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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Physics of Medicine, B.S.
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College of Arts and Sciences
The Physics of Medicine (Pre-Medicine/Pre-Health Focus) major (POM) is designed to deepen students’ understanding of physics principles at the intersection of science, medicine and healthcare. Hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum enhances students’ understanding of the physics principles underlying the structure and function of our body in both health and disease and the medical technology that guides diagnosis and treatment. POM coursework encourages an interdisciplinary approach to science and enhances students’ ability to apply physics principles in their future careers as medical/healthcare practitioners. The program is nationally recognized with three National Science Foundation grants and two curricular awards from the American Association of Medical Colleges. Students with this major graduate with excellent critical thinking, reasoning and communication skills. With appropriate pre-requisites and electives, students have successfully entered the following programs upon graduation:
- Medical School, Physical Therapy School, Optometry School, Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Veterinary School, Dental School
- Physician’s Assistant Master in Science
- Graduate Programs in Biomedical Sciences, Bio-imaging, Rehabilitation Science
- Medical Technology Sales
The Wisdom Core section included at the bottom of this program outlines the requirements to fulfill the Rockhurst Wisdom Core for all undergraduate students. When registering for classes, to find which courses will fulfill core requirements, search the Course Schedule by “Attribute Type”.
The Course Schedule is located on the Rockhurst Registrar’s webpage at www.rockhurst/registrar.
Return to College of Arts and Sciences .
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Physics and Mathematics Prerequisites:
Two semesters of Introductory Physics:
Potential Lower Division Prerequisites:
Potential Lower Division Prerequisites: Students should work with their advisor to choose the proper prerequisites for their chosen Additional Upper Division Courses for the Physics of Medicine Major and their post-graduate program.
Prerequisite courses needed will alter depending on your course/program choices, but some typical lower division prerequisites may be:
Required Upper-Division Physics of Medicine Courses:
(6 required courses)
Additional Required Courses:
To complete the interdisciplinary component of the Physics of Medicine Major, work with your advisor to choose a minimum of 9 credit hours from list below: (Choose at least 3 courses).
Note: a total of 30 upper division hours are required to complete the major.
Note:
Per university requirements, students must choose additional upper division credit hours to complete the major requirement of 30 hours of upper division coursework. The Physics of Medicine major is designed to encourage interdisciplinary study allowing students to double major in a discipline of their interest (i.e. Biology, Biochemistry, Exercise Science, Foreign Language, Humanities, Business, etc.). Students are encouraged to work with their advisor to choose elective hours to complete coursework necessary for desired career goals/graduate school entrance requirements.
Other Requirements: A grade of “C” or better is required in each upper division course of this major. A grade of “C-” will not fulfill the requirement. A grade of “C” or better is required in composition and other writing courses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION - Contact RU Physics Department Faculty:
Nancy Donaldson, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Biomedical Physics Program Director
Nancy.donaldson@rockhurst.edu
Mayuri Gilhooly, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Physics
Chair of Physics and Engineering
Mayuri.Gilhooly@rockhurst.edu
Wisdom Core Requirements
With few exceptions, Rockhurst undergraduate students are required to fulfill the following requirements of the Rockhurst Wisdom Core. To locate courses that fulfill specific wisdom core requirements, search the Course Schedule by “Attribute Type”. The Course Schedule is located on the Rockhurst Registrar’s webpage at www.rockhurst/registrar.
Cornerstone Requirement:
Cornerstones courses introduce students to the Jesuit tradition and to the University through study, discussion, and reflection. Topics will vary. Students are encouraged to take the Cornerstone course during their first year at Rockhurst.
This 2 credit hour course may be offered through the College of Arts and Sciences (WCCA), the College of Business and Technology (WCCB), or Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences (WCCN), with a variety of content to be covered in each individual course.
The attribute code attached to any Cornerstone class is WCC.
Foundation Course Requirements: 37-40 hours
Foundations courses are lower division courses representing the traditional liberal arts and sciences disciplines that are highly valued within the Jesuit tradition. Transfer courses may be accepted to fulfill Foundation core requirements.
NW - Natural World |
Complete one science class with a lab from biology, chemistry, physics, or natural sciences (4 hours)
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HC - History and Culture: HCA |
Complete one class from art, music, or theatre arts (3 hours)
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HC - History and Culture: HCH |
Complete one transnational history class (3 hours)
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HC - History and Culture: HCL |
Complete one class from literature in English or literature in Modern Languages (3 hours)
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IS - Individuals and Society |
Complete two classes from two different disciplines of: criminal justice, economics, psychology, sociology, or political science (6 hours)
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UQ - Universal Questions: UQP |
Complete one philosophy course in ethical theory at 2000-level or above (3 hours)
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UQ - Universal Questions: UQT |
Complete one lower-level course in Theology & Religious Studies (3 hours)
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UQ - Universal Questions |
Complete one additional upper-level course from either theology or philosophy - this swing course may be a Rockhurst or transfer course. (3 hours)
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EP - Eloquentia Perfecta: WC |
Complete 1-2 WC - Written Composition courses. A student with an English ACT score over 24 may fulfill this requirement with EN 1140. (3 hours)
A student who does not have an English ACT score of 24 must complete EN 1110 and EN 1120. (6 hours)
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EP - Eloquentia Perfecta: OC |
Complete one OC - Oral Communication course (3 hours)
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QR - Quantitative Reasoning |
Complete one math course (3 hours)
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Keystone Core Designations:
The Keystone designations are specific learning outcomes which students fulfill through Rockhurst upper-division courses, found primarily in the students’ major or minor program of study. No specific number of credits are required, but students are required to fulfill one of each of the seven Keystone designations. These courses emphasize skills listed in the “Core Rationale and Learning Goals,” such as Inquiry, Analysis, Critical Thinking, and Global Citizenship.
Keystones can only be fulfilled through Rockhurst courses.
Note: if a Keystone designation contains sub-core designations, the Keystone requirement may be fulfilled through either one of its subcore designations.
The seven Keystone designations are as follows:
KEYSTONE DESIGNATION CODE |
KEYSTONE DESCRIPTION |
SUB-CORE KEYSTONE DESIGNATIONS |
IAC |
Inquiry, Analysis, and Critical Thinking |
Complete one course with either CT (Critical Thinking) or IA (Inquiry & Analysis) designation. Either designation will satisfy IAC. |
IQL |
Information and Quantitative Literacy |
Complete one course with either IF (Information Fluency) or QL (Quantitative Literacy) designation. Either designation will satisfy IQL. |
ACI |
Artistic/Creative & Innovative Expression |
Complete one course with either AE (Artistic Expression) or IV (Innovation) designation. Either designation will satisfy ACI. |
CC |
Communication and Collaboration Skills |
Complete one course with either CM (Communication Skills) or CO (Collaboration Skills) designation. Either designation will satisfy CC. |
IAS |
Intercultural Awareness and Sensitivity |
Complete one course with the IAS designation. |
GC |
Global Citizenship |
Complete one course with the GC designation. |
ESE |
Ethical Reasoning & Social Engagement |
Complete one course with either ER (Ethical Reasoning & Action) or SK (Social Knowledge & Engagement) designation. Either designation will satisfy ESE. |
Threshold Experiences
Before graduation, students are required to engage in at least one course or experience certified as using a high impact practice. Students must complete one of the following Threshold Experiences at Rockhurst:
WI |
Writing-Intensive |
ID |
Interdisciplinary |
UR |
Undergraduate Research |
IN |
Internship |
TSL |
Threshold Service Learning Experience |
RP |
Reflective Portfolios |
SA |
Study Abroad |
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