Bachelors Degree in Nursing

1. Academic Classifications

   Matriculated Students: A matriculated student is one who is enrolled full- or part-time in a degree program; a nonmatriculated student is one who is not enrolled in a degree program.

   Full-time Students: A full-time student must carry 12 to 15 credit hours a semester.

   Part-time Students: A part-time student carries fewer than 12 credit hours a semester.

   Transfer Students: All students will transfer in 60 credits from an associate degree nursing program.  Students may transfer in an additional 12 credits.  A total of 48 credits must be completed at Maria College to be eligible for graduation, regardless of the number of transfer credit presented at entrance.

   Courses to be transferred must be comparable to courses offered by Maria College and must have been completed with a grade of C or better to be considered for transfer credit (at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale).  An official transcript must be submitted for transfer credit to be considered.

   Foreign School Transfer Credit Evaluation: Students who have attended a postsecondary institution outside the United States and desire transfer credit, must submit an Comprehensive Course-by-Course Evaluation Report of their foreign school academic record from the World Education Service (WES).  Once Maria College has received the course-by-course evaluation report from WES, the College will review the report and grant appropriate transfer credit.

   World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
   Bowling Green Station
   P.O. Box 5087
   New York, N.Y. 10274-5087
   http://www.wes.org/students/
   Phone: (212) 966-6311
   Fax: (212) 739-6100

2. International Student Requirement

   The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all international applicants for admission as full-time students to determine their level of English proficiency and to enable the College to meet their academic needs. The applicant must obtain a minimum score of 500 for paper-pencil test and 173 for computer-based test to qualify for admission. A student must present an official translated copy of academic credentials. Students who have attended a post-secondary institution outside the United States and desire transfer credit, must submit an Comprehensive Course-by-Course Evaluation Report of their foreign school academic record from the World Education Service (WES). Once Maria College has received the course by course evaluation report from WES, the College will review the report and grant appropriate transfer credit.

   World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
   Bowling Green Station
   P.O. Box 5087 New York, N.Y. 10274-5087
   http://www.wes.org/students/
   Phone: (212) 966-6311
   Fax: (212-739-6100

   Once admitted, the student will receive an I-20 form (Student Visa) but only after completion of an affidavit of financial support.  There are no financial assistance programs available to students attending on a visa.  The code number for Maria is 2434.

3. Academic Standing

   Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend all assigned classes.  If illness or other extenuating circumstances prevent attendance, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the work.  To expedite this, the student should contact the instructor involved and/or the Academic Dean.  If the absence, for whatever reason, makes it impossible for the student to complete the work, withdrawal from the course may be necessary.

   Administrative Withdrawal: A student who has stopped attending all classes at the 10th week of the semester will be academically withdrawn from the College.

   Grades and Quality Points: Grades are issued at the end of each semester using a letter system and a quality point value:

   Grade	Quality Points	Grade	Quality Points
   A	4.00	C-	1.67
   A-	3.67	D+	1.33
   B+	3.33	D	1.00
   B	3.00	D-	.67
   B-	2.67	F	0
   C+	2.33	S	0
   C	2.00	U	0

   The grade I is assigned to a student who, for good reason, is unable to complete the work for the course.  Normally, all work must be completed within one month after the end of the semester; however, with the concurrence of the Academic Dean, this deadline may be extended by the instructor.  Work not completed by the established deadline will warrant the assignment of an F for the course.

   W is given when a student withdraws from a course and completes the withdrawal form.  This may be done up to the 10th week of the semester.  Withdrawal after the 10th week results in an F.  Students who discontinue attending classes and do not officially withdraw may be assigned Fs in all courses and will not be allowed to continue at Maria College.

   To determine a student’s academic standing, a quality point system is used.  This is computed by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of credit hours taken.  A quality point average of 2.0 is required for graduation.

   Change of Grade: The instructor of a course has the sole and final responsibility for any grade reported for that course.  Any change of grade (except removal of an Incomplete), after the grade is on record in the Office of Student Records, must be requested within three months after the end of the semester in which the original grade was issued.

4. Honors

   President’s List: Any student who earns 12 or more degree credits during a semester is eligible if a 4.0 average is attained and no grade other than an A is received.

   Dean’s List: Any student who earns 12 or more degree credits during a semester is eligible if a 3.2 average is attained with no grade less than C.

   Graduation Honors: Honors are awarded to degree recipients on the basis of attainment in scholarship during the entire college program as reflected in the cumulative quality point average:

   Highest Honors	3.8
   High Honors	3.5
   Honors	3.2

   Course Changes: Students may add courses during the first five days of a semester with the prior permission of their academic advisors.

   Students may repeat a course to raise a grade.  All grades are recorded but only the higher grade carries credit and quality points.

   Students may withdraw from courses upon academic advisement and the filing of proper request forms up to the end of the 10th week of classes.  After the 10th week, or if the required procedures have not been followed, a grade of F will be assigned to each dropped course.

   Leave of Absence: A student who wishes to take a leave of absence must request this in writing from the Academic Dean.  In any 12-month period, a student may be granted no more than one leave, and ordinarily it may not extend beyond six months.

   A student who does not return at the end of a Leave of Absence will be considered withdrawn from the College, and this withdrawal will be effective as of the beginning date of the Leave of Absence.  It is the responsibility of the student on leave to be aware of registration dates and to make arrangements with an advisor to enroll for the semester after the leave period.

   Withdrawal from College: Should a student find it necessary to withdraw from the College, he or she should arrange conferences with the chairperson and the Academic Dean.  Withdrawal becomes official only after the appropriate forms have been completed by the Director of Financial Aid, Director of Library and the Business Manager.

   Probation and Dismissal: Students who have a cumulative average less than 2.0 at the end of a semester are placed on academic probation for the following semester.  During the probationary period, students are expected to use the services of the College Learning Resource Center.  Students who fail to raise their cumulative average by the end of the probationary period, may be subject to academic dismissal, and students who are on probation for two consecutive semesters will be dismissed from the program.  Students who are dismissed from any program and who wish readmission must submit this request in writing to the program chairperson.  Final approval will be based on program recommendations and available openings.

   Student Conduct Code: Maria College expects that its students, as members of an intellectual community, will maintain standards of personal and academic honesty in all course work and examinations.  By enrolling in the College, students agree that possession of alcohol or illegal substances on campus is not allowed.  Further, the College expects that its students will act as responsible, courteous and law-abiding citizens, and to refrain from any activity that infringes on the safety and welfare of fellow students, faculty, and staff and members of the broader community.  Violators of the Student Conduct Code will be afforded a fair hearing, with penalties imposed from letters of warning to dishonorable dismissal from the College.

5. Degree and Graduation Requirements

   Degree Requirements

   No degree shall be conferred unless the candidate has:

   • Completed at least 48 credit hours at Maria College and earned a cumulative quality point average of at least 2.0.
   • Completed all course requirements for the program in which he or she is matriculated with at least an overall 2.0 quality point average.
   • Completed at least 60 college credits through both courses at Maria and transfer credit.

   Graduation Requirements

   A candidate for graduation with the degree of Bachelor in Science must fulfill the following requirements:

   • Application for graduation by the end of the fourth week of the semester in which the student expects to complete matriculation requirements.
   • Payment of the $60 graduation fee.
   • The fulfillment of any special requirements that may have been imposed at the time of his or her matriculation.
   • The payment of all College bills and the return of all College property in satisfactory condition.
   • Attendance at commencement rehearsal and ceremony, unless officially excused by the Academic Dean.

   Exceptions to the degree and graduation requirements are made only by the Academic Dean, but in no event can any exception be made to the total degree hours or minimum quality point average required.

Division

1. Full-time

   First Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		15
   CSC 100	Introduction to Computers	3
   3 credit hours This his course is an introduction to the varied world of computers.  It is designed to familiarize the student with background information on computers, as well as a range of hands-on experiences. This course prepares the student for using computers in an academic environment as well as in functioning as part of an increasingly technological society. Topics include, but are not limited to, using the Internet as an information and research tool, using e-mail as a communication tool, the use of word processing to produce quality documents, a survey of application packages, such as spreadsheets, databases and presentation software, computer components, including hardware and software, an introduction to operating systems, especially Windows file management, Blackboard software and other topics as time allows.
   Eng 300	Advanced Composition	3
   3 credit hours This  course involves a study of the principles of correct and effective written communication for professional and public situations.  Students will begin with a focus on the essential elements of all writing – purpose, audience, and thesis – and will review and develop necessary mechanical and stylistic concerns throughout the course. Developing primary and secondary research skills resulting in several research papers, both expository and argumentative, will also be central to this course and will involve organizational approaches to research, ethical concerns in doing research, finding and evaluating sources for research, documenting information, and analyzing and synthesizing researched information into organized and informative papers.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division.
   Mat 200	Statistics	3
   3 credit hours  Treats the basic principles and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive methods include frequency distributions, measures of location and variability, probability theory (e.g., combinations and permutations, laws and distributions). Inferential methods include estimation, hypothesis testing, t-test, chi-square test, correlation and regression.  Prerequisite: Mat 101 or the equivalent of three units of college preparatory mathematics.
   Nur 300	Evidence-Based Practice	3
   3 credit hours   Focuses on the application of critical thinking and reasoning to the core competencies needed for nursing situations. Uses decision support systems in evidence-based practice and methods used in systematic inquiry into issues relevant to nursing. Integrates evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives and patient preferences to improve patient care outcomes.  Corequisites: Mat 200
   Nur 301	Nursing Theory and Practice Issues	3
   3 credit hours  This course will comprehensively explore the issues and concepts that influence professional nursing practice and the delivery of health care. The course explores the transformations in health care and the nursing profession created by changing economics, demographics and technical forces. Concerns that are related to ethical, legal and social issues that influence nursing practice will be discussed. The ability of the nursing profession to adapt to change will be explored, as well as the new opportunities that will be created within the changing health care environment.

   Second Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		15
   Nur 308	Health Care Informatics	3
   3 credit hours  This course is designed to provide an understanding of the applications of computer technology in nursing and the use of informatics in the health care delivery system. Computer basics, electronic communication within the health care agency, bedside computer technology, client education systems, decision support and integrated hospital information systems will be covered in this computer applications course.  Prerequisite: CSC 100
   Nur 360	Health Assessment, Promotion and Diagnostic Reasoning	3
   3 credit hours Combines lecture and laboratory experiences to develop advanced skills in assessment of physical, cognitive, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, genetic and environmental domains. Practitioner-client interactions, data collection, diagnostic reasoning, oral/written presentation of data and the role of the nurse in health and wellness promotion are emphasized. Use of evidence-based practice to guide health teaching, health counseling, and disease prevention throughout the life span will be demonstrated.
   Nur 380	Community Health Nursing	3
   3 credit hours Focuses on the synthesis of population-based health and public health concepts to promote, maintain and restore health to individuals, families, groups and communities. Case management, community assessment, risk identification and application of community health nursing strategies are emphasized. There will be a 45-hour preceptorship with this course.
   Sci 400	Epidemiology	3
   3 credit hours  This course provides an introduction to basic epidemiologic principles, including measurements of disease occurrence, study designs (cohort, case-control, randomized clincial trials) and calculation of risk. Lecture material is supplemented with exercises and discussion of examples from the epidemiologic literature and presentations of epidemiologic studies by guest speakers. The course is organized around several core themes, including the importance of disease prevention programs that address multiple health risks, the link between poverty and disease susceptibility, and the challenge of evaluating health benefits and cost-effectiveness. The course readings discuss current issues such as genetic determinism as a paradigm in wellness promotion, adolescent health promotion, teen pregnancy prevention strategies, racial differences in cancer epidemiology, strategies for reducing youth violence, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence education and prevention strategies, and the future of women’s health research.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division.  Prerequisite: Mat 200
   Soc 300	Sociology of Health and Medicine	3
   3 credit hours  This course will be a study of a sociological perspective on health, illness and wellness. Disparities in health and health outcomes will be emphasized. Institutional structures and social supports will be reviewed, along with current heath care reform proposals.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division

   Third Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		15
   Nur 400	Nursing Care of Older Adults and their Families	3
   3 credit hours  Focuses on caring for older adults and their families who are experiencing the acute and chronic health problems of the aged population. The clinical component includes case management, planning and coordinating client and family care services in the home, assisted living and long-term care facilities. There will be a 45-hour preceptorship with this course.
   Nur 420	Leadership, Management and Contemporary Issues in Nursing	3
   3 credit hours This course focuses on the principles of leadership, management and contemporary issues in nursing. Students apply principles of nursing leadership to clinical scenarios, integrating legal, ethical, political, sociocultural and economic contexts. Students will articulate understanding of social justice issues, health care policy and global health issues within nursing practice. There will be emphasis on the role of the nurse in health care finances, especially in the role of the nurse case manager. There is a 45-hour preceptorship with this course.
   Phi 300	Health Care Ethics	3
   3 credit hours  Health care ethics, a specialized field of ethics, will examine the complex issues that arise in health care such as patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life issues, organ donations, public health care policy, veracity, confidentiality and professional norms. Students will approach health care ethics, using casuistry ethics and the major moral theories.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division.
   Sci 300	Human Physiology and Pharmacology	3
   3 credit hours  This course correlates knowledge of the human physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Normal body functioning will be related to the physiologic changes that occur as a result of illness. The body’s ability to compensate for the illness-related changes and its response to medication will be discussed. The most commonly occurring diseases of body systems are surveyed. It is imperative that the student have a good understanding of the normal anatomy and physiology before the study of each system. Where relevant, environmental, sociocultural, legal, political, and ethical issues will be raised and research methodologies will be considered. Critical thinking will be emphasized.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division
   Soc 400	Seminar in Aging	3
   3 credit hours This course acquaints students with a wide spectrum of theory and research related to aging. It examines issues related to the well-being of the population, ethnic and demographic variables, intergenerational perspectives, and changing family roles. The gerontological approach to aging encompasses the whole person, looking at not just the physical side of aging, but also the intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of aging. There will be an opportunity for students to conduct original ethnographic research into the lives of older adults. Since this class is a seminar, collaborative work is required, as well as written and oral communication, research and scholarship, and critical thinking.

   Fourth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		15
   Nur 440	Research Methods	3
   3 credit hours  Focuses on research methods needed for systematic investigation and expansion of nursing knowledge. Critical analysis of research and development of a research proposal are covered.  Prerequisite: Mat 200
   Nur 460	Nursing Specialty and Synthesis Seminar	6
   6 credit hours  The purpose of this course is to immerse the student in the complex integration of baccalaureate nursing knowledge and practice in professional systems and settings. In this final clinical experience, students will participate in identifying a setting and specific learning activities that are relevant to the course objectives. This course promotes the synthesis of professional values, complex theoretical knowledge, core competencies and leadership skills in a selected clinical area related the care of the older adult. Clinical experience mentored by a preceptor will enhance the newly defined professional role and demonstrate the meeting of the program objectives. The preceptorship will total 105 hours.  Prerequisites: All previous nursing courses and required non-nursing courses.
   Psy 300	Organizational Psychology	3
   3 credit hours  This is a course in organizational psychology or the study of how individuals working in organizations think and feel about, relate to, and influence one another based on individual, group, and organizational processes. Generally, this course will provide students with a background in organizational psychology and an opportunity to learn about various theoretical, conceptual, practical, and empirical organizational psychological issues.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division. Prerequisite: Mat 200
   Soc 320	Alternative/Complementary Therapies	3
   3 credit hours This course provides information on current complementary and alternative therapies. These therapies recognize that a person is a physical, mental and spiritual being, and that disease affects all areas of life. These therapies, each in their own way, attempt to achieve a state of balance to help people return to wellness and remain healthy in the future. Will include discussion on the impact of the health care system on maintaining health and wellness of the individual, family and community.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division

2. Part-time

   First Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Mat 200	Statistics	3
   3 credit hours  Treats the basic principles and methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive methods include frequency distributions, measures of location and variability, probability theory (e.g., combinations and permutations, laws and distributions). Inferential methods include estimation, hypothesis testing, t-test, chi-square test, correlation and regression.  Prerequisite: Mat 101 or the equivalent of three units of college preparatory mathematics.
   Nur 300	Evidence-Based Practice	3
   3 credit hours   Focuses on the application of critical thinking and reasoning to the core competencies needed for nursing situations. Uses decision support systems in evidence-based practice and methods used in systematic inquiry into issues relevant to nursing. Integrates evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives and patient preferences to improve patient care outcomes.  Corequisites: Mat 200

   Second Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Nur 360	Health Assessment, Promotion and Diagnostic Reasoning	3
   3 credit hours Combines lecture and laboratory experiences to develop advanced skills in assessment of physical, cognitive, cultural, spiritual, socioeconomic, genetic and environmental domains. Practitioner-client interactions, data collection, diagnostic reasoning, oral/written presentation of data and the role of the nurse in health and wellness promotion are emphasized. Use of evidence-based practice to guide health teaching, health counseling, and disease prevention throughout the life span will be demonstrated.
   Nur 380	Community Health Nursing	3
   3 credit hours Focuses on the synthesis of population-based health and public health concepts to promote, maintain and restore health to individuals, families, groups and communities. Case management, community assessment, risk identification and application of community health nursing strategies are emphasized. There will be a 45-hour preceptorship with this course.

   Third Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Eng 300	Advanced Composition	3
   3 credit hours This  course involves a study of the principles of correct and effective written communication for professional and public situations.  Students will begin with a focus on the essential elements of all writing – purpose, audience, and thesis – and will review and develop necessary mechanical and stylistic concerns throughout the course. Developing primary and secondary research skills resulting in several research papers, both expository and argumentative, will also be central to this course and will involve organizational approaches to research, ethical concerns in doing research, finding and evaluating sources for research, documenting information, and analyzing and synthesizing researched information into organized and informative papers.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division.
   Nur 301	Nursing Theory and Practice Issues	3
   3 credit hours  This course will comprehensively explore the issues and concepts that influence professional nursing practice and the delivery of health care. The course explores the transformations in health care and the nursing profession created by changing economics, demographics and technical forces. Concerns that are related to ethical, legal and social issues that influence nursing practice will be discussed. The ability of the nursing profession to adapt to change will be explored, as well as the new opportunities that will be created within the changing health care environment.

   Fourth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Nur 308	Health Care Informatics	3
   3 credit hours  This course is designed to provide an understanding of the applications of computer technology in nursing and the use of informatics in the health care delivery system. Computer basics, electronic communication within the health care agency, bedside computer technology, client education systems, decision support and integrated hospital information systems will be covered in this computer applications course.  Prerequisite: CSC 100
   Sci 300	Human Physiology and Pharmacology	3
   3 credit hours  This course correlates knowledge of the human physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Normal body functioning will be related to the physiologic changes that occur as a result of illness. The body’s ability to compensate for the illness-related changes and its response to medication will be discussed. The most commonly occurring diseases of body systems are surveyed. It is imperative that the student have a good understanding of the normal anatomy and physiology before the study of each system. Where relevant, environmental, sociocultural, legal, political, and ethical issues will be raised and research methodologies will be considered. Critical thinking will be emphasized.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division

   Summer I

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		3
   CSC 100	Introduction to Computers	3
   3 credit hours This his course is an introduction to the varied world of computers.  It is designed to familiarize the student with background information on computers, as well as a range of hands-on experiences. This course prepares the student for using computers in an academic environment as well as in functioning as part of an increasingly technological society. Topics include, but are not limited to, using the Internet as an information and research tool, using e-mail as a communication tool, the use of word processing to produce quality documents, a survey of application packages, such as spreadsheets, databases and presentation software, computer components, including hardware and software, an introduction to operating systems, especially Windows file management, Blackboard software and other topics as time allows.

   Summer II

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		3
   Soc 300	Sociology of Health and Medicine	3
   3 credit hours  This course will be a study of a sociological perspective on health, illness and wellness. Disparities in health and health outcomes will be emphasized. Institutional structures and social supports will be reviewed, along with current heath care reform proposals.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division

   Fifth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Nur 400	Nursing Care of Older Adults and their Families	3
   3 credit hours  Focuses on caring for older adults and their families who are experiencing the acute and chronic health problems of the aged population. The clinical component includes case management, planning and coordinating client and family care services in the home, assisted living and long-term care facilities. There will be a 45-hour preceptorship with this course.
   Soc 400	Seminar in Aging	3
   3 credit hours This course acquaints students with a wide spectrum of theory and research related to aging. It examines issues related to the well-being of the population, ethnic and demographic variables, intergenerational perspectives, and changing family roles. The gerontological approach to aging encompasses the whole person, looking at not just the physical side of aging, but also the intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of aging. There will be an opportunity for students to conduct original ethnographic research into the lives of older adults. Since this class is a seminar, collaborative work is required, as well as written and oral communication, research and scholarship, and critical thinking.

   Sixth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Psy 300	Organizational Psychology	3
   3 credit hours  This is a course in organizational psychology or the study of how individuals working in organizations think and feel about, relate to, and influence one another based on individual, group, and organizational processes. Generally, this course will provide students with a background in organizational psychology and an opportunity to learn about various theoretical, conceptual, practical, and empirical organizational psychological issues.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division. Prerequisite: Mat 200
   Nur 440	Research Methods	3
   3 credit hours  Focuses on research methods needed for systematic investigation and expansion of nursing knowledge. Critical analysis of research and development of a research proposal are covered.  Prerequisite: Mat 200

   Summer III

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Phi 300	Health Care Ethics	3
   3 credit hours  Health care ethics, a specialized field of ethics, will examine the complex issues that arise in health care such as patient autonomy, informed consent, end-of-life issues, organ donations, public health care policy, veracity, confidentiality and professional norms. Students will approach health care ethics, using casuistry ethics and the major moral theories.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division.
   Soc 320	Alternative/Complementary Therapies	3
   3 credit hours This course provides information on current complementary and alternative therapies. These therapies recognize that a person is a physical, mental and spiritual being, and that disease affects all areas of life. These therapies, each in their own way, attempt to achieve a state of balance to help people return to wellness and remain healthy in the future. Will include discussion on the impact of the health care system on maintaining health and wellness of the individual, family and community.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division

   Seventh Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Nur 420	Leadership, Management and Contemporary Issues in Nursing	3
   3 credit hours This course focuses on the principles of leadership, management and contemporary issues in nursing. Students apply principles of nursing leadership to clinical scenarios, integrating legal, ethical, political, sociocultural and economic contexts. Students will articulate understanding of social justice issues, health care policy and global health issues within nursing practice. There will be emphasis on the role of the nurse in health care finances, especially in the role of the nurse case manager. There is a 45-hour preceptorship with this course.
   Sci 400	Epidemiology	3
   3 credit hours  This course provides an introduction to basic epidemiologic principles, including measurements of disease occurrence, study designs (cohort, case-control, randomized clincial trials) and calculation of risk. Lecture material is supplemented with exercises and discussion of examples from the epidemiologic literature and presentations of epidemiologic studies by guest speakers. The course is organized around several core themes, including the importance of disease prevention programs that address multiple health risks, the link between poverty and disease susceptibility, and the challenge of evaluating health benefits and cost-effectiveness. The course readings discuss current issues such as genetic determinism as a paradigm in wellness promotion, adolescent health promotion, teen pregnancy prevention strategies, racial differences in cancer epidemiology, strategies for reducing youth violence, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence education and prevention strategies, and the future of women’s health research.  Note: Open only to those enrolled in the upper division.  Prerequisite: Mat 200

   Eighth Semester

   Code	Course Name	Credit Hours
   Total Credits		6
   Nur 460	Nursing Specialty and Synthesis Seminar	6
   6 credit hours  The purpose of this course is to immerse the student in the complex integration of baccalaureate nursing knowledge and practice in professional systems and settings. In this final clinical experience, students will participate in identifying a setting and specific learning activities that are relevant to the course objectives. This course promotes the synthesis of professional values, complex theoretical knowledge, core competencies and leadership skills in a selected clinical area related the care of the older adult. Clinical experience mentored by a preceptor will enhance the newly defined professional role and demonstrate the meeting of the program objectives. The preceptorship will total 105 hours.  Prerequisites: All previous nursing courses and required non-nursing courses.