Program Description

The College offers a major program in interdisciplinary science (HEGI S 4901). It is the nature of the program to provide an individualized education in science as an alternative to the traditional science majors which are available. The program in interdisciplinary science is supported by faculty of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, and Physics.

Objectives

The interdisciplinary science major is designed to provide flexibility in designing a sound science program to meet individual needs and interests, and to provide opportunities for students to take courses in a number of related disciplines. The program will be structured around a theme or goal identified by the student, and will provide appropriate education for interdisciplinary fields where scientific, analytical and technical expertise are assets. Students with interests in science teaching, health fields, materials science, technical sales or management, laboratory techniques, etc. may find this major matched to their needs. The coordinator provides assistance in designing a curriculum that matches the students' educational goals. All course selections must have the prior approval of the program coordinator to insure that each individual has been properly advised and that the program chosen has integrity and coherence. Interdisciplinary science majors will often be referred to other academic advisers for guidance in the choice of non-science courses that pertain to their major.

Overview

College Core 57 credits Science Degree Core 14 credits Major Requirements 24 credits Liberal Arts Electives   Open Electives 25 credits Total 120 credits

College Core

MTH 231 Calculus I, to satisfy part of Area III

Degree Core

MTH 270 Statistics CHM 109-110 General and Analytical Chemistry PHY 101-102 General Physics

 

Six of these science credits are applied to Area Ill of the College core and the remaining 14 credits are counted as the degree core. With the permission of the coordinator, BIO 101, 102- General Biology may be substituted for chemistry or physics if appropriate to the individual's program.

In some other cases, introductory courses in all three of the basic sciences may be required.

Core Requirements
Students who choose to major in interdisciplinary science must complete the following:

A. Major Courses
A total of 24 credits in science beyond the introductory courses are required. Of these, at least 12 credits must be at the 300-400 level, and a science seminar (BIO 450, CHM 450, CI S 489, CE S 450 or PHY 450) must be included. The selection of specific major courses is made jointly by the student and the coordinator.

B. Comprehensive Requirement
Students majoring in interdisciplinary science are required to submit a major paper on an appropriate topic during their senior year. To be acceptable, the paper must demonstrate understanding of the interdisciplinary dimensions of the topic.