Divisional Chair: Anna McKenna

The natural science major is designed to accommodate the student’s broader interest in the areas of science. This major is appropriate for students desiring to continue their education in a variety of science or medically-related fields. These fields include the health professions, teaching at various levels, agricultural pursuits, law, economics, government positions, industrial research and other opportunities. The exact sequence of studies must be chosen carefully in consultation with an appropriate faculty adviser in the natural sciences.

The natural sciences major offers concentrations in natural science and natural science/secondary education.

Two courses (8 credits) from each of four of the following areas:

ASTR 211, 212;

BIOL 115, 116;

CHEM 123, 234;

CSCI 150, 160;

GEOL 211, 212;

MATH 119 or 123 (not both), 120, 124;

PHYS 105, 106 or 191, 200.

Eight additional 4-credit courses, or the equivalent from biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics or physics; five of the eight courses must be upper division. NUTR 125, 330 and 331 may be selected as one of the eight courses.

The only 100-level science courses that may be used to fulfill a requirement for this concentration are listed above.

*For the "three-one" program in dentistry (see listing under "Pre-Professional Programs"), the requirements for a natural science major will be fulfilled by meeting the lower-division requirements in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics; plus CHEM 235, 236, a minimum of two upper-division science electives; and credits from the first year of professional school (when transferred back to Saint Benedict’s or Saint John’s).

Students whose interests lie primarily in biology and chemistry should begin with BIOL 115, 116 and CHEM 123, 234. If inclined toward a physics concentration, students should begin with PHYS 191, 200 and MATH 119, 120.

This program is designed for students interested in teaching science at the secondary (grades 5-12) level. This course sequence must be combined with a minor in secondary education. Majors should contact the education department early in their college career for advice on licensing requirements.

Students are advised that a program in natural science fulfilling Minnesota licensure academic requirements may require a ninth semester, course overloads and/or summer school. Consult Anna McKenna (natural science) or Ann Marie Biermaier OSB for the approved program.

Biology 115 and 116

Chemistry 123 and 234

Geology 211 or 212

Physics 105 and 106 or 191 and 200

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LICENSURE AREAS (5-12)

EDUC 105, 107, 109, 200, 213/275, 310, 354, 355, 359, 362, 390, First Aid/CPR Certification, and fulfillment of speech requirement.

BIOL 200 Biological Information (1)

BIOL 305 Invertebrate Zoology (4) or BIOL 306 The Plant Kingdom (4) or BIOL 307 Microbiology (4)

BIOL 316 Genetics (4)

BIOL 339 Evolution (4)

BIOL 334 General Ecology (4) or BIOL 336 Behavioral Ecology (4) or BIOL 337 Aquatic Ecology (4)

BIOL 323 Comparative Physiology or BIOL 324 General Physiology (4) or BIOL 327 Plant Physiology

CHEMISTRY 9-12 (21 credits) (Total: 53 credits)  [Top]

CHEM 235 Organic Chemistry I (4)

CHEM 236 Organic Chemistry II (4)

CHEM 320 Chemical Literature (1)

CHEM 335 Analytical Chemistry (4)

8 additional credits

PHYS 191 and PHYS 200 from the core area.

PHYS 211 Foundations of Physics III (4)

PHYS 217A Digital Electronics (2)

PHYS 320 Modern Physics (4)

PHYS 332 Intermediate Physics Laboratory (0-1) (2 semesters)

PHYS 343 Thermodynamics (2)

MATH 119 Calculus I (4)

MATH 120 Calculus II (4)

MATH 239 Linear Algebra (4)

MATH 337 Differential Equations (4)

32 credit core plus

BIOL 200 (1)

BIOL 305 (4)

BIOL 306 (4)

BIOL 339 Evolution (4) or BIOL 316 Genetics (4)

CHEM 235 (4)

CHEM 236 (4)