Health Sciences

This diverse department takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the human body and how it works. We integrate a liberal arts foundation; the study of biology, chemistry, and physics; and focused courses across a broad spectrum of health science topics.

The curriculum explores human anatomy and physiology, neuromuscular physiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, the relationships between exercise and chronic disease, and other important areas.

You will gain invaluable hands-on experience by participating in internships in a variety of professional environments, such as physical therapy, nursing, medicine, physician assistant, and dentistry. Many students also do independent research, often resulting in presentations at scientific meetings and co-authored papers with faculty members.

Facilities and equipment in the department are excellent and include Biopac data acquisition and analysis systems, Nikon compound microscopes, A.D.A.M. (Animated Dissection of Anatomy for Medicine) computer software, a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer, an electromyography machine, a 12 Lead ECG machine, a Monark 834E Wingate Cycle, Medical Graphics Cardio2 and VO2000 breath-by breath metabolic systems, Ariel 3-Dimensional Performance Analysis System (APAS), Quinton stress test EKG, a Trackmaster treadmill for stress testing, a YSI lactate analyzer, a Neurometer for quantifying pain perception, and an underwater weighing system to determine body composition.

Gettysburg HS majors have a strong record of success in the nation's leading professional schools in the health professions, including physical therapy, physician assistant, medicine, nursing, dentistry, and many other fields.

Department Majors and Minors
Major in Health Sciences
Minor in Health Sciences