Natural Science
Mission
The
natural science major is a flexible, non-research oriented science degree
intended for students who are planning careers for which science research is
not an essential component. The purpose of the natural science major is
three-fold – 1) to enable students in selected pre-health professional programs
an opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Viterbo University after they
complete their first year at a professional school with which Viterbo University
has developed a dual degree articulation agreement; 2) to provide a broad based
background in biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics, and earth
science that will prepare students for entry into a variety of professional
schools such as medical, physician assistant, law, environmental policy, and
others in which a broad science education would be an advantage; 3) to prepare
students for a career in science teaching at the middle school and high school
levels.
Goals
- to broadly expose students to the
natural science field, with an additional concentration allowing more in-depth
exposure in the area that complements their career goals
- to prepare students for careers in
broad field science teaching, graduate and professional programs, and entry
level positions
- to provide a flexible program to allow
students to complete dual degree articulation agreements established by Viterbo
University
Natural Science Major (Bachelor of
Science)
- core curriculum and mission seminars – see
the core curriculum section of this catalog
- core requirements – BIOL
160, 161, CHEM 106 and 140, or 120 and 121, ENVS 111, MATH 112, 130 or 230,
PHYS 250/270 and 251/271 or 260/270 and 261/270, BIOL 397 or CHEM 397
- natural science requirements (choose
one concentration) –
- biology
concentration – BIOL 250, 251; 12 credits BIOL numbered 300 or above (not
including 397); four credits CHEM numbered 200 or above (not including 397) or
four credits BIOL numbered 300 or above (not including 397)
- chemistry
concentration – CHEM 240, 330, 340; eight credits CHEM
numbered 300 or above (not including 397); MATH 220, 221
- environmental
science concentration – BIOL 250, 251, 321; CHEM 372, ENVS 400;
four credits of BIOL or CHEM numbered 300 or above (not including 397)
- broad
field science teaching concentration – BIOL 250, 251, four
credits of BIOL (not including 397); CHEM 240; ENVS 400; ESCI 103; an astronomy
course
- final degree requirements – see
the degree requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements of
the Bachelor of Science degree as well as final graduation requirements.
The total credits of the core
and major requirements are 57-64; broad field science requires 90-98 credits. The
core curriculum and mission seminars require 38-52 credits. A total of 128
credits, 43 of which need to be at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate.
Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit
totals.
Viterbo
University has dual degree articulation agreements with Logan College of
Chiropractic and Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Students interested in
these areas should see the pre-health advisors for details.