Biology Nuclear Medicine Technology
62 credits
Why biology nuclear medicine technology?
The nuclear medicine technology program, is a four-year course of instruction designed to provide a bachelor of arts degree with a major in biology nuclear medicine technology.
Saint Mary’s University has a fully accredited unified program in nuclear medicine technology in conjunction with NorthShore University HealthSystem with clinical facilities at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, IL, Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, IL, and Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park, IL. This accreditation is granted by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology, 2000 W. Danforth Rd., Ste 130 #203, Edmond, OK 73003. A maximum of eight students yearly are selected to enter this program. Applicants to Saint Mary’s nuclear medicine technology program are not selected based on GPA alone, but SMU cumulative and SMU major grade point averages must be at least 2.500. Saint Mary’s University is also affiliated with the nuclear medicine technology programs at the Mayo School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN, and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Hines, IL.
Prior to a clinical year of internship, the student must complete three years of course work (90 credits) at Saint Mary’s University, including the general education requirements. Thirty of the ninety credits must be upper division credits. Acceptance to the clinical program at NorthShore University HealthSystem, Mayo, or the Veterans Administration Hospital is contingent upon the student’s academic achievement. Upon successful completion of the clinical program, the student receives a certificate in nuclear medicine technology and is eligible to take the certification exam of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART).
Students may also choose to fulfill all biology major degree requirements prior to entering the clinical training.
Career Options
Cardiovascular Technologists; Clinical Laboratory Technologists; Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; Medicine Technologists; Radiologic Technologists; Science Technicians
High School Preparation
Biology; Calculus; Chemistry; Physics
Sample First Year Schedule |
| Fall Semester |
Course # | Title | Credits |
| B110/111 | Botany & Zoology I & Lab I | 4 |
| C131/133 | General Chemistry I & Lab I | 4 |
| LCT140 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
| E120 | English Composition | 3 |
| | Disciplinary Studies/ Oral Communication Requirement | 3 |
| | 17 total |
| Spring Semester |
Course # | Title | Credits |
| B120/121 | Botany & Zoology II & Lab II | 4 |
| C142/144 | General Chemistry II & Lab II | 4 |
| M151 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ID160 | Artscore | 2 |
| | Disciplinary Studies/ Oral Communication Requirement | 3 |
| | | 17 total |
For more information contact:
|
| Biology Chair | Director of Allied Health |
Phil Cochran, Ph.D. Saint Mary's University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #10 Winona, MN 55987-1399 (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1544 pcochran@smumn.edu | Jeanne Minnerath, Ph.D. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights #10 Winona, MN 55987-1399 (800) 635-5987, Ext. 1770 jminnera@smumn.edu |
(From the 09-11 Catalog)
Students may also choose to fulfill all biology major degree requirements prior to entering the clinical training (see E below).
A. Biology Core
All of the following:
B110 Botany and Zoology I
B111 Botany and Zoology I Lab
B120 Botany and Zoology II
B121 Botany and Zoology II Lab
C131 General Chemistry I
C133 General Chemistry I Lab
C321 Organic Chemistry I
M151 Calculus I
B. All of the following:
B305 Human Anatomy
B313 Physiology
B392 Biometrics
B450 Radiation Biology
C142 General Chemistry II
C144 General Chemistry II Lab
P201 Introductory Physics I
P202 Introductory Physics I Lab
P211 Introductory Physics II
P212 Introductory Physics II Lab
P350 Radiation Physics
C. One of the following:
CS102 Introduction to Computer Applications
CS105 Introductory Programming: Visual Basic
D. One of the following:
PH305 Health Care Ethics
PH343 Contemporary Ethical Issues
PH346 Ethical Issues in Science
E. Section E or F
Clinical Training (minimum 32 semester credits)
F. Section E or F
All of the following (either B301 or B310):
B301 Ecology
B310 Genetics
B492 Experimental Planning
B493 Research and Thesis
Recommended elective courses; an asterisk (*) indicates courses that may be especially helpful:
B306 Medical Terminology*
B311 Cell Biology
B312 Molecular Biology
B409 Biochemistry
B435 Immunology*
C322 Organic Chemistry II
C341 Analytical Chemistry I
ED156 First Aid & CPR*
Click on courses below for descriptions
B110 Botany and Zoology I (3 credits)Emphasis is placed upon photosynthesis and respiration, and physiological processes including nutrition, gas exchange, transportation and regulation of body fluids. It is an investigation of the structure and function of both plants and animals and intended as an introductory overview. Three lecture/discussion periods are held weekly.
Offered fall semester.
Concurrent registration in B111 is required.
B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory (1 credit)These laboratory studies complement the concepts presented in B110. Investigations including physiological and molecular relationships and interactions are the basis for the course. The lab meets for one three-hour session each week.
Offered fall semester.
Concurrent registration in B110 is required.
B120 Botany and Zoology II (3 credits)Emphasis is placed on plant and animal phyla, organs and organ systems of both plants and animals. Three lecture/discussion periods are held weekly.
Offered spring semester.
Concurrent registration in B121 is required.
B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory (1 credit)Laboratory studies complementing B120 include plant and animal hormones and reproduction, bacterial techniques, and phylogenetic investigations. The lab meets for one three-hour session each week.
Offered spring semester.
Concurrent registration in B120 is required.
B301 Ecology (4 credits)A study of the theoretical and practical ecological concepts pertaining to species, populations, communities and ecosystems; stress is placed on the concepts of energy flow, nutrient cycles, limiting factors, population dynamics and succession. Laboratories include both theoretical and practical applications of concepts as well as some plant and animal identifications. Three class meetings and one three-hour laboratory/field trip each week.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B305 Human Anatomy (4 credits)This course explores the design and structure of the human body. Lectures present cellular and histological features of the body systems. Laboratory dissections explore gross anatomic features and the three dimensional relationships of structures particularly relevant to the health sciences. Body structures forming superficial features, those visualized by diagnostic imaging techniques and those relevant to kinesiology are empathized. The class meets for two lectures sessions and two two-hour labs weekly.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B306 Medical Terminology (2 credits)This course is an organ systems approach to learning and understanding medical terms. A word-building programmed learning format is utilized to understand Latin and Greek prefixes and root words from which our English medical words originate. Common medical abbreviations and case studies are also incorporated into the course. The class meets for two discussion periods weekly.
B310 Genetics (4 credits)The principles underlying hereditary variation in living organisms are the focus of this course. These topics are centered about the transmission of hereditary traits, cytogenetics, basic gene concepts, introductory molecular biology, population genetics, and the genetic basis of evolution. Three class meetings and one three-hour laboratory period each week with several laboratory periods replaced with a one-hour lecture/discussion.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
B311 Cell Biology (3 credits)This course is a study of the cell at the ultrastructural, biochemical, and physiological levels. Special consideration is given to respiration, photosynthesis, secretion, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, cell growth, movement, membranes, and other organelles. Two lectures and one three-hour lab weekly with two laboratory periods replaced with a one-hour lecture/discussion.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, and C321 (C321 may be concurrent).
B312 Molecular Biology (3 credits)An analysis of the regulation of cellular metabolism at the molecular level is the core of this study. The major themes include the biochemistry of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and the regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The laboratory component incorporates genetic engineering techniques. The class meets for two lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, B310, B311 and C321 (B311 and C321 may be concurrent with consent of instructor).
B313 Physiology (4 credits)This course explores the functions of the body systems of humans. The interrelationships of organ-systems processes to maintain homeostasis are emphasized. Laboratory sessions provide experiences with procedures and instrumentation to gather data that highlight the function of the body systems. Course topics are particularly relevant to the health sciences. The class meets for three lectures and one three-hour lab weekly.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered spring semester.
Recommended: C142/144.
B392 Biometrics (3 credits)This course introduces basic and fundamental statistics with emphasis on the more sophisticated tests and analyses common to biologists and other researchers. Substantial attention is given to analysis of variance procedures and experimental design.
Credit cannot be granted for this course and ST132, ST232 or BU215.
B409 Biochemistry (4 credits)The principle concepts of biochemistry are the focus of this course. The major themes include the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their biological function and the chemistry and metabolism of biologically important macromolecules including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisites: B110/111, B120/121, C321, and C322 (C322 may be concurrent with the consent of instructor).
B435 Immunology (3 credits)Topics covered in this course include the nature of the immune system and the immunological response including the roles of lymphocytes, cytokines, antibodies and complement. Some emphasis is placed on the malfunction and diseases of the immune system. Laboratories emphasize practice of immunological theory and the performance of immunological techniques. Class meets for two lectures and one three hour lab weekly.
Prerequisites:
- C321 Organic Chemistry I
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered spring semester.
Recommended: B310, B311 and B312.
B450 Radiation Biology (3 credits)The effects of radiation, particularly ionizing radiation, on molecules, cells, tissues, and the whole organism are studied. A brief background of the nature, sources and absorption of radioactive energy is presented. Some emphasis is also placed on the understanding and use of modern instrumentation and techniques available for biological research and fluorescence analysis. The class meets for three lectures weekly.
Prerequisites:
- B110 Botany and Zoology I
- B111 Botany and Zoology I Laboratory
- B121 Botany and Zoology II Laboratory
- B120 Botany and Zoology II
Offered fall semester.
B310 is strongly recommended.
B492 Experimental Planning (1 credit)The purpose of this course is to design a research project. The necessary reconnaissance, review of the literature, and other preparations are included. Some emphasis is also given to thesis writing and presentations.
B493 Biology Research and Thesis (2 credits)The course consists of an independent investigation of a field or laboratory problem of the student’s choice in a specific area of biology. A written report of the research project in the form of a thesis is required; an oral presentation may be required, at the discretion of the research advisor. This course is a graduation requirement for biology majors.
Prerequisites:
- B392 Biometrics
- B492 Experimental Planning
C131 General Chemistry I (3 credits)This course covers the fundamental principles upon which the study of chemistry is based. Stoichiometry, atomic structure, molecular structure, chemical bonding, behavior of gases, kinetic molecular theory, properties of solutions, chemical reactivity and thermochemistry are included. Three hours of lecture per week.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite: M115 or equivalent and concurrent with C133.
C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory (1 credit)This laboratory is an inquiry-based approach to understanding the process of doing chemistry. Each week, as a team member with a specific role working for a consulting company, the student receives a letter from a "chemical client" requesting the solution to a chemical problem. It is the responsibility of the team to design a solution, collect data, and report the results to the client in report form.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisite: concurrent with C131.
C142 General Chemistry II (3 credits)This course includes the study of the chemistry of redox reactions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium theory, electrochemistry, chemical dynamics, organic chemistry, phase behavior and solution chemistry. Three hours of lecture per week.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: C131/133 and concurrent with C144.
C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory (1 credit)This laboratory is an inquiry-based approach to understanding the process of doing chemistry. Each week, as a team member with a specific role working for a consulting company, the student receives a letter from a "chemical client" requesting the solution to a chemical problem. It is the responsibility of the team to design a solution, collect data, and report the results to the client in report form.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: concurrent with C142.
C321 Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)Organized by chemical functional groups and reaction mechanisms, this course presents both classical and modern theories of organic chemistry while rigorously exploring chemical structure-reactivity relationships. The fundamentals of nomenclature, physical properties, chemical structure, stereochemistry, organic reactions, mechanisms, synthesis, purification, and compound characterization is emphasized. Biological, medical, and familiar real-world examples are discussed in the context of organic chemistry.
Prerequisites:
- C131 General Chemistry I
- C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory
- C142 General Chemistry II
- C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory
Offered fall semester.
Concurrent with C323.
C322 Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)A continuation of C321/323, this course builds upon the fundamental presented in C321/323. It is organized by functional groups and reaction mechanisms, while integrating this knowledge into chemical synthesis. Additional topics include aromaticity, NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, carbonyl chemistry, synthetic strategy, and advanced C-C bond forming reactions.
Offered spring semester.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in C321 and C323.
C341 Analytical Chemistry I (4 credits)This course introduces the student to the theory, statistical treatment and laboratory practice of obtaining information about the composition of matter. Topics include: measurement uncertainty, aqueous solution equilibrium, gravimetry, titrimetry, chromatography and basic spectrophotometry. The laboratory projects involve analytical chemical problems whose solutions are researched and solved by student teams.
Prerequisites:
- C142 General Chemistry II
- C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory
- C322 Organic Chemistry II
CS102 Introduction to Computer Applications (3 credits)This course provides an overview of current computer software and applications in Computer Science. Students receive hands on training in computer software covering such areas as: presentation/multimedia, spreadsheets, database, graphics and web page design.
CS105 Introductory Programming: Visual Basic (3 credits)This course introduces students to algorithm development and computer programming using Visual Basic. Students learn to develop full-featured Windows applications from increasingly more complex program specifications.
Prerequisite: M100/M102, or equivalent.
ED156 First Aid and C.P.R. (1 credit)This course fulfills the Red Cross certification requirements, providing experience and practice in handling life threatening situations. This course is an elective for elementary education and allied health majors.
M151 Calculus I (4 credits)This course provides an introduction to the differential and integral calculus. Topics include: the concepts of function, limit, continuity, derivative, definite and indefinite integrals, and an introduction to transcendental functions.
Credit cannot be granted for this course and M308 or M309.
Prerequisites: M115 and M116, or departmental placement.
P201 Introductory Physics I (3 credits)This course is the first half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of mechanics, oscillations, and fluid mechanics.
Offered fall semester.
Prerequisites: M151 (may be concurrent) and concurrent with P202.
P211 Introductory Physics II (3 credits)This course is the second half of a two-semester introductory, calculus-based, physics course for all students planning to enter one of the scientific professions. It covers the fundamental principles of waves, physical and geometrical optics, and electricity and magnetism.
Prerequisites:
- P201 Introductory Physics I
- P202 Introductory Physics I Laboratory
Offered spring semester.
Must be concurrent with P212.
P350 Radiation Physics (3 credits)The course includes the study of radioactive decay (the interactions of ionizing radiation with matter), characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation, modern nuclear instrumentation, dose calculations and dosimetry, production and use of x-rays, nuclear statistics, radiation safety, fission, fusion and nuclear power, activation analysis, and environmental application of radiotracers. Two one hour lectures and one three hour laboratory each week.
Prerequisites:
- P211 Introductory Physics II
- P212 Introductory Physics II Laboratory
May be taken concurrent with P211/212. This course is offered every spring semester.
PH305 Health Care Ethics (3 credits)This course provides a survey of some of the specific issues in health care ethics that are faced today by patients, provides, insurance companies and other constituencies in the health care arena. Such issues include: access – how are limited resources to be allocated? Informed consent – what information must patients possess in order to make reasonable and informed decisions about their heath care? What compensatory obligations do providers have in the realm of informed consent? Funding – should the quality of health care vary by the means of the payer? Death – what is death? Also, should a patient have the right to choose the time and means of his or her death? Procedures and technologies – are all possible procedures and technical interventions moral defensible?
PH343 Contemporary Ethical Issues (3 credits)The course examines critically the foundations of ethical or moral judgments on vital issues such as abortion, birth control, capital punishment, civil disobedience, divorce, drug-use, ecology, euthanasia, homosexuality, marriage, pre-marital sex, suicide, segregation, stealing, truth: acquiring-revealing-concealing, technology, war, and work.
PH346 Ethical Issues in the Sciences (3 credits)This course provides non-science as well as science majors the opportunity to examine key issues in the sciences in the light of major ethical theories. Among the issues to be examined are: abuses and uses of nuclear energy, behavior control and psychosurgery, chemical wastes and the environment, computerized files of personal information, computerization and depersonalization, experimentation with human subjects and animals, genetic engineering and screening, reproductive techniques, organ transplants, physician-patient relationships, and euthanasia.