Spalding University Catalog School of Natural Science

School of Natural Science | Spalding University Catalog

School of Natural Science

Program Description
The School of Natural Science offers the Bachelor of Science in Biology and the Bachelor of Science in Natural Science.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology emphasizes biological principles through courses in cellular, organismal, and ecological studies. A Biology major prepares students for entry-level work in government and laboratories. Students are also prepared to continue their education in graduate or professional schools.

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Science, with special program tracks focused on pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant, and pre-physical therapy has a balance of courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. A major in Natural Science is geared to prepare students for a broad range of science-based careers, as well as admission to professional and graduate schools.

Admission
For admission to the major, students must meet the general university requirements and declare the major.

Requirements
For the major in Biology program, a minimum of 59 semester hours is required, including BIO 121-122,123-124, 150, 349 or 495, 369, and 447. Also required are CHEM 211-212, 221-222, 301-302, 311-312; MATH 120, 231, 253; PHYS 311-312, 321-322; and additional hours in biology electives as indicated on the program sheet. A grade of C or higher is required in all major courses.

For the major in the Natural Science program, a minimum of 57 semester hours is required, including BIO 121-122,123-124, 150, 256-257, 369, and 447. Also required are CHEM 211-212, 221-222, 301-302, 311-312; MATH 120, 231, 253-254; PHYS 311-312, 321-322; and additional hours in math and science electives as indicated on the specialized program sheets. A grade of C or higher is required in all major courses.

Majors in the 3+1 pre-pharmacy track must complete 49 semester hours of University Studies courses and 43 semester hours of Natural Science Core Courses that are outlined in this specific program sheet. Natural Science Core Courses include BIO 121-122, 123-124, 150, 251-252, 256-257, and 465; CHEM 211-212, 221-222, 301-302, and 311-312; MATH 120, 231, and 253; and PHYS 204. After successful completion of the first didactic year of an accredited PharmD program, 28 semester hours of these Pharmacy courses will be block transferred to complete the 120 semester hours needed to earn the Bachelor of Science in Natural Science degree from Spalding.

Biology Minor
A minor in Biology requires 18 credit hours in BIO courses with the additional support courses Math 113 College Algebra and Chem 211 General Chemistry I. The following degrees are ineligible for a Biology minor:
Biology, Natural Science, and Health Science pre-Physical Therapy.
Biology Minor core courses (11 hours)
BIO 121 Intro to Biology (3)
BIO 123 Intro to Biology lab (1)
BIO 122 Organismal Biology (3)
BIO 124 Organismal Biology lab (1)
BIO 369 Genetics (3)
Biology Minor elective courses (minimum 7 hours)
Any Biology course 200 or above must include at least one lab course

Certificate Program in Natural Science
This program is designed for qualified college graduates to pursue additional course work in preparation for a career in the health professions (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physical therapy and other allied health fields) or who want to enhance their credentials in preparation for graduate education or K-12 teaching. The course of study is flexible, based on the academic background of the applicants. The objective of the certificate is to help the student strengthen their academic credentials for professional school application or employment.

Program Requirements: To receive the post baccalaureate certificate from Spalding University, the student must take at least 30 credits of those recommended for admission to the professional program of their choice and maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Application Requirements and Procedures: Candidate should have a demonstrated record of intellectual ability, a high level of motivation and a commitment to the rigorous study necessary for pursuit of a health-related career or advanced education. The candidate should have an undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of 2.75 or better. The candidate must file an application for admission to Spalding University and official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended and the non-refundable application fee. Applications should be sent to the Office of Admissions.

Advising and Support Services: Advising for post baccalaureate students is provided by the Chair of the School of Natural Science and other faculty members to help students sharpen their goals, select courses and obtain academic support services within the University. The professional school advisory committee will help the student with professional school applications, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviewing techniques. A benefit of the program will be practice interviews with feedback from faculty with prior experience on medical and dental school admissions committees. In addition, the program will introduce students to other exciting careers in the health professions such as physician assistant, pathology assistant, orthotics, audiology, physical therapy, podiatry, etc.

To find course descriptions for the School of Natural Science, click on the link below called [courselist].
[courselist]