2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Apr 09, 2025  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Natural Sciences (BS)

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Program Description 

This multidisciplinary program promotes the understanding of science as a framework for making sense of the natural world. It offers a breadth of exposure to the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental science while drawing on cross-cutting concepts that run across the disciplines.  

This program is also designed to accompany an education program that leads to recommendation for licensure for secondary science.  Students will be well prepared to take the general science Praxis II exam and one of the science subject area Praxis exams that correspond to the concentration selected by the student.  

Concentrations: Secondary Science Education, General Science 

 Program Outcomes 

  1. Demonstrate basic knowledge: Students will define and explain the major concepts in the natural sciences; for example, the relationship between structure and function at all levels of organization. 

  1. Apply the scientific method: Students will incorporate the major steps in the scientific method to design and carry out research studies and to test hypotheses. 

  1. Demonstrate basic knowledge and communication in Science: Students will understand and integrate the major scientific concepts, principles, theories, laws, and technology and communicate with scientific literacy in both written and oral practices. 

  1. Develop technical skills and Physical safety:  Students will practice proper usage of scientific instrumentation and demonstrate and maintain safety procedures, chemical safety, and the ethical treatment of living organisms 

  1. Apply quantitative analysis and mathematical reasoning: Students will apply quantitative analysis to interpret data from a variety of scientific disciplines. 

  1. Read and analyze scientific information: Students will read, understand, and incorporate scientific literature in their writing. 

  1. Discuss the relationships between science and society: Students will integrate current evidence from a variety of scientific disciplines into discussion of global challenges. 

Program Core

General Science Concentration (BS.NAS)

20 credits required.

For the General Science Concentration, students complete 20 additional credits in ANY of the following science disciplines BIO, CHE, ENV, WFC, ATM, GEY at the 3000 level or above.  At least three of these must be an internship or senior thesis in the natural science discipline of their choice.   

Secondary Science Licensure Concentration (BS.NAS.SED)

10 credits required.

Students in this concentration MUST also have a major in Secondary Education through the Education department.  

Students in the Secondary Science Licensure concentration must take EDU 3445 and seven more credits in one of the three areas below: life science; physical science; or earth science. 

Credits Required for Program: 48-58

Important

To obtain a degree, students must fulfill the major-specific requirements as well as satisfy all other Degree Requirements  including the General Education Requirements .

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