Undergraduate Electives
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers elective courses, both online and face to face, to meet the needs of students interested in a variety of health care topics. These courses are open to students in many programs of study across GW. Before registering students should obtain academic advisor approval. Some courses may also have prerequisites and/or may require approval from the program director.
Electives Offered On-Campus
SMHS face to face electives may be offered either on the Foggy Bottom or Virginia Science and Technology (VSTC) campuses. The range of subjects includes health equity, prehospital care, medical laboratory science, clinical research, and molecular diagnostics to name just a few.
- Undergraduate Health Sciences (HSCI)
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- HSCI 2050 Foundations of Health Equity HSCI 2101 Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness
- HSCI 2105 Current Issues in Bioethics
- HSCI 2110 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Concepts
- HSCI 2118 Global Women’s Health
- Undergraduate Emergency Health Services (EHS) (also available as a Minor)
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- EHS 1002 CPR and First Aid EHS 1040/1041 Emergency Medical Technician
- EHS 2107 Theory and Practice of Research in a Clinical Setting
- EHS 2108 Emergency Clinical Scribe
- EHS 2109 Infectious Diseases and Bioterrorism
- EHS 2162 Introduction to the Principles of Tactical Medicine
- EHS 3174 Foundations of Emergency Health Services Systems
- EHS 3175 Community Risk Management and Safety in EHSEHS 2110 Emergency Department Critical Care Assessment and Procedures
- EHS 6227 Introduction to Human Health in Space
- Undergraduate Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
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- MLS 2005 Plagues, Pandemics and Epidemics
- MLS 2007 Microbes and Society
- MLS 2007W Microbes and Society
Electives Offered Online
SMHS online electives provides an exemplary online experience from leaders and experts in the health care and medical laboratory science fields. The online courses allow students to explore a range of topics and yet still offers the flexibility necessary for their busy schedules.
Courses by Subject
- Undergraduate Health Sciences (HSCI)
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- HSCI 2101 Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness HSCI 2105 Current Issues in Bioethics
- 2107 Health Care in Literature
- HSCI 2110 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Concepts
- Undergraduate Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
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- MLS 2005 Plagues, Pandemics and Epidemics MLS 2007 Microbes and Society
- MLS 2007W Microbes and Society
- MLS 4151 Molecular Diagnostics
Courses by Semester
- Fall
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- EHS 2109 Infectious Diseases and Bioterrorism
- EHS 2162 Introduction to the Principles of Tactical Medicine
- EHS 3175 Community Risk Management and Safety in EHS
- EHS 2160 Disaster Response Planning and Management
- HSCI 4102 Human Physiology in Extreme Environments
- HSCI 2050 Foundations of Health Equity
- HSCI 2101 Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness
- HSCI 2105 Current Issues in Bioethics
- HSCI 2110 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Concepts
- HSCI 2118 Global Women’s Health
- MLS 4151 Molecular Diagnostics
- Spring
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- HSCI 2050 Foundations of Health Equity
- HSCI 2101 Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness
- HSCI 2105 Current Issues in Bioethics
- HSCI 2118 Global Women’s Health
- MLS 2005 Plagues, Pandemics and Epidemics
- EHS 2160 Disaster Response Planning and Management
- EHS 4105 Operations Management in Asymmetric Conditions
- EHS 4101 Humanitarian Relief Operations
- EHS 2161 Principles of Hazardous Materials and CBRNE Incident Management
- EHS 3101 Leadership Concepts
- EHS 3103 Technology in Critical Incident Response
- Summer
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- HSCI 2101 Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness
- HSCI 2105 Current Issues in Bioethics
- 2107 Health Care in Literature
- EHS 2160 Disaster Response Planning and Management
- EHS 2211 Introduction to Telemedicine
- EHS 3107 Financial Management for the Disaster Lifecycle
Electives for Healthcare MBA students
In partnership with the GW School of Business, SMHS offers a variety of electives to Healthcare MBA (HCMBA) students across a range of topics and fields. Courses offer in depth health care curriculum to complement the HCMBA program coursework.
- Biomedical Informatics
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- INFR 6101: Principles of Medical Informatics
- INFR 6102: Principles of Medicine in Informatics
- INFR 6103: Advanced Computing Applications for Biomedical Informatics
- INFR 6105: Health Care Quality Principles and Practice for Informatics
- INFR 6540: Medical Decision Making and Decision Support Systems
- HSCI 6273 Bioinformatics for Genomics
- Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management
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- COHM 6220 Finance for Health Care Operations
- COHM 6320 Informatics for Operational Leadership and Health Care Quality
- COHM 6430 Healthcare Systems Operations
- COHM 6470 Applications in Clinical Operations and Health Care Management
- Clinical Research Administration
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- CRA 6201 Critical Analysis of Clinical Research CRA 6202 Medicines Development
- CRA 6203 Partnerships with Human Subjects
- CRA 6204 The Clinical Research Industry
- CRA 6205 Clinical Investigation
- Clinical Translational Science
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- CTS 6201 Critical Analysis of Clinical Research CTS 6205 Clinical Investigation
- CTS 6261 Foundations in Translational Research
- CTS 6265 Grantsmanship in Translational Research
- CTS 6285 Collaboration and Team Science in Practice and Research
- Correctional Health Administration
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- CML 6020 Fundamentals of Correctional Health Care
- Health Care Quality
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Visit the Bulletin For Course Descriptions
- HCQ 6200 Introduction to Health Care Quality
- HCQ 6201 Building a Quality Culture
- HCQ 6202 Health Care Quality Landscape
- HCQ 6203 Quality Improvement Science in Health Care
- HCQ 6204 Health Care Quality Measurement, Data Management and Analysis
- HCQ 6205 Patient Safety Systems
- Health Sciences
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- HSCI 6223 Topics in Health Care Leadership
- HSCI 6240 Issues and Trends in the Health Care System
- Integrative Medicine
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- INTM 6201 Foundations in Integrative Medicine
- INTM 6202 Self Care Methods for Health Care Professionals
- INTM 6206 Legal Medical Ethics in Integrative Medicine
- INTM 6207 Business of Integrative Medicine and Health Care
- INTM 6101 Nutrition I
- INTM 6110 Food Technology and Health
- INTM 6111 Current Topics in Nutrition
- Regulatory Affairs
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- RAFF 6201 Introduction to Global Regulatory Affairs RAFF 6202 Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Drugs and Biologics
- RAFF 6203 Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Devices and Diagnostics
- RAFF 6204 Clinical Research for Regulatory Affairs
- RAFF 6205 Regulatory Compliance
Undergraduate Minors
SMHS offers five undergraduate minors, allowing students to explore a variety of health care fields outside of their major.
Students interested in pursuing a minor should reach out to the program contact listed before declaring their minor concentration.
Declaring a Minor in SMHS
Students should consult with their advisor for the appropriate documentation required by their school. The required form must be signed by the appropriate health sciences contact listed with the program.
- Disaster Management
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Overview
The minor in disaster management introduces students to the leadership, assessment, and problem-solving skills needed to operate in the unique environment of disasters, public health emergencies, and special operations situations.
Outcomes
Establish the requirements for an effective response to disasters, public health crises, emergencies, and/or special operations. Demonstrate critical thinking, leadership, and/or decision-making as a key function of disaster management. Develop solutions to strategic, tactical, and operational challenges that are commonly faced during disaster response.
Required Courses
Course descriptions can be found in the Bulletin – Emergency Health Services (EHS), Health Sciences Programs (HSCI), Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management (COHM), and Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
- EHS 2109 Infectious Diseases and Bioterrorism (3 credits)
- EHS 4101 Humanitarian Relief Operations (3 credits)
- EHS 4112 Special Operations and Disaster Management (3 credits)
- HSCI 4114 Healthcare in Developing Nations (3 credits)
6 credits selected from
- COHM 4110 Strategic Communication for Healthcare Professionals (3 credits)
- EHS 2211 Introduction to Telemedicine (3 credits)
- EHS 3174 Foundations of Emergency Health Services Systems (3 credits)
- EHS 4110 Operations Management in Emergency Health Services Systems (3 credits)
- HSCI 2110 Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Concepts (3 credits)
- HSCI 4102 Human Physiology in Extreme Environments (3 credits)
- HSCI 4106 Introduction to Epidemiology for Health Sciences (3 credits)
- MLS 2005 Plagues, Pandemics, and Epidemics (3 credits)
Total credit hours =18
For more information, contact:
Nicole Weaver
Gwmil@gwu.edu - Emergency Health Services
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Overview
Emergency Health Services (EHS) continues to be a rapidly evolving and expanding field. The demand for pre-hospital services increases daily in most communities. There is also an increased expectation that Emergency Medical Services assets will deliver increasingly complex care that is integrated with hospitals and public health. The Minor in EHS will provide students with the background and perspective to become future leaders in EMS and will complement the curriculum for students in a wide range of disciplines from Criminal Justice to Public Health, International Affairs, and many others. Working in EMS can be a great career option, while for many others it represents a lifelong volunteer public service opportunity. Courses focus on topics such as the medical oversight of EMS systems, the explosive growth of community paramedicine, and the threat of emerging infectious diseases, such as pandemics and bioterrorism.
Outcomes
Analyze emergency health services delivery systems at the local, state, and federal levels Demonstrate critical thinking, leadership and decision-making as key functions in the delivery of medical and public health services Apply best practice solutions toward the management of strategic, tactical and operational issues in emergency health services Demonstrate lifesaving skills at the registered Emergency Medical Technician level, as outlined in the National EMS Scope of Practice Model
Required Courses
Course descriptions can be found in the Bulletin – Emergency Health Services (EHS) and Health Sciences Programs (HSCI).
- EHS 1040 Emergency Medical Tech-Basics (3 credits)*
- EHS 1041 EMT – Basic Lab (1 credit)*
- EHS 3174 Foundations of Emergency Health Services Systems (3 credits)
- EHS 3175 Community Risk Management and Safety in Emergency Health Services (3 credits)
- HSCI 2101 Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness (3 credits)
*Alternative elective courses may be selected with program approval. For students who have a current prior EMT certification, 4 credits in elective courses may be substituted for EHS 1040 and EHS 1041 with the approval of the program.
Select 5 credits from
- EHS 1002 CPR and First Aid (1 credit)
- EHS 1058 Instructor Development (3 credits)
- EHS 2107 Theory and Practice of Research in a Clinical Setting (4 credits)
- EHS 2108 Emergency Medicine Clinical Scribe (3 credits)
- EHS 2109 Infectious Diseases and Bioterrorism (3 credits)
- EHS 4112 Special Operations and Disaster Management (3 credits)
- HSCI 2105 Current Issues in Bioethics (3 credits)
Total credit hours = 18
For more information, contact:
Natasha Dorman
hscrl@gwu.edu - Microbiology
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Overview
Molecular techniques have been used in the laboratory for many years and are currently becoming more common in the clinical laboratory setting. Many of our BSHS students within the Biomedical Laboratory Science programs are interested in obtaining a molecular biology minor so they can be eligible to sit for national certification exams, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Molecular Biology board of certification exam, and be certified molecular biologists.
Outcomes
Assess molecular and genetic technologies currently used in research and diagnostic medicine Apply knowledge of molecular and genetic theory and principles as they relate to human disease diagnosis Apply ethical decision-making to issues related to molecular laboratory practice.
Required Courses
Course descriptions can be found in the Bulletin – Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
- MLS 4158 Laboratory Management and Operations (3 credits)
- MLS 4170 Introduction to Molecular Biology (3 credits)
- MLS 4171 Human Genetics (3 credits)
- MLS 4172 Molecular Diagnostics Capstone (3 credits)
- MLS 4217 Molecular Techniques (3 credits)
- MLS 4242 Applications of Molecular Testing (3 credits)
- MLS 4266 Molecular Diagnostic Practicum (6 credits)
Total credit hours = 24
Special Requirements
To be eligible for this minor, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and must have completed 8 credits of biology (with hands-on labs) and 8 credits of chemistry (with hands on lab). Students must also meet essential function requirements. Biological and chemical science courses may be part of the students program of study but must be completed with a C or higher prior to taking the upper level courses within the minor.
Prior to Clinical Rotations (Molecular Practicum):
- Confirmation of Essential Functions
- Immunization records, including PPD (within the past 12 months) and evidence of Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus vaccinations
- Current physical examination
- Copy of health insurance
- Copy of criminal background check
- Copy of drug screening test
For more information, contact:
Ivy Meadows
Ivymeadows@gwu.edu - Molecular Biology
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Overview
Students in baccalaureate programs in a biological, biomedical, or public health-related fields benefit from this microbiology minor since it makes them eligible to sit for national certification exams, such as the ASCP Technologist in Microbiology board of certification exam, and be certified microbiologists.
Outcomes
Apply principles of microbiology laboratory procedures to perform diagnostic analyses on patient samples Correlate laboratory and quality control data to assess patient test results Apply microbiology theory and principles as they relate to human infectious disease diagnosis Apply ethical decision-making to issues related to microbiology laboratory practice
Required Courses
Course descriptions can be found in the Bulletin – Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
- MLS 4116 Clinical Bacteriology I (3 credits)
- MLS 4117 Clinical Bacteriology II (2 credits)
- MLS 4119 Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology (2 credits)
- MLS 4141 Immunology and Serology (3 credits)
- MLS 4151 Molecular Diagnostic (3 credits)
- MLS 4158 Laboratory Management and Operations (3 credits)
- MLS 4164 Clinical Microbiology Practicum (4 credits)
Total credit hours = 20
Special Requirements
To be eligible for this minor, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and must have completed 8 credits of biology (with hands-on labs) and 4 credits of microbiology (with hands-on lab). Students must also meet essential function requirements. The biology and microbiology courses may be part of a student’s program of study but must be completed with a C or higher prior to taking the upper-level courses within the minor.
Prior to Clinical Rotations (e.g. Clinical Microbiology Practicum):
- Confirmation of Essential Functions
- Immunization records, including PPD (within the past 12 months) and evidence of Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Diphtheria, Polio and Tetanus vaccinations
- Current physical examination
- Copy of health insurance
- Copy of criminal background check
- Copy of drug screening test
For more information, contact:
Ivy Meadows
Ivymeadows@gwu.edu