Natural and Applied Sciences
BA in Natural and Applied Sciences
Department Chair: Dr. Blake Whitaker, LAC 208B, blakew@maine.edu, 753-6535
Professor: Ike Levine, PhD
Associate Professors: Paul Caron, EdD; and Blake Whitaker, PhD
Lecturers: Nancy Clum, PhD; and Paula Drouin, MS
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 in human health or environmental science. These options are suitable for direct entry into a variety of careers as well as admission into graduate and professional studies. Graduates of this program are employed in fields including biotechnology, conservation biology, epidemiology, environmental science, and molecular biology; health fields including dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and occupational therapy; laboratory management or natural resource management; and elementary or secondary education.
Potential transfer students are advised to consult with NAS Department Chair Blake Whitaker (blakew@maine.edu) to discuss strategies to maximize credit transfers and minimize course content duplication. Our curriculum is designed to be as transfer- friendly as possible.
Please visit the Office of Admissions for application information.
Professional programs associated with NAS such as Teacher Education Certification and the Accelerated 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 (49 to 52.5 credits)
100 Level (21 credits)
MAT 108 College Algebra Cr 4
SCI 105 Biological Principles I Cr 3
SCI 106 Laboratory Biology I Cr 1.5
SCI 107 Biological Principles II w/ Lab Cr 4.5
SCI 113 Principles of Chemistry I Cr 3
SCI 114 Laboratory Techniques I Cr 1
SCI 115 Principles of Chemistry II Cr 3
SCI 116 Laboratory Techniques II Cr 1
200 Level (12 credits)
SCI 209 Human Genetics Cr 3
SCI 230 Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability w/Lab Cr 4
(NAS students waive SCI 130 and are required to take SCI 230)
SCI 281 Microbiology for Health Sciences Cr 3
SCI 282 Microbiological Laboratory Cr 2
300 Level (7 to 7.5 credits)
SCI 305 Molecular Physiology w/ Lab Cr 4 OR
SCI 355 Ecology w/ Lab Cr 4.5
SCI 315 Environmental Health Cr 3 OR
SCI 360 Sustainability Issues Cr 3
400 Level (6 to 9 credits)
LAC 447 Internship Cr 3-6
LOS 400 Senior Seminar: Global Citizenship (Capstone) Cr 3
Student Selected Electives (to reach 120 required for graduation)
Of the remaining 70.5 to 74 credits required for graduation, students can choose Core courses and 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 for Degree - 120
Admission Information
For the best overall Financial Aid package, submit your USM application and complete your FAFSA by January 15. However, you can apply at any time. Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn More about the Undergraduate Application Requirements & Process
Course Sequence
NAS Recommended Sequence (*denotes lab courses) | ||
| FALL | SPRNG |
Year 1 | MAT 108 (4) | QR - Statistics (3) |
| 14.5 credit hours | 16.5 credit hours |
Year 2 | SCI 113 (3) | SCI 115 (3) |
| 14-15 credit hours | 15 credit hours |
Year 3 | TC or Minor (3) | SCI 305 (4)*# or SCI 315 (3)## #odd years |
| 15 - 16 credit hours | 15 - 17.5 credit hours |
Year 4 | LOS 400 Capstone (3) | Elective (3) |
| 15 credit hours | 15 credit hours |
120 Total credit hours
Career Options
Coordinator, College Science Lab
Science Lab Technician
Director, Hospital Laboratory Services
Water Quality Testing Lab Associate
Soil Conservationist
Science Tutor
Nurse
High School Science Teacher
Middle School Science Teacher
Service Learning Coordinator
Medical Technologist
School Nurse
Research Technician
Lab Instructor
Medical Technician
Nurse/Midwife
Physician Assistant
Nurse Anesthetist
Environmentalist Technician
Laboratory Technician