General Science

http://gensci.uoregon.edu

Jana Prikryl, Program Director
541-346-3288
65C Klamath Hall

The general science curriculum allows students to design academic programs that satisfy the requirements for a bachelor of science degree and provide more breadth than traditional science programs. Many exciting areas of scientific inquiry, such as bioinformatics, neuroscience, environmental science, and biophysical science, require broad science backgrounds and encompass several disciplines. Students planning technical careers in one of these areas or careers in the health sciences, in science education, or in a science-related business or social service might be best served by a well-designed multidisciplinary science program.

One strength of the General Science Program is its flexibility. To exploit that strength, students need to design their programs carefully, consulting frequently with the general science director. Course sequences that meet requirements for professional schools and training programs should be selected in consultation with the program director or university advisors that specialize in the specific area (for example the Health Professions Program advisors). Students should seek assistance in program planning when they identify or change career goals, because successful application to professional schools and training programs may require completion of additional courses beyond those required for the general science major.

Examples of cross-disciplinary fields, and the subject-matter areas that might be combined in designing a program, are given below:

• Animal behavior and ethology—anthropology, biology, psychology
• Biophysical sciences—biology, chemistry, human physiology, physics
• Cognitive sciences—computer and information science, mathematics, psychology
• Environmental sciences—biology, chemistry, earth sciences, geography, physics
• Neurosciences—biology, chemistry, psychology

General science majors are encouraged to consult with the program director during their junior year to ensure that their remaining course work is structured to meet all the requirements for the major. Students should notify the General Science Program office of their intention to graduate at least one term before the proposed graduation date.

Preparation

High school students planning to major in general science should take as much mathematics as possible, including two years of algebra and trigonometry. They should also take science courses in their areas of interest. Students planning to transfer into the General Science Program after two years at a community college or at another college or university should complete courses equivalent to the lower-division requirements listed in this catalog and as many of the university’s general-education requirements for a bachelor’s degree as possible. Acceptance of transfer courses and credits is determined by evaluators in the Office of Admissions in consultation with departmental advisors.

Upon admission, transfer students should consult with the general science director in the program office.

Careers

Through the General Science Program, prehealth science students preparing for careers in medicine, dentistry, or related fields can meet professional school admission requirements. General science, when combined with a minor or a second major, can work well for students planning careers in science-related business, public relations, and human services.

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science

Undergraduate Studies

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

General science courses must be completed with grades of C– or P (pass) or better. Courses graded N (no pass) or F may be repeated for credit, in accordance with university policy.

The upper-division requirements are for students who declared the general science major fall 2000 or later. Students who declared the major before fall 2000 follow the requirements that were in effect when they declared the major. Upper-division credits used to satisfy minimum requirements of another major may not be used to satisfy upper-division requirements in general science. At least 24 upper-division science credits must be completed at the University of Oregon to meet the general science residency requirement.

Upper-division courses may be selected from the general science website.

Honors Program

Students preparing to graduate with honors in general science should notify the program director no later than the first term of the senior year.

Honors in general science centers on a thesis, which is the culmination of research conducted under the direction of a faculty advisor. The advisor does not need to be a member of the general science committee.

To graduate with honors, students must have at least a 3.50 overall grade point average and a GPA of 3.50 or better in the sciences. In addition, they must complete 9 credits of Research (401) or Thesis (403) or both in the appropriate department. These credits must be distributed over at least two terms and cannot be used to fulfill emphasis-area requirements.

Upon approval of the thesis by the advisor and the program director, honors in general sciences are awarded.

For guidelines and calendar, see a general science program director.

Program Planning

Information about program planning and detailed sample programs are available in the General Science Program office. Prehealth science students who choose the general science major should design their programs to meet the admission requirements of the professional school of their choice. See also Preparatory Programs in the Academic Resources section of this catalog.

Kindergarten through Secondary Teaching Careers

An academic major in general science can provide a strong background for certain teacher-education licensure programs. Students interested in teaching general science in middle school and junior high school should be aware that the integrated science endorsement requires broader preparation than the minimum requirements for the general science major. The College of Education offers a fifth-year program for middle-secondary teaching licensure in science. See the College of Education section of this catalog.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Science in General Science with Education Focus

Bachelor of Science in General Science with Pre-Medical Focus