Degrees and Certification
The College’s Department of Undergraduate Studies offers curricula leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) completion degree in General Science. All undergraduate courses are taught on Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Davenport, Iowa, campus.
Payment of Accounts
The College reserves the right to modify or change requirements, rules, tuition and fees. Such modifications or changes shall be effective without notice whenever it is determined appropriate by the College. The College has established all tuition, fees and bookkeeping procedures on an academic-term basis. Tuition, fees and other charges are due and payable on the tenth day of classes.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is provided through the College Financial Planning Office. The basic premise of federally funded financial aid programs is that since the student will be the primary beneficiary of the education, he or she is expected to contribute to the cost of the education from assets, earnings and other financial resources. Financial aid is intended to be a supplement to the student’s contribution. Financial Planning provides access to available grant and loan programs and student debt counseling. Financial Planning is located on the third floor of the Campus Center on the Main Campus and can be reached at 563- 884-5740 or 800-722-2586, ext. 4.
Academic Policies
Undergraduate studies policies are described within the Academic Policies section of this catalog or online in the Palmer College Policies Handbook at: https://www.palmer.edu/student-handbook/academic-policies/.
Bachelor of Science Degree Program Overview
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) completion degree in General Science from Palmer College is offered only at the Main Campus through dual credits earned in the D.C. curriculum to students with 90 hours of qualified undergraduate credits while enrolled in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. The Bachelor of Science completion degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Bachelor of Science Program Purpose Statement
The College’s Bachelor of Science Degree program is dedicated to building a firm foundation on which to meet the challenges of a career in the field of chiropractic. This curriculum is designed to complement and enhance the doctor of chiropractic program, while providing students with an education committed to preparing lifelong learners.
History
The Bachelor of Science Degree program began as the Division of Liberal Arts in 1962, designed to accommodate the rising requirements for two years of prerequisite courses completed for licensure by various states. In 1965, Palmer Junior College was formed to provide for the expansion of educational opportunities on the College’s main campus. The first candidates to receive B.S. degrees from Palmer College of Chiropractic were at the June,1966 graduation exercises. From the fall of 1975 to 1983, a cooperative program was held between St. Ambrose University and Palmer College of Chiropractic. The B.S. degree was accredited with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1983. Starting with the matriculating class in October,1983, Palmer College of Chiropractic again instituted its own B.S. degree program, which continues today.
B.S. Program Requirements
Palmer College offers a Bachelor of Science Completion degree in General Science to those students who qualify and apply. The B.S. degree requires that students complete a minimum of 90 credit hours leading toward a bachelor’s degree outside of the doctor of chiropractic curriculum. The remaining 30 hours are achieved through dual credit earned in the first year of the Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP). Of the 90 prerequisite hours, a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits must be completed at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education prior to applying for enrollment into the B.S. completion degree.
Undergraduate courses are offered on the College’s Main Campus to meet credit requirements for the bachelor’s degree. This degree is conferred simultaneously with, but independently from, the doctoral degree in chiropractic. The bachelor’s degree can be awarded concurrently with the Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program or up to one year prior to or after completion of the D.C. program. The minimum program requirements are 120 total credit hours:
- 30 credit hours are achieved through dual credit earned in the first year of the DCP.
- 30 credit hours must be 300/400 (junior/senior) level courses.
- 60 credit hours maximum may be 100/200 (freshman/sophomore) level courses.
- Other program information:
- No grade below a “C” (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) will be accepted toward the B.S. degree.
- Up to 15 credit hours may be granted from course work in vocational/technical programs (transferable as freshman/sophomore level courses).
- Up to 20 credit hours of CLEP (College Level Examination Program) may be granted (transferable as freshman/sophomore level courses).
The minimum distribution requirements of subjects by credit hours are as follows:
- Life and Physical Sciences: 24 credit hours (includes biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology, astronomy and nutrition)
- Humanities: 6 credit hours (includes literature, history, philosophy, art, theater, music, religion and physical education)
- Social Sciences: 9 credit hours (includes psychology, sociology, political science, business, economics, geography, anthropology and computer science)
- Communication and Languages: 9 credit hours (includes classical languages, foreign languages, English, communication and speech communication)
- Mathematics: 3 credits hours (includes Algebra, Physics, Statistics, Math for statistics, Applied Math and Calculus)
Undergraduate courses which do not fall into the categories listed above will be classified at the discretion of the Undergraduate Program Oversight Committee.
Undergraduate courses at the junior/senior level are offered on the Main Campus on the same trimester system as the doctor of chiropractic courses. These courses are taught by Palmer faculty and staff, and are structured to complement the doctor of chiropractic class schedule. Registration for bachelor’s degree courses is held during the same time as registration for doctor of chiropractic courses.
Selection of Candidates
To enroll in the Bachelor of Science completion degree in General Science, eligible applicants must have attained the following:
- Enrolled in the doctor of chiropractic degree program; OR
- Completed a minimum 45 undergraduate credits from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 on a 4.00 scale and applied to the D.C. degree program.
Application Procedure
Each of the following forms must be completed and fees paid to the College’s Student Administrative Services Office:
- Application for Admission
- Pay $150 fee ($100 evaluation fee and $50 application fee);
- Complete application for official acceptance as a candidate for the B.S. degree program; and
- Attach official copies of transcripts to the application.
Admittance is approved by the Undergraduate Program Oversight Committee. To ensure concurrent graduation, it is strongly recommended that application to the B.S. degree program is completed prior to the start of the fourth trimester of the D.C. program.
- Intent to Graduate
- Pay $100 graduation and records fee.
- Complete Intent to Graduate form for final approval of the B.S. degree.
- To ensure concurrent graduation, the Intent to Graduate form must be completed no later than the end of ninth trimester of the D.C. program.
(Note: Students are allowed one year after their D.C. graduation to complete all B.S. requirements.)
Tuition and Fees
For relevant tuition and fees see the tuition and fees section of this catalog or www.palmer.edu/tuition for the most up-to-date information.
Academic Load
A full-time load for the B.S. degree courses is 12 credits. Students with a credit load between six and 11 credit hours are considered half time, while students with a credit load of fewer than six credits are considered part-time.
Final Academic Approval
Students receiving the B.S. degree must complete all forms and pay all fees (evaluation, application and intent to graduate) prior to entering tenth trimester, or up to one year following their D.C. graduation, to be approved for the D.C. degree by the College Registrar and be approved for the B.S. degree by the Undergraduate Program Oversight Committee.
Course Descriptions Key
ANAT Anatomy
BIOL Biology
BUSI Business
CHEM Chemistry
COMM Communications
HUMA Humanities
KINE Kinesiology
MATH Mathematics
PSYC Psychology
SOCI Social Services
Electives – Bachelor of Science Degree
| Course# | Course | Credit Hours |
| ANAT22200 | Anatomy and Physiology | 8.0 |
| ANAT22201 | Introduction to Neurology | 3.0 |
| ANAT31310 | Functional Primate Anatomy | 3.0 |
| BUSI31305 | Principles of Management | 3.0 |
| BUSI31310 | Small Business Management | 3.0 |
| BUSI31325 | Legal Aspects of Health Service Administration | 3.0 |
| BUSI31330 | Entrepreneurial Finance | 3.0 |
| BUSI31335 | Practical Economics for Business | 3.0 |
| BUSI31341 | Business Ethics | 3.0 |
| BUSI31350 | Risk Management | 3.0 |
| CHEM22200 | Chemistry – Health Professionals | 4.0 |
| COMM31320 | Business and Professional Communication | 3.0 |
| COMM31325 | Advanced Communications for Professionals | 3.0 |
| COMM31330 | Organizational Communication | 3.0 |
| COMM31336 | Health Communication | 3.0 |
| HUMA31310 | History of Health Sciences | 3.0 |
| HUMA31320 | Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries | 3.0 |
| HUMA31330 | Health Issues and the Environment | 3.0 |
| HUMA31335 | Political Issues and Human Health | 3.0 |
| KINE31310 | Kinesiology – Study of Human Movement | 3.0 |
| KINE31315 | Exercise Science | 3.0 |
| MATH11110 | Introduction to Statistics | 3.0 |
| PSYC31304 | Psychology of Personality | 3.0 |
| PSYC31305 | Introduction to Marriage and Family | 3.0 |
| PSYC31306 | Psychology of Human Sexuality | 3.0 |
| PSYC31308 | Learning and Memory | 3.0 |
| PSYC31310 | Psychology of Wellness, Living and Balance | 3.0 |
| PSYC31325 | Attitudes Toward Death & Dying | 3.0 |
| PSYC31345 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
| SOCI31316 | Health and Diversity |
3.0 |
Course Descriptions
ANAT22200 Anatomy and Physiology
8 credits
This course provides an introduction to human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the organization of the body from the level of the cell up to the level of the human organism as an integrated unit. Topics in this lecture and lab course include the structure and function of cells, tissues, and systems of the body as well as fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance.
ANAT22201 Introduction to Neurology
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the human nervous system, focusing on the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This lecture course will also include an introduction to the special senses and the development of the nervous system.
ANAT31310 Functional Primate Anatomy
3 credits
Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology
This course is designed to compare and contrast the anatomy of humans and other primates, focusing on the functional morphology of the features covered.
BUSI31305 Principles of Management
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This course will examine current management theories. Subjects covered include development of American management, motivation, leadership, effectiveness, diagnosing the environment, power, decision-making and change.
BUSI31310 Small Business Management
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course recommended.
This course will address starting, marketing and managing a small business, with emphasis on the chiropractic office. A major focus will be on how to develop a business plan and use it as a guideline to run the business.
BUSI31325 Legal Aspects of Health Service Administration
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to identify and examine those major areas of law that influence the operation of healthcare facilities. Basic legal relationships, terminology and distinctions between solo, associate, group and partnership practice will be emphasized. The growing importance of risk management in health care organizations will be discussed.
BUSI31330 Entrepreneurial Finance
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This comprehensive finance course covers topics such as basic economic concepts, financial management and planning, financial statement analysis, forecasting, working capital management and profitability analysis. This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of financial concepts while allowing for hands-on analysis. Students should leave the course with an ability to apply course material in financial analysis.
BUSI31335 Practical Economics for Business
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This course explores economic issues affecting the business owner. Course discussion will begin with an overview of macro- and micro-economic principles and a framework for understanding economics as it relates to the world economy in general, and the place of the small business in the economic environment. The format of the class will be interactive and participatory.
BUSI31341 Business Ethics
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This course addresses ethical decision-making in business situations, including ethical principles, a framework for understanding ethical decision making, and organizational culture, relationships and conflicts related to ethical situations. The format of the class will be interactive and participatory.
BUSI31350 Risk Management
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
This course will examine management of risk in a small business environment including identifying, assessing and taking action to mitigate or avoid risk. Insurance, legal, and financial aspects will be addressed; however, the focus will be on examining the transfer of risk through insurance and the study of insurance concepts pertinent to a health care professional in a small business setting.
BUSI31355 Principles of Marketing
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course recommended.
This course focuses on customer behavior, product, channels of distribution, promotion and pricing, with emphasis on a culturally diverse environment. The objective of this course is to take a practical, managerial approach to marketing. It gives the student a comprehensive, innovative, managerial and practical introduction to marketing. Principles of Marketing provides in-depth exposure to practical examples and applications about managerial decisions. These include the trade-off between the organization’s objectives and resources against needs and opportunities in the marketplace.
CHEM22200 Chemistry – Health Professionals
3 credits
This course, through lecture and lab, explores fundamental concepts relevant to the study of the health sciences. It includes topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry.
COMM31320 Business and Professional Communication
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course.
This course is designed to emphasize effective business and professional communication at the individual and corporate levels. This course will use an interactive, audience-centered approach to focus on written and oral communication. In this course, students will enhance their written communication by creating several different professional documents including resumes, cover letters, business letters/memos, and designing a website. Students will interact with each other to develop oral communication skills by conducting interviews, providing objective feedback and giving an oral presentation.
COMM31325 Advanced Communications for Professionals
3 Credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course.
This course covers principles and practices of communication in business and professional settings. It builds on basic communication principles through the application of course material in negotiation, conflict management, persuasion, presentation skills, how to include research in communications with an emphasis on personal presentations, case studies and role play.
COMM31330 Organizational Communication
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course.
This course studies organization theory, group communication, work relationships, team building, leadership theory, ethics and gender, as well as the impact of technology on communication. Students will study the theoretical background for organizational communication and apply these theoretical concepts to practical applications, using case studies, interactive exercises and presentations.
COMM31336 Health Communication
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course.
This interactive course will explore various approaches and theories of health communication. The course will emphasize best practices and challenges in health communication. Common health concerns experienced in the general population will be used to focus health communication messages. Students will explore various methods of motivating patients to improve health through behavioral change. Students will demonstrate the ability to deliver appropriate, focused, evidence-based health information.
HUMA31310 History of Health Sciences
3 credits
Prerequisite: College level communications course recommended.
An overview of the history of healing arts from ancient to modern times will be covered. A special emphasis is placed on proliferation of the healing professions in the United States and Europe between 1865-1920.
HUMA31320 Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
3 credits
Prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology or consent of instructor.
This course will introduce students to the basics of athletic injuries and care, including prevention, recognition and evaluation, management/treatment and disposition, with the introduction to rehabilitation, emergency care, protective devices and decision-making for referrals.
HUMA31330 Health Issues and Environment
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course recommended.
This course addresses the relationship between human beings and their environment, the impact that relationship has on one’s health, and individual and community roles in the promotion of environmental health.
HUMA31335 Political Issues and Human Health
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course recommended.
This course presents a study of selected controversial political issues that have consequences on human health. We are often confronted in the media, in our community, and in our personal lives with problems that impact human health. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to a number of contemporary topics in order to illustrate how one might address these controversies. As is always the case in complex human affairs, there are no easy answers to many of the dilemmas investigated. Often, reality is not simply black or white, but is colored by an infinite number of subtle shades of gray. Therefore, when confronted by differing opinions and points of view, it is necessary to develop the ability to comprehend, evaluate and make decisions in the face of uncertainty. The use of such “critical thinking skills” can have a profound impact upon one’s life in terms of academic, professional and personal success.
KINE31310 Kinesiology-Study of Human Movement
3 credits
Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology or consent of instructor.
This course deals with the study of muscles as they are involved in the science of athletic movement. Students will understand the relationship between muscles, joints, bones and nerves during movement. Students will study the mechanical principles of human movements as related to functional anatomy.
KINE31315 Exercise Science
3 credits
Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology
This course introduces the student to the field of exercise science and covers aspects of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, human performance, and strength training and conditioning. Additionally, the course includes basic components of exercise program design, training and assessment. The completeness of the course provides essential foundational and practical knowledge should a student choose to pursue and qualify for external certification through organizations including, but not limited to, the National Academy of Sports Medicine and/or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
MATH11110 Introduction to Statistics
3 credits
The focus of this introductory statistics course is to develop students’ statistical thinking, reasoning, and literacy. Presentation of fundamental statistical concepts and methods emphasize students’ understanding of the fundamental principles of data collection and analysis to draw sound statistical and research conclusions from real world data. Students will learn basic statistical terminology, organization of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, application of statistical techniques, and the ethics of working with collected data.
PSYC31304 Psychology of Personality
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This course is an in-depth study of concepts related to personality development, description, assessment and special problems. It will cover such topics as methods in the study of personality types, traits and interactions, needs and motives, inheritance, evolution and personality, biological process and personality, psychoanalytic structure and process, anxiety, defense and self-protection, ego psychology, psychosocial theories, conditioning theories, social-cognitive learning theories, humanistic psychology, personal constructs, and contemporary cognitive views.
PSYC31305 Introduction to Marriage and Family
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This course prepares students to look systemically at family functioning. It will outline ways to approach the diversity of family dynamics, family levels of functioning and lifestyles, and the many common threads shared by family members through the life cycle. This course will stress strengths within the various levels of family functioning rather than on levels of pathology.
PSYC31306 Psychology of Human Sexuality
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This course will study the dynamics of human sexuality. Emphasis is given to the physiological, psychological and social aspects of sexuality, including various problems associated with the interpersonal role of sexuality.
PSYC31308 Learning and Memory
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This interactive discussion-based course explores the neurological and structural aspects of human learning with application to daily experience and chiropractic practice. Class discussion explores strategies and exercises for enhancing learning and memory, provides numerous examples and emphasizes meaningful learning. The course focuses on learner-centered active construction of knowledge. Embedded within theories of learning are models of human memory. The course will explore memory function and dysfunction.
PSYC31310 The Psychology of Wellness: Living in Balance
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This course will examine integrative and intercultural concepts of wellness. Through the process of studying various perspectives and components of wellness, students will construct a wellness model that can be the framework of their daily experience and chiropractic practices. This course will include social and psychological perspectives on why individuals may choose lifestyle practices and behaviors that support being ill as opposed to well. Designed for students with an introductory background in psychology, the course explores and emphasizes meaningful learning. Students will gain a better understanding of their own wellness choices and practices.
PSYC31325 Attitudes Towards Death and Dying
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
This course will examine the many different aspects, attitudes and experiences associated with the process of death and dying. Students will study what is death, what are the current attitudes concerning death in different cultures, and the practices surrounding death and mourning. They will identify personal and professional resources necessary for coping with the loss of a significant person. They will also examine the grief process in children, how age affects grief and the subsequent experiences, suicide and self-destructive behaviors, and the commercial death market. The final goal will be to view death as a part of living and to realize its power as a stimulus for living.
PSYC31345 Social Psychology
3 credits
Prerequisite: General Psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by other people. This course will explore important social influences that impact all of us in ways we may not be aware of. Through relevant practical application, students will better understand their own behavior and the behavior of others.
SOCI31316 Health and Diversity
3 credits
Prerequisite: College-level communications course recommended.
This course will explore the difference between diverse populations and how those differences impact health and health care. It examines common health conditions prevalent in various populations and explores contributing factors of these health disparities and inequalities. The student will develop culturally-sensitive health materials.
