clinical education leadership SMU students

Department of Basic Sciences

Build the scientific foundation for a career in healthcare. The Department of Basic Sciences prepares students to understand the science behind human health and the clinical disciplines they will go on to study.

Apply Now Request Info

The Science Behind Healthcare Education

Basic Sciences supports healthcare education across Samuel Merritt University through instruction in anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and related disciplines. These courses give students the scientific grounding they need as they advance into clinical education and professional practice.

The department also offers undergraduate prerequisite science courses required for admission to SMU and many other health sciences programs. While Basic Sciences does not offer a degree, qualified students may enroll in prerequisite courses through an SMU program or as non-degree-seeking students.

Course Enrollment

Who can enroll?

Basic Sciences courses are available to students enrolled in eligible Samuel Merritt University programs as well as qualified non-degree-seeking students.

Enrollment is available throughout the year. Courses remain open until they reach capacity or the academic term begins. Individual courses are scheduled when minimum enrollment requirements are met.

Admission

Enrolling in prerequisite courses.

The Department of Basic Sciences does not offer degree programs. Students interested in prerequisite coursework should first determine whether they plan to enroll as:

an admitted Samuel Merritt University student, or
a non-degree-seeking student completing prerequisite courses for future admission.

Admission requirements and course availability vary throughout the year.

Tuition

Undergraduate pre-requisite Basic Sciences courses
Anatomy (BSCI 015) $646/unit
Anatomy (BSCI 016) $646/unit
Pathophysiology (NRSG 119) $646/unit
Pharmacology (NRSG 118) $646/unit
Physiology (BSCI 025) $646/unit
Physiology Lab (BSCI 026) $646/unit

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Because Basic Sciences courses are taken outside of a degree-granting program, financial aid is not available. Some private lenders will let you borrow for these courses. Please speak to a financial aid counselor about this possibility.

finaid@samuelmerritt.edu

SMU Biosafety Committee

The SMU Biosafety Committee is responsible for monitoring and ensuring the safe operation of the university teaching and research laboratories. The Committee meets regularly to review current conditions and establish the working protocols in accordance with established standards. All laboratory coursework and special research projects are pre-approved by the Committee and regularly reviewed when work is ongoing.

Below are links to several Biosafety documents that are an essential reference for all faculty and students working in a laboratory. Included is the SMU Biosafety Manual and Biological Use Authorization (BUA). The BUA must be completed by any Principal Investigator (PI) who intends to either teach a laboratory course or conduct a research project using biological materials. Additional documents include those used to renew or extend existing approved projects and Incident Report.

SMU Biosafety Manual
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) (For initial project approvals)
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Continuing Review (For annual ongoing project review)
Biological Use Authorization (BUA) Amendment (Use for changes to an approved BUA)
Student Policy Agreement (All BSL-2 workers must complete this.)
Laboratory Incident Report (Use for any adverse event or injury.)
Laboratory Inspection Checklist, BSL-2 (Use for compliance audit.)
Laboratory Report Form (Use for any Biosafety issues or suggestions)

SMU Community Outreach Program

The faculty in the Department of Basic Sciences offers several educational workshops and outreach programs. We cater to a wide range of participants including, school-aged children, young adults, and professionals seeking work-related knowledge, skills development or continuing education credits. These programs can be held in the Multi-use Laboratory, in a classroom, or, at your institution. For example, please visit the Brain Awareness Program. [see link above]

We also have a traditional Human Gross Anatomy Laboratory. If you wish to use the Human Gross Anatomy Laboratory, please note the following:

* It is available only from January through August.

* Participants must be over 14 years of age.

If you are interested in learning more about these programs or developing a program for your group, please complete the following request form. We will respond to all requests with regards to feasibility and cost. Scholarships are available for those in need.

SMU Community Outreach Request Form

Upcoming Events