Prerequisite Science Courses

If you are missing a prerequisite course, you can take it at CCNM. We offer biology, psychology, chemistry, and two life science courses (biochemistry and physiology) three times a year. All courses are open to students applying to both the Toronto and Boucher campuses, and registration is open until the third week of classes (access takes five business days from date of registration).

For more information about PSCs, contact continuing_education@ccnm.edu or 1 (866) 241-2266 ext. 220.

Each course is 14-weeks in duration (3-credits) and is delivered in a blended learning style, which includes online self-study modules with weekly live interactive online tutorial sessions typically from 5 - 6 p.m. PT / 8 – 9 p.m. ET (one evening per week) with the course instructor. Each PSC course will take a minimum of 8 - 10 hours per week. The passing grade is 60% and assessments will consist of participation (10%)one quiz per module (10%), assignments (10%), as well as one midterm exam (30%) and a final exam (40%) which will be facilitated online and proctored via remote invigilation.
For more details, see Prerequisite Science Courses Policies.
PSC courses are designed for students missing prerequisite courses required to apply for entry into the naturopathic program. PSC course credits may not satisfy entry requirements for other institutions. If you require prerequisite courses for entry into other institutions, please contact that institution prior to enrolment.
Please start the application process prior to taking PSC courses to ensure the PSC courses will help you meet all the requirements to apply for the naturopathic program. CCNM does not offer a prerequisite course in social sciences or the humanities. If you’re starting your application process or lacking a social sciences or humanities prerequisite, please contact Student Services at 1-866-241-2266 ext. 245 or info@ccnm.edu.
PSC Course Calendar
PSC calendar for 2024/2025 (PDF)
  • General Chemistry
    Chemistry (SGC100) – General Chemistry
    Course outline - Fall 2024 (PDF)
    Credit hours: 3
    Course fee: $795
    Register here for May 7 - August 6, 2025
    Chemistry (SGC100) is a 3-credit, 14-week introductory course to introduce the fundamental concepts of chemistry. The course will emphasize the physical and chemical principles of chemistry relating to matter and its transformations including measurement, atoms and molecules, nuclear chemistry, ions, the mole, reaction stoichiometry, gases, solutions, and acids and bases.
    Prerequisites
    No prerequisites are required.
    Textbook
    A digital copy of the textbook is included with the purchase of the course.
  • General Biology
    Biology (SBI100) – General Biology
    Course outline (PDF)
    Credit hours: 3
    Course fee: $795
    Register here for: May 5 - August 4, 2025
    Biology (SBI100) is a 3-credit, 14-week introductory course to provide a foundation in biology. It covers the molecular and cellular basis of life, biochemical processes, cell structure and function, membrane transport and inheritance. It serves as a foundation for further studies in biological disciplines such human biology and human physiology.
    Prerequisites
    No prerequisites are required.
    Textbook
    A digital copy of the textbook is included with the purchase of the course.
  • Human Life Sciences
    Biochemistry (SBC100)
    Course outline - Fall 2024 (PDF)
    Credit hours: 3
    Course fee: $795
    Register here for May 7 - August 8, 2025
    Biochemistry (SBC100) is a 3-credit, 14-week introductory biochemistry course designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry as it pertains to the human body. The focus of this course is on the structure and metabolism of macromolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Essential biochemistry concepts including glycolysis, protein synthesis, enzymes, the citric acid cycle, the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis are thoroughly investigated. The application of biochemistry to naturopathic principles is integrated throughout the course; providing students with a unique opportunity to learn biochemistry within the context of naturopathic medicine.
    Prerequisites
    No prerequisites are required.
    Textbook
    A digital copy of the textbook is included with the purchase of the course.
    Physiology (SPH100)
    Course outline - Fall 2024 (PDF)
    Credit hours: 3
    Course fee: $795
    Register here for: May 8 - August 7, 2025
    Physiology (SPH101) is a 3-credit, 14-week introductory course to provide students a solid foundation in basic physiology. The course will cover the integration and coordination of basic cell processes and will emphasize the mechanisms by which cells and tissues of the body operate to maintain homeostasis and control. Topics include the integrative functions of the major systems of the human body including communication, integration and homeostasis in the endocrine system, central nervous system, and musculo-skeletal systems.
    Prerequisites
    No prerequisites are required.
    Textbook
    A digital copy of the textbook is included with the purchase of the course.
  • Psychology
    Psychology (SPS100)
    Course outline - Fall 2024 (PDF)
    Credit hours: 3
    Course fee: $795
    Register here for: May 6 - August 5, 2025
    Psychology (SPS100) is a 3-credit, 14-week introductory course designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of psychology. This course will investigate the field of psychology, the study of behavior, thought and experience affected by physical, mental, social and environmental factors. Beginning with an investigation of the workings of the human brain; linking understanding of structures and function in the brain and how they work together to produce different behaviors will be reviewed. The concept of nature vs. nurture and its interaction and effect on personality and behavior will be reviewed and how past experiences and certain conditions can influence our thoughts and behavior. Understanding the nature of how environment and interactions can affect individuals, as well as developing an appreciation for emotions and how they can influence happiness and health will be applied.
    Prerequisites
    No prerequisites are required.
    Textbook
    A digital copy of the textbook is included with the purchase of the course.
Required Textbooks
Most of the readings and assigned material will come from the required course e-textbooks, which are included in the course fee and can be accessed at the start of the course:
Front cover of Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry textbook
Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry

by McMurray, Ballantine, Hoeger & Peterson (8th Edition, 2017). Published by Pearson

Front cover of Biology of Humans: Concepts, Applications and Issues textbook
Biology of Humans: Concepts, Applications and Issues

by Goodenough & McGuire (6th Edition). Published by Pearson

Front cover of Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach textbook
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach

by Dee Unglaub Silverthorne (8th Edition). Published by Pearson

Front cover of An Introduction to Psychological Science, Third Canadian Edition – Instant Access, 3rd edition textbook
An Introduction to Psychological Science, Third Canadian Edition – Instant Access, 3rd edition

by Mark Krause, Daniel Corts, Stephen Smith, Dan Dolderman. Published by Pearson.