Natural Science
Faculty
Ashley Garr (director), Anya Butt, Russ Benedict, James Dunne, Lee Macomber, Viktor Martisovits, Paulina Mena, Alexey Pronin, Mary Ross, Jay Wackerly, Paul Weihe
Statement of philosophy
The natural science major offers the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in several disciplines. The natural science major is well suited for students who desire a broad background in the natural sciences as a preparation for a variety of career options and graduate or professional school. This major is also particularly appropriate for prospective natural science teachers at the secondary level.
Major Communication Skills
Natural Science majors are required to successfully complete two of the following courses BIOL 229, CHEM 241, PHYS 331 or GEOG 238. The program director will confer with the instructor of those courses to seek input on the student’s oral and written communications skills and if necessary advise the student on additional courses to assist in developing better communication skills.
Major/Minor Restrictions
Students who major in natural science may not minor in the three areas (biology, chemistry or physics) used to fulfill the major requirements.
Natural Science Major Requirements (54-58 credits)
- Complete the following courses:
MATH 131 Calculus I (4)
MATH 132 Calculus II (4) - Complete all courses from any three of the four areas below.
Biology (16 credits)
BIOL 130 Diversity of Life with Lab (4)
BIOL 131 Introduction to Cells with Lab (4)
BIOL 221 Genetics and Evolution with Lab (4)
BIOL 229 Ecology and Evolution with Lab (4)
Chemistry (16 credits)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 221 Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (4)
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I with Lab(4)
CHEM 241 Analytical Chemistry with Lab (4)
Physics (15 credits)
PHYS 111 General Physics I with Lab (5)
PHYS 112 General Physics II with Lab (5)
PHYS 225 Modern Physics I (3)
PHYS 331 Advanced Laboratories (2)
Geosciences (minimum 15 credits)
PHYS 106 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ENVS 125 Geology and the Environment with Lab (3)
GEOG 237 Physical Geography: Weather and Climate with Lab (4)
GEOG 238 Physical Geography: Geomorphology (with Lab 4)
At least one other approved NASC/ENVS/GEOG course
Note: The following courses are not required but are strongly recommended:
BIOL 320 Evolution (4)
CHEM 361 Physical Chemistry I (4)
or CHEM 351 Biochemistry(4)