Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Naturopathic Sciences
In preparation — applications not yet open
The Bachelor of Science in Naturopathic Sciences at ATAFOM University’s Faculty of Medicine is a four-year undergraduate programme carrying 240 ECTS credits. It approaches Naturopathic Sciences as an interdisciplinary academic field that brings together nature, traditional knowledge, scientific research, natural resources, technology, applied learning, innovation, safety, quality and sustainability.
The programme is not designed as a replica of conventional medical education. Naturopathic Sciences and the field’s own areas of knowledge, research, technology and practice are at the centre of the programme.
- Qualification
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Naturopathic Sciences
- Faculty
- Faculty of Medicine
- Department
- Department of Naturopathy
- Duration
- 4 academic years · 8 semesters
- Credits
- 240 ECTS (30 ECTS per semester)
- Language
- English (academic English ALA B2)
- Study mode
- Hybrid: online, face-to-face, laboratory and applied learning
- Intake
- To be announced
- Applications
- Not yet open
- Fees
- To be announced
Program Overview
Programme vision: to develop Naturopathic Sciences not merely as an educational field that transmits traditional practices, but as a contemporary academic discipline that investigates traditional knowledge, examines natural resources, evaluates scientific evidence, critically analyses technological developments, develops new research and supports sustainability.
Programme mission: to educate graduates with comprehensive theoretical knowledge, research competence, critical thinking skills, technological literacy, practical work experience and an awareness of academic responsibility in the field of Naturopathic Sciences.
The programme explicitly distinguishes technical device operation from health claims: a device’s ability to generate electrical signals, record data or function technically does not mean that its claimed health effects have been scientifically proven.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the fundamental theories and historical development of Naturopathic Sciences, evaluate naturopathic principles, examine herbal and botanical resources academically, evaluate information on phytotherapy and natural products, compare natural nutrition and lifestyle approaches, and explain hydrotherapy, mind-body approaches and holistic health models.
- Evaluate ancient health systems, Ayurveda and indigenous health traditions within their cultural and academic contexts, and develop a responsible approach to the preservation and sustainability of traditional knowledge.
- Understand the fundamental technological and research concepts of bioresonance and bioenergetic systems, identify device hardware, explain the basic principles of sensors, electrodes, signals, frequency and data systems, and evaluate technological claims while distinguishing them from scientific evidence.
- Design scientific research, critically appraise scientific literature, analyse the quality of evidence, apply research ethics, conduct independent undergraduate research and defend findings in an academic setting.
- Apply the principles of safety, quality, ethical responsibility, professional boundaries and responsible scientific communication.
- Attain the required academic English proficiency at ALA B2 level and follow international academic literature in Naturopathic Sciences.
Curriculum
8 semesters · 240 ECTS
Year 1, Semester 1 — Foundations of Naturopathic Sciences · 30 ECTS
NS 101 · Introduction to Naturopathic Sciences · 6 ECTS
This course examines the concepts, terminology, historical development, academic scope and contemporary fields of study of Naturopathic Sciences.
NS 103 · Naturopathic Principles and Traditional Practices I · 6 ECTS
This course examines the fundamental principles of naturopathic thought, nature-centred approaches and traditional understandings of practice.
NS 105 · Natural Health and Holistic Approaches I · 6 ECTS
This course addresses the relationships between natural health, holism, the environment, lifestyle and wellbeing.
NS 107 · Introduction to Ancient and Traditional Health Systems · 6 ECTS
This course comparatively examines the historical and conceptual foundations of traditional health knowledge systems developed in different regions of the world.
ENG 101 · Academic English for Naturopathic Sciences I (ALA B2) · 6 ECTS
This course develops students’ command of English terminology in Naturopathic Sciences, academic reading, comprehension of scientific texts and basic academic communication skills.
Year 1, Semester 2 — Botanical Sciences and Natural Resources · 30 ECTS
NS 102 · Herbal and Botanical Sciences I · 6 ECTS
This course examines plant identification and classification, botanical terminology and herbal resources in Naturopathic Sciences.
NS 104 · Herbal and Botanical Sciences II · 6 ECTS
This course addresses the characteristics, cultivation, harvesting, processing, preservation and traditional uses of herbal resources.
NS 106 · Introduction to Phytotherapy and Natural Products · 6 ECTS
This course examines the fundamental concepts of phytotherapy, herbal preparations and natural products.
NS 108 · Biological and Natural Resources I · 6 ECTS
This course covers the investigation and evaluation of herbal, biological and other natural resources from the perspective of Naturopathic Sciences.
ENG 102 · Academic English for Naturopathic Sciences II (ALA B2) · 6 ECTS
This course develops skills in reading scientific articles, academic terminology, preparing research summaries and subject-specific academic communication.
Year 2, Semester 3 — Phytotherapy, Natural Products and Nutrition · 30 ECTS
NS 201 · Phytotherapy and Natural Products I · 6 ECTS
This course examines the properties and traditional uses of herbal products, natural preparations and principles of product evaluation.
NS 203 · Phytotherapy and Natural Products II · 6 ECTS
This course covers the preparation, processing, standardisation, quality characteristics, safety and scientific evaluation of natural products.
NS 205 · Natural Nutritional Sciences I · 6 ECTS
This course examines natural food sources, traditional dietary models and the fundamental principles of natural nutrition.
NS 207 · Natural Nutritional Sciences II · 6 ECTS
This course comparatively addresses plant-based nutritional resources, traditional dietary cultures and contemporary approaches to natural nutrition.
NS 209 · Lifestyle and Preventive Health I · 6 ECTS
This course examines the relationships between lifestyle, nutrition, daily habits, environmental factors, wellbeing and preventive health approaches.
Year 2, Semester 4 — Natural Practices and Mind Body Health · 30 ECTS
NS 202 · Lifestyle and Preventive Health II · 6 ECTS
This course addresses sustainable lifestyle models and natural health strategies at an advanced level.
NS 204 · Hydrotherapy and Natural Physical Practices · 6 ECTS
This course examines the historical development of hydrotherapy, water-based applications and traditional natural physical practices.
NS 206 · Mind Body Health and Wellbeing I · 6 ECTS
This course examines the mind-body relationship and approaches to mindfulness, relaxation, stress management and wellbeing.
NS 208 · Mind Body Health and Wellbeing II · 6 ECTS
This course evaluates mind-body approaches comparatively and within the framework of scientific research.
NS 210 · Natural Health and Holistic Approaches II · 6 ECTS
This course evaluates herbal approaches, natural nutrition, lifestyle, natural physical practices and mind-body approaches within holistic models.
Year 3, Semester 5 — Traditional Systems and Applied Naturopathic Sciences · 30 ECTS
NS 301 · Ancient and Traditional Health Systems · 5 ECTS
This course examines traditional health systems developed in different geographical regions from historical, cultural and comparative perspectives.
NS 303 · Ayurveda and Indigenous Health Traditions · 5 ECTS
This course examines Ayurveda and the indigenous health traditions, understandings of nature and traditional knowledge structures of different societies.
NS 305 · Acupuncture and Acupressure · 5 ECTS
This course examines the historical origins, traditional theories, basic models of practice, safety issues and current state of scientific evidence concerning acupuncture and acupressure.
NS 307 · Sustainability and Preservation of Traditional Knowledge · 5 ECTS
This course addresses the documentation, ethical use and preservation of traditional knowledge, biocultural heritage and its transmission to future generations.
NS 309 · Applied Naturopathic Sciences Practice I · 5 ECTS
This course brings students’ theoretical knowledge into a structured applied learning environment. Work focuses on natural product evaluation, documentation of traditional knowledge, wellbeing education, lifestyle projects, the use of scientific literature, ethical communication and professional boundaries.
NS 311 · Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Naturopathic Practice · 5 ECTS
This course addresses ethical decision-making, provision of information, confidentiality, professional boundaries, responsibility in making health claims, referral principles and awareness of professional legislation.
Year 3, Semester 6 — Naturopathic Technology and Bioresonance Research · 30 ECTS
NS 302 · Bioenergetic Systems and Research · 5 ECTS
This course examines theories, systems and categories of devices described as bioenergetic, together with related research, from critical and scientific perspectives.
NS 304 · Bioresonance Technology and Equipment I · 5 ECTS
This course examines device architectures, electronic hardware components, electrodes, sensors, connection systems, input and output units, and the concepts of signals and frequency.
NS 306 · Bioresonance Technology and Equipment II · 5 ECTS
This course covers device installation, configuration, electrode and sensor systems, signal parameters, data recording, sources of technical error, maintenance and quality control.
NS 308 · Digital Naturopathic Technologies and Data Systems · 5 ECTS
This course examines digital systems, sensor-based technologies, data collection and recording methods, and digital research tools.
NS 310 · Emerging and Experimental Naturopathic Approaches · 5 ECTS
This course evaluates emerging approaches and technologies from the perspectives of scientific evidence, research needs, technical validity, safety and ethics.
NS 312 · Naturopathic Technology Laboratory I · 5 ECTS
This course examines device components, hardware, sensors, electrodes, signals, frequency, connection systems, technical data recording and basic safety practices in a structured laboratory environment.
Year 4, Semester 7 — Scientific Evidence, Research, Safety and Practice · 30 ECTS
NS 401 · Naturopathic Research Methodology · 5 ECTS
This course covers the development of research questions, formulation of hypotheses, qualitative and quantitative methods, research design, literature reviews, data evaluation, research ethics and scientific reporting.
NS 403 · Scientific Evidence and Critical Evaluation · 5 ECTS
This course examines the hierarchy of scientific evidence, research quality, critical appraisal of the literature, validity, reliability, reproducibility and limitations of evidence.
NS 405 · Scientific Evidence and Technology Assessment · 5 ECTS
This course teaches systematic evaluation by distinguishing between the technical functions, measurement claims, verifiability, reproducibility and health-related claims of naturopathic devices and technologies.
NS 407 · Safety, Quality and Responsible Practice in Naturopathic Sciences · 5 ECTS
This course takes an integrated approach to safety, risk management, quality control, responsible communication and professional boundaries in relation to phytotherapy, natural products, nutritional approaches, hydrotherapy, traditional practices and naturopathic technologies.
NS 409 · Applied Naturopathic Sciences Practice II · 5 ECTS
This course enables students to undertake project-based and supervised practical work in natural products, lifestyle, traditional knowledge, technology, research, education and wellbeing.
NS 411 · Naturopathic Technology Laboratory II · 5 ECTS
This course covers advanced device configuration, sensor and electrode systems, sources of technical error, data quality, safety, technical documentation, quality control and critical evaluation of device claims.
Year 4, Semester 8 — Advanced Research, Innovation and Bachelor’s Thesis · 30 ECTS
NS 402 · Naturopathic Research and Innovation · 5 ECTS
This course examines current and emerging research areas in Naturopathic Sciences, natural product research, technology research and interdisciplinary innovation.
NS 404 · Biological and Natural Resources Research II · 5 ECTS
This course examines biological resources, natural raw materials, biodiversity, sustainable resource use and research potential.
NS 406 · Advanced Scientific Evidence and Research Evaluation · 5 ECTS
This course addresses systematic scientific evaluation, research quality, evidence synthesis, research biases, uncertainty and the responsible interpretation of scientific results at an advanced level.
NS 408 · Naturopathic Research Project · 5 ECTS
Students identify an independent research topic, formulate a research question, conduct a literature review, develop their methodology and prepare a research plan for their bachelor’s thesis.
NS 410 · Bachelor Thesis in Naturopathic Sciences · 8 ECTS
Students conduct independent academic research in Naturopathic Sciences under academic supervision and prepare a scientific thesis.
NS 412 · Bachelor Thesis Presentation and Defense · 2 ECTS
Students present their research in an academic setting, explain their research method, findings and conclusions, and defend their work before an academic assessment panel.
Teaching, Practice and Assessment
The programme is delivered through a Hybrid Learning model. Theoretical courses, academic seminars, scientific literature studies, research methodology, project work and other suitable academic activities may be delivered online or in person. The Naturopathic Technology Laboratory, device and equipment training, practical work, field projects and other activities requiring physical attendance are delivered in person or within an appropriately structured hybrid learning framework.
Students’ academic achievement may be measured through written examinations, academic assignments, reviews of scientific articles, project work, research reports, laboratory work, practical work, presentations, portfolios, a research project, a bachelor’s thesis and a thesis defence. The assessment method is determined in accordance with the learning outcomes of the relevant course.
Academic English proficiency is compulsory. The target level is ALA B2, so that students can read international scientific literature, understand English terminology, follow scientific research, prepare academic texts and engage in international academic communication.
Career Perspectives and Professional Scope
Graduates may explore employment opportunities in natural products, herbal products, research, education, wellbeing, lifestyle, naturopathic technologies, bioresonance technologies, scientific documentation, natural resources research, sustainability, quality, safety, research and development, and innovation.
- Roles in research, scientific literature evaluation, product training, documentation, quality, and research and development within natural product and herbal product companies.
- In the naturopathic technology sector: technical training, product information, scientific documentation, technology research, quality and research activities for device manufacturers, technology developers, distributors, educational institutions and research organisations.
- In research: research or project personnel in projects concerning Naturopathic Sciences, natural products, traditional knowledge, lifestyle, naturopathic technologies, biological resources and sustainability.
- Independent ventures in education, research, scientific documentation, wellbeing, natural products, technology training or consultancy, provided that they comply with the legislation of the relevant country.
- Other possible areas: digital learning platforms, international research projects, academic content development, literature research, technical training materials and scientific project coordination.
Recognition and professional scope
The Bachelor of Science in Naturopathic Sciences is an academic undergraduate degree. Delivery of the programme within the Faculty of Medicine does not confer medical doctor status or a Doctor of Medicine degree on graduates. The diploma alone cannot be interpreted as granting the right to use the title of medical doctor, to use the title Naturopathic Doctor or ND, to diagnose diseases, to provide medical treatment, to prescribe prescription medicines or to practise a protected health profession in any country.
Where naturopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy or another health-related activity is legally regulated in a country, graduates must additionally fulfil that country’s requirements for registration, examinations, professional training, licensing or other authorisation.
The Bachelor of Science in Naturopathic Sciences diploma certifies that the graduate has completed a four-year undergraduate education in Naturopathic Sciences carrying 240 ECTS credits. The diploma may be used to apply for master’s and other postgraduate programmes, provided that the relevant admission and recognition requirements are met. Acceptance of the diploma by another university or country is not automatic. Academic recognition, admission, credit evaluation and entry to postgraduate education are subject to the rules of the relevant university and country.
Graduation Requirements
To obtain the Bachelor of Science in Naturopathic Sciences degree, students must successfully complete the eight-semester programme, earn a total of 240 ECTS credits, successfully complete the programme’s compulsory academic and practical components, meet the required ALA B2 English proficiency standard, complete the Naturopathic Research Project, prepare a Bachelor Thesis and successfully complete the Bachelor Thesis Presentation and Defense.