Health Care Studies Courses at Ashford University

This introductory course provides an overview of the basic principles of nutrition including the basic functions, needs, and sources of micro and macronutrients. Students apply nutrition principles to personal needs, as well as needs of individuals across the lifespan. Nutrition controversies are explored in addition to learning about the anatomical and physiological impacts of inadequate/improper nutrition practices and the risk for disease. Note: This course is designed for students with no previous and/or a limited science background. Prerequisite: HWE 200.

This course provides students with a holistic overview of the multi-faceted dimensions of health and wellness in adulthood. Physical, social, intellectual, emotional occupational, spiritual, and environmental elements of health are explored within the context of a wellness lifestyle.

This course explores the complexities and dimensions of health and illness through diverse cultural perspectives. Traditional health beliefs and practices among selected populations are presented along with the influences of social, political, and demographic changes impacting issues and perceptions of health and illness in a multi-cultural society.

This course introduces students to basic definitions and classifications of non-allopathic complementary and alternative health systems. Content includes the history and development of practices, practitioner nomenclature, and cultural influences of the major systems of Complementary and Alternative Medicine used today.

This course provides students with a holistic overview of the multi-faceted dimensions of health and wellness across the lifespan. The seven dimensions of health: Physical, social, intellectual, emotional, occupational, spiritual, and environmental are explored within the context of a wellness lifestyle.

This course examines health in relation to living a balanced life and the synergism of mind, body, and spirit, rather than approaching its study solely from the conventional Western or allopathic perspective. Divided into three major themes, the course investigates the principles of strengthening your inner resources, developing healthy lifestyle practices, and taking charge of challenges to the body, mind, and spirit.

Students will compare their own physical activity habits to national guidelines and explore the benefits of physical activity as well as the consequences of physical inactivity. The five major components of health-related fitness will be further examined throughout this course. Students will learn about various assessments and have an opportunity to design exercise and
wellness plans for themselves and potential clients. Prerequisite: HPR 205 and HWE 200.

This course explores fundamental constructs of Western Herbalism. Its focus is in providing the student a framework from which herbs can be conceptualized as entities with energetic and practical signatures. Consequently, herbs will be presented and appreciated from various and eclectic points of view which describes their characteristics and actions for their application in various body tissue conditions. The course will also cover qualitative descriptions (constitutions) that are tied to the human organism, appreciation of therapeutic laws, and classification of medicinal plants. Prerequisites: HCS 321 and HCS 326.

This course provides an overview of the practical and theoretical elements of health promotion programplanning, implementation, and evaluation in a variety of settings. Students explore models and theoriesused in planning health and wellness promotion campaigns/interventions and how findings of programevaluation can be utilized and applied.

This course explores the connections between spirituality, culture, health, and healing. Students examine spiritual rituals and practices from multi-cultural perspectives, in addition to examining elements of spiritual care in a variety of health settings and contexts.

This course is a synthesis of the major ideas, perspectives, and concepts gained from the study of complementary and alternative health. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and integrate knowledge gained throughout the program. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the General Education Capstone course & the majority of major coursework. 

This course is a synthesis of the major ideas, perspectives, and concepts gained from the study of health education. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and integrate knowledge gained throughout the program. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the General Education Capstone course.

This course is a synthesis of the major ideas, perspectives, and concepts gained from the study of health and wellness. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and integrate knowledge gained throughout the program.