Math, Natural & Health Sciences Capstone Information
UH West Oʻahu students are required to complete a capstone course in their specific degree and concentration area.
Capstone courses are a culminating scholastic effort and experience that asks students to incorporate the terms and concepts learned in their various classes to demonstrate their understanding of Math, Life Science, Health Science or (pre-) Health Profession concepts and theories through internship-based (clinical or administrative) experience or research.
Students should visit and/or contact their assigned UHWO MNHS College Success Advisor and Faculty Advisor (see advisor information below) to go over graduation requirements and project their graduation date.
Capstone Course Prerequisites
Students must complete all prerequisites before registering for Senior Capstone courses unless exceptions are given by the discipline.
| Concentrations | Capstone Courses | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics (BSNS) | NSCI 486M Senior Project or NSCI 490M Senior Practicum |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) course work; completion of or concurrent enrollment in NSCI 400; and completion of concentration requirements (or concurrent enrollment).
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) coursework. |
| Mathematics (BA) | MATH 491 Senior Project | Pre: Consent of instructor and one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) course work. |
| Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (BAS) | APSC 486J Senior Project or APSC 490J Senior Practicum |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive course work; and completion of concentration requirements, including HLTH 204 and HLTH 205 and HLTH 360, all with a grade of C or better.
Pre: Consent of the instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive course work; and completion of HLTH 204, HLTH 205 and HLTH 360 with a grade of C or higher. |
| Health Information Management (BAS) | APSC 486H Senior Project and HIM 490 HIM Practicum and RHIA Exam Prep |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper-division writing intensive course work; and completion of concentration requirements: HIM 201, HIM 203, HIM 304, HIM 305, HIM 306, HIM 309, HIM 403, HIM 404, HIM 406, HIM 408, HLTH 242, HLTH 243, PUBA 308, and PUBA 477. Coreq: HIM 490.
Pre: Consent of instructor. Coreq: APSC 486H. |
| Health Professions (BAS) | APSC 486P Senior Project and HLTH 488 Practicum in Health Professions |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive course work; and completion of concentration requirements.
Pre: Instructor approval; senior status and current CPR certification. |
| Health Sciences (BSNS) | NSCI 486H Senior Project and NSCI 490H Senior Practicum |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) course work; completion of or concurrent enrollment in NSCI 400; and completion of concentration requirements (or concurrent enrollment).
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) course work; and completion of or concurrent enrollment in NSCI 400. |
| Life Science (BSNS) | NSCI 486L Senior Project or NSCI 490L Senior Practicum |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) course work; completion of or concurrent enrollment in NSCI 400; and completion of concentration requirements (or concurrent enrollment).
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive (WI) course work; and completion of concentration requirements (or concurrent enrollment). |
| Respiratory Care (BAS) | APSC 486R Senior Capstone APSC 490R Senior Practicum |
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper division writing intensive course work; and completion of concentration requirements.
Pre: Consent of instructor; one class of upper-division writing intensive course work; and completion of concentration requirements. |
Capstone Course Options
Depending upon their major, MNHS students may take the Senior Project or the Senior Practicum, or must take BOTH the Senior Project and the Senior Practicum. All students attending UHWO must adhere to the Senior Project Guidelines (PDF) and the Senior Practicum Guidelines (PDF).
- Capstone Courses are Writing Intensive.
- Students are expected to take initiative and manage their own tasks, deadlines, and assignments throughout the semester.
- Each professor will conduct their capstone course differently and will share the specific details and expectations in their course syllabus.
Contact the Capstone course instructor (see below) for specific information regarding the capstone options, expectations, and experience.
| Concentrations | Capstone Courses* | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics (BSNS) |
NSCI 486M Senior Project NSCI 490M Senior Practicum |
Dr. Veny Liu venyliu@hawaii.edu |
| Mathematics (BA) | MATH 491 Senior Project | Dr. Veny Liu venyliu@hawaii.edu |
| Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (BAS) |
APSC 486J Senior Project | Dr. N. Kau’i Merritt nicolekb@hawaii.edu |
| Health Information Management (BAS) |
APSC 486H Senior Project HIM 490 HIM Practicum and RHIA Exam Prep |
Dr. Garry E. Roy groy@hawaii.edu |
| Health Professions (BAS) |
APSC 486P Senior Project HLTH 488 Practicum in Health Professions |
Dr. Rebecca Romine rromine@hawaii.edu |
| Health Sciences (BSNS) |
NSCI 486H Senior Project NSCI 490H Senior Practicum |
Dr. Rebecca Romine rromine@hawaii.edu |
| Life Science (BSNS) |
NSCI 486L Senior Project NSCI 490L Senior Practicum |
Dr. Olivia George ogeorge@hawaii.eduDr. Megan Ross mcolvin@hawaii.edu |
| Respiratory Care (BAS) |
APSC 486R Senior Capstone APSC 490R Senior Practicum |
Dr. Ricardo Custodio ricardo8@hawaii.edu |
*Contact the Capstone course instructor for specific information regarding the capstone options, expectations, and experience.
Applied Science Degree Capstone Courses
MNHS – Senior Project
Students complete a research paper based on original or library research related to a particular problem or issue in their concentration area. The objectives of the senior project are to develop research and information retrieval skills, refine communication skills, and other research related competencies. Students will then share their research demonstrating their understanding theories and practices. Although the senior project is usually in a student’s concentration, students may select topics that require multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary study. Senior Project topics are subject to faculty approval.
Student Expectations
- Submit outlines and drafts of a research paper as advised by the professor.
- Complete all required number of meetings with the professor.
- Present the senior project to classmates and professor.
MNHS – Practicum (Internship)
The goal of the practicum course is to allow students the opportunity to gain experience through field-based coursework within the workforce and apply the theories, concepts, and clinical skills learned in the classroom. Students will then report on their experience using their understanding of theories and practices. In doing so, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to adapt to professional situations. Students will complete field-based coursework related to their concentration area, such as an internship.
Student Expectations
- Complete at least 120 hours of work at the practicum site during the semester.
- Professionalism and a good work ethic is expected at the internship site.
- Obtain certifications and trainings as required by the practicum site, if applicable
- Submit written assignments by the posted deadlines.
- Meet with the professor throughout the semester.
- Present practicum experience to classmates and professor.
Practicum / Internship Sites
Applied Mathematics (BSNS)
- Kuhialoko
Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (BAS)
- Papa Ola Lōkahi
- Hānaiaulu Childcare Center – Windward Community College
- Elepaio Social Services – Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
- Kaiser Permanente
- Kaiaulu Papaloa
- Hawaii Mental Health Pro Bono Center
Health Information Management (BAS)
- Kaiser Permanente
Health Professions (BAS)
- Queen’s Medical Center West O’ahu
- COPE Health Scholars/Adventist Health – Castle Hospital
- JACO Rehab
- UHM, John A. Burns School of Medicine Anatomy Lab
- Wahiawa Physical Therapy
- Sprouts Therapy
- Hawaii Pacific Health Systems
- PT Hawaii
- Kaiser Permanente
Health Sciences (BSNS)
- Bishop Museum
- UHWO Biological Laboratories
- UHealthy Hawaiʻi
- Hawaii Pacific Health Systems
- Kaiser Permanente
Life Sciences (BSNS)
- UHWO Biological Laboratories
- Kalaeloa Unit of the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
- Bishop Museum
- UHM, John A. Burns School of Medicine
Respiratory Care (BAS)
- Kaiser Permanente
Deciding on a Capstone Option
If you are still unsure of which capstone option to pursue, you can contact your Faculty Advisor for assistance. Faculty Advisors are assigned to students based on their program of study and are an excellent source of information on:
- Academic programs
- Course content, selection, and sequencing
- Suggested courses for program electives
- Program and course prerequisites
- Graduate programs
- Career and professional development
The name and contact information of the assigned faculty advisor can be viewed in the STAR Degree Check under the Academic Standing tab through MyUH.
Questions?
Contact an Advisor
Kealohi Perry
Email: kperry34@hawaii.edu