General Science

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Physics
(907) 474-6108
www.uaf.edu/physics/

B.S., M.S. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 130 credits

Downloadable PDF (PDF 120K)

The B.S. degree program in general science provides a broad background in the natural sciences. The program allows specialization in at least two disciplines within the natural sciences as well as an additional area of associated interest. This degree offers more breadth in the natural sciences than other degree programs and may be classified as an interdisciplinary degree.

Major--B.S. Degree

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the B.S. degree requirements.
3. Complete the following program (major) requirements:*
   BIOL 105X--Fundamentals of Biology I--4 credits
   BIOL 106X--Fundamentals of Biology II--4 credits
   CHEM 105X--General Chemistry**--4 credits
   CHEM 106X--General Chemistry**--4 credits
   GEOS 101X--The Dynamic Earth--4 credits
   GEOS 112X--The History of Earth and Life--4 credits
   MATH 107X--Functions for Calculus--4 credits
   MATH 108--Trigonometry--3 credits
   MATH 200X--Calculus**--4 credits
   PHYS 103X--College Physics***--4 credits
   PHYS 104X--College Physics***--4 credits
4. Select one of the following by the start of the junior year:****
   
   1. Two majors.
   2. One major and two minors.
5. Complete one major from the following: biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences or physics. The major requires the completion of at least 20 credits in addition to the foundation courses in the discipline.*--20 credits
6. Complete one of the following*:
   
   1. Complete a second major from the following: biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, physics or mathematics. The major requires the completion of at least 20 credits in addition to the foundation courses in the discipline.--20 credits
   2. Complete two minors, one of which must be in the natural sciences or mathematics, while the other may be selected from the following disciplines: anthropology, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, history, political science or economics. The minor must include 12 or more credits in addition to the foundation courses in that discipline.--24 credits
7. Minimum credits required--130 credits

* Student must earn a C grade or better in each course.
** A student does not need to take MATH 107X and MATH 108 if the student completes MATH 200X with a C or better.
*** PHYS 211X, 212X and 213X may substitute for PHYS 103X and 104X. CHEM 212 may substitute for CHEM 105X and 106X. Complete a B.S. degree mathematics elective for 3 credits if MATH 107X and MATH 108 are not taken.
**** A general science student, after meeting with his/her general science advisor, should contact the head of the major/minor department as early as possible to determine course requirements in that discipline. These courses will be determined by the department head of the discipline and will reflect the student’s needs as well as the intent of the general science program.
Note: One year of German or Russian is recommended.

Requirements for General Science Teachers (grades 7-12)

1. Complete all the requirements of the general science B.S.
2. If the student opts for one major and two minors, all must represent science or mathematics disciplines:
3. All prospective science teachers must complete one of the following:
   PHIL 380--Conceptual Foundations of Science (3)
        or PHIL 382--Science and Technological Limits (3)
        or PHIL 481--Philosophy of Science (3)--3 credits

Note: We strongly recommend that prospective secondary science teachers seek advising from the UAF School of Education early in your undergraduate degree program so that you can be appropriately advised of the state of Alaska requirements for teacher licensure. You will apply for admission to the UAF School of Education’s post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, a one-year intensive program, during your senior year. Above requirements apply to all candidates who apply to the UAF School of Education Spring 2006 or later for licensure in General Science.