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WARNING: The following information reflects a degree requirement which expired as of Summer 2016. Please click the appropriate link under "Degree Programs" on the right side of this page to view the currently effective requirements for this program. If a link to this program does not appear, the program may no longer be available, or may be available under a different academic unit. You can find past requirements under the appropriate archived catalog.
General Studies - Biological/Mathematical/Physical Sciences Plan A and Plan B (120 Hours) (0 Credits)
The Biological/Mathematical/Physical Sciences plan within General Studies is for students who are interested in interdisciplinary programs in science or mathematics which offer broader options in course selections than are possible within single departments. Students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree will devise an approved, coherent program of study with the coordinator which fulfills an academic or career goal and includes prerequisites consistent with the 300-400-level major course work. In addition, each student will satisfy the University Core Requirements and any additional requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. At least 40 of the 120 hours for the degree must be at the 300-400-level.
Plan A—Primary/Secondary Concentration
Primary concentration: a minimum of 24 semester credits, including at least 15 300-400-level credits, must be completed in biological sciences, in mathematics or in a single physical science with a minimum 2.00 primary concentration GPA. Students who complete one of the above primary concentrations will receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a primary concentration in general biological sciences (Gen B), general mathematics (Gen M) or general physical sciences (Gen P).
Secondary concentration: a minimum of 15 semester credits, including at least 6 300-400-level credits, must be completed in another academic department, program or area published in the catalog with a minimum 2.0 minor concentration GPA.
Plan B—Three Related Areas in Biological Sciences
A combination of biological sciences courses of at least 39 credits in three or more departments or programs. 9 credits in each department or program area are required and 21 300-400-level hours must be completed with at least a 2.0 GPA in these courses. The related areas in general biological sciences (Gen B) include biology, biochemistry, botany, genetics and cell biology, microbiology, zoology and approved biology-based courses in agriculture. Students who complete a Plan B curriculum receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a primary concentration in general biological sciences (Gen B).
Prerequisite Courses
General Biological Sciences (Gen B): One year biology, one semester introductory calculus, one year general chemistry, and one semester organic chemistry.
General Physical Sciences (Gen P); One year calculus, one year calculus-based physics, and one year general chemistry.(Students who plan a major concentration in chemistry should also include quantitative and organic chemistry. Physical geology is a prerequisite for 300-400-level geology courses.)
General Mathematics (Gen M): three semesters of calculus and linear algebra.
Plan A—Primary/Secondary Concentration
Primary concentration: a minimum of 24 semester credits, including at least 15 300-400-level credits, must be completed in biological sciences, in mathematics or in a single physical science with a minimum 2.00 primary concentration GPA. Students who complete one of the above primary concentrations will receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a primary concentration in general biological sciences (Gen B), general mathematics (Gen M) or general physical sciences (Gen P).
Secondary concentration: a minimum of 15 semester credits, including at least 6 300-400-level credits, must be completed in another academic department, program or area published in the catalog with a minimum 2.0 minor concentration GPA.
Plan B—Three Related Areas in Biological Sciences
A combination of biological sciences courses of at least 39 credits in three or more departments or programs. 9 credits in each department or program area are required and 21 300-400-level hours must be completed with at least a 2.0 GPA in these courses. The related areas in general biological sciences (Gen B) include biology, biochemistry, botany, genetics and cell biology, microbiology, zoology and approved biology-based courses in agriculture. Students who complete a Plan B curriculum receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a primary concentration in general biological sciences (Gen B).
Prerequisite Courses
General Biological Sciences (Gen B): One year biology, one semester introductory calculus, one year general chemistry, and one semester organic chemistry.
General Physical Sciences (Gen P); One year calculus, one year calculus-based physics, and one year general chemistry.(Students who plan a major concentration in chemistry should also include quantitative and organic chemistry. Physical geology is a prerequisite for 300-400-level geology courses.)
General Mathematics (Gen M): three semesters of calculus and linear algebra.