BA in General Science (Self-Designed Major)
Coordinators: Theresa Theodose, 408 Science Building, Portland, and Robert Kuech, 507 Bailey Hall, Gorham
Steering Committee: Professor: Sanford (Environmental Science); Associate Professors: Theodose (Biology), LaSala (Physics), Novak (Geosciences), Kuech (Teacher Education)
The general science major at USM serves students with a strong interest in teaching middle school science by providing a strong science background reflecting the Maine Learning Results. General science is also appropriate for students who seek an interdisciplinary, integrated science experience rather than a major in just one science discipline.
Each of three options provides a combination of courses from several areas of science. For a particular option, that discipline is more rigorously represented with coursework equivalent to that required for a minor in that discipline at USM. A capstone course stresses the interdisciplinary nature of the major. Options for study are available in life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences. Students enrolled in the physical sciences major may choose to minor in either chemistry or physics.
Acceptance into this program is contingent upon admission to USM and successful completion of the University’s writing and mathematics proficiency requirements.
For information on how to apply, contact Terry Theodose.
Courses & Requirements
Graduation requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.50 and completion of one of the three options listed above (44.5-49 hours depending upon the option/track). A student must receive a C- or better in any course, including lab courses, for the course to count toward the major.
Option A: Life Sciences (42 credits)
Required courses:
BIO 105K, 106K, 107 Biological Principles
CHY 110K Chemistry, Life, and the Environment
ESP 101K, 102K Fundamentals of Environmental Science
PHY 111K, 114K Elements of Physics
Select one:
AST 100K, 103K Astronomy
GEY 100K, 101K Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Moving Plates
GEY 103K, 101K Floods, Glaciers, and Changing Climate
GEY 105K, 106K Ocean Planet
BIO 217 Evolution
BIO 200 or higher electives (10 credit hours)
SDM 405 Science Capstone
Option B: Physical Science (43-46 credits)
Required courses:
BIO 101K, 102K Biological Foundations
CHY 113-116 Chemical Principles
PHY 121K, 114K, 116, 123 General Physics
Select one:
AST 100K, 103K Astronomy
GEY 100K, 101K Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Moving Plates
GEY 103K, 101K Floods, Glaciers, and Changing Climate
GEY 105K, 106K Ocean Planet
ESP 101K, 102K Fundamentals of Environmental Science
Option B with a Minor in Chemistry (46 credits)
CHY 251-254 Organic Chemistry
CHY 231, 232 Analytical Chemistry
SDM 405 Science Capstone
Option B with a Minor in Physics (49 credits)
PHY 211 Non-Classical Physics
PHY 240* Intermediate Laboratory*
PHY 3XX One 3-credit additional physics course at the 300 level or higher
SDM 405 Science Capstone
*Calculus A and B are prerequisites
Option C: Earth Science (42 credits)
Required Courses:
BIO 101K, 102K Biological Foundations
CHY 113K, 114K Chemical Principles
GEY 100K, 101K Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Moving Plates
or
GEY 103K, 101K Floods, Glaciers, and Changing Climate
PHY 111K, 112K,
114K, 116 Elements of Physics
Select one:
AST 100K, 103K Astronomy
GEY 105K, 106K Ocean Planet
ESP 101K, 102K Fundamentals of Environmental Science
GEY 200 or higher electives (13 credit hours)
SDM 405 Science Capstone
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