FAQ and Glossary for the School of Science and Health

School of Science and Health

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FAQ
or
Frequently Asked Questions

General

I am a new (or transfer) student and the computer is not allowing me to register. What do I do?: All new or transfer students have an automatic hold placed on their account. You must see your major advisor to have the hold removed.
How can I find out how long it will take me to graduate or what classes I need to take?: In addition to regularly meeting with an advisor, students may also track their progress using a Degree Evaluation. This can be found by logging into UV Link, clicking on the "Student Records Menu" link (in the middle of the page), and then clicking on Degree Evaluation.
What is a Degree Evaluation?: A degree evaluation is found under student records on your student homepage. The degree evaluation lists all of the classes you have taken and the classes you still need to take to graduate.
How can I find out my teacher´s office hours?: Most teachers will post their office hours on their doors or include them on their syllabi. In addition, adjunct teachers who do not have offices on campus will usually provide other contact information if you need to get in touch with them. Please note; office hours may change each semester.
What is upper division?: An upper division class is any class that is at 3000 level or higher.
What is the GRE?: A test taken to get into graduate (grad) school
How do I declare my major?: Talk to the department advisor of the major you wish to declare.
How many credits do I need to graduate?: Talk to your department chair and perform a degree evaluation
Where do I send my transcripts?: The graduation transfer office:

Biology

If I am a biology major, is it true I only need one more chemistry class for a minor in chemistry?: Yes, Analytical Chemistry.
What possible careers exist in biology?: Biology majors find employment in health related careers, science laboratories, sales and marking, research, state and federal agencies, and in education.

Chemistry

Will CHEM 1210 or some other specific class be offered next semester?: See the class schedule. The classes are posted long before registration starts.
How do I decide what chemistry class to take?: See the physical science advisor.
Do I have to take labs during the same semester as the class?: It is optimal and computer enforced normally, but in some cases, can be flexible. See your advisor to go over options

Community Health

Dental Hygiene

How many people do you accept each year?: 14 each year
How much does a dental hygienist make?: From the high $20´s to mid $30´s per hour
What are the admission criteria?: Please read our Application/Admission & Program Bulletin 2007 for a detailed and complete answer available on this web site or you can call us at 863-7536 for a copy, or with any questions.
Do you have a waiting list?: No

Earth Science

Mathematics

Nursing

What nursing programs are offered?: UVSC has what is considered a "2 + 2" or "ladder" program. The entry level, or the first "2" is the Associate in Science in Nursing program. This program prepares the student to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and then begin working as a Registered Nurse providing basic patient care. The student may choose to stop at this level; however, with the AS Nursing degree complete, the student would then be ready to continue their education with the second "2" and complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The BSN program prepares the student to work as an RN in a more administrative, managerial capacity. We do not offer either a CNA or an LPN program.
Do you have a waiting list for admission into your program?: No--no waiting list. We enter students by a competitive application process. You apply when eligible and compete for a position with all other students applying at that time. If not accepted, you can apply again for the next time frame and be considered in another applicant pool. Applications to be accepted and approved are taken each fall and spring. Please see the Nursing Student Handbook for more information.
Are there prerequisites to the program?: Yes. There are certain courses required to be eligible to apply for the Associate in Science in Nursing program. Please see the Nursing Student Handbook under Associate Degree Eligibility Requirements. This lists all prerequisites as well as the application procedure.
When can I apply?: Every Fall and Spring the application period is opened for entrance into the coming Spring and Fall semesters. No program entry is available in the Summer semester. Please refer to our Nursing Program Application and Notification web page for information and PDF application forms. Please refer to the Nursing Student Handbook for complete informationregarding the prerequistes and application/selection procedure.
How do I get into the program?: Entry into the program is by competitive application. The application is a point-based process. Currently, the factors considered in the application process come from the prerequisite GPA and from a required assessment test. Therefore, the higher your GPA and the higher you score on the assessment test, the more competitive you will be in the application process. Because there are a limited number of positions available in the program each semester, and because there is a competitive application process, not all students who apply will be accepted to the program.
Is it difficult to get accepted?: We typically have a large, highly qualified applicant pool which means our program is very competitive. Consequently, the higher your GPA and the higher your assessment scores, the more competitive you will be when applying. However, without the factors of how many applicants will be applying, and what their qualifications will be, no one knows--not even our Department--until the application period ends!! So unfortunately, it is impossible to try to estimate your chances of being accepted. Comparing your GPA and assessment scores with averages from past applicant pools may give you an idea of whether or not you would have been competitive in other pools, but the statistics of the pool in which you will be applying is yet unknown!! Average GPAs are typically between 3.5 - 3.7 and assessment scores are typically in the low to mid 90s.
How long is the program?: The Associate in Science in Nursing program will take 4 semesters. We suggest taking 2-3 semesters to complete the necessary prerequisites and some of the general education courses prior to application, as well. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires that you first complete an Associate in Science in Nursing, and hold an RN license, and will then take 6 semesters.
If I have most or all of the general education courses done, can I finish sooner?: No. The Associate in Science in Nursing program requires 4 semesters of nursing core course work. Each nursing course is prerequisite to the next and builds on the information from the previous semester. So no, you can not combine any of the Associate nursing semesters into less than 4 semesters. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, following completion of the AS program, requires 6 semesters of nursing core course work, but does offer a condensed time frame for those entering the program in a Fall semester. The option would allow the student to complete the BSN program in 4 semesters instead of the outlined 6 semesters.
Is CNA certification required and/or helpful?: CNA certification is NOT required, so other than giving you an opportunity to work in the health care field, a CNA is not a factor considered in the application process.
Can I go part-time or nights?: Prerequisites and general education courses can be taken as you choose--days, nights, weekends, part-time, full-time. The nursing core course work however, are days only and you must take the total number of nursing credits indicated for each nursing semester.
Do any of the required courses expire and have to be redone?: There are no expirations on any of the courses required for the nursing program.
Must I complete all courses at UVSC?: All general education and prerequisite courses required for UVSC´s program have an equivalent course which can be taken on any accredited State campus, as well as most accredited campuses around the country. As long as it is the appropriate equivalent for our course, and you receive the appropriate grade, these courses can transfer to UVSC and fill the requirements for our program.
How are transfer credits applied to my nursing degree requirements at UVSC?: Transfer credits are NOT evaluated within individual departments. . .so don´t send transcripts to Nursing for evaluation! All transfer credits are evaluated in the Graduation/Transfer Credit Office, after they have been received in the Admissions Office. Official, sealed transcripts can either be sent or hand-delivered to the UVSC Admissions Office. Within 10-14 days after their receipt, nursing will have access to the information posted on the College´s computer system and then can tell what courses have transferred to fill nursing requirements here and what courses still need to be taken.

Physical Education & Recreation

Where is room PE 225 (Aerobics, Yoga, PowerTone, and Pilates)?: It is located in the main gym in the PE/LA hall just north of the Issue Room where the basketball courts are. The room can be reached by taking the far east staircase inside the gym.
Where is room PE 219 (all Martial Arts courses including TaiChi, Women´s Self Defense, Kenpo, etc.)?: It can be found in the main gym in the PE/LA hall, just north of the Issue Room where the baketball courts are. The room can be reached by taking the first flight of stairs inside the gym, on the far west side.
Can I test out of PE classes?: Yes, you just need to meet with the Department Chair to discuss the criteria for the specific course.
Are there specific gen ed´s I need to take for the PE major?: Yes, you should plan on taking Math 1050, Biol 1010, Zool 1090 and PES 1097 as part of your general education courses.
Is Exercise Science a good area to receive a bachelor´s degree in, if I want to go on to physical therapy school?: Yes, many of the prereq classes that physical therapy school requires are classes you would be taking for the exercise science emphasis.
What can I do as a career if I major in Physical Education and Recreation?: We have 3 emphasis. PE Teaching prepares students to work in schools, K-12. Exercise Science prepares students to work in personal training, corporate wellness, physical therapy or hospital settings, etc. Outdoor Recreation Management prepares students to work in state and national parks, adventure programs, etc.

Physics