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Vision Science—Bachelor of Science

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Website: Bachelor of Science in Vision Science

College/School: Rosenberg School of Optometry

Apply to UIW: Application for the Bachelor of Science in Vision Science program

 

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Vision Science degree program requires the completion of 122 credit hours over a 4-year period. The degree program satisfies UIW Core curriculum requirements and the prerequisite requirements of  the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO). All UIW undergraduate core curriculum requirements are intended to be completed by the end of the junior undergraduate year.

Beyond the goal for successful entrance into the Doctor of Optometry program at RSO, the Bachelor of Science in Vision Science program provides students the opportunity to earn a degree which satisfies most requirements for medical, dental, and other health-related professional schools. Furthermore, the curriculum structure and content gives the graduate a strong foundation and credentials to embark on a biomedical graduate research career, or to enter the workforce as a vision-science or ophthalmic-related specialist.

Students in years 3 and 4 of the Vision Science degree program will rotate through optometry clinics as part of their curriculum. This is the only program in the country where undergraduate students spend a substantial amount of time learning under the guidance and supervision of clinical academic faculty and professional staff in both the classroom and out-patient clinical settings. This is also the only national preparatory vision science undergraduate degree program where students spend 3 rotations working with professional school interns in our outpatient facility and participating in outreach programs such as school vision screenings, health fairs, nursing home care and healthcare missions. To assist in preparing for the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Vision Science program students have the opportunity to enroll in a 6 week summer program designed to familiarize them with the OAT and to help them with focusing on the skills and knowledge needed to obtain competitive scores on the exam.

The Bachelor of Science in Vision Science degree is designed so students will have a foundation in vision science that far exceeds any other traditional applicants to optometry schools. This strong foundation will enhance the students’ competitive credentials for optometry school, and once enrolled in a doctor of optometry program, will help jump-start their success in the professional doctorate curriculum. The design, focus, and spirit of the Bachelor of Science in Vision Science degree will produce graduates that are well trained and prepared to pursue professional healthcare education/degrees, medical/vision research, and many other work opportunities in the healthcare and medical fields.

Admission into and completion of the B.S. in Vision Science program does not guarantee entry into the Rosenberg School of Optometry, but does provide a solid foundation on which to build a competitive application. The program includes an optional Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Preparatory Program.

Bachelor of Science in Vision Science Degree Plan

UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum

UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.

 

UIW Core Curriculum 
 Composition and Rhetoric  6 credit hours 
 Literature and Art 6 credit hours 
 Science and Mathematics 7 credit hours 
 History and Behavioral Science 6 credit hours 
 Philosophy and Religion  9 credit hours 
 Second Language  6 credit hours 
 Wellness and Physical Education  3 credit hours
  43 total core credit hours
   
 Community Service  45 clock hours (non-credit) 

MATH 1311, BIOL 2321, and BIOL 2121 satisfy UIW Core coursework requirements and degree program requirements.

Vision Science Core Curriculum

VISC 1112Introduction to Vision Science and Optometry

1

VISC 3211Applied Vision Science

2

VISC 3212Neuroscience and the Visual System

2

VISC 3291Clinical Internship I

2

VISC 3292Integrated Ocular Science

2

VISC 4322Immunology and Eye Disease

3

VISC 4311Visual Optics

3

VISC 4291Clinical Internship II

2

VISC 4211Visual Pharmacological Science

2

VISC 4392Clinical Internship III

3

VISC 4212Public Health and Epidemiology

2

VISC 4312Ophthalmic Lenses and Optical Design

3

VISC 4223Ocular Disease

2

Total Credit Hours:29

Supporting Coursework

CHEM 1301Chemical Principles I

3

CHEM 1101Chemical Principles I Lab

1

CHEM 1302Chemical Principles II

3

CHEM 1102Chemical Principles II Lab

1

CHEM 2311Organic Chemistry I

3

CHEM 2111Organic Chemistry I Lab

1

CHEM 2312Organic Chemistry II

3

CHEM 2112Organic Chemistry II Lab

1

CHEM 4351/BIOL 4351Biochemistry I

3

MATH 2303Introduction to Probability and Statistics

3

MATH
Math Elective

3

PHYS 2305Physics I

3

PHYS 2105Physics I Lab

1

PHYS 2306Physics II

3

PHYS 2106Physics II Laboratory

1

BIOL 2321Anatomy and Physiology I

3

BIOL 2121Anatomy and Physiology I Lab

1

BIOL 3471General Microbiology

4

COMM 1311Public Speaking

3

NUTR 2341Introduction to Nutrition

3

BMGT 3340Management Theory and Practice

3

Total Credit Hours:50