Introduction
The General Science degree is designed to prepare students for careers such as biomedical engineering that require a mix of physical science and biological science courses. Students will work with their advisor to choose the proper courses they need to meet the specific requirements for the career they are interested in pursuing.
Baccalaureate of Science in General Science- Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific process.
- Understand the defining characteristics of the process of science.
- Apply the methods of scientific inquiry.
- Develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
- Demonstrate proper and safe field and laboratory practices including the proper use of equipment and the ability to use basic field and lab techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ modern library search tools to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
Students will be able to reason quantitatively.
- Understand common quantitative approaches in science.
- Evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method.
- Interpret and act on quantitative data from a variety of sources.
- Understand the role of uncertainty in science.
- Evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science.
Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate within and outside the field of science.
- Communicate concepts through peer interactions and collaboration.
- Communicate science through formal and informal written, visual, and oral methods.
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of science.
Students will understand the relationship between science and society.
- Explain the historical context of scientific discoveries.
- Evaluate the impact of science on society.
- Evaluate the ethical implications of science.
- Explain why science is integral to addressing social and environmental problems.
- Explore how science is applied in a social context.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degrees to undertake careers in science or to gain admittance to graduate or professional schools.
Core Courses
Please see the official degree plan for additional details.
CHEM 151/153. General Chemistry I & lab. Introductory course in chemistry; three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: MATH 131 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently). (NMCCN CHEM 1213/1211)(Area III). (4)
CHEM 152/154. General Chemistry II & lab. Second introductory course in chemistry; three lectures and one lab per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 151/153. (NMCCN CHEM 1223/1221)(Area III). (4)
BIOL 202/203 Majors I: Plant Form, Function and Diversity. Introduction to plant biology: summarizes the major disciplines of botany and includes study of the more important plant groups: three lectures and one laboratory period per week. This course, BIOL 204, and BIOL 206 constitute the prerequisite for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204 and 206 can be taken in any order. (NMCCN BIOL 1213/1211) (Area III). (4)
BIOL 204/205 Majors II. Animal Form, Function and Diversity. Introductory biology covering biological macromolecules, ecology, evolution, systematics, phylogeny, developmental biology, and a survey of major animal groups; three lectures and one two-hour laboratory a week. This course, BIOL 202, and BIOL 206 constitute the prerequisite for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204, and 206 can be taken in any order. (NMCCN BIOL 1223/1221)(Area III). (4)
BIOL 206/207 Majors III: Intro Cell Biology & lab. Introductory biology for majors covering biological molecules, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell form and function, cellular metabolism and mechanisms of heredity; three lectures and one two-hour laboratory a week. This course, BIOL 202 and 204 constitute the prerequisites for all biology related majors and minors. BIOL 202, 204, and 206 can be taken in any order. (4)
GEOL 101/103. General Geology I & lab. Physical geology; study of Earth materials and processes and their effects on mankind; laboratory periods frequently used for field trips; three lectures and one laboratory per week. GEOL 101 recommended before 102. (NMCCN GEOL 1113/1111) (Area III). (4)
GEOL 102/104. General Geology II & lab. Historical geology; study of historical development of the Earth and its life forms; laboratory periods frequently used for field trips; three lectures and one laboratory per week. GEOL 101 recommended before 102. (NMCCN GEOL 1213/1211)(Area III). (4)
GEOL 105/107. Introduction to Earth and Space Science & lab. Covers principles in earth science including topics in meteorology, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, geologic time scale, and astronomy. The intention of this course is to promote an understanding and appreciation of the science of the world in which we live; three lectures and one laboratory per week. (NMCCN GEOL 1213/1211)(Area III). (4)
PHYS 151/153. General Physics I (non-calculus) & lab. First semester of introductory physics; includes a study of mechanics, sound, and heat; three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: MATH 111 and 131. Offered fall of odd years. (NMCCN PHYS 1113/1111)(Area III). (4)
PHYS 152/154. General Physics II (non-calculus) & lab. Second semester of introductory physics; includes a study electricity, magnetism, and light. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 151/153. (NMCCN PHYS 1123/1121). (4)
PHYS 171/173. Principles of Physics I (calculus-based) & lab. A study of basic physics, employing calculus; includes a study of mechanics, sound, and heat; three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Offered fall of even years. Prerequisites: MATH 171 and 172 or Instructor permission. (NMCCN PHYS 1213/1211)(Area III). (4)
PHYS 172/174. Principles of Physics II (calculus-based) & lab. Second semester of basic physics employing calculus; includes a study electricity, magnetism, and light. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 171/173. (NMCCN PHYS 1223/1221)(Area III). (4)
Degree Plans
Advisor Contact
Dr. Kathy Whiteman
Email: whitemank@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 122
Office phone: 575-538-6253
Dr. Corrie Neighbors
Email: neighborsc@wnmu.edu
Remote