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Department of Biological Sciences
Dr. Charles J. Gagen, Head
McEver Hall, Room 34D
(479) 9680294
Charlie.Gagen@mail.atu.edu
Professors:
Kirkconnell, Pendergrass
Associate Professors:
Gagen, Johnson, Kellner,
Nupp, Sparacino,
Stoeckel, Wilkins
Assistant Professors:
Bowman, Cox, Mellen,
Tedford, Wang, Yamashita
Instructors: Chaney, MerleThe Department of Biological Sciences offers bachelor of science degree curricula in biology, an environmental option in biology, fisheries and wildlife biology, health information management, and medical technology. In addition, an associate degree program in medical assistant and a certificate program in medical transcription are offered. Students interested in teaching biology at the secondary level should follow the suggested curriculum in Life Science and Earth Science for Teacher Licensure as outlined under the teacher licensure curricula, School of Education.
Each of the bachelor of science degree programs offered by the department, with the exception of medical technology and teacher licensure curricula, requires a total of 124 hours for graduation. The medical technology program requires a minimum of 130 hours for completion. Except for Allied Health Science programs (AHS), which are governed by certifying associations, no more than 12 hours of "D's" may be applied toward the degree. Students in the Department of Biological Sciences, except for AHS program majors, are required to take a common core consisting of: BIOL 1114, Principles of Biology; BIOL 1124, Principles of Zoology; BIOL 1134, Botany; BIOL 3034, Genetics; BIOL/FW 3114, Ecology; BIOL 3124, General Physiology, or BIOL 3074, Human Physiology; and a seminar course. These same students are required to take MATH 1113, College Algebra, plus two additional math courses above that level. Students should see specific degree programs for math requirements. Courses in computer science, chemistry, and physics are also required.
Graduating seniors, except those in AHS programs, will be required to take the Major Field Assessment Test (MFAT) in Biology as part of the assessment plan for the department. Students will take the test during the semester of planned graduation. The test will be administered during assessment week.
Biology
The baccalaureate degree program in biology is designed to prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities. It also provides a solid foundation for those wanting to pursue specialization at the graduate level. Preprofessional courses have been arranged to meet the requirements of students wishing to study medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and related fields of specialization.
Majors in biology must complete 40 semester hours in biology. Specific course requirements are outlined in the curriculum in biology below; whereas, more general guidelines are in the previous section.
Arkansas Tech University is affiliated with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. With prior departmental approval, Arkansas Tech University students may enroll in marine biology courses at GCRL, with the credits applied toward the biology degree at Arkansas Tech. This affiliation makes possible a concentration in marine biology.
General Physiology (BIOL 3124) or Human Physiology (BIOL 3074)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Six hours of mathematics above MATH 1113. Statistics and Calculus are recommended.
3Students interested in concentrating in molecular biology should take courses in biochemistry, molecular genetics microbiology, and immunology or cell biology. Students interested in concentrating in field biology should take courses in dendrology, entomology, evolution, herpetology, ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, limnology, mammalogy, ornithology, plant taxonomy, and parasitology.
4COMS 2003 recommended.
5Sufficient courses at 30004000 level to constitute 40 hours.Biology - Environmental Option
The baccalaureate degree program in biological science includes an environmental option. This program offers a curriculum with the necessary courses in biology, chemistry, and earth science to provide an educational foundation for students interested in pursuing employment or graduate studies in environmental protection and remediation.
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2MATH 2914 is recommended if you are considering graduate school in this field. Furthermore, MATH 2924 should be considered for a general elective. Otherwise, MATH 2243 is recommended.
3Recommended electives include: AGSS 2014, FW 4014, FW 4034,GEOL 1014 and 3153, POLS 2013 and 4103, or SPH 2003 (but also note footnote 2, relative to calculus).
Fisheries and Wildlife Biology
Dr. Joseph N. Stoeckel, Director
McEver Hall, Room 31
(479) 9640852
joe.stoeckel@mail.atu.eduThe fisheries and wildlife biology program is a professional program designed to prepare qualified field and research biologists, as well as to provide a sound foundation for those students who intend to pursue graduate studies in wildlife biology, fisheries biology or field ecology. Through selection of appropriate elective courses, graduates are eligible for certification by The Wildlife Society or the American Fisheries Society.
Field biologists are employed by various state and federal agencies concerned with natural resources management including the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology, National Park Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Employment opportunities in the private sector are also available. Timber, mining, and utility companies hire field biologists for advice and management of industrial lands. Environmental consulting firms, commercial fish and game farms, and nature centers require qualified researchers, technicians, and educators. Arkansas is known for its abundant natural resources and outdoor recreation. The need for professionally trained field biologists and natural resource managers is expected to expand.
Majors in fisheries and wildlife biology must complete a minimum of 124 semester hours as specified in the following curriculum outline. No more than 12 hours of "D's" may be applied toward the degree. Candidates for graduation are expected to complete a comprehensive series of practical and technical exams to assess mastery of program objectives.
General Chemistry I (CHEM 2124) or Survey of Chemistry (CHEM 1114)2
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3254) or Organic Physiological Chemistry (CHEM 2204)2
Ichthyology (FW 3084) or Mammalogy (FW 3154) or Ornithology (FW 3144)
Calculus for Business and Economics (MATH 2243 or alternate)
Forest Ecology and Management (FW 4014) or Limnology (FW 4024)
Wildlife Techniques (FW 4013) or Fisheries Techniques (FW 4043)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2CHEM 2124 and CHEM 3254 are recommended for students wishing to pursue a graduate degree.
3COMS 2003 recommended.
4The Wildlife Society requires a total of 6 hours of administration and planning courses. See advisor.5Qualification as a federal wildlife biologist requires a total of 9 hours of botany.
6The American Fisheries Society requires a total of four courses in fisheries and aquatic science, 15 hours of physical science, and 6 hours of human dimensions. See advisor.
Allied Health Science Programs
The allied health science programs include a twoyear curriculum in medical assistant and fouryear curricula in health information management and medical technology. Additionally we offer a certificate program in medical transcription. Statements and curricula for these programs are listed below.
Health Information Management
Melinda Wilkins, Director
Wilson Hall, Room 105
(479) 9680690
Melinda.Wilkins@mail.atu.eduThe degree program in health information management prepares the student for a professional career as an active member of the modern healthcare team. In this age of increased computerization and data analysis, the health information management field is an exciting new area with virtually unlimited possibilities. The health information management administrator is an expert in the world of health record systems. He/she is responsible for obtaining complete health records for use in research; for gathering statistical information on which to base longrange health planning goals; for determining the legitimacy of requests for confidential medical information; for controlling the circulation and integrity of health records; and, as department head, is responsible for efficiency of the health information department employees in the performance of daily activities.
The health information department in a medical facility has in its care all the documentation regarding patientcare, physician as well as ancillary information. Responsibility for data validity and integrity play a major role in the health information profession. He/she must be progressive, conscientious, tactful, and knowledgeable, as much work is accomplished in cooperation with other allied health professionals. Above all, the health information professional must adhere to the Code of Ethics of the American Health Information Management Association and to the appropriate institutional behavioral codes that apply.
Directed practice is scheduled at affiliated hospitals in nearby cities for a period of six hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. The management affiliation may be assigned to a hospital in a distant city for four weeks (40 hours per week) and normally occurs in the summer immediately following the senior year. Students are responsible for all transportation and lodging expenses during these assignments; however, every effort will be made to minimize such costs.
Students must make at least a "C" in each of the professional courses and demonstrate their proficiency in directed practice and management-affiliation. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is granted a Bachelor of Science degree in health information management and becomes eligible to write the national certification examination. The student already holding a baccalaureate degree may apply for the HIM program as specified in the Application Guidelines and work toward another baccalaureate degree provided the preprofessional course of study has been completed to establish eligibility to write the national certification examination. Accredited record technicians are urged to contact the Program Director for information regarding RHIA progression. The national certification examination is given once each year by the American Health Information Management Association.
The application process for the Health Information Management Program is as follows:
Health Information Management Program Application Guidelines
1. Application for upper level professional HIM courses must be on file with the HIM Program Director by March 15th prior to the year you wish to take HIM courses.
2. To be eligible for application interview, the following must be on file:
- a. Application
- b. Current copy of all applicable transcripts, including current GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- c. COMPASS/ACT scores
3. Applicants will be required to complete an interview with an interview team. Consideration will be given to areas such as:
Dedication and perseverance
Aptitude
Knowledge of HIM profession
Professional appearance
Flexibility
Realistic career goals
True desire to enter HIM profession
Ability to finish HIM program within prescribed time4. Candidates will be ranked based on interview score, GPA, and number of prerequisite courses completed. The top twenty will be selected. A ranked order waiting list will be maintained by the HIM Program Director.
5. Candidates will be notified prior to pre-registration for the fall semester. If accepted, candidates must return a signed statement acknowledging acceptance. Candidates must register for courses indicated on the degree plan. Any change in degree plan requires approval of the student's HIM faculty advisor. Candidates must notify the program director of change in degree choice.
6. A late application deadline of August 15th will be observed if positions are available. Late applicants will be notified as soon as possible or during the week of late registration.
7. If a candidate fails a course that would preclude graduation, or does not earn at least a "C" in HIM courses, reapplication to the HIM Program will be required.
The Health Information Management Program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the American Health Information Management Association's Council on Accreditation.
Electives (HIM 1002, Health Information Management Orientation, suggested)
Basic Pharmacology with an Overview of Microbiology (AHS 1024)
Computer Applications in Accounting and Business (COMS 3803)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
Medical Assistant
Phyllis Cox, Director
Wilson Hall, Room 228
(479) 498-6073
Phyllis.Cox@mail.atu.eduMedical assistants serve with medical doctors in their offices or other medical settings, performing administrative and/or clinical duties. The medical assistant curriculum is a two-year associate of science degree program. This program offers the student a broad foundation in basic medical assisting skills, including a period of practical experience in a medical facility working under the supervision of clinic personnel and the Medical Assistant Program Director.
Basic medical assistant training and education consist of learning experiences in science, communication skills, medical records and medical transcription; medical laboratory and examination room procedures; and general office practices.
Admission to the second year of the program is on a competitive basis and is limited to twenty students each year. Students must make at least a "C" in each of the professional courses. A student is eligible for admission to the second year of study upon: completion of all prerequisites with an overall grade point average of at least a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale; demonstration of typing proficiency or completion of a keyboarding class with a grade of "C" or better; presentation of evidence of good health; and satisfactory completion of a personal interview with the program director. If more than twenty students qualify for the second year of the program, they will be ranked by cumulative grade point average. Those not admitted in the first round of selection will be placed on a ranked waiting list. As vacancies develop, they will be filled from the waiting list.
Students enrolled in AHS 2034, AHS 2044, and AHS 2055 are required to carry malpractice liability insurance. A group insurance policy is arranged by the program director, but the premiums are paid by the student and are not included in the tuition and fees paid to the University.
The Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Medical Assistant Education. Students who successfully complete the associate degree program for medical assistant will be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) examination.
Principles of Zoology (BIOL 1124) or Principles of Biology (BIOL 1114)
Basic Pharmacology with an Overview of Microbiology (AHS 1024)
Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation (AHS 2023)
Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation, Laboratory (AHS 2022)
Computers in the Medical Office with an Overview of Insurance Procedures (AHS 2053)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
3Credit may be earned through successful completion of the challenge examination in medical terminology. Refer to the section in this catalog entitled "Credit by Examination."
Medical Technology
Phyllis Cox, Director
Wilson Hall, Room 228
(479) 498-6073
Phyllis.Cox@mail.atu.eduArkansas Tech University, in affiliation with approved schools of medical technology, offers a fouryear program leading to the bachelor of science degree and to certification as a medical technologist. The affiliated schools of medical technology are accredited by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association.
The first three years of the curriculum are taught on the Tech campus and the fourth (professional) year is taught at one of the affiliated schools of medical technology. Admission to the professional year is on a competitive basis and students must meet the admission standards of the medical technology school.
Personnel with Medical Technology Affiliated Institutions
Baptist Medical System, Little Rock, Arkansas: John E. Slaven, M.D., Medical Director, School of Medical Technology; Sandra G. Ackerman, B.S., M.T (ASCP)S.H., Program Director, School of Medical Technology.
St. John's Regional Medical Center, Joplin, Missouri: Margaret Janssen, M.D., Medical Director, School of Medical Technology. Connie Wilkins, MS., MT (ASCP), Program Director, School of Medical Technology.
To qualify for the bachelor of science degree the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 90 semester hours during the first three years of the program and 40 semester hours during the final professional year (52 weeks of class) at an affiliated medical technology school. The third year of the curriculum (30 semester hours) must include 20 semester hours in courses numbered 3000 or above, of which 4 semester hours must be in chemistry and 7 or 8 semester hours in biology. Also, the third year of the curriculum must be completed in residence at Arkansas Tech University.
Tuition and fees for courses taken the senior year at one of the affiliated medical technology schools will be assessed at the current rate charged by the affiliated school and are payable to Arkansas Tech University. Financial aid and scholarship arrangements are also made by Tech.
Upon successful completion of the final 40 hours at an affiliated medical technology school, a student is eligible for a bachelor of science degree, as well as being eligible to write the National Board Examination for licensure. This examination is given at various times throughout the year by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Principles of Zoology (BIOL 1124) or Principles of Biology (BIOL 1114)
Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation (BIOL 2023)
Medical Laboratory Orientation and Instrumentation, Laboratory (BIOL 2022)
1See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements" on page82.
2Credit may be earned through successful completion of the challenge examination in medical terminology. Refer to the section in this catalog entitled "Credit by Examination."
3All 4000 level MEDT courses are offered at affiliate institutions; enrollment is completed through Arkansas Tech University.
Medical Transcription
Chris Merle, Coordinator
Wilson Hall, Room 105
(479) 9680364
Chris.Merle@mail.atu.eduAn educational program in medical transcription will prepare the student for entry-level employment as a medical transcriptionist, by providing the basic knowledge, understanding, and skills required to transcribe medical dictation with accuracy, clarity, and timeliness, while applying principles of professional and ethical conduct.
The certificate program in medical transcription is available to students completing the two-semester curriculum outlined below. Graduates may be eligible to take the voluntary certification examination offered by the American Association for Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT). The AAMT recommends that applicants have a minimum of three years of experience in transcribing acute-care reports prior to taking the examination.
Medical transcription requires knowledge of medical terminology and internal organization of medical reports, as well as operation of modern transcription equipment. Medical transcriptionists may be employed in a variety of health-related settings, including doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, radiology departments, insurance companies, and governmental medical facilities.
Interested students are encouraged to contact the Medical Transcription Coordinator at the first opportunity for advising. To be eligible for a certificate in medical transcription, the student must obtain a "C" or better in all courses and must complete at least 14 hours on the Tech campus. The student must also have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in courses required for the medical transcription certificate.
1Depending on previous preparation, student should recognize that prerequisites may be required before enrolling in BIOL 2004.
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