2016-17 Catalogs
BA in Natural and Applied Sciences
The Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS) Program focuses on the intersection of human and environmental health and experience. NAS Graduates are practiced in the application of scientific techniques, data collection, and review; and demonstrate proficiency in clear, succinct, modern modes of communication. The faculty of NAS apply several key themes associated with a transformative and useful liberal arts education in the sciences: Applied Laboratory Skills, Quantitative Analysis, Critical Thinking, Ethical Action, and Effective Communication.
Study in the NAS Program provides a substantial foundation across the physical and life sciences while allowing the student, through judicious choice of electives, to focus their major along pathways suitable for entry into a variety of professions and fields including graduate and professional programs. Students can shape their learning to achieve careers in biotechnology, conservation biology, epidemiology, environmental science, health fields including dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or public health; laboratory management, molecular biology, natural resource management, occupational therapy, and secondary life sciences education.
Potential transfer students are advised to consult with NAS Program Director and Associate Professor Blake Whitaker (blakew@maine.edu) to maximize credit transfers.Our curriculum is designed to be as transfer friendly as possible.
Please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission for application information.
Professional programs associated with NAS such as Teacher Education Certification and the Accelerated 4 + 1 MOT Option have slightly different requirements and fewer elective options.
If you have questions regarding whether a particular class may be substituted for or meets a requirement, please speak with your advisor.
Program Requirements
Students with extensive transfer credit may be granted waivers or course equivalencies for certain classes. Discuss these options with your advisor.
NAS Required Classes (50.5 credits)
100 Level (21 credits)
MAT 108 College Algebra 4 cr
SCI 113/114 Principles of Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr
SCI 115/116 Principles of Chemistry II and Lab 4 cr
SCI 105/106 Biological Principles I and Lab 4.5 cr
SCI 107 Biological Principles II w/ Lab 4.5 cr
200 Level (12 credits)
SCI 230 Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability w/Lab
(NAS student waive SCI 130 and are required to take SCI 230)
SCI 209 Human Genetics 3 cr
SCI 281/282 Medical Microbiology w/Lab 5 cr
300 Level (14.5 credits)
SCI 305 Molecular Physiology w/ Lab 4 cr
SCI 315 Environmental Health 3 cr
SCI 360 Sustainability Issues 3 cr
SCI 355 Ecology w/ Lab 4.5 cr
400 Level (3 credits)
SCI 440 Sustainability Projects 3 cr
Student Selected Electives (minimum 24 hrs)
Of the remaining 120 credits required for graduation, students can choose electives to fit their desired academic outcomes. For a degree in Natural and Applied Sciences, this should consist of at least 9 credits of science and/or math courses with at least 9 credits being at the 300+ level.
Total Credits Required 120 Credits
Course Sequence
NAS Recommended Sequence (* denote lab courses) |
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|
Fall |
Spring |
Year 1 |
MAT 108 (4) |
LAC 150 (3) SCI 107 (4.5)* LAC 123 (3) Elective (3) |
|
11.5 credit hours |
13.5 credit hours |
Year 2 |
SCI 113/114 (4)* |
SCI 115/116 (4)* |
|
14 credit hours |
16 credit hours |
Year 3 |
LAC 250 (3) |
Cluster (3) |
|
16.0 credit hours |
16.0 credit hours |
Year 4 |
LCC 480 (3) |
SCI 315 (3) |
|
16.5 credit hours |
15 credit hours |
9 cr elective at 300 level |
9 cr elective in science or math |