General Science Minor

Professor Vaitheeswaran working alongside two students in classroom.

Expand Your Scientific Insight: General Science Minor

The Chemical and Physical Sciences Department offers a General Science minor for students eager to expand their scientific knowledge. This minor requires students to take introductory courses in four essential areas: biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences, and physics. At least three of these courses will include a lab component, giving students valuable hands-on experience.

Additionally, students will need to complete a fifth course, which can be either another introductory class or a more advanced option in one of the disciplines. To help tailor their education, students are encouraged to meet with faculty advisors who can guide them in choosing the right courses.

This General Science minor is flexible, making it a great fit for students from various academic backgrounds, including those in Liberal Studies and other majors. By exploring different scientific fields, students gain a well-rounded education that prepares them for a range of future opportunities.

Program Highlights

  • Explore biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and physics
  • Engage in hands-on lab work for a deeper understanding
  • Choose courses that align with your academic goals
  • Work with experienced faculty to shape your educational journey

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Chemical and Physical Sciences Department offers a minor program in General Science that could also serve as a model for an area of concentration in "general science" for students majoring in Liberal Studies. To complete this minor students must take one introductory-level course in each of the four subject areas included within the program: biology, chemistry, earth and space sciences (astronomy or geology), and physics, with at least three of those courses including a laboratory component. In addition, a fifth course, which could be a substantially  different introductory-level course in one of the four areas, or could be an upper-level course, is required. The Department recommends that students complete either ASTR 0349 - Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy or GEOL 0347 - Integrated Physical Science: Geology as the fifth course. Please note that those courses have prerequisites, including completion of the appropriate introductory-level course in the discipline and one semester each of college-level chemistry and physics. Students interested in this program are encouraged to  consult with a faculty member in the Department about the courses they plan to use for the minor.

Minor Requirements:

Although many substitutions are possible, the courses listed below would satisfy the minor requirements, and would be appropriate for students with a broad interest in the sciences:

Other sample programs that would meet the requirements of the General Science Minor include, but are not limited to:

 

A minor program appropriate for Biology majors:

 

A minor program appropriate for Computer Science or Mathematics majors:

 

A minor program appropriate for Environmental Science majors:

 

What Can You Do with a General Science Minor?

A General Science minor not only enriches your academic experience but also prepares you for a variety of career paths. With a solid foundation in multiple scientific disciplines, you can pursue diverse opportunities in fields such as:

  • Open doors to careers in education, environmental science, health care, research, and laboratory management.
  • Strengthen your qualifications for graduate programs in science, health, or interdisciplinary fields.
  • Collaborate across disciplines, making you an asset in areas like public policy, science communication, and technology.
Group of students working together in a Chemistry lab.

Engage in Hands-On Learning Inside and Outside the Classroom

Our state-of-the-art labs are designed to enhance your learning and research experience. Equipped with the latest technology and resources, these labs provide an ideal environment for hands-on experimentation and innovative research, ensuring you gain practical skills and valuable insights in a dynamic setting.

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General Science Minor