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Interdisciplinary General Science, BA

The Interdisciplinary Science major is designed to provide a broad background in science for those students interested in teaching at the elementary level. Elementary teachers are expected to teach a broad spectrum of science topics including biology, chemistry, physics and earth science. Course work in each of these disciplines is included as part of the major. Students who complete this major should also be prepared to serve as science coordinators at the elementary level. This major is not appropriate for students wishing to teach high school science.

This major is also appropriate for students who wish to pursue a degree in science that is broader than the Biology, Chemistry, and Exercise Science majors. 

Required Science Courses

Requirements List

BIO 1130BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES I

4
BIO 1140BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES II

4
CHM 1510CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES I

4
CHM 1520CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES II

4
PHY 1010/SCI 1010INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS I

4
PHY 1020/SCI 1020INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS II

4
Or
PHY 2010GENERAL PHYSICS I

4
PHY 2020GENERAL PHYSICS II

4
BIO 3910/CHM 3910NATURAL SCIENCE SEMINAR I

1
BIO 3920/CHM 3920NATURAL SCIENCE SEMINAR II

2
BIO 4900/CHM 4900NATURAL SCIENCE SEMINAR III

1

Required Support Courses

ERS 1030/ERS 1003INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE I

3
ERS 1040/SCI 1004INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE II

3
MTH 1400ELEMENTARY FUNCTIONS

3
And
MTH 2070ELEMENTARY STATISTICS

3
Or
MTH 2510ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY- CALCULUS I

4

*Twelve (12) credits of upper level science courses must be completed at MSMC.

Biology courses above the 1000 level have a pre-requisite of at least one college level chemistry course with a grade of C or better. All biology courses have a pre-requisite of a C or above in any pre-requisite course(S). All Chemistry courses have a pre-requisite of a C or above in any pre-requisite course(s). 

Education Course Requirements

Students completing the Interdisciplinary - General Science major are expected to also complete the education courses required for certification in elementary education as set forth by the Division of Education. Students will be assigned a second advisor from the Division of Education. Please consult your education advisor for requirements for teaching certification. 

In addition, students must choose one option below:

  • Option 1: Organic Chemistry I and II (CHM 2010 and 2020), Astronomy (AST 1100) and two other science courses with laboratory numbered 200 and above.
  • Option 2: Organic Chemistry I and II (CHM 2010 and 2020), Astronomy (AST 1100), and one other science course with a laboratory numbered 200 and above.
  • Option 3: Introductory Chemistry II (CHM 1060) and three science courses with laboratory numbered 200 and above.