Natural Science (without licensure) BS

The BSNS (without licensure) serves students who seek education and a career in science or a science-related field. BSNS students must complete coursework with a biology concentration and at least two other areas of math or science. Recent recipients of the BSNS are employed as health professionals, laboratory technicians, environmental consultants, naturalists, and in other positions in business, industry, and government. Students pursuing the BSNS should meet with a faculty advisor to design their program.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of living organisms including: structure and function of cellular components and processes, genetics, organization, ecology, diversity, and evolution of unicellular and multicellular life forms.
Apply principles of the scientific method to distinguish between theories and hypotheses and between scientific fact and opinion.
Design and conduct biological investigations that require effective use of scientific instrumentation.
Articulate biological knowledge verbally and in written form to scientific and lay audiences.
Relate aspects of economic, societal, and environmental sustainability to biological systems.

Degree Requirements for the Biology Concentration

General Education Program		40 Hours
	The Natural Science component of the GEP is satisfied by the requirements of the bachelor of science in natural science. The Oral Communication component of the GEP will be met within this degree. See the General Education Program Requirements by Content Category for further information about the GEP.
Natural Science Curriculum		53 Hours
General Electives		27 Hours

Minimum Hours Required		120 Hours

Natural Science Curriculum (54 Hours)

Biology Requirements (11-12 Hours)

BIOL 1151 - General Biology 1
BIOL 1152 - General Biology 2
Choose ONE of the following courses:
BIOL 3770 - Genetics and Molecular Biology
BIOL 3850 - Ecology
BIOL 4770 - Cell Biology

Biology Electives (16-17 Hours)

Any biology course numbered 2000 or higher. Sixteen hours must be at 3000 or above, with at least 4 of these at 4000 or above.

Second Science Area (12 Hours)

Twelve hours of courses in any one area of science other than the primary concentration. Students may choose GEOL, CHEM, MATH, or PHYS. Math courses must be numbered 1200 or above.

Third Science Area (8 Hours)

Eight hours of courses in any one area of science other than the primary concentration or secondary science area. Students may choose GEOL, CHEM, MATH, or PHYS. Math courses must be numbered 1200 or above.

Additional Science/Math (3 Hours)

BIOL 2200 - Applied Biostatistics

Mathematics Proficiency Requirement

Proficiency in MATH 1250 (Trigonometry) through completion or through placement in, and completion of, a higher level math (i.e. MATH2110-Calculus) is required for the BS-Natural Science concentrations.

Eligible Math Courses Include:

General Electives (35-39 Hours)

See special note below.

Oral Communications Requirement

Choose ONE of the following courses:

Bachelor Degrees

Special Notes

Students must complete—at Shawnee State— at least 12 credit hours in their majors. The 12 hours must be taken at the 3000 or 4000 level. In the case of the BS natural science, at least 8 of the 12 upper division hours must be in the first concentration.
General Electives: Elective hours are not limited to any particular area of study and can be earned in science to enhance the major or to complete requirements for a minor. Courses from all departments of the University can be used to satisfy the electives requirements. Electives should include courses in the arts and humanities. Coherent groups of courses are encouraged and should be chosen with the student’s career objectives and personal interests in mind. Consultation with your faculty advisor is highly recommended so that electives can be an important component of your educational experience.