St. Francis Xavier University is pleased to offer a customized package of science courses to Post-RN students through distance education. Designed specifically for nurses, these courses fulfill all science requirements for the BScN Program, and provide the necessary foundation for thorough comprehension and competent analysis of introductory chemistry and biological processes and related health and pathology issues.
Laboratory components are also designed for the Post-RN student. The laboratory components for the science courses have been integrated into the content, so there are no separate laboratory sessions either locally or on campus at STFX for the four biology courses or chemistry course.
These science courses may be taken by students currently enrolled in the Post-RN BScN Program, as well as those preparing to enroll in a baccalaureate nursing program. Non-nursing students may take these courses when granted special permission. Everything needed to complete the course (except course text) is contained in the learning package sent to students.
Courses Available
Please note that each of the following Biology courses has a value of 3 credits and is delivered over a 10-week period. Chemistry 150D is a 20-week course and has a value of 6 credits. The mode of delivery will include a distance learning package (course manual wrapped around a course text).
- Chem 150-D: Fundamentals of General & Biological Chemistry
- Bio 105: Introductory Cell & Molecular Biology
- Bio 115: Microbes in Human Health
- Bio 251: Anatomy & Physiology I
- Bio 252: Anatomy & Physiology II
Course Descriptions
Chemistry 150D: Fundamentals of General & Biological Chemistry
This course is designed to facilitate nursing students' knowledge of the chemical world within and around them, and to complement other courses in nursing, biology, and psychology. The basic concepts of general chemistry are covered along with an introduction to organic chemistry, nomenclature and the reactivities of functional groups. In addition, the fundamentals of biological chemistry, including carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids and an outline of important metabolic pathways will be highlighted. This course may not be used as a prerequisite for any other chemistry course.
Biology 105: Introductory Cell & Molecular Biology
This course focuses on the structure & function of cells, cell division, patterns of inheritance, and the molecular basis of inheritance. Among others, topics covered include small & large organic compounds, organization of the cell, cell membrane, energy, enzyme & catalysis, pathways that release or capture energy, cell division (mitosis & meiosis), patterns of inheritance in humans, molecular basis of inheritance (DNA structure & replication), gene expression (protein synthesis & gene regulation), recombinant DNA technology and genetic disease. BIOL 105 is a prerequisite for BIOL 115. (online delivery only)
Biology 115: Microbes in Human Health
This course is an introduction to microbes from a human perspective, this course deals with viruses, bacteria and fungi. Topics include bacterial structure and function, bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial drugs, epidemiology, and viral structure and function. (online delivery only)
Biology 251: Anatomy & Physiology
Using an integrated approach to the study of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory systems, this course provides students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these systems.
BIOL 251 is a prerequisite for BIOL 252.
Biology 252: Anatomy & Physiology II
An integrated study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and digestive systems, this course provides students with a comprehensive working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these systems. Biology 252 continues from Biology 251 and concentrates on systems involved in the maintenance of the body and reproduction. Biology 251 (Anatomy & Physiology I) and Biology 252 (Anatomy & Physiology II) together will provide you with basic knowledge about the structure and function of the human body.
Detailed information on the science courses can be obtained by calling the Program Office.
Admission/Registration
All science courses are offered to Post RN students or students on letters of permission. For more information on registration and fees regarding these courses please the Program Office.
SPECIALTY NURSING COURSES
St. Francis Xavier University is pleased to offer a series of specialty nursing courses to Post-RN students through distance education. Designed specifically for practicing nurses, these courses enable nurses to develop a stronger theory base and support the integration of new knowledge into their nursing practice.
Each course is fully transferable into the StFX Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is accepted at many other institutions. Students may also choose to complete these courses in combination with other specific courses to obtain a clinical specialty certificate.
These specialty courses may be taken by students currently enrolled in the Post-RN BScN Program, as well as those preparing to enroll in a baccalaureate nursing program or nurses simply wanting to take a single course for personal or professional interest. Everything needed to complete the course (except course text) is contained in the learning package sent to students.
Courses Available
Please note that each of the following courses has a value of 3 credits and is delivered over a 10-week period or 6 credits and delivered over 20 weeks. The mode of delivery will include a distance learning package (online delivery ultilizing a learning management system).
• N473: Basic Concepts in Pathophysiology – online (3 credit)
• N483: Hospice Palliative Care – print based - online (3 credit)
• N488: Challenges in Aging: Implications for Nursing – online (3 credit)
• N490: Forensic Nursing – online (6 credit)
• N497: Computers in Nursing – online (3 credit)
Course Descriptions
N473: Basic Concepts in Pathophysiology
This course was developed to help you understand the basic clinical concepts of pathophysiology―the physiology of disease processes. Pathophysiology addresses alterations in function as well as the mechanisms underlying disease. In studying the basics concepts of pathophysiology, you will appreciate the link between basic sciences and clinical nursing practice. Learning these concepts will enhance your understanding of the mechanisms which manifest in signs and symptoms of disease, thereby helping you make the best decisions in providing care for your patients. (online delivery only)
N483: Hospice Palliative Care
This course was designed to provide an overview of the theories, current practices, and relevant issues in the field of palliative care, with a major focus being placed on the nurse's role in palliative care. The importance of a holistic, patient/family centered, interdisciplinary approach will be emphasized, and in line with the philosophy of nursing at StFX University, the concepts of self-care and health promotion, as they relate to quality of life issues, will be incorporated throughout the course. (online delivery only)
N488: Challenges in Aging: Implications for Nursing
New discoveries in health research, advances in technology and greater awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout life, have increased life expectancies for both men and women. We now have a growing aging population (the fastest growing segment of population growth) which has profoundly impacted government policies and programs, industry and business, as well as curricula in both nursing and medical schools as educators scurry to meet the healthcare challenges of an aging society. With constant nursing shortages and growing numbers of patients and clients in various health settings, there is increasing need for those knowledgeable in the aging process itself, as well as with the many physical and psychosocial issues associated with growing old in today’s world. (online delivery only)
N490: Forensic Nursing
This course will examine the application of nursing science, combined with the bio-physical-social education of the registered nurse, to the investigation and treatment of trauma, death, violent or criminal activity, and the traumatic accidents within the clinical or community institution (online delivery only).
N497: Computers in Nursing
This course teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that computers have a positive impact on the nursing environment and delivery of patient care. Students learn computer concepts and terms, and examine ways computers can enhance nursing practice, education, administration and research. Trends and issues related to the use of computers in nursing are explored (online delivery only).
Admission/Registration
A current RN registration and one year clinical experience are required for all of the specialty courses. For more information on registration and fees regarding these courses please contact the Program Office.
Distance Nursing Programs
St. Francis Xavier University
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, N.S.
B2G 2W5
Toll-free Telephones:
800 588-2246
800 565-4371
Fax: (902) 867-5154
E-mail: distance.nursing@stfx.ca
website: http://www.sites.stfx.ca/continuingeducation/distance_nursing
