Course Titles & Descriptions

Baccalaureate Courses

BIO 101 Biological Concepts I
4 Credits

Introduces the molecular processes that define the cellular basis of biology. Focuses on cellular structures and function including the molecular basis of inheritance. Ethical issues in cellular biology are considered. (Concurrent laboratory work is required.)

BIO 102 Biological Concepts II
4 Credits

Covers ecology, evolution, genetics and diversity. Integrated study of microbes, plants and animals, with a focus on biological diversity and interdependence of life and environment. (Concurrent laboratory work is required.)

BIO 321 Human Physiology
4 Credits

Human physiology looks at the structure and function of the human body. This survey course will cover the major systems of the body including the integument, skeletal, muscle, nervous, sensory, endocrine, digestive, renal, circulatory and respiratory systems.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 101

BIO 351 Ecology
3 Credits

A study of the relationships, distribution and abundance of organisms, or groups of organisms, in an environment. Topics include landscape and ecosystems; physiological, behavioral, population, community, and environmental ecology are studied. Laboratory/field work is used to emphasize key concepts.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 202 OR BIO 102

BIO 372 Microbiology
4 Credits

This course involves the study of the structure, genetics, physiology, metabolism and ecology of selected microorganisms, and examines their role as agents of disease.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 101 AND CHE 331

BIO 381 Zoology
3 Credits

After a brief survey of animal diversity, the course investigates comparative structure and function of vertebrates and invertebrates, including nutrition, circulation and gas exchange, reproduction, sensory and nervous systems, and behavior. The lectures are supplemented by practical exercises covering a variety of skills, including microscopy, observation, and data collection.

Prerequisite(s): (BIO 202 OR BIO 102) AND (BIO 201 OR BIO 101)

BIO 441 Cell Biology
3 Credits

Examination of the principles governing living systems, with emphasis on the molecular and cellular basis of life, molecular genetics, gene transcription, intracellular signaling, transport processes, cell cycle events, energetics, differentiation, and development.

Prerequisite(s): (BIO 202 OR BIO 102) AND (BIO 201 OR BIO 101)

BIO 461 Genetics
4 Credits

A study of the mechanisms of inheritance, structure of the genome, and genetic analysis. Concepts emphasized include DNA structure and function, gene regulation, mutation, repair, linkage and gene manipulation.

Prerequisite(s): (BIO 202 AND BIO 201) OR (BIO 102 AND BIO 101)

CAP 101 Computer Literacy I
3 Credits

Students develop knowledge about and competence in the use of personal computers, particularly word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, electronic mail, and Web browsing software. Students are also introduced to the Windows Operating System, networks, and basic computer terminology.

CAP 102 Computer Literacy II
3 Credits

Students develop further knowledge about and competence in the use of personal computer hardware and software, particularly, Microsoft Office, desktop publishing, Web authoring, and multimedia programs. Students review software literature and demonstration software, and practice teamwork and leadership in developing a final multimedia project.

Prerequisite(s): CAP 101

CHE 101 General Chemistry I
4 Credits

Basic principles of measurement and the scientific method, stoichiometry and reactions, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure and periodicity, and bonding. Various conceptual examples, numerous problem solving exercises, and recommended outside reading material is included.

CHE 102 General Chemistry II
4 Credits

This course is the second of the two general chemistry courses. It continues to provide an introduction to the basic principles of chemistry: bonding models, liquids and solids, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Besides lectures and problem solving, a lab component is offered in parallel with this course.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 101 OR SCI 342 OR CHE 201

CHE 331 Biochemistry
4 Credits

Introduces selected principles and applications relating to biologically important molecules, reactions and metabolic pathways. Reference will be made to the biochemical basis of disease and the use of biochemical tools in diagnosis and treatment.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 101

CHE 361 Organic Chemistry I
4 Credits

This course introduces students to the organic chemistry and emphasizes structure, stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms of aliphatic and alicyclic compounds and their functionalized derivatives. The course also includes a practical laboratory that introduces students to basic organic laboratory techniques and reactions.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 101 OR SCI 342 OR CHE 201

CHE 362 Organic Chemistry II
4 Credits

Continues discussion of functional group chemistry, including alcohols, carbonyl compounds and their derivatives, and a detailed look at aromatic chemistry. The laboratory continues the study of organic reactions and focuses on the spectroscopic techniques used to determine molecular structure of the various functional groups discussed in the lecture.

Prerequisite(s): CHE 361

CHE 421 Analytical Techniques
4 Credits

This course is an introduction to the analytical process. Sampling, sample preparation and data handling techniques are covered. The basic principles and applications of the most commonly encountered analytical instruments are studied. Spectrochemical and chromatographic theory and practice are included. Practical examples, problem solving and laboratory experiments reinforce concepts.

Prerequisite(s): (MTH 381 OR MTH 181 OR MTH 281) AND (CHE 202 OR CHE 102)

HSC 125 The World of Health: Introduction to Health Sciences
2 Credits

This course provides alternative perspectives of health, well being and disease, and how these are represented in a range of social, organizational and professional contexts. It will review national and global issues in health care, nutrition and public and environmental health. An overview will be provided of career opportunities in nutrition, health education and promotion and environmental health. (Previously SCI 125).

HSC 205 Principles of Nutrition
3 Credits

Examines human nutritional needs, the food sources of required nutrients, meal planning modes, management and the safe keeping of food to ensure that families' nutritional needs are met. (Previously FCS 205).

HSC 307 Nutrition Across the Lifespan
3 Credits

Examines nutritional needs and problems associated with different ages and phases of human development, physiological states and lifestyles, with emphasis on fitness and dietary requirements. (Previously FSC 307).

Prerequisite(s): FCS 205 OR HSC 205

HSC 316 Public Health and Community Nutrition
3 Credits

Examines food and nutrition related problems in the community. The role of the community nutritionist in helping individuals, families and communities to solve nutrition problems is explored in theory and through short work placements. (Previously FCS 316).

HSC 316AL   Arabic Lab II 
1 Credit 

Arabic Lab for HSC 316 Public Health and Community Nutrition 

Corequisite(s): HSC 316 
Prerequisite(s): SBS 212AL 

HSC 317 Sensory Evaluation of Foods
3 Credits

Introduces recent developments in food ingredient uses and in food preparation techniques. An experimental approach to solving food preparation problems is explored, with an emphasis on the sensory evaluation of foods.

Prerequisite(s): FCS 205 OR HSC 205

HSC 323 Food Sanitation and Hygiene
3 Credits

Explores the causes, consequences and prevention of food borne disease across the food chain as well as the components of risk analysis and the importance of their application in the food industry. (Previously FCS 323).

HSC 326 Introduction to Food Laws & Regulations
3 Credits

Examines the governmental policies that impact the U.A.E. food supply. Specific topics to be covered include the regulations affecting food distribution, sale, and commercial preparation. The focus is on consumer safety. (Previously FCS 326)

HSC 328 Diet Planning and Assessment
3 Credits

Using management concepts and incorporating dietary software to plan, implement, and assess individual and group food intakes. (Previously FCS 328)

Prerequisite(s): FCS 205 OR HSC 205

HSC 331 Physics in Health Sciences 
4 Credits 

Introduces selected physical principles relating to an understanding of common aspects of risk, i.e. in the health, safety, accident context, and explores the strong link between basic physics concepts and selected biomedical applications. 

Prerequisite(s): COL 111 AND COL 260  

HSC 350 Health Promotion and Health Education
3 Credits

An interdisciplinary course examining ways in which societies attempt to enhance and promote health in the workplace, home, media, education and other environments, while assessing critically the related challenges and risks to health. It examines how sociocultural, economic, political and educational factors influence health in communities, and how such knowledge is utilized to create intervention programs. Each student identifies a specific health issue, and develops a specific health promotion initiative.

HSC 350AL Arabic Lab II 
1 Credit

Arabic Lab for HSC 350 Health Promotion & Health Education. 

Corequisite(s): HSC 350 
Prerequisite(s): SBS 212AL 

HSC 366 Introduction to Epidemiology 
3 Credits 

This course examines the patterns and distribution of health and disease in human populations and of the factors that influence such patterns. It will show how epidemiological can be used to determine the cause of health-related problems, predict risk and provide a basis for broad based preventive action. The course will be richly illustrated with examples of significance within the UAE, the region and globally, and explore how public policy is influenced by such information (previously SCI 366). 

HSC 367 Patterns of Health, Disease and Injury 
3 Credits 

This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills introduced in HSC 366 relating to the number and distribution of diseases and injury, the determinants of major diseases and injury, giving emphasis to the use of epidemiological tools in analysis and policy options for prevention. 

Prerequisite(s): HSC 366 

HSC 402 Diet and Disease
3 Credits

Examines the effects malnutrition and overeating have on human health. Explores diseases that can result from dietary deficiencies, and the protective value of some foods. (Previously FCS 402).

Prerequisite(s): FCS 205 OR HSC 205

HSC 403      Practicum in Health Sciences 
3 Credits 

Practical experience opportunity for students to work in sectors associated with health sciences prior to the internship. 

HSC 412 Advanced Human Nutrition
3 Credits

An introduction to the problem of food and nutritional diseases from a clinical and public health perspective, and the relationship between the causes of the problem and the programs designed to solve them. Principles of nutritional intervention for therapy and prevention are discussed, with emphasis on the health sector's role. (Previously FCS 412)

HSC 422 Nutrition Education and Wellness Counseling
3 Credits

Application of counseling and learning theories with individuals and groups in community and clinical settings. Includes discussion and experience in building rapport, data assessment and interpretation, selecting learning activities, evaluation, and documentation. (Previously FCS 422).

Prerequisite(s): FCS 205 OR HSC 205

HSC 468 Health and Social Policy
3 Credits

A comparative study of different countries to provide an understanding of how policy across a variety of sectors affects health in communities. It also considers how alternative systems of finance and management are applied in health-related organizations and examines their consequences and effectiveness. Students undertake policy analyses in relation to health issues, and examples are drawn from, for example, social security, education, health, housing and community care. (Previously SBS 468).

HSC 469 Settings for Health Education and Health Promotion
3 Credits

This course builds on students’ knowledge and skills in health education and health promotion. It focuses on how health and ill health is influenced by particular living and working environments, and how this knowledge is used to inform and refine policies and programs so they are more effective and efficient. 

HSC 470  Water and Solid Waste Management 
3 Credits 

Students will study the principles involved in management of the collection, retention and treatment of water supply, wastewater, and solid waste in industrial and municipal facilities. Innovative and environmentally sound management aspects, such as recycling and design optimization, will be stressed. 

Prerequisite(s): CHE 101 

HSC 471 Monitoring and Risk Assessment 
3 Credits 

This course involves the study of hazard assessment, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and uncertainty analysis. Case studies will illustrate the assessment process, convey the complexity of risk assessment and the challenge of data collection, analysis and modeling. 

Prerequisite(s): HSC 367 

HSC 480 Professional Practices in Health Sciences 
3 Credits 

This course aims to develop habits of the reflective practitioner, and to provide an understanding of organizational systems, as well as legal and ethical dimensions of professional life. It prepares students for success in professional positions in Health Education and Health Promotion, Environmental Health, and Nutrition 

HSC 490 Internship
6 Credits

Internship provides professional experience for Health Sciences students in a challenging but supportive working environment of their choice. It enables students to enhance their interpersonal skills, increase self-confidence and apply knowledge and skills gained at Zayed University in a professional setting. (Previously FCS 490).

HSC 499 Capstone
3 Credits

The Capstone course combines coursework in the Health Science major and Internship. Students develop a senior creative or research project that showcases proficiency in the Health Science Major Learning Outcomes and the ZU Learning Outcomes. Further, each student will demonstrate her ability to integrate and synthesize what she has learned in her classes and from her work experience. Students will be assessed by a faculty evaluation of presentations and written assignments. (Previously FCS 499).

PHY 101 Fundamentals of Physics I
4 Credits

Basic principles and applications of mechanics, waves, acoustics, and thermodynamics. A variety of conceptual examples, numerous problems and recommended outside reading material has been included.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 201 OR MTH 103 OR EQUIVALENT

PHY 102 Fundamentals of Physics II
4 Credits

Covers electromagnetism inclusive of electrostatics, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic waves, as well as optics inclusive of the nature of light, geometric optics, optical instruments, interference and diffraction phenomena. This program is developed with Internet aids, online demonstrations, interactive and collaborative work, etc. Laboratory sessions are developed with advanced computer technology.

Prerequisite(s): PHY 201 OR SCI 372 OR SCI 371 OR PHY 101

PHY 351 Modern Physics
4 Credits

An introductory course about the empirical basis of modern physics. Experimental tests of phenomena are discussed. Course includes the latest experimental tests of special and general relativity, studies of the wave-particle duality of photons, and material particles. Applications are used extensively, including lasers, radioactive dating, nuclear activation, nuclear medicine, and semiconductor devices.

Prerequisite(s): (PHY 202 OR SCI 373 OR PHY 102) AND (MTH 202 OR MTH 222 OR MTH 122)

PHY 353 Optics
4 Credits

This is an introductory course in geometric optics. The following topics are studied: nature of light, the laws of reflection and refraction, principles of image formation by mirrors and lenses, ray aberration, some optical instruments such as prism, the camera, the telescope, the microscope, and the optics of the eye.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 103 AND PHY 102

PHY 421 Astrophysics
3 Credits

Broad description of the field of astronomy and astrophysics with particular emphasis on relating present understanding to ideas of classical physics, quantum theory, and relativity. Laboratory work concentrates on direct observation of the planetary system and Web access to the work of a number of a major observatories worldwide.

Prerequisite(s): PHY 201 OR SCI 371 OR SCI 372 OR PHY 101

SCI 101 Science in Life
3 Credits

After a short introduction to lab safety, the course is composed of three six-week sections on biology, chemistry, and physics. For each subject, a set of enjoyable lab activities is performed by the students, to let them experiment as much as possible in a convivial yet scientific way.

SCI 390 Selected Research Project
3 Credits

Under the direction of a faculty member, students pursue an independent research project on some area of science. Research may be based on published material or on practical experimental work. (A faculty member must agree to act as supervisor before a student is permitted to enroll).

Prerequisite(s): BIO 201 OR BIO 102 OR CHE 201 OR CHE 102 OR PHY 201 OR PHY 102

SCI 490 Internship
6 Credits

Students participate in an employment internship at an appropriate business or government institution. Here they can learn to apply the skills and knowledge gained at Zayed University to real life situations.

SCI 498 Undergraduate Research Project
3 Credits

Independent literary or experimental research project open to senior students majoring in Natural and Quantitative Sciences. Provides a foundation for the stages of the research project, Capstone project and culminates in the completion of the Capstone in the final semester. A faculty mentor supervises all stages of the research project. (Must have prior approval of NQS assistant dean to enroll.)

SCI 499 Capstone Course
3 Credits

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students undertake a significant research project in their field of study. College permission required.

Now also included in the NSPH offerings are:

SBS 212 Introduction to psychology

FSC 410 Individual and Family Assessment

FSC 310 Introduction to Helping Skills (Psychotherapy)