Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences degree provides a foundation in the earth and life sciences. This major is designed to serve the needs of students who plan to teach at elementary or secondary level(s), and is also useful for those preparing for careers in science education, health sciences, or in science-related business, engineering, technology, or social services fields. Each student chooses a Concentration within the Major: Life Science or Earth Science.
Students who wish a broad, interdisciplinary approach should look closely at the benefits provided by this major. In addition to meeting requirements for a bachelor of science degree, it provides moderate intensification in one field of science without sacrificing an interdisciplinary approach and training in mathematics and science. Natural Science majors are not eligible for a double major in mathematics or any of the component sciences in the program.
The College of Letters and Sciences is committed to the complete academic development of its students. Consequently, where practical, all science and mathematics courses are writing-intensive and incorporate a diversity component. All mathematics and science courses contain a critical thinking component by their very nature.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
· Develop an integrated overview of the diverse fields of human knowledge in the life and physical sciences.
· Demonstrate an ability to make interdisciplinary conceptual linkage across the scientific disciplines, e.g., evolution, plate tectonics/biogeography, ecosystems, genetics/heredity.
· Demonstrate the critical thinking skills essential to scientific inquiry and research protocols.
· Demonstrate an increased respect for the awareness of the geological and geographical processes of the planet, the biodiversity of the planet, and the responsible role(s) humankind must play.
· Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of major conceptual models in the fields of life and physical sciences, global geography, and mathematics.
· Demonstrate competence in communication (oral and written) and quantitative skills, including the critical analysis of data and argument.
· Mastery of laboratory-based and field based scientific inquiry.
· Demonstrate basic computer/technology literacy including the ability to access databases within the context of course research and project development.
· Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary research in the life and physical sciences, adequate for teaching basic sciences in middle and high school.
· Demonstrate the ability to critically review current research topics/problems and determine those that are best approached on an interdisciplinary basis.
· Develop a heightened awareness of the historical perspective each of the scientific disciplines within the natural sciences.
Requirements
To receive a Bachelors of Science in Natural Sciences degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, and 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding admission and evaluation.
After completing the Preparation for the major and requirements for the major courses; each student chooses a Concentration: Life Science or Earth Science.
Preparation for the Major
(10 courses; 33 quarter units)
MTH 210 Introduction to Probability and Statistics*
(Prerequisite: Placement Evaluation)
MTH 215 College Algebra and Trigonometry*
(Prerequisite: Placement Evaluation)
or
MTH 216A College Algebra and Trigonometry I*
(Prerequisite: Placement Evaluation)
and
MTH 216B College Algebra and Trigonometry II*
(Prerequisite: Placement Evaluation)
SCI 100 Survey of Bioscience*
SCI 100A Survey of Bioscience Laboratory (1.5 quarter units)*
(Prerequisite: SCI 100)
SCI 101 Introduction to Chemistry*
(Recommended: Prior completion of MTH 204 or MTH 215 or MTH 216A/B)
SCI 101A Introduction to Chemistry Laboratory (1.5 quarter units)*
(Prerequisite: SCI 101)
SCI 103 Fundamentals of Geology*
SCI 103A Fundamentals of Geology Laboratory(1.5 quarter units)*
(Prerequisite: SCI 103)
SCI 104 General Physics*
(Prerequisite: two years of high school algebra and MTH 204 or 215 or 216A/B)
SCI 104A General Physics Laboratory(1.5 quarter units)*
(Prerequisite: SCI 104)
* May be used to meet General Education requirements
Requirements for the Major
(10-11 courses; 43.5-45 quarter units)
Core requirements for all Natural Science majors)
(5 courses; 22.5 quarter units)
MTH 317 Mathematical Modeling
(Prerequisites: MTH 210 and MTH 215 or MTH 216A/B)
SCI 330 Ecology
SCI 335 Environmental Science
SCI 400 History of Science
(Prerequisite: One 4.5 quarter unit course from the natural sciences)
SCI 411 Biodiversity
(Recommended: prior completion of SCI 100 and 100A, or equivalent)
Earth Science Concentration
(5 courses; 22.5 quarter units)
SCI 301 Earth and Planetary Sciences
SCI 303 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources
SCI 322 Oceanography
SCI 336 Natural Resources, Conservation, Economics, and Policy
SCI 450 Natural History of California: A Field Course
Upper-Division Electives (all Natural Science majors)
For Earth Science: 7 courses; 31.5 quarter units
Students may select only 300-, 400-, or 500-level in the College of Letters and Sciences to complete the total of 76.5 units for the degree.
| Degree Program Locations | |
|---|---|
| La Mesa Campus | |
| South Bay Campus | |
| Spectrum Business Park Campus | |