Bachelor of Science in Natural Science


|Why Natural Science?| |Generalist Perspective on Science| |Overview of Science Courses|
 |The Unified Curriculum| |4-year plan| |Switching Majors| |Pre-professional Programs|
BS Natural Science Senior Capstone Course: GNSC 411 Cosmology and Cultures


Why major in Natural Science?

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Science degree is a generalist program that provides comprehensive experience in the natural sciences. Without sacrificing rigorous preparation in the sciences, this degree program emphasizes breadth of coverage across the major fields (biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy and geology) while at the same time allowing a greater latitude for elective courses and areas of emphasis, even in non-scientific subjects. The generalist philosophy of this program is particularly embodied in its broad curriculum which includes a Planetarium Operations, two History and Philosophy of Science, Earth Sciences and Cosmology and Cultures courses (i.e., particularly with the "General Science" catalog prefix, GNSC). OBU's unique BS program in Natural Science is designed to meet the needs of students who are undecided as to which discipline of science (if any) they would like to specialize in (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Science Education majors at OBU), and to meet the needs of those students desiring specialized training at the graduate level, particularly in interdisciplinary fields such as the following:

Possible Post-Graduate Careers

Choose Minor or Electives From:*

History of Science
History and GNSC
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy and GNSC
Science Journalism
Journalism
Scientific Illustration
Art
Scientific Law
Political Science
Scientific Public Policy
Political Science
Science
Natural Science and GNSC
Psychiatry
Psychology
Medical Ethics
Philosophy
Medical Missions
Applied Ministry
Pharmacy
Chemistry
Occupational Therapy
Psychology
Optometry
Biology
Physical Therapy
Health,PE & Recreation
Medical Technician
Biology
*Prerequisites for specific postgraduate programs vary; therefore, consult the academic catalog and/or degree counselors at the institution you plan to attend.

Is the BS in Natural Science degree for you?


An Overview of the Required Science Course Work:  Broad Training!!

| Science Division | Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
Freshmen Biology Colloquium (BIOL 120 AND 121) 2 hrs
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
GENERAL SCIENCE
MATHEMATICS
Take 3 (12 hrs)

BIOL 203 Botany, 4

BIOL 204 Zoology, 4

BIOL 235 Human Anatomy, 4

BIOL 236 Human Physiology, 4

BIOL 227 Microbiology, 4

Take Both (8 hrs)

US 110
General Chemistry I, 4

AND

US 111
General Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis, 4

Take Either (8/10 hrs)

PHY 241-242College Physics, 4 hrs each

OR

PHY 251-252 General Physics, 5 hrs each
(in some cases, this Calculus-based physics is required)

GNSC 250 Planetarium Operations (1 hr)
MATH 201 
Calculus I, (3 hrs)

AND

MATH 200
Basic Statistics
(3 hrs)

Take Both (8 hrs)

CHEM 310
Organic Chemistry I, 4

AND

CHEM 311
Organic Chemistry II, 4

Take Either (2 hrs)

GNSC 312
History & Philosophy of Science to Newton, 2

OR

GNSC 313
History & Philosophy of Science since Newton, 2

Select 2 courses (6-9 hrs) each must be from a different discipline column
Take Both (6 hrs)

GNSC 220 Earth Sciences, 3

AND

GNSC 411 Cosmology and Cultures, 3

BIOL 303 Environmental Biology, 4 

BIOL 301 Molecular & Cellular Biology, 4

BIOL 432 Advanced Topics, 4

CHEM 303 Quantitative Analysis, 5 

CHEM 304 Environmental Chemistry, 3

CHEM 305 Biochemistry, 4

CHEM 320 Advanced Lab, 3

PHYS 401 Advanced Lab I, 3 

PHYS 402 Advanced Lab II, 3

TOTAL: 12-16 hrs

TOTAL: 16-21 hrs

TOTAL: 8-13 hrs

TOTAL: 10 hrs

TOTAL:  6 hours

MINIMUM CREDIT HOURS IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE: 2+12+8+8+8+1+2+6+6+6/9 = 59/62 hrs


The Unified Curriculum

I. Unified Studies: Basic Core (47 hrs)

II. Degree Core (15 hrs)

III. Major Core (45-50 hrs)

BIOL 120:  Biology Colloquium I (1 hr)

BIOL 121: Biology Colloquium II (1 hr)

Three of:

  • BIOL 203:  Botany (4 hrs)
  • BIOL 204:  Zoology (4 hrs)
  • BIOL 227:  Microbiology (4 hrs)
  • BIOL 235:  Human Anatomy (4 hrs)
  • BIOL 236:  Human Physiology (4 hrs)

CHEM 310:  Organic Chemistry I (4hr)

CHEM 311:  Organic Chemistry II (4hr)

GNSC 250:  Planetarium Operations (1 hr)

One of:

GNSC 312:  History & Philosophy of Science to Newton (2 hr)

GNSC 313:  History & Philosophy of Science since Newton (2 hr)

GNSC 320:  Earth Sciences (3 hr)

GNSC 411:  Cosmology and Cultures (3 hr)

One of:

PHYS 241/242:  College Physics I and II (8 hrs)

PHYS 251/252:  General Physics I and II (10hr)

Two of (each from a different discipline):

  • BIOL 301:  Molecular Cellular Biology, (4 hrs)
  • BIOL 303:  Environmental Biology (4 hrs)
  • BIOL 432:  Advanced Topics (4 hrs)
  • CHEM 303:  Quantitative Analysis (5 hrs)
  • CHEM 304:  Environmental Chemistry (3 hrs)
  • CHEM 305:  Biochemistry (4 hrs)
  • CHEM 320:  Advanced Lab (3 hrs)
  • PHYS 401:  Advanced Lab I (3 hrs)
  • PHYS 402:  Advanced Lab II (3 hrs)

IV. Prerequisites & Electives to total 128 hours (16-21 hrs)


Four Year Plan

Freshman Year

| Science Division | Science Courses | Unified Curriculum | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
Fall 

US 110*
General Chemistry 1
4
US L110
General Chemistry 1 Lab
0
BIOL 120
Biology
Colloquium 1
1
MATH 201
Calculus I
(see Freshmen notes)
3
US 115
English Comp
3
US 109
Speech
2
US 101 or
US 102
Old Testament or
New Testament
3

*Fall only
Total hrs: 16

J-Term
 
 

Total hrs: 0

Spring

US 111*
General Chemistry and 
Qualitative Analysis
4
US L111
General Chemistry 2 Lab
0
BIOL 121
Biology
Colloquium 2
1
PSY 122, US 121
or US 123
Psychology, Government,
or Sociology
3
US 116
English Comp
3
US 104
Analytical
Thinking or
Intro to Philosophy
2
US 113
Intro to Computing
3
US 113L
Computer Lab
0

*Spring only 
Total hrs: 16

Freshman year notes

  1. Math Placement
    1. MATH 116, College Algebra. Requires ACT of 19 or above, with at least 1.5 years of high school algebra and a C or better in the most recent high school math course.
      • If necessary, begin your university math sequence with College Algebra instead of College Trigonometry (as shown above). Then take College Trigonometry in the spring semester along with Calculus I, and defer US 104 or US 113 until a later year.
    2. MATH 117, College Trigonometry. Requires MATH 116 or an extensive math background in high school.
    3. MATH 201, Calculus I. Requires ACT of 20 or above with an A in high school Algebra II and competence in high school trigonometry.
    4. How much Calculus will I need (and which Physics courses should I take)?


      Only one semester of calculus, MATH 201, is required for a BS in Natural Science (algebra-based physics, PHY 241-242, must be your physics choice if you chooses to not take MATH 202). However, before enrolling for the Sophomore year, reassess whether you might transfer to a Science Education, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics degree:

      • SCIENCE EDUCATION:


        Just like the BS in Natural Science, only MATH 201 is required for a BSE in Science Education. Students in these majors may take the algebra-based physics (PHY 241-242), although they are encouraged to take the highest mathematics (up to MATH 201-202) and physics (up to PHY 251-252) that they are capable of attaining while at OBU.

      • BIOLOGY:


        MATH 201-202 are required for a BS in Biology. Take MATH 201-202 during the Freshman and/or Sophomore years in order to be ready to take calculus-based physics (PHY 251-252) during the Junior year with all the other biology majors.

      • CHEMISTRY:


        MATH 201-202 are required for a BS in Chemistry. MATH 203-204, though not listed as requirements in the academic catalog, are prerequisites for the required calculus-based Physical Chemistry courses taken in the Senior year. To keep your options open take MATH 201-202 during the Freshman and/or Sophomore years.

      • PHYSICS:


        Four semesters of calculus are required for a BS in Physics (MATH 201, 202, 203, and 204). The first two semesters (MATH 201-202) should be completed before the Sophomore year, in order to take MATH 203-204 along with calculus-based physics (PHY 251-252) during the Sophomore year.

  2. Honors enrollment, freshman year
    • Do not enroll in US 115, English Composition,  take HON 101, Honors Critical Skills.
    • Do not enroll in US 116, English Composition,  take HON 116, Honors English:  Composition and Classical Literature.
    • Honors students will eventually take US 308 Biblical Ethics, so they may choose either US 101 (Old Testament) or 102 (New Testament) as the other religion requirement.
    • Honors students must complete at least four Honors colloquia (HON 211, 231, 241, 251, or 161)
    • Honors students must complete two of three "capstone" experiences (HON477, 488, or 499)
    • Questions? Email the OBU Honors Program Director, Dr. Doug Watson.


       

  3. Watch those prerequisites!


    Since many courses are not offered every semester, failing to take a course (e.g., General Chemistry) in proper sequence may delay progress for a full year if that course is a prerequisite for other courses. Get your own copy of the OBU Academic Catalog, read the course descriptions for your entire program, then keep it handy and refer to it often.  Here are some important prerequisites to watch out for:
     

    • Mathematics beyond Calculus I (II, III or IV) are prerequisite for most of the upper level biology, chemistry and physics.
    • Human Physiology is ordinarily taken after Human Anatomy, but may be taken first or by itself with professor approval.
    • Without professor's approval, Botany and Zoology are prerequisites for the upper level Biology courses.


       

  4. Before taking a course at another institution, obtain a Transfer Credit Approval form from your advisor, and get it approved by the dean, to make sure the course will substitute for the OBU requirement.
    •  
  5. Computer Literacy. Students that are completing a Bachelors of Science degree must fulfill the computer literacy requirements by any one of the following:
    • Complete US 113, Introduction to Computing, 3 hrs
    • Passing an exam at the Counseling and Testing office of the Geiger Center. (Then make sure that an extra Math course has been taken to fulfill degree core hours requirements.)
    • Transfer credit from an equivalent course at another institution (requires approval by the dean).


       

  6. Interested in a Biology major?


    If you want the option of switching to the BS in Biology, plan ahead

    •  

      Year

      Fall

      Spring

      Freshmen

      .

      Calculus II
      Sophomore
      Botany
      Zoology
      Junior
      Environmental Biology
      Molecular and Cellular
      and Microbiology
      Senior
      Genetics
      Developmental Biology
  7. Interested in a Chemistry major?


    If you want the option of switching to the BS in Chemistry, plan ahead

    1.  

      Year

      Fall

      Spring

      Freshmen

      .

      Calculus II
      Sophomore
      Organic I
      Calculus III
      Organic II
      Calculus IV
      Junior
      Physics 251
      Quantitative Chemistry
      Physics 252
      Biochemistry
      Senior
      Physical Chemistry I
      Advanced Laboratory
      Physical Chemistry II
      Environmental Chemistry
  8. Interested in a Physics major?
    • If you want the option of switching to the BS in Physics, plan ahead
    • Physics majors take four semesters of Calculus during the Freshman and Sophomore years.
    • Physics majors take Calc III and IV along with General Physics 251 and 252 in their Sophomore year.
    1.  

      Year

      Fall

      Spring

      Freshmen

      .

      Calculus II
      Sophomore
      PHYS 251
      Calculus III
      PHYS 252
      Calculus IV
      Junior
      PHYS 302 Thermodynamics
      PHYS 305 Optics
      PHYS 301 Classical Mechanics
      Senior
      PHYS 315 Modern I
      PHYS 401 Adv. Lab I
      PHYS 433 Electricity and Magnetism I
      PHYS 402 Adv. Lab II
      PHYS 434 Electricity and Magnetism II
      •  
  9. Interested in a Science Education major?
    •  
      In addition, Science Education majors should take EDUC 201 Foundations in Education as early as possible in order to begin the process of being admitted into the Teacher Education program. See the Science Education website for details and sample four-year plans.
  10. Interested in a Pre-professional program?


     

    • Many professional schools accept transfer students after the junior year. The sequence of courses given below reflects our understanding of their requirements for these end-of-year junior transfers. However, check the school of your choice before planning your course of study.


       

    • Pre-Pharmacy students would usually select at least Zoology, Microbiology, and Human Physiology as Biology courses along with the other choices listed in the table below.
      •  

        Year

        Fall

        Spring

        Freshmen

        .

        Government
        Sophomore
        Psychology AND
        Human Physiology
        Microbiology
        Junior

         

        Zoology
        Senior
        Environmental Biology
        OR Quantitative Chemistry
        Molecular and Cellular
        OR Biochemistry

        Look at a  four year plan that reflects the above selections for Pre-Pharmacy students

        •  
    • Pre-Occupational Therapy students majoring in Natural Science would select at least Zoology, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology as Biology course along with the other choices listed in the table below (6 hrs of electives are underlined). Consider a minor in psychology. Note the two psychology courses usually required by Occupational Therapy graduate programs.
      •  

        Year

        Fall

        Spring

        Freshmen

        .

        Government
        Sophomore
        Psychology AND
        Human Physiology
        Human Anatomy
        Junior
        PSY 206 Developmental
        Psychology (3 hrs)
        Zoology
        Senior
        PSY 420 Personality (3 hrs)
        AND Environmental Biology
        OR Quantitative Chemistry
        Molecular and Cellular
        OR Biochemistry

        Look at a  four year plan that reflects the above selections for Pre-Occupational Therapy students

        •  
    • Pre-Optometry students majoring in Natural Science would select at least Zoology, Microbiology, Botany, and Biochemistry along with the other choices listed in the table below (3 hrs of electives are underlined). Most optometry programs now require completion of a Bachelors degree.
      •  

        Year

        Fall

        Spring

        Freshmen

        .

        Government
        Sophomore
        Psychology AND Botany
        Microbiology
        Junior
        HIST 215 Geography (3 hrs)
        Zoology
        Senior
        Environmental Biology
        OR Quantitative Chemistry
        Biochemistry

        Look at a  four year plan that reflects the above selections for Pre-Optometry students

        •  
    • Pre-Physical Therapy students majoring in Natural Science would select at least Zoology, Microbiology and Human Physiology as Biology courses. Note: some physical therapy program also require an advanced Microbiology course, BIOL 432: Advanced Microbiology..
      •  

        Year

        Fall

        Spring

        Freshmen

        .

        Government
        Sophomore
        Psychology AND
        Human Physiology
        Microbiology
        Junior

        .

        Zoology
        Senior
        Environmental Biology
        OR Quantitative Chemistry
        Advanced Microbiology,
        Molecular and Cellular OR
        Biochemistry

        Look at a  four year plan that reflects the above selections for Pre-Physical Therapy students

        •  


Sophomore Year

| Science Division | Science Courses | Unified Curriculum | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
Fall

CHEM 310*
Organic Chemistry 1
4
CHEM L310*
Organic Chemistry 1 Lab
0
BIOL*
2XX
203 Botany or
236 Human Physiology
4
BIOL 2XXL*
Biology Lab
0
 PSY 122, US 121
or US 123
Psychology, Government,
or Sociology
3
US 23X*
Foreign Language
1 or 3
3
GNSC 250
Planetarium Operations
1
????
Elective
1

*Fall only 

Total hrs: 16

J-Term
 
 

Total hrs: 0

Spring

CHEM 311*
Organic Chemistry 2
4
CHEM L311*
Organic Chemistry 2 Lab
0
BIOL 2XX*
204 Zoology,
235 Human Anatomy,
or 227 Microbiology
4
BIOL 2XXL*
Biology Lab
0
US 206
Fine Arts
3
US 23X*
Foreign Language
2 or 4
3
PE100
Concepts
in Fitness
1
PE???
PE Activity
1

*Spring only 

Total hrs: 16

Sophomore year notes

  1. Do you have enough Calculus? Review the Math placement notes above under the Freshman year.


     

  2. Foreign Language.
    • Take the foreign language sequence earlier than the senior year if you like (possibly during the summer before or after your Junior year).
    • You can fit a year of foreign language into the Junior year if you take Environmental Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biology during your senior year, but this rules out switching to Biology or Science Education.
    • Greek and Latin do not fulfill the foreign language requirement. Enroll in a modern Foreign Language course as follows:

      Semesters in High School
      grades 10-12

      OBU Requirement

      0-3
      I and II
      4 or more
      Semesters III and IV of the same language,
      or I and II of a different language
  3. Pick a minor?


    When enrolling for the Sophomore or Junior year, consider adopting a minor and plan your course of electives accordingly. Minors require 18 hours. There are already 20 hours of electives built-in to this 4 year plan, however, be aware of prerequisites.  Because of prerequisites, you may need to modify your 4-year plan and take some elective hours in the sophomore year.  See the list of required courses for various minors at Oklahoma Baptist University


Junior Year

| Science Division | Science Courses | Unified Curriculum | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
Fall

PHYS*
241#
College Physics 1
4
PHYS*
241L#
College Physics 1 Lab
0
US 201*
European Literature
3
US 203*
European Civilization
3

MATH 200

Basic Statistics

3

???
Elective
3

*Fall only
#Or elect PHYS 251, 5 hrs

Total hrs: 16

J-Term
 
 
 
 

Total hrs: 0

Spring

PHYS*
242#
College Physics 2
4
PHYS*
242L#
College Physics 2 Lab
0
BIOL 2XX*
204 Zoology,
235 Human Anatomy,
or 227 Microbiology
4
BIOL 2XXL
Biology Lab
0
US 202*
Modern Literature
3
US 204*
World History
3
???
Elective
2

*Spring only
#Or elect PHYS 252, 5 hrs

Total hrs: 16

Junior year notes

  1. College Physics (241 and 242) is algebra-based and 4 credit hours. General Physics (251 and 252) is Calculus-based and 5 credit hours. Either is acceptable for the BS in Natural Science and the BSE in Science Education; only the calculus-based physics is acceptable for a BS in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics and for students preparing for the MCAT and a medical career.


     

  2. Last possible chance to switch majors! After enrolling for the Junior year students are committed to the BS in Natural Sciences major, as hereafter it will be next to impossible to switch to another science or science ed major and still complete the program in four years even if you have planned ahead for prerequisites.


     

    • Chemistry/Biology? Before enrolling in your junior year, reassess whether you want to switch to a BS in Chemistry or Biology if you have planned accordingly in your Sophomore year.


       

    • Want to keep open the option of switching to a degree in Science Education?
      • Take Molecular and Cellular Biology or Biochemistry in the Junior year instead of the Senior year. Science Education students will student teach in their last semester, so to graduate in four years they must take M&C or Biochemistry in their Junior year. Other students will ordinarily take one of the two in the Senior year.
      • In addition, Science Education majors should take EDUC 201 Foundations in Education as early as possible in order to begin the process of being admitted into the Teacher Education program. See the Science Education website for details and sample four-year plans.


Senior Year

| Science Division | Science Courses | Unified Curriculum | Sophomore | Junior | Senior |
Fall

BIOL 303*,
BIOL 432*,
CHEM 303*,
or
PHYS 401*
Environmental Biology,
Advanced Physiology,
Quantitative Chemistry,
or
Physics Adv. Lab
3-5
Lab*
Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Lab associated with above course
0
GNSC 411
Cosmology and Cultures
3

GNSC L411

Cosmology and Cultures Lab
0
US 101,
US 102, or
US 307
Old Testament,
New Testament,
or Biblical Ethics
3
???
Electives
5-7

*Fall only 

Total hrs: 16

J-Term
 
 

Total hrs: 0

Spring 

BIOL 301*,
BIOL 432*,
CHEM 304*,
CHEM 305*,
CHEM 320*,
or
PHYS 402*
Molecular and Cellular,
Advanced Microbiology,
Environmental Chemistry,
Biochemistry,
Advanced Laboratory,
or
Physics Adv. Lab
3-4
Lab*
Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Lab associated with above course
0
GNSC 312*
or 313*
History of Science
1 or 2
2
GNSC* 320
Earth Sciences
3
???
Electives
7-8

*Spring only 

Total hrs: 16


Courses Required for Related Minors

*Note: Courses taken toward the BS Natural Science major cannot be applied toward minors in Biology and Chemistry.


Related Web pages


Welcome to the Science website provided by Oklahoma Baptist University. These pages have been written by the faculty and students of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. These web pages may be printed, copied, and distributed for educational use by any non-profit educational group, so long as they are not edited or altered in any way, nor distributed for profit, nor repackaged or incorporated into any other medium or product, and so long as full credit is given to the OBU Science Program.

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