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Biology in the broadest sense is the study of life. It is a diverse subject and understanding it requires a background in all the sciences. The biologist must understand the basics of physics, chemistry, math and the social sciences as they relate to living systems. He/she must also be able to synthesize that knowledge in order to understand the living world, a world that is both remarkably unified and wonderfully diverse.
Chair: Douglas K. Walton, Ph.D.
A major in biology requires 32 semester credits. Biology courses must have a minimum grade of "C" to complete the requirements of the major. See tracks for specific course requirements. Application to the biology major is made during the spring semester of the sophomore year. See the Biology student handbook for more details.
a) BIO 1110, 1120, 3500, one course from the following: BIO 3100, 3210, 3220, 4170.
b) Biology electives to equal 32 total biology credits.
c) CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3240.
d) PSC 2001, 2002.
e) MTH 2211 or 2221.
f) Recommended: a chemistry minor (requires completion of CHM 3000 Analytical Chemistry), a biology or chemistry research experience, PSY 3330 Research Methods, PSY 3331 Statistics, computer science, calculus series MTH 2221-2222, MTH 4411. See track schema in the Biology student handbook for more recommendations. The student must consult catalogs of desired graduate schools for any special requirements.
a) BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2020, 2021, 3500, 4150, 4160, one course from the following: BIO 3100, 3210, 3220, 4170.
b) CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3000, 3240. This course work meets the requirements for a chemistry minor.
c) PSC 2001, 2002.
d) MTH 2211 or 2221, MTH 4411 (prereq. MTH 2221 and 2222) or PSY 3331.
e) Recommended: BIO 3100, 3020, 3600, 4135, CHM 4120, a biology or chemistry research experience, PSY 3330 Research Methods, computer science, calculus series 2221-2222. See track schema in the Biology student handbook for more recommendations. The student must consult catalogs of desired graduate schools for any special requirements.
a) BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2020, 2021, 3130, 3500, one course from the following: BIO 3100, 3210, 3220, 4170.
b) CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3240.
c) PSC 2001, 2002.
d) MTH 2211 or 2221.
e) Four courses of humanities (to include two composition courses and two other humanities courses, one of which must be an upper-division course.) Eight credits in PSY or SOC including one upper-division course. See track schema in the Biology student handbook for recommendations. The student must consult catalogs of desired medical schools for any special requirements.
a) BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 3500, 4170 (or 3210) and 8 credits from the following: BIO 2020/2021, 3100, 3210, 3220, 4170 to equal 32 total biology credits. Transfer students who have completed the equivalent of BIO 4170 elsewhere may be required to take a course with a research component.
b) CHM 1110, 1120 [or CHM 1020 , CHM 1035 and BIO 1036].
c) MTH 1111.
d) PSC 1202.
e) PSC 1201 (or PSC 2001, 2002), PSC 4150.
f) NSC 3335 - must take as a co-requisite with NSC 3333. NSC 3333 - must take as a co-requisite or as a prerequisite for EDU 3800.
g) General requirements for secondary licensure as listed in the Education section of the catalog. The above is based on current information and is subject to change. The student must regularly consult with the Education Department for further information.
a) BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2020, 2021, 3500, electives to equal 32 total biology credits.
b) CHM 1110, 1120 (CHM 1020, CHM 1035 and BIO 1036 may be substituted with departmental advisement).
c) MTH 1111.
d) Recommended: PSC 1201 or 2001 and 2002; CIS 1007 and CIS 1008; CHM 2200, 2210, 3240.
e) The student also needs an internship in a cytotechnology school to be a cyto-technologist. One year of internship in an approved cytotechnology program is equivalent to 32 semester credits of upper division biology coursework. The internship is taken in the senior year.
A minor in biology requires 22 semester credits. Biology courses must have a minimum grade of ‘C' to complete the requirements of the minor. Course requirements for the minor:
Students graduating with a degree in biology will:
A classic definition of chemistry is "the branch of science concerned with the properties and transformations of matter." Chemistry is sometimes called the "central science" because of its importance in other fields such as biology, agriculture, medicine, geology, nutrition, law enforcement and engineering. Without knowledge of chemistry, humans could not grow enough food, combat disease, drink clean water, make clothing, create artwork, or clean up the environment. Understanding chemistry helps humans appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Chair: Paul Stein, Ph.D.
The Chemistry Department offers these programs:
The chemistry major provides a foundation in the sub-disciplines of organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry. Students may earn either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
The B.S. chemistry major (72 credits) is designed for students seeking entry-level employment as a chemist or a graduate degree in chemistry or a related discipline. Advanced coursework and a research experience in addition to the foundational courses complete the degree work for the B.S.
Required courses for the B.S. degree: CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3000, 3220, 3240, 3460, 3470, 4020, 4060, 4120, and 4 credits of upper division CHM electives; MTH 2221, 2222, 3322; PSC 2001, 2002.
A chemistry major may earn a second degree in biochemistry by completing the needed additional course requirements. (See the following section for a description of the B.S. Biochemistry major.)
The B.A. chemistry major (48 credits) is appropriate for students seeking to combine foundational study in chemistry with coursework in biology and social sciences as preparation for professional school in medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and physician's assistant. Students also may combine the B.A. major with a concentration of courses outside the School of Science to pursue chemistry careers in non-traditional areas such as law, journalism, computers, management, etc. Finally, the B.A. chemistry major offers students time to study abroad or pursue a more liberal education while having preparation to obtain entry-level employment as a chemist in many industries.
Required courses for the B.A. degree: CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3000, 3460, 4020 and 4 credits of upper division CHM electives; MTH 2221, 2222; PSC 2001, 2002.
Additional courses recommended for pre-medical studies are BIO 1110, 1120, 2110, 2120, 2020, 2021, 3500; PSY 2208, 3423. Since each professional school may have additional, specific admission requirements, pre-professional students should consult with their advisor and professional school catalogs for further details.
This degree program emphasizes the role of chemical processes in living systems through a combination of coursework in biology, chemistry, and allied fields. It is appropriate for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in biochemical sciences, forensic science, medicine (including pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physician's assistant), or for those seeking entry-level employment in the biochemistry or biotechnology industry.
Required courses: CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3000, 3240, 3430, 3431, 3460; BIO 1110, 2020, 2021, 3500, 3600; PSC 2001, 2002; MTH 2221, 2222; and 8 additional credits in upper-division BIO or CHM courses. Each professional school may have additional, specific admission requirements. Pre-professional students should consult with their advisor and professional school catalogs for further details. A student majoring in Chemistry may earn a second degree in biochemistry by completing the additional course requirements.
This program is specifically designed for students seeking Minnesota licensure (grades 5-12 or 9-12). Note: more than four years are required to complete the licensure requirements unless students enter the College with advanced standing.
Required courses CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, 3000,3240,3460,4020,4060; BIO 1104; PSC 1202, 2001,2002,4150; MTH 2211; NSC 3333, 3335; EDU 1540, 1505, 2102, 2200, 2300, 2800, 2805, 3250, 3800, 4700, 4710. Registration in all EDU courses 2500 or higher requires acceptance into the EDU program. The student should have both a chemistry and education faculty advisor.
The minor is designed to provide basic competency in general, organic, and analytical chemistry for students not majoring in Biochemistry or Chemistry. Required courses: CHM1110,1120, 2200, 2210, and 3000. No substitutions or exchanges are permitted for these courses.
Students apply for admission to the chemistry or biochemistry major in the spring semester of their second year or after they have completed CHM 1110, 1120, 2200, 2210, and 3000. A completed application to major form and essay are submitted to the department chair. Application to the minor may be made to the department chair after completing CHM 1110, 1120, and 2200.
Students admitted to the major must have an overall 2.0 grade point average and a minimum of grade of C- in all required courses. A minimum grade of C- is required in all courses in the minor.
Students must earn a minimum of C- in all courses required for the major and remain in good academic standing with the College to maintain status as a Chemistry or Biochemistry major. Beyond the minimum grade performance, students are expected to be involved in the community life of the department through attendance at its seminars, involvement in chemistry volunteer and outreach activities, participation in social functions, cooperation with program assessment activities, and if qualified, by serving as a teaching assistant.
Students graduating with a degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry will:
Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological and social aspects of aging. An understanding of aging is useful in many fields of work including nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, occupational and physical therapy, exercise physiology, economics and management. Thus, the study of aging complements many majors. Given the dramatic increase in the number of older adults expected in the United States in the next 30 years, those with preparation in gerontology will be best prepared to meet the demands of our aging population.
Program Director: Angela Rosenberg Hauger, Ph.D., L.P.
TThe Gerontology Minor/Certificate Program provides students with a strong foundation in gerontology, preparing them to work with and advocate for older adults. The program is structured so students are able to individualize their courses of study to fit their career needs. Typically, degree-seeking students choose the minor and non-degree seeking students choose the certificate. The requirements for both the minor and the certificate are the same (equivalent of 20 credits).
Core courses (8 credits total): GER 3315 and GER 3316
Electives (8 credits from the following):GER 2203, GER 3310,GER 3318,GER 3325*,GER 3341*,GER 3424, GER 3777, GER 4125, and GER 4444, and SWK 4440. PTH 5513 and PTH 6567 or OTH 6524 count as 4 elective credits. *Only one of these courses may be used as an elective course.
Gerontology Directed Applied Project or equivalent: GER 4555 (4 credits) or GER 4556/5556 (0 or 1 credit) with supervised field work for credit as required by the student's major.
Students must be enrolled at the College. Application to the minor/ certificate program involves a short consultation with the program director to plan coursework. There are no other requirements.
Upon completion of the Gerontology minor or certificate, the student will:
In brief terms, mathematics is not something a student takes, but something which he or she discovers and creates. Whether a student wants to teach math, plans graduate study, plans to apply mathematics in a math intensive field, or desires the ability to reason analytically, the study of mathematics adds up to an intellectual experience which, from the abacus to the rocket, has been essential to civilization.
The Mathematics Department offers an undergraduate program in mathematics to prepare students for graduate study, or careers in secondary education or industry. Students majoring in elementary education may also select a Mathematics minor.
Chair: Luther Qson, Ph.D.
The mathematics department at The College of St. Scholastica seeks to support the mission of the College by providing instruction imbued with Benedictine values, in courses that engage students, foster their analytic ability, expose them to the power of mathematics as a lens for viewing reality, and empower them to continue their educations after they graduate. In particular, the mathematics department strives to:
Preparation for graduate studies in math or a career in a math-related field: Math 2221, 2222, 2401, 3321, 3322, 4332, 4411, 4500, 12 additional upper level MTH credits, and CIS 2085. Other options may be designed in consultation with the mathematics department, they should contain an equivalent amount of math coursework numbered 2221 and above. Students preparing for a job in a math-related field are encouraged to pursue a minor or second major, and pick supporting mathematics coursework in consultation with their advisor. Particularly, those interested in actuarial science should begin conversation about an appropriate course of study as soon as possible with their math advisors.
Students pursuing a middle and secondary mathematics teaching licensure must fulfill their mathematics major through the following courses to meet state teacher education requirements: MTH 2221, 2222, 2401, 3321, 3302, 3322, 3533/5, 4411, 4332, 4421 and 4500; CIS 2085 or demonstrated mastery of a high level computer language approved by the department. Math Education students should also review the Secondary Education Licensure Program requirements published by the Education Department for required coursework in Education.
A Mathematics minor will consist of 20 credits of coursework with a minimum grade of C, including Math 2221, Math 2222, and any 12 additional credits from MTH courses numbered 2401 and above.
Elementary Education majors who are pursuing a math minor are encouraged to enroll in Discrete Math (2401), Geometry (3302), and Mathematics Teaching Methods (3533/5) for their additional 12 credits, as these are especially appropriate in preparing them to teach at a middle school level.
Students should apply for admission to the Mathematics major after they have completed Math 3321. For instructions in applying to the major, please see the department chair. Application to the minor should be submitted to the department chair at least a semester before graduation.
Students admitted to the major must have an overall 2.0 GPA and a minimum of grade of C in all required math courses. Students must obtain at least a C in all courses required for the major and remain in good academic standing with the College to maintain status as a Mathematics major.
Math majors at St. Scholastica will:
Dean: Gerald Henkel-Johnson, Psy.D.
Two school majors culminating in a bachelor of arts degree are offered by the School of Sciences, one in Natural Sciences and the other in Social Sciences. These majors afford students an opportunity to explore a wide breadth of the natural or social sciences or to arrange a course of study in fields that are not represented by current majors offered by departments in the School of Sciences.
Although a degree in Natural or Social Sciences may be appropriate for entry-level employment, students should be aware that the school major is not intended to provide sufficient depth of preparation for admission to a graduate program in a specific natural or social science. Students who wish to earn a the natural or social sciences degree are strongly encouraged to meet with the Dean of the School of Sciences in the fall semester of the sophomore year to evaluate the appropriateness of the degree for their long-term career goals.
The school major is intended for students who are not seeking a baccalaureate degree in any other program at the College. For this reason, the school major ordinarily is not an appropriate second major. Students earning a bachelor of arts degree at the College must earn a total of 128 semester credits (with a minimum of 42 credits at the 3000- level or higher), satisfy the Benedictine Liberal Arts Education Program, and fulfill the requirements for a major.
The school major in Natural Sciences requires a minimum of 36 credits in courses which carry a BIO, CHM, MTH, NSC, or PSC prefix. Of the 36 credits, 20 must be earned in one natural science department and 16 credits must be chosen from courses at the 3000-level or higher. The balance of credits needed for graduation should be selected in consultation with the student's academic advisor and the dean to ensure that the student's individual educational and career objectives can be attained.
The school major in Social Sciences requires a minimum of 36 credits in courses which carry a PSY, SOC,GER, ECN, or POL prefix. At the dean's discretion, courses with other prefixes that have a strong social science emphasis may be counted toward the major. The 36 credits must be distributed such that 16 credits are at the 3000-level or higher, at least 16 credits are earned in one department, and at least 8 credits are earned in a second department. The B.A. in Social Sciences may provide good preparation for graduate work in many professions such as law, management, and social work. Students preparing for professional study should work closely with their advisers to select an appropriate sequence of courses. The B.A. in Social Sciences does not provide sufficient depth to prepare for graduate study in any of the social sciences.
A student seeking to earn a B.A. in the Natural or Social Sciences should first schedule an appointment with the dean of the School of Sciences or a designated advisor to discuss the appropriateness of the natural science or social science major and a proposed course of study. Students submit the application to major form and an essay to the dean. The essay should explain how earning a B.A. in Natural or Social Sciences advances the educational and career goals of the student.
Students admitted to a School of Sciences major a student must be in good academic standing at the College and shall earn a minimum of C- in all courses applied toward the major to be retained. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for graduation.
A student graduating with a B.A. in Natural or Social Sciences from The College of St. Scholastica will:
For students who believe that their lives will be enriched by liberal studies, but who also wish to pursue an engineering degree, the Dual Degree Program provides an opportunity to earn two undergraduate degrees in a period of five or six years. In the Dual Degree Program, students attend The College of St. Scholastica for three years, taking introductory courses in science, mathematics and humanities and then transfer to the Institute of Technology (IT) of the University of Minnesota for an additional two or (more often) three years to take engineering courses. At the time that the student qualifies for the B.S. degree in Engineering at the IT, she or he will also be awarded a B.A. degree in the Natural Sciences from The College of St. Scholastica.
The IT offers programs in aerospace, biomedical, bio systems and agricultural, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, geological, materials science and mechanical engineering.
Students who wish to complete their undergraduate degree at The College of St. Scholastica in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics may then apply for admission to appropriate engineering graduate programs at the Institute of Technology, if they have completed the Dual Degree course requirements listed in the previous section. See the dean of the School of Sciences for further information on this option.
Courses offered in this unit serve one of two purposes: to provide experiences in those areas of science which are necessary or useful to majors in other fields or to provide general or interdisciplinary courses in the physical sciences which may be elected by students who desire to increase their knowledge of science. There is no Physical Science major or minor. Administratively, the unit is part of the Chemistry and Physical Science Department.
Chair: Paul Stein, Ph.D.
The mission of the Department of Psychology and Sociology at The College of St. Scholastica is to advance the understanding of human behavior and social interaction, and the use of the scientific method to study it. The Psychology and Sociology faculty advance this mission by offering courses and sponsoring professionally related cocurricular activities. The faculty goal is to help Psychology and Psychological Science majors prepare for post-baccalaureate careers or graduate school and to provide non-majors in our service courses with a strong behavioral and social science foundation for integration with their departments' majors. The core value underlying the mission of the department is the conviction that psychology and sociology offer research-supported principles of great utility for understanding human thinking and behavior; for examining social issues and interaction; and for solving many individual, interpersonal and societal problems. The lifespan developmental perspective, sensitivity to diversity and experiential learning are emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Chair: Gerald Henkel-Johnson, Psy.D.
The department offers two majors, a B.A. degree in Psychology and a B.S. degree in Psychological Science. Students planning to attend graduate study in psychology are advised to complete the B.S. option in Psychological Science, which encompasses the following required courses: PSY 1105, 2208, 3216, 3222, 3320, 3327, 3330, 3331, 3423, 4000, 4334. 4335, 4435, six credits of 4555 (DAPP) or 4556 option for double-majors, six credits of PSY electives, and BIO 1102. Only two credits from PSY 2555, 3555, 4444, or 4999 may be applied to the electives requirement, although more credits may be taken if desired.
Students who plan to enter the workforce or attend graduate school in a field other than psychology often chose the B.A. option in Psychology. The smaller number of credits in this major allows students to supplement their study of psychology with a second major or with other courses chosen in consultation with their adviser to suit their future plans. The B.A. option in Psychology requires the following courses: PSY 1105, 2208, 3216, 3222, 3320, 3327, 3330, 3331, 3423, 4000, 4435, and BIO 1102.
The Human Services Concentration (HSC) is an option for students completing either the Psychology or Psychological Science major. It provides a focus for future work experience at the baccalaureate degree level, as well as for direct services graduate programs such as a Psy.D.
Coordinator: Gerald Henkel-Johnson, Psy.D.
In addition to the requirements of the Psychology (B.A.) or Psychological Science (B.S.) major, HSC students will also complete: three credits of PSY 2555 or 3555 (two credits also count toward the elective requirements of the B.S. major in Psychological Science), four credits of PSY electives beyond what is required for the major, and four credits of non-PSY HSC electives. Students choose the electives, in consultation with their HSC advisor, from those listed in the HSC Handbook. As well, for the Psychology (B.A.) major, students must complete the PSY 4555 DAPP. To complete PSY and HSC requirements within four years, students should apply for HSC during the junior year.
The minor in Psychology is structured to provide a sampling of the main areas of psychology. Students choose one four-credit course or two two-credit courses from each of these five areas:
Prospective Psychology and Psychological Science majors should apply in their last semester of sophomore standing (junior standing begins at 61 credits) by meeting with the chair of the Psychology and Sociology Department. Prior to meeting with the department chair, applicants must have completed PSY 1105 and PSY 2208 (or equivalent transfer courses) with grades of C or higher. It is also expected that during the interview applicants will discuss their reasons for choosing the major and will have an introductory discussion of APA ethical principles.
Psychological Science majors should have Psychology faculty advisors; majors choosing the B.A. option in Psychology can have Psychology or Sociology faculty advisors. Students who have double majors must have an advisor from the relevant department for each major.
Majors must have grades of C or better in all courses that are required for the major. The psychology faculty as a group annually reviews psychology majors' professional plans, special interests, academic progress and special difficulties. Psychology majors are encouraged to be familiar with and take advantage of the cocurricular opportunities described in the Psychology undergraduate student handbook in order to obtain a well-rounded education outside the classroom that can result in stronger resumes for job or graduate school application and in stronger letters of recommendation.
A minimum of 16 of the credits required for the Psychology major must be earned at The College of St. Scholastica, consistent with the College's residence requirement. In order to qualify for a Psychology minor, at least three of the five required areas must be completed with courses taken at The College of St. Scholastica. To count toward the minor, transfer courses must be very similar in content to The College of St. Scholastica courses as determined from catalog descriptions or syllabi provided by the student. If transfer courses that match the content of St. Scholastica courses carry fewer credits, additional PSY elective courses need to be taken in order to bring the total up to 56 for the Psychological Science (B.S.) major, 40 for the Psychology (B.A.) major, and 20 for the minor.
Students who wish to modify or substitute some requirement of the psychology majors may do so by writing a letter to the department chair explaining the circumstances and rationale. The Psychology and Sociology faculty will decide on the merits of the waiver request.
The learning outcomes of Psychology (B.A.) and Psychological Science (B.S.) majors encompass four areas: knowledge, integration, scientific attitude and professional development. The Psychological Science (B.S.) majors include two further areas: research and application.
Students completing the Psychology (B.A.) and Psychological Science (B.S.) major will:
Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of society and social behavior. The sociologist looks beyond individual and unique events to the predictable broad patterns and regular occurrences of social life that influence individuals, especially gender, race/ethnicity, and social class/inequality. This is the sociological imagination. Courses in sociology focus on the forms of social organization and social processes in our own and other cultures, and on the theoretical approaches sociologists use to understand them. These courses contribute to students' ability to think critically and act responsibly in a complex and rapidly changing world. Sociology provides students with the tools to examine the social and cultural dimensions of mass society and to analyze social justice issues. Sociology courses are required for a number of majors; many courses fulfill General Education Pathways requirements.
Department Chair: Gerald Henkel-Johnson, Psy. D.
Major: None. Minor: None.
