Revised 8/2026
RTH 102 - Integrated Sciences for Respiratory (3 CR.)
Course Description
Integrates the concepts of mathematics, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and computer technology as these sciences apply to the practices of respiratory care. Lecture 3 hours per week.
General Course Purpose
This course is offered in the first semester of the program and is designed for beginning respiratory therapy students. The purpose of this course is to integrate basic sciences within the framework of a professional program in respiratory therapy
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
Prerequisites: BIO 141, BIO 142, or BIO 145. ENG 111, HLT 141, RTH 120, MTH 154 and SDV 100 or SDV 101.
Course Objectives
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Apply mathematical concepts and computational skills required for safe and effective practice in respiratory care and respiratory pharmacology.
- Solve physiologic and clinical respiratory care problems using appropriate algebraic principles.
- Apply fundamental principles of chemistry and physics to pulmonary physiology and clinical respiratory care situations.
- Explain and apply relevant gas and other physical laws, principles, and theories that govern respiratory care practice and equipment function.
- Describe and apply basic microbiological principles related to infection control, disease transmission, and respiratory care practice.
- Identify basic concepts of arterial blood gas analysis and the general significance of arterial blood gas values in respiratory care.
Major Topics to Be Included
- Mathematics for Respiratory Care
- Chemistry for Respiratory Care
- Physics for Respiratory Care
- Gas Laws
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Microbiology and Infection Control
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Fundamentals