Health and Human Physiological Sciences (HHPS)
The mission of Skidmore's Health and Human Physiological Sciences Department is to
provide engaging pedagogies that allows undergraduate students to gain an understanding
of physiology and how it impacts human health and performance. Embedded within our
teaching is a pursuit of new knowledge that uncovers previously unknown connections
among physiology, health, and performance. The Department of Health and Human Physiological
Sciences’ course work and research emphasize an understanding of the interplay between
environmental factors, nutrition, exercise, and disease on human function, as well
as the physiological mechanisms regulating human health and performance. Bolstering
our progressive curriculum is a commitment to integrating knowledge from the molecular
to the public health level, across all physiological systems. The Health and Human
Physiological Sciences faculty are committed to furthering student comprehension by
providing high-impact learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom. This
is accomplished by utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and working with students
as collaborators to conduct nationally and internationally recognized research. Student
engagement with all aspects of the research process is central to our classroom and
laboratory pedagogy and reflects our commitment to preparing students to perform rigorous
scientific inquiry and to apply scientific evidence to solve public health problems.
Our integrative approach to physiology provides a foundation for students as they
pursue graduate studies or embark on careers in the health professions or in biomedical
research.
Entering students interested in attending graduate programs in health professions
– such as medical doctor, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, nurse practitioner,
or physician assistant – should discuss these options with the department chair. Students
interested in attending a school post-graduation for any health career should meet
with a member of the Health Professions Advising Committee (HPAC).
Recommended courses for a prospective major
Fall
HP 111 Introduction to Exercise Physiology or
HP 126 Human Anatomy and Physiology
CH 115 Fundamentals of Chemistry* or
CH 125 Principles of Chemistry
Spring
HP 111 Introduction to Exercise Physiology or
HP 127 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
CH 126 Principles of Chemistry^
*Chemistry Placement Exam required. CH 115 is only offered in the fall.
^For students who complete CH 115 in the Fall, CH 126 is offered in the Spring to
enable them to complete their introductory chemistry sequence. CH 126 has a CH 115
pre-requisite (placement into CH 126 is not necessary) and is only offered in the
Spring. Note that CH 126 is identical in content to CH 125.
Health and Human Physiological Sciences Department SITE
235 Sports and Recreation Center, 518-580-5360