Whether you are pre-med, pre-dental, or pre-allied health, Fairfield University has the prerequisite science courses to get you qualified for a successful application to professional schools in the Health Sciences. Our courses are modeled after the rigorous fall and spring term versions that we teach every year. Many of them are taught by the same excellent faculty who work with our pre-health students year round.
If you need biology, chemistry or physics courses to catch up with your pre-health curriculum at your home institution, or are looking to “fix” a weaker performance in any of the above, we offer the full curriculum.
Summer Sciences
Fairfield University summer science student working a lab.
Biology
Summer Session 1 (Lecture/Lab)
BIOL 1107 lecture (01) (CRN 51183) (4 credits) Corequisite: BIOL 1107L
5/20/24 – 6/21/24
Mon./Wed., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. plus Fri., 6/21/24, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. ONLINE
Tues./Thurs., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ON CAMPUS
BIOL 1107L lab (01) (CRN 51050) (0 credits)
5/21/24 – 6/20/24, Tues./Thurs., 10:05 a.m. – 12:55 p.m. ON CAMPUS
Professor: Anthony DeCristofaro
$120 Science Lab Fee
This course is required for nursing majors as a prerequisite for most nursing courses. A strong chemistry background is recommended. Homeostasis is the major theme of the course with form and function covered together each semester. This course introduces the student to anatomical terminology, homeostasis and feedback control, membrane physiology, and tissues followed by the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Laboratory work closely follows the BI 1107 lecture and includes microscopic anatomy (histology), use of virtual cadaver (Anatomage Table), anatomical models, human skeletons, and dissections for study of gross anatomy, and physiology experiments including muscle recruitment measurements, reflex tests and cranial nerve tests.
Note: This course is not open to biology majors except where required for allied health sciences (chair approval required)
Online
BIOL 1015 (01) (CRN 51488) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Geoffrey Church
This course, an introductory study of biology for the non-science major, familiarizes students with the general biological principles that govern the activities of all living systems. Concepts include the biochemical origin of life, cellular morphology and physiology, and human genetics.
Note: This course counts as a natural science core but does not satisfy requirements for the biology major or minor.
BIOL 1020 (01) (CRN 51046) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Christine Rodriguez
This course section fulfills a MWAC Signature Element requirement and a MSID Signature Element requirement.
This course introduces topics in biology which have inspired developments in technology to the non-science major. Special emphasis is placed on ethical and social issues related to the knowledge and application of these technologies. Topics include biomimicry, antibiotics, gene editing, synthetic biology, and more. Through the semester, students will work together to design a biomedical engineering solution to an existing problem in nature.
Note: This course counts as a natural science interdisciplinary core but does not satisfy requirements for the biology major or minor.
BIOL 1071 (01) (CRN 51048) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 5/31/24 Two-week course - ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Olivia Harriott
This course section fulfills a MSID Signature Element requirement and a MSJ1 Signature Element requirement.
This course introduces human genetics to the non-science major. Topics of discussion include the structure and function of genes, modes of inheritance, gene editing, sex and gender, race, and human genetic diversity. Special emphasis is placed on ethical, legal and social issues related to the knowledge and application of genetic information.
Note: This course counts as a natural science core but does not satisfy requirements for the biology major or minor.
BIOL 1076 (01) (CRN 51049) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: James Biardi
This course fulfills a MSID Signature Element requirement.
The science of the environment is presented through examination of the interconnections among physical, chemical, and biological fields of inquiry. This course looks at how the global environment is altered by the human population, technology, and production of fuels and food. In this course, students will acquire a scientific understanding of current issues in environmental science and learn to evaluate claims about current environmental problems.
Note: This course counts as a natural science core but does not satisfy requirements for the biology or chemistry major or minor.
BIOL 1078 (01) (CRN 51187) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Shannon Gerry
This course fulfills MSID and MWAC Signature Element requirements.
This course introduces the non-science major and the marine science minor to the field of oceanography. Topics dealing with the geological, physical, chemical, and biological aspects of science underscore the interdisciplinary nature of world ocean study.
Note: This course counts as a natural science core but does not satisfy requirements for the biology major or minor.
Summer Session II (Lecture/Lab)
BIOL 1108 lecture (01) (CRN 51051) (4 credits) Corequisite: BIOL 1108L
7/8/24 – 8/8/24
Mon./Wed., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ONLINE
Tues./Thurs., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ON CAMPUS
BIOL 1108L lab (01) (CRN 51052) (0 credits)
7/9/24 – 8/8/24 Tues./Thurs., 10:05 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. ON CAMPUS
Professor: Anthony DeCristofaro
$120 Science Lab Fee
This course is required for nursing majors as a prerequisite for most nursing courses. A strong chemistry background is recommended. Homeostasis is the major theme of the course with form and function covered together each semester. This course continues with the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems. Laboratory work closely follows the BIOL 1108 lecture and includes microscopic anatomy (histology), use of virtual cadaver (Anatomage Table), anatomical models, and dissections for study of gross anatomy, and physiology experiments including blood pressure measurements, blood typing, lung function, and urinalysis. Note: This course is not open to biology majors except where required for allied health sciences (chair approval required). Prerequisite: BIOL 1107
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
Online
BIOL 1076 (02) (CRN 51355) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/16/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: James Biardi
This course fulfills a MSID Signature Element requirement.
The science of the environment is presented through examination of the interconnections among physical, chemical, and biological fields of inquiry. This course looks at how the global environment is altered by the human population, technology, and production of fuels and food. In this course, students will acquire a scientific understanding of current issues in environmental science and learn to evaluate claims about current environmental problems. Note: This course counts as a natural science core but does not satisfy requirements for the biology or chemistry major or minor.
Chemistry
Summer Session (Lecture Lab)
CHEM 1171 Lecture (01) (CRN 51142) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/21/24 Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. HYBRID
ON CAMPUS: Tues., Wed. and Thurs.
ONLINE: Mon. and Fri.
Professor: Mary Khalili
This course, the first in a two-semester sequence, covers atomic and molecular weights, the mole concept, Avogadro's number, stoichiometry, energy relationships in chemical systems, the properties of gases, the electronic structures of atoms, periodic relationships among the elements, chemical bonding, geometrics of molecules, molecular orbitals, liquids, solids, intermolecular forces, solutions, rates of chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium, free energy, entropy, acids and bases, aqueous equilibria, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, chemistry of some metals and nonmetals, and chemistry of coordination compounds.
Corequisite: CHEM 1171L
CHEM 1171L Lab (01) (CRN 51143) (1 Credit)
5/21/24 – 6/20/24 Tues., Wed. and Thurs., from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ON CAMPUS
Professor: Mary Khalili
$120 Science Lab Free
This lab offers the opportunity to explore and experience the rigors of an experimental physical science. Students make and record observations on simple chemical systems while learning fundamental laboratory manipulative and measurement skills. Experiments demonstrate and supplement concepts introduced in lecture. The first semester emphasizes weighing, filtering, titrating, using volumetric glassware, observing data, and recording and synthetic techniques. The second semester integrates these techniques in experimental procedures and explores physical properties and quantitative analysis of selected chemical systems.
Corequisite: CHEM 1171
CHEM 2271 Lecture (01) (CRN 51146) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/21/24 Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. HYBRID
ON CAMPUS: Tues., Wed., Thurs. and select Fridays (for exams)
ONLINE: Mon.
Professor: Mehrnaz Kamal
This course, an introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds, discusses common functional groups from the perspective of molecular structure. Areas of emphasis include structure and characterization, preparation or organic synthesis, and the relations of physical and chemical properties to molecular structure. Stereochemical concepts introduced early in the course are used throughout.
Corequisite: CHEM 2271L
Prerequisite: CHEM 1172
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
CHEM 2271L Lab (01) (CRN 51147) (1 credit)
5/21/24 – 6/20/24 Tues., Wed. and Thurs., 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ON CAMPUS
Professor: Mehrnaz Kamal
$120 Science Lab Fee
This lab emphasizes the manipulative techniques of separation, purification, analysis, and simple syntheses.
Corequisite: CHEM 2271
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
Online
CHEM 1073 (01) (CRN 51503) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Aaron Van Dyke
This course explores the chemical transformations underlying common culinary processes. Students will gain a molecular-level appreciation of culinary context (salt, fat, acid, heat) and execution (grilling, baking, braising, fermentation). Special attention will be given to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Students will explore course concepts through hands-on homework. Because cooking is shared across cultures, this class will also devote time to questions of food access, security, and human health. Note: This course counts as a science core course but does not satisfy the requirements for the chemistry major or minor.
CHEM 1087 (01) (CRN 51358) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Kehinde Taiwo
This course explores the modern science of biologically relevant compounds and substances, which exist at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine. We examine the major molecular components of the cell - proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and more - and illustrate the application of chemical principles to understanding their structure and function. Since our lives are increasingly influenced by the availability of new pharmaceutical agents ranging from drugs that lower cholesterol to those that influence behavior, we develop insights needed to understand drug action and consider the design of new ways to intercede in the disease process. Note: This course counts as a science core course but does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor.
Summer Session II (Lecture / Lab)
CHEM 1172 Lecture (01) (CRN 51144) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/9/24 Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. HYBRID
ON CAMPUS: Tues., Wed., Thurs. and select Fridays (for exams)
ONLINE: Mon.
Professor: Thomas Castonguay
This course, the second in a two-semester sequence, covers atomic and molecular weights, the mole concept, Avogadro's number, stoichiometry, energy relationships in chemical systems, the properties of gases, the electronic structures of atoms, periodic relationships among the elements, chemical bonding, geometrics of molecules, molecular orbitals, liquids, solids, intermolecular forces, solutions, rates of chemical reactions, chemical equilibrium, free energy, entropy, acids and bases, aqueous equilibria, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, chemistry of some metals and nonmetals, and chemistry of coordination compounds.
Corequisite: CHEM 1172L
Prerequisite: CHEM 1171
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
CHEM 1172L Lab (01) (CRN 51145) (1 credit)
7/9/24 – 8/8/24 Tues., Wed. and Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lab is ON CAMPUS
Professor: Thomas Castonguay
$120 Science Lab Fee
This lab offers the opportunity to explore and experience the rigors of an experimental physical science. Students make and record observations on simple chemical systems while learning fundamental laboratory manipulative and measurement skills. Experiments demonstrate and supplement concepts introduced in lecture. The first semester emphasizes weighing, filtering, titrating, using volumetric glassware, observing data, and recording and synthetic techniques. The second semester integrates these techniques in experimental procedures and explores physical properties and quantitative analysis of selected chemical systems.
Corequisite: CHEM 1172
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
CHEM 2272 Lecture (01) (CRN 51148) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/9/24 Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. HYBRID
ON CAMPUS: Tues., Wed., Thurs. and select Fridays (for exams)
ONLINE: Mon.
Professor: Mehrnaz Kamal
This course presents the chemistry of aromatic, carbonyl, acyl, and nitrogen compounds. The course relates the chemical properties of naturally occurring substances such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids to those of simpler monofunctional compounds. Spectroscopic methods of structure determination are introduced early in the course and used throughout.
Corequisite: CHEM 2272L. Prerequisite: CHEM 2271
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
CHEM 2272L Lab (01) (CRN 51149) (1 credit)
7/9/24 – 8/8/24 Tues., Wed. and Thurs., 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ON CAMPUS
Professor: Mehrnaz Kamal
$120 Science Lab Fee
This lab emphasizes investigative experiments, more complex synthesis, and qualitative organic analysis.
Corequisite: CHEM 2272
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
Online
CHEM 1033 (01) (CRN 51357) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/16/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Ranya Hamada
This course introduces basic chemical concepts, such as the atom, molecules, chemical reactivity and energy, as well as integrating fundamental biological concepts including cell structure and basic anatomy. Further explored, on a chemical level, are the structure and function of basic nutritional components: proteins, carbohydrate, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. With a scientific foundation established, topics pertaining to nutrition and human evolution, the life cycle, and exercise will be discussed. Current social and health issues such as obesity, food technology, and fad dieting will be incorporated throughout the course. Note: This course counts as a science core course but does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor. Students may take either CHEM 1033 or CHEM 1072 as a core science requirement, but not both.
CHEM 1085 (01) (CRN 51504) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/16/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Sangamithra Chintapalli
This course explores the flow of energy in modern society from the perspective of chemistry. Topics include the fossil fuels coal, petroleum, and natural gas, followed by an exploration of alternatives, including biomass, hydro, solar, tidal, wind, and nuclear energy sources. Students consider the source of energy, how it is harvested, and the short- and long-term environmental consequences of using each energy source and how these consequences are determined. The course uses the concepts of bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and work to investigate these and related ideas. The course also discusses economic and political forces that shape our use of energy. Note: This course counts as a science core course but does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor.
CHEM 1087 (02) (CRN 51505) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/8/24 Mon.-Thurs., 9 to 11 a.m. This course is both ONLINE synchronous and asynchronous. Class will meet in synchronous online sessions but will also be recorded on Zoom and available in Blackboard so students may listen to the lecture at any time during the day/evening.
Professor: Jon Harper
This course explores the modern science of biologically relevant compounds and substances, which exist at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine. We examine the major molecular components of the cell - proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and more - and illustrate the application of chemical principles to understanding their structure and function. Since our lives are increasingly influenced by the availability of new pharmaceutical agents ranging from drugs that lower cholesterol to those that influence behavior, we develop insights needed to understand drug action and consider the design of new ways to intercede in the disease process. Note: This course counts as a science core course but does not satisfy requirements for the chemistry major or minor.
Physics
Summer Session I (Lecture / Lab)
PHYS 1171 Lecture (01) (CRN 51520) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/21/24 Mon. – Thurs., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6/21/24 Fri., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mon., Wed. plus Fri., 6/21/24 ONLINE 8 to 10 a.m. Tues. and Thurs. ON CAMPUS 8 to 10 a.m.
Professor: TBA
This is a calculus-based introductory physics course for physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering majors. In it, students will cover the foundations of classical mechanics, including linear and vector motion, Newtonian mechanics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, static equilibrium, and waves.
Note: Biology majors should take PHYS 1145.
Corequisite: PHYS 1171L
Prerequisite: MATH 1141 or MATH 1171 (concurrency allowed)
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
PHYS 1171L Lab (01) (CRN 51521) (1 credit)
5/21/24 – 6/20/24 Tues. and Thurs., 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ON CAMPUS
$120 Science Lab Fee
Professor: TBA
This lab course engages students in experimental measurements spanning the areas of mechanics and thermal stresses on matter, with the objective of training students in experimental measurements, data manipulation and analysis, error analysis, deductive thinking, and instrumentation, providing depth to students' understanding of the phenomena taught in PHYS 1171. Specific experimental measurements include accelerated motion, periodic motion, gravitational force, ballistics, conservation of energy and momentum, and rotational dynamics. Students complete a weekly lab report.
Corequisite: PHYS 1171
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
Summer Session II (Lecture / Lab)
PHYS 1172 Lecture (01) (CRN 51522) (3 credits)
7/8/24 – 8/8/24 Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Mon. and Wed. ONLINE 8 to 10 a.m.
Tues. and Thurs. ON CAMPUS 8 to 10 a.m.
Professor: TBA
This course is a continuation of PHYS 1171 and covers electricity and magnetism, light, and optics. Topics covered include electric fields and their sources, magnetic fields and their sources, simple electric circuits, wave motion, reflection and refraction of light, and geometrical optics.
Note: Biology majors should take PHYS 1146.
Corequisite: PHYS 1172L
Prerequisite: PHYS 1171; MATH 1142 or MATH 1172 (concurrency allowed);
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
PHYS 1172L Lab (01) (CRN 51523) (1 credit)
7/9/24 – 8/8/24, Tues. and Thurs., 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ON CAMPUS
$120 Science Lab Fee
Professor: TBA
This laboratory provides students with a greater understanding of electromagnetic phenomena, wave phenomena, and optics, and supports PHYS 1172. Measurements of microscopic quantities, like the charge and mass of the electron, give students an opportunity to explore the structure of matter. Other experiments involve the physics of electrical currents, electric properties of bulk matter, magnetic fields and their effect on beams, wave phenomena, and the nature of light and its interaction with optical materials. This course trains students in experimental measurements, data analysis, error analysis, deductive thinking, and instrumentation. Students complete a weekly lab report.
Corequisite: PHYS 1172
NOTE TO VISITING STUDENTS: Please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu to obtain permission to register for this course from the Fairfield University Office of the Provost.
Psychology
Summer Session I (Online)
PSYC 1110 (01) (CRN 51514) (3 credits)
5/20/24 – 6/28/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Jeanne Peloso
The course encompasses a developmental psychology approach to the growth of the individual from birth to old age, tracing motor, perceptual, language, cognitive, and emotional growth and emphasizing normal development. Psychology majors and students who have taken PSYC 2110 or PSYC 2150 may not take this course.
Summer Session II (Online)
PSYC 1110 (02) (CRN 51545) (3 credits)
7/8/24 - 8/16/24 ONLINE in asynchronous sessions
Professor: Jeanne Peloso
The course encompasses a developmental psychology approach to the growth of the individual from birth to old age, tracing motor, perceptual, language, cognitive, and emotional growth and emphasizing normal development. Psychology majors and students who have taken PSYC 2110 or PSYC 2150 may not take this course.
Registration Information
Tuition for Fairfield University’s summer courses are $885 per credit. Please note that tuition is subject to change. There is also a $50 registration fee.
For information on courses, registration, pre-work or syllabi, please email summerstudies@fairfield.edu.
Please note that courses, dates, times, and faculty are subject to change. Please check with the Office of the Registrar to ensure accurate information.
