Natural sciences. Broad program providing sound foundation in sciences and mathematics to prepare for careers in medicine and research. Includes instruction in biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, geography, and physics.

Neuroscience. The s

tudy of the anatomy, physiology, biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular biology of neuron cells and biological nervous systems. Includes instruction in neurological signaling, neuroanatomy and brain research, neuropharmacology, and neuropsychological research.

Nonprofit and public management. Prepares individuals to manage the business affairs of nonprofit corporations, including foundations, education institutions, and other such organizations as well as public and governmental agencies. Includes instruction in business management, public administration, accounting and financial management, taxation, and business law.

Nuclear and industrial radiologic technologies. Prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of design, testing, and operations procedures related to the industrial use of radioisotopes and nuclear energy.

Nuclear engineering. Prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of systems for controlling and manipulating nuclear energy, including nuclear power plant design, fission and fusion reactor design, and safety systems design.

Nuclear medical technology. Prepares individuals to administer radioactive isotopes via injections and to measure glandular and other bodily activity by means of in vitro and in vivo detection and specimen testing. Includes instruction in equipment operation and, maintenance, and materials storage and safety.

Nuclear physics. The study of the properties and behavior of atomic nuclei. Includes instruction in nuclear reaction theory, quantum mechanics, nuclear fission and fusion, strong and weak atomic forces, photon and electron reactions, and statistical methods.

Nursing assistance. Prepares individuals to perform routine nursing-related services to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities, under the training and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Nursery operations. Prepares individuals to produce turf, shrubs, and trees for the purpose of transplanting or propagation. Includes instruction in enterprise management.

Nursing. Prepares students to care for those who are ill, to rehabilitate, counsel, and educate patients, and to work as part of a health care team in many settings. Instruction includes the humanities, natural sciences, nursing theory, and clinical practice. Nursing programs may prepare students for different licenses [see Nursing (RN) and Practical Nurse, below].

Nursing administration. Prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies.

Nursing anesthesiology. Prepares registered nurses to administer anesthetics and provide care for patients before, during, and after anesthesia.

Nursing education. Prepares individuals to teach nursing, educate patients, and develop nursing staffs. Includes instruction in curriculum development and practices in which students teach nursing at the undergraduate or graduate levels.

Nursing (post-RN). Any of several special post-RN programs that provide training in such areas as adult health, family practice, maternal/child health, midwifery, nursing science, pediatric nursing, and public health.

Nursing (RN). The study of the theories, techniques, and procedures for promoting health and providing care for the sick or disabled. Includes instruction in the administration of assisting a physician during treatment and examination, and planning education for health maintenance. The major prepares students to take the licensure exam for registered nurses.

Nutritional sciences. The study of the biological processes by which organisms ingest, digest, and use the chemical compounds vital to survival that cannot be synthesized by the organism itself. Includes instruction in nutritional biochemistry and biophysics, anatomy and physiology of digestive systems, environmental and behavioral aspects of nutrition, and studies of the nutritional problems of specific organisms.