Natural and Applied Sciences
BA in Natural and Applied Sciences
The Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS) Program graduates students with refined analytical reasoning skills that practice applied techniques in data collection while showing a strong content background on the intersection of human and environmental health, and proficiency in clear, succinct, modern modes of communication. The faculty of NAS apply several key themes associated with a transformative and applicable liberal arts education in the sciences: Quantitative Analysis, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Applied Laboratory Skills.
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 a pathways suitable for entry into a variety of fields including graduate and professional programs. Students can shape their learning to achieve careers in a variety of career paths:
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, secondary life sciences education
Professional programs associated the NAS such as Teacher Education Certification and the MOT Jumpstart program 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, speak with your advisor.
Students with extensive transfer credit may be granted waivers or course equivalencies for certain classes. Discuss these options with your advisor.
NAS Required Classes (55.5 credits)
100 Level 25 credits
MAT 108 College Algebra 4 cr
MAT 140 Pre-Calculus Mathematics 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 7 credits
LCC 230 Environmental Science, Policy, and Sustainability w/Lab
(NAS student waive LCC 130 and instead are required to take LCC 230, see below)
SCI 209 Human Genetics 3 cr
SCI 252 Medical Microbiology w/Lab 4 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
Career Development Sequence 6 credits
SCI 369 Exploring Careers, Choosing Life Roles 1.5 cr
SCI 413 Job Search Skills for the 21st Century 1.5 cr
SCI 447 Internship 3 cr
Lewiston-Auburn Common Core (~ 39 credits)
Besides major requirements and electives, students are required to complete the Lewiston-Auburn Common Core which integrates tightly with the major and a Thematic Cluster which, in total, consists of minimum an additional 39 credit hours. For a NAS major, this would include:
LCC 110 or LCC 111, LCC 150, LCC 123 or LCC 345, LCC 230, LCC 220 or LCC 320, LCC 200, LCC 250, LCC 370, LCC 480 plus a Thematic Cluster.
Certain thematic clusters compliment the NAS degree better than others or have prerequisites met by the degree. Consult with your adviser for more options.
Student Selected Electives minimum 25.5 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 and 9 credits being at the 300+ level.
Total Credits Required 120 Credits
NAS Recommended Sequence (* denote lab courses) | ||
| Fall | Spring |
Year 1 | MAT 108 (4) | MAT 142 (4) |
| 14.5 credit hours | 14.5 credit hours |
Year 2 | SCI 113/114 (4)* | SCI 115/116 (4)* |
| 14 credit hours | 15 credit hours |
Year 3 | LCC 250 (3) | Cluster (3) |
| 16 credit hours | 16.5 credit hours |
Year 4 | LCC 370 (4) | LCC 480 (3) |
| 16 credit hours | 15 credit hours |
9 cr elective at 300 level | 9 cr elective in science or math | |