in order to register for and participate in BIO 490 , BIO 491 , BIO 492 , BIO 493 , Practicum in Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Hematology and Hemostasis, Clinical Immunohematology and Clinical Microbiology. Students anticipating a Fall clinical practicum must apply for, obtain, and present to the Program Director the above clearances by July 15th prior to the start of the Fall practicum. Students should also be aware that the results of these clearances and criminal background checks must be released to the affiliate institutions at which they will be participating in their clinical practicum experience. Students are also required to have drug clearances. These clearances are due three weeks prior to the start of the clinical practicums.

Suggested Four-Year Curriculum: 129 Credits

Note:

One hundred percent of the students who graduate from the BIO/CLS program are employed immediately or by two months after graduation.  Of the students who begin the BIO/CLS program in their sophomore year, ninety-five percent complete the program in eight semesters.  The overall attrition rate of students leaving the program from 2009 to 2012 is 3.3%.  Eighty percent of the students who graduated in the last three years are working in the clinical laboratories.  Twenty percent of the students who graduated in the last three years are pursuing advanced degrees.