Dr. Kristina Proctor, Dean

USC offers strong majors in science and mathematics with several options designed to accommodate the varied professional goals of students. 

The college’s three academic departments and master’s degree programs are housed in three newly remodeled buildings which feature modern, air-conditioned classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for instruction and research. Ninety-seven percent of the science and mathematics regular faculty hold the doctoral degree. 

In addition to offering curricula for students majoring and minoring in their disciplines, science and mathematics courses are offered which provide a foundation for many other degree programs. The programs provide students with learning opportunities to prepare themselves to live effectively in an increasingly complex science-oriented society. 

Graduates with majors in mathematics and/or science have experienced success in a variety of challenges. This includes professional schools (dentistry, medicine, pharmacy), graduate schools, education, government, and positions in industry. 

MASTERS DEGREE IN APPLIED NATURAL SCIENCE 3+2 PLAN (BS/MS) 

A unique and distinct feature of our MSANS program is the 3+2 plan. The main goal of the 3+2 plan is to give the opportunity to qualified advanced-level undergraduate students to simultaneously pursue both the baccalaureate (BS) and master’s of science (MS) degrees. Talented students are thus quickly moved toward expanding their academic and scientific horizons based on the student’s abilities and personal motivation. 

Students in the 3+2 plan are expected to successfully complete both the BS and MS degrees by the end of their fifth year in college; thus, they must have applied and been admitted into the MSANS program by the Spring semester of their junior year or the Fall semester of the senior year. Students applying to the 3+2 plan must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a minimum 3.25 GPA in their subject emphasis area (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or mathematics - see below). 

The application file for admission to the 3+2 plan must include: 

1. the completed application form; 

2. the USC transcript; 

3. two letters of recommendation from USC faculty; and 

4. GRE scores (students may be admitted into the 3+2 plan before taking the GRE, but they must submit the GRE scores by the end of their first year in the 3+2 MSANS program plan to remain in the program). 

Before they are admitted to the 3+2 plan, students are expected to have completed the following course work depending on the respective emphasis areas: 

Biology emphasis:   

Biochemistry or Chemistry emphasis:

Mathematics emphasis: 

The core course requirements and all other requirements for the 3+2 plan are the same as for the regular MSANS program plan. Dual-listed courses taken by the 3+2 plan students as 400 level courses may be acceptable as electives to meet the minimum program course load requirements, with the permission of the specific course instructor. Like students in the regular MSANS program plan, students admitted under the 3+2 plan may chose either the thesis or non-thesis program option. 

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT 

Department Chair: Thomas 
Faculty: D. Caprioglio, H. Caprioglio, Diawara, Dorsch, Gonzales, Herrmann, Martínez, Osborn, Seilheimer 

The major in biology leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. The biology major is sufficiently flexible for students to prepare for a wide variety of professional careers. Carefully supervised career planning is a fundamental concern of the program. 

The student majoring in biology may plan to enter the workplace or continue study in graduate school as a professional biologist, or may elect to follow any of the following pre-professional programs: pre-chiropractic, pre-forestry, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant, pre-podiatric medicine, pre-veterinary medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine or pre-osteopathic medicine. Frequently, a pre-professional program involves a combination of majors or a major and minor. For example, many pre-medical students choose a double major in biology and chemistry. 

Each of the pre-professional programs has an advisor who can provide detailed and current information about the undergraduate work, which the student should pursue to provide the foundation necessary for later entry into a professional school. The student should contact the specialized advisor as early as possible. A list of advisors is available in the departmental office.

The university has a guaranteed transfer agreement with the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU) in pre-forestry and pre-wildlife management. A student who successfully completes the two-year program at USC with a minimum 2.500 grade-point average is guaranteed transfer to the baccalaureate program at CSU. Grades of D and F do not transfer. 

Biology majors also may seek teacher certification at either the elementary or secondary level. Each student should obtain a written description of specific degree requirements from the appropriate education and biology advisors. Biology students who are considering attending graduate school should take one year of a foreign language and should plan to take the Graduate Record Examination during the senior year. 

The biology department also offers several emphasis areas. A few are described below. 

The emphasis in environmental health is designed to meet the curriculum recommended by the Accreditation Council of the National Environmental Health Association. Satisfactory completion of the curriculum leads to a BS degree in biology. 

The emphases in molecular biology are available to students interested in professions and/or graduate schools, which require specialization in molecular biology, cell biology, or bio-informatics.

The emphasis in medical technology is available to students majoring in biology and stresses microbiology, immunology, and chemistry. In the senior year, students apply for admission to a hospital school of medical technology, and after receiving the degree from USC, spend a one-year internship in hospital clinical laboratory practice. At the completion of the internship the student sits for a certifying exam and is registered as a medical technologist. 

Department Goals 

• To prepare students to become productive, accountable and responsible employees upon entering the work force; 
• To prepare students to enter and succeed in graduate or professional schools; 
• To develop in students, a broad-based theoretical foundation supplemented by laboratory and field experience that allow individual observations, interpretations and applications; and 
• To allow those students seeking a minor in biology to supplement and strengthen the major field of study. 

Expected Student 

Outcomes General Requirements 

• Students graduating with a BS in biology must have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.000 in the major area. A cumulative GPA of 2.600 in the major area is required for admission to the teacher education program. 
• Graduates are required to demonstrate intellectual skills and knowledge in math and supporting sciences. 
• Graduates are encouraged to complete a minor outside the biology department. 
• Biology majors are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of basic laboratory tools used in biology for observation and analysis, phylogenetic relationships, relationships between form and function, and population/ecological dynamics. 

Biology graduates are expected to: 

1) read critically, think reflectively, and review historical and current literature in the biological sciences; 

2) apply basic knowledge of the related fields of chemistry, mathematics and physics to problem-solving in biology; 

3) formulate logical hypotheses; 

4) design and carry out well-designed, well-controlled tests of scientific hypotheses; 

5) have a knowledge of basic biology terminology; 

6) have a broad-based background in molecular, cellular, organismic and ecological biology; and 

7) gather information and present it accurately in oral and written reports. 

Specific Requirements for the Biology Major

Required Support Courses

In addition to the biology major, the following emphasis areas are available. Complete course listings and the advisor for each of these emphasis areas may be obtained from the Biology Department Office. 

Biology Emphasis Area 

Biology, Bioinformatics 
Biology, Ecology 
Biology, Genetics 
Biology, Microbiology 
Biology, Molecular & Cellular 
Biology/Chemistry (Double Major) 
Environmental Health 
Environmental Technology 
Medical Technology 
Pre-Professional 
    -Chiropractic 
    -Dental -Forestry & Wildlife 
    -Medical & Osteopathic 
    -Occupational Therapy 
    -Optometric 
    -Physician Assistant 
    -Physical Therapy 
    -Podiatric 
    -Veterinary 

Teaching 

Elementary/Liberal Studies with Science Emphasis Secondary/Biology 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Professional Biology Minor 

Specific Requirements for the General Biology Minor 

Co-curricular Opportunities 

There are many opportunities to participate in experiences that will complement and reinforce a student’s academic experience. The activities may be either on- or off-campus and may be used to develop leadership and interpersonal skills. The faculty of the biology department actively encourages student participation in such activities. 

Outcomes Assessment Activities 

Biology Majors 

Assessment of students’ improvement in intellectual skills, knowledge and capacities from entrance to graduation will be accomplished through the use of several tools. Exams will be used as one measure of the student’s proficiency in writing skills, acquisition of knowledge, problem solving and laboratory skills. All majors will take a Senior Seminar that requires oral and written presentations. Seniors will also take the Biology Field Achievement Test, which measures USC students against national norms. In addition, each biology major will develop a portfolio, the responsibility of which will be shared by the student and the advisor. The portfolio will be initiated in the freshman-level career planning course and completed as part of the junior-level career planning course. Each student’s portfolio will be reviewed by the department chair and the student’s advisor. 

Examples of material that may be included in a portfolio are: 

• ACT scores, high school transcripts and college transcripts; 
• samples of homework, quizzes, examinations, research reports and lists of developed skills; 
• examples of writing, both from the required English courses as well as reports required by courses in life sciences; 
• certificates, awards, honors and evidences of co-curricular activities; and 
• scores from appropriate examinations such as the GRE, MCAT, DAT, ETS, College Base. 

Biology Minors 

• The faculty of the biology department believe that course grades reflect the student’s grasp of the basics of the course material. 
• A written paper from an upper-division biology class will be required to demonstrate proficiency in biological understanding. 

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT 

Department Chair: Vorndam 
Faculty: Bonetti, Druelinger, Lehmpuhl, Proctor, Saul, Wilkes 

The major in chemistry leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree and the chemistry curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society.  

The chemistry department strives to provide intellectual and professional training for students in the field of chemistry and in support of the American Chemical Society charter “to encourage in the broadest and most liberal manner the advancement of chemistry in all its branches; the promotion of research in chemical science and industry, the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of chemists through high standards of education to promote scientific interests and inquiry...” 

Chemistry is a foundation science for many professions. Graduates with degrees in chemistry find employment in such diverse areas as biotechnology, health sciences, agricultural and environmental fields, transportation industries, the semi-conductor industry, teaching and research.

Consequently, the chemistry department provides students with a number of diverse program options to assure each student versatility and a sound education in the fundamental areas of modern chemistry. 

In addition to curricula for students who wish to pursue chemistry as a profession, programs can be designed for pre-professional areas including pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry and pre-veterinary medicine. 

A core curriculum for the major exists and many options are open to students to combine other interests with a major in chemistry. For example, while medical schools do not mandate any particular major for entering students, biology and chemistry have been the leading majors of students entering medical school. The requirements for a pre-medicine/chemistry major are the same as for the chemistry major option. 

Additionally, the student must complete specific courses required by the medical schools to which they are applying. It is recommended that pre-medical and other pre-professional students coordinate the program with the appropriate pre-professional advisor, as well as the chemistry advisor, to assure that specific course requirements are completed. 

Program Goals 

• To prepare graduates in the discipline of chemistry to become productive members of the profession whether they go on to industry, post-graduate education or other areas. 
• To prepare students in the verbal, written and quantitative skills that are prerequisite to advanced study or careers in chemistry. 
• To prepare students in the theoretical principals of chemistry as well as in the laboratory approach to problem solving.
• To maintain approval of the chemistry curriculum as defined by the American Chemical Society, Committee on Professional Training. 
• To provide the opportunity for a variety of educational programs through the following options:

1) basic chemistry 
2) ACS certified curriculum 
3) biochemistry 
4) double major 
5) engineering/chemistry 
6) chemistry/teacher certification 
7) chemistry minor 

Expected Student Outcomes 

General Requirements 

Students majoring or minoring in chemistry are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better in their chemistry courses. In addition, students majoring in chemistry must receive a grade of “C’” or better in all core chemistry courses. 

Proficiency in physics, math and computer science is essential for understanding and applying chemical principles; therefore, graduates must complete approved math, physics and computer science courses with an overall GPA of 2.000 or better. 

The ability to think across disciplines contributes significantly to the educational experience as well as the application of chemistry as a profession; therefore, graduates must successfully complete an approved minor or area of concentration such that the overall GPA is 2.000 or better. 

Transfer students are required to earn a minimum of 20 semester credit hours in approved chemistry courses from USC for graduation with a BS degree in chemistry. Transfer students wishing to minor in chemistry must earn a minimum of 10 of the 20 credit hours required at USC. 

Students will be required to successfully complete American Chemical Society exams in general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry and instrumental methods during the course of the chemistry degree curriculum. 

Students will be required to take an exit examination during the senior year, covering the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. 

Chemistry graduates are expected to: 

understand the concept of and be able to apply the scientific method to problem solution; 

understand classifications of chemical compounds, general reaction types and quantitative aspects of stoichiometry as applied to chemical reactions; 

apply basic knowledge of related fields such as mathematics and physics to problem solving, methods of analysis and use of numerical data in the chemical sciences; 

demonstrate a knowledge of basic laboratory skills, methods and equipment used in chemistry for observation and analysis of chemical systems; 

read, think and write critically and review current literature in the chemical sciences; and 

exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories, concepts and skills necessary in the chemical sciences. 

Specific Requirements 

The following common core is required for all of the chemistry options for the Bachelor of Science Degree:

All options for the chemistry major also require completion of the following institutional and general education requirements: 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Requirements for the Specific Options 

· Basic Chemistry Option 

Required Chemistry Core 40

Other Required Courses 

ACS Certified Option

Required Chemistry Core 40

Other Required Courses              

Total credit hours 120 

· Biochemistry Option 

Other Required Courses 

Double Major Option

Other Required Courses
 

· Engineering/Chemistry Option 

Required chemistry core 40 

Other Required Courses

Institutional and General Education 21 

Total Credit Hours 121 

· Chemistry Major/Physical Science Teacher Certification Option 

Other Required Courses

General Education 21 
_____________ 
148 credits, 
Five-year program 

· Pre-Professional Emphasis 

Students ultimately seeking professional degrees such as Pharmacy, PharmD, MD, DVM, DO, DDS, and DC, may opt to complete a bachelors, or minor, in chemistry as preparation for future professional studies. A solid understanding of the chemistry and analysis of biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, etc. serves as an excellent foundation for professional programs in the health sciences. Selection of the Biochemistry or Double Major options is recommended for pre-professional students completing the BS in chemistry. Pre-professional students must work closely with academic advisors to ensure completion of specific curricular requirements needed for admission into specific professional programs. 

Chemistry Minor

Co-curricular Requirements 

Students should experience co-curricular activities which enhance, broaden and reinforce the academic experience; therefore, the faculty support and encourage students to participate in science-related, as well as in general activities such as: 
1) science or chemistry clubs 
2) student government 
3) scientific meetings, seminars, symposia, field trips, tours, etc. 

Outcomes Assessment Methods 

Assessment of chemistry majors occurs through examination of GPA in required courses. Majors are required to maintain a 2.000 GPA in major and minor courses as well as in other required courses. 

Students are required to complete American Chemical Society national standard exams in general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and physical chemistry during the course of the chemistry degree curriculum. Scores are compared to national averages to determine if students exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts necessary in the chemical sciences disciplinary areas. 

Students are required to take an exit examination during the senior year. The ETS Major Field Examination, covers the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Scores are compared to national averages to determine if students exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental theories and concepts necessary in the chemical sciences overall.

MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS DEPARTMENT 

Department Chair: Derr 
Faculty: Barnett, Chacon, Johnson, Louisell, Lundberg, McArthur, Nichols, Orr, Oty, Soto-Johnson 

The major in mathematics leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). A flexible curriculum allows students to prepare for graduate school, for teaching careers, or for employment in areas that require mathematics (such as actuarial science, computer science, engineering, or statistics). Faculty advisors work individually with mathematics majors and minors to design programs of study. A list of advisors is available in the departmental office. 

Students need to be aware that mathematics courses have prerequisites. Thus, many mathematics courses must be taken in a particular order. 

Department Goals 

• To provide students with the development of attitude of mind and problem-solving skills required for efficient use, appreciation and understanding of mathematics. 
• To provide students with mathematical proficiency necessary to be successful in the study of science, business, economics, engineering, technology, and education. 
• To provide majors with a quality background in: differential and integral calculus for functions of one and several variables; linear and abstract algebra; probability; and applications of mathematics. 
• To prepare mathematics majors for successful transition to business, government, industry, teaching, and/or graduate school. 
• To sustain, promote, and support the learning of mathematics in our service area. 
• To support and encourage a level of research and scholarly activity commensurate with a high quality mathematics department in a regional university. This will include applied research, fundamental research, educational research, and consulting. 

Expected Student Outcomes 

General Requirements 

• All mathematics majors must complete the mathematics core curriculum: MATH 126, 207, 224, 307, 325, 327, 350 or 256/356, and 421. Majors are expected to complete core courses numbered above MATH 325 at USC. 
• All majors must complete a physics course numbered 200 or above. 
• Mathematics majors and minors must complete the mathematics courses in their program with grades of C or better. 
• MATH 337 is a required elective for all mathematics majors not pursuing secondary education endorsement. 
• All majors are required to complete an approved two-semester sequence in a laboratory science (CHEM 121/121L and 122/122L, or PHYS 221/221L and 222/222L). 
• Mathematics majors must demonstrate proficiency in a computer language. 

Specific Requirements for the Mathematics Major

Other Requirements 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to the individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Mathematics Major/Secondary Education Endorsement

Other Requirements

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Minor in Mathematics

* Two of these must be taken at USC. 

Specific Requirements for the Math/Physics Double Major

Other Requirements

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to the individual department's curriculum sheet. 

Co-curricular Requirements 

Students have the opportunity to broaden and reinforce the academic experience through participation in a variety of co-curricular activities. All students are encouraged to join the USC Math Club. Many students serve as tutors in the Math Learning Center. 

Outcomes Assessment Activities 

Faculty advisors meet individually with students on a regular basis to help with schedule planning and to discuss the student’s progress toward educational and career goals. Advisors maintain a record of each student’s performance in his/her program of study. 

During the senior year, each major takes the Mathematics Field Achievement Test. This test measures a student’s achievement level in comparison with students throughout the country. 

PHYSICS/PHYSICAL SCIENCE PROGRAM 

Faculty: Spenny, Wallin 

The major in physics leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree. In addition, supporting courses and general education courses in physics and astronomy are available for students with a wide spectrum of interests, backgrounds and needs. Physics majors must consult with a program advisor as early as possible and must file a departmentally approved plan of study by the beginning of the junior year. 

The Bachelor of Science Degree in physics is offered with several options: 

For the first three (non-teacher) options, the recommended sequences of courses presume that the student is ready to begin MATH 126 in the first semester of the freshman year. If not, MATH 124 should be taken in the fall and MATH 126 in the spring of the freshman year concurrently with PHYS 221. Otherwise it may not be possible to complete the requirements for a physics degree within four years. Students, especially transfers, who do not strictly adhere to the plan of study may find that the term of attendance at USC will be extended beyond four years. 

Physics Option: 

Primarily for students planning graduate study toward a professional career in physics, astronomy or other related fields. 

Physics/Engineering Option or Electronics Engineering Technology Option: 

For students planning to enter positions in industry upon graduation. Courses in engineering and technology enhance the utility of the graduate to potential employers. 

Physics Options in Chemical Physics, Biophysics, or Mathematical Physics: 

These options are designed to meet specific career objectives for an individual. 

Physics/Teaching Option: 

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education certification as science teachers with an emphasis in physics. 

Physics/Physical Science Teaching Option: 

Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education Certification as science teachers with emphases in physics and chemistry. 

Minors 

Minors also are available in physics and physical science for students who need a specialized science minor in these fields. 

Program Goals 

• To supply students with the necessary background to successfully pursue graduate study towards a professional career in physics, astronomy or a related field. 
• To prepare students upon graduation to enter technical positions in government or industry. 
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain Colorado Department of Education Certification as science teachers of physics or physical science. 

Expected Student Outcomes 

General Requirements 

• Students graduating with a BS in physics must have at least a 2.000 grade-point average in physics courses and no more than four credits in physics with grades of D. 
• Students graduating with a minor in physics must have at least a 2.000 grade-point average in physics. 
• A 2.500 grade-point average in the major area is required for admission to the teacher education program. 
• At least 12 physics credits applied to the major (seven for minor) must be earned at USC with a C or better average. 
• Students must have earned a C or better grade in lower-division prerequisite courses before being admitted to upper-division courses in physics. 
• In all but the teaching options, students must demonstrate a knowledge of computer programming. 
• In all but the teaching options, majors are required to take the senior research course, in which students become involved in a theoretical or experimental research problem relating to physics under the supervision of a department faculty member; and 
• A fundamental understanding of chemistry and its lab techniques also is required of all majors in all options. 

Specific Requirements for the Physics Option 

Other Required Courses 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Physics/ Electronics Engineering Technology Option 

Other Required Courses 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Physics/ Engineering Option 

Other Required Courses 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Biophysics, Chemical Physics, or Mathematical Physics* Options

Other Required Courses 

*A MATH/PHYSICS double major is also available in the department. (See MATH department requirements.) 

Institutional and General Education 

Please refer to the General Education Requirements in the Undergraduate Programs section of this catalog or refer to your individual department’s curriculum sheet. 

Specific Requirements for the Physics Teacher Certification Option