THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES CURRICULUM

The Department of Health Sciences offers degree programs in Athletic Training, Health Science and Exercise Science (formerly Sports Medicine). Each of these areas of study follows a specific curriculum (navigate to links on left) that offers a core of courses exposing students to the breadth of their discipline and advanced courses whose content is current, relevant and explores the specific subject area in depth.

All programs in the department emphasize the scientific process by utilizing both independent and collaborative investigative approaches in the laboratory, stressing scientific communication and offering senior thesis research, internships and practica so that students might gain practical experience in their area of interest.

The department also serves the college as a whole by offering non-major courses that fulfill the college’s math/science distribution requirement. The department encourages professional involvement by faculty and students in the Merrimack Valley community by offering service learning opportunities, lectures and workshops. The Lawrence Math Science Partnership program places Merrimack students with Lawrence middle school youth in after school programs that focus on math and science inquiry-based activities. The Community Service Partnership Program identifies community institutions, organizations, and facilities that focus on health and wellness, share and support our vision of community service, and assist in the placement of our students into their programs for diverse experiential learning and service opportunities.

DEPARTMENTAL ACADEMIC POLICIES

  • All Health Sciences & Exercise Science Majors must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good academic standing within the Department.  Athletic Training Majors must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
  • All students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in ALL Departmental courses (SME, HSC, ATR prefix), with the exception of students majoring in Athletic Training which requires a minimum of a “C+” or better in all core courses. Students must successfully repeat any Departmental course that falls below these grades.
  • All students must successfully complete with a grade of “C” or higher in all Departmental courses that serve as a prerequisite to other courses. For example, students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in Anatomy and Physiology I before progressing to Anatomy and Physiology II. Athletic Training majors must achieve a grade of “C+” or higher to progress to any course requiring a pre-requisite.
  • Students are allowed to repeat any Departmental course below a “C”. The course must be repeated here in order for their new grade to replace their old grade. If a student takes the course elsewhere, they can get credit, but their old grade will not be replaced by their new grade.
  • Students will only be allowed to retake a Departmental course (e.g., HSC, SME, ATR prefix) in which a grade is issued no more than two times.
  • Receiving a W in a course will not be considered officially enrolled, therefore will not result in an academic penalty.

 

Policies on Probation / Dismissal from the Department of Health Sciences

Departmental Probation

Any student that falls below the 2.5 / 2.75 cumulative GPA will be notified that they are on academic probation in a formal written letter from the Chair of Health Sciences.  Any student who does not show satisfactory progress in completing the academic requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in HS, ES, AT for two consecutive semesters will be subjected to academic dismissal from the major.

Appeals Process

All students will have the opportunity to appeal their probationary or dismissal status.  Once the student has received formal notification, they have five business days to petition to the Chair of Health Sciences in writing, outlining any perceived or extenuating circumstances that may support their case. The Student Affairs Committee comprised of faculty from the Department of Health Sciences will review each appeal, and present their recommendations to the Department Chair.  The Department Chair will then notify the student and the Dean of the final ruling.