Division Policies and Requirements

1. Candidates for graduation in Natural Sciences must have earned a minimum of 120 credits. Of the 120, a maximum of 12 credits may be earned in other programs of the University (e.g., Education) or in courses offered for the convenience of students with particular professional goals (e.g., Chemistry for Nursing).
2. The final 30 credits MUST be earned at Johnstown.
3. Degree candidates must have a quality point average of 2.00 (C average) or higher in all work at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown or at the University's other campuses.
4. The courses required for a major must be completed with a minimum quality point average of 2.00.
5. Completion of no fewer than 12 credits in a related area is required in certain major programs. Consultation with an advisor will determine a student's responsibility in this matter. A related area must be approved by a student's major advisor.
6. A satisfactory level of competence in English Composition must be demonstrated by the successful completion of English Composition 0005 or Freshman Writing Seminar, and English Composition 0006.
7. A student may earn no more than two credits in Physical Education per term, to a maximum of eight during his or her entire scholastic career at UPJ. Only the first four Physical Education credits are counted as being in Arts and Sciences; any additional credits are considered as non-Arts and Sciences.
8. Majors in Natural Sciences may not elect the H/S/U option for courses in their major.
9. There are no foreign language requirements for Natural Sciences division majors. However, it should be noted that many gradate programs require a reading knowledge of one or two foreign languages or computer science. Therefore, students planning graduate study should seriously consider course work in Spanish, French, German, or Computer Science.
10. All students must complete the Distribution of Studies (DOS) requirements, in addition to major requirements by earning at least 12 credits in each of the three divisions of Arts and Sciences: the Humanities, the Social Sciences, and the Natural Sciences. The 12 credits in each division must be distributed in the following manner:

     These degree requirements apply to students who will complete degrees in Natural Sciences at Johnstown. Students who plan to relocate to other schools of the University should be guided by the requirements set forth in the appropriate University Catalog.

Natural Sciences Internships
   A limited number of students majoring in the division may serve a one- to six-credit internship in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, or psychology. This experience is designed to provide students with field experience in their chosen majors. Admission requires that the student seek permission from the department chairperson.

Academic Minor
   In addition to an academic major, a student may elect to pursue a minor in another academic discipline. The specific requirements for each minor are established by the individual academic disciplines. However, all minors require the completion of a minimum of 18 credits of course work, at least 12 credits of which must be in upper-level courses.

Program Requirements

Biology
Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Shelly Bock, W. Eugene Foor, Kenneth H. Kerrick, Stephen Kilpatrick, Karen T. Lee, Dennis M. McNair, Peter A. Quinby, Clifford Thompson, John W. Traister, Neil D. Woffinden, Kimberly Ziance

     Students electing Biology as an area of concentration can pursue either a Traditional Option or a Terrestrial Ecology Option. Students may also obtain certification in Medical Technology.
     The Traditional Option is designed to prepare students for graduate work in the biological sciences or for study in professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, and other health-related areas. This would also include those students who wish to pursue a Medical Technology certification (see below).
     The Terrestrial Ecology Option is designed to prepare the student for a leadership role in evaluating the quality of the environment and in dealing with the complexities surrounding its preservation. Although there are required courses in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics, the upper level of both Biology tracks is designed by the student, with advisement, to reflect his or her interests and needs. Both options require 24 credits in biology including at least three laboratory or field courses beyond the freshman year.

I. Required courses for either the Traditional Option or the Terrestrial Ecology Option
  A. Biology 0110, 0120, 0111, 0121, 0350
  B. Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
  C. Mathematics 0221
  D. Physics 0100, 0200, 0130, 0230 or 0150, 0152, 0151, 0153

Traditional Option additional requirements:
  A. Biology 0360, 1125; minimum of three electives in biology; must include at least three field or laboratory courses
  B. Chemistry 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234

Terrestrial Ecology Option additional requirements:
  A. Biology 1515 and 1615; minimum of four electives in biology including at least two additional field or laboratory courses
  B. Chemistry 0325, 0230 or 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234
  C. Mathematics 1112

Medical Technology Option
    Students interested in the field of Medical Technology can obtain certification at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital (CVMH) in Johnstown while completing requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Biology. The Certificate Program in Medical Technology can be pursued during the junior year. Students who are accepted for the certificate option spend the summer prior to the beginning of their senior year and their entire senior year at CVMH. The full certificate program with bachelor degree is typically completed in four to five years.

1. Eligibility for admission to CVMH depends upon successful completion of the following:
   1. The completion of 90 college credits to include: Biology 0110, 0120, 0111, 0121, 1185, 1186 (A minimum of 16 credits in biology is required.) Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, 0231, 0232, 0233, 0236; Mathematics 0221; Physics 0100, 0200, 0130, 0230
   2. A minimum overall QPA of 2.60 and a minimum of 3.00 in the sciences
2. Certificate Courses At the hospital, students are required to take the following courses:
       Biology 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193, 1194, 1195
       Chemistry 1291, 1292
       Natural Sciences 0009, 0010, 0011
       Physics 1190
3. Requirements for the BS in Biology.  

1.  Required Chemistry Courses
       Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, 0325, 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234, 1131, 1325, 1327, 1341, 1342, 1343
2. Additional Required Courses
      Mathematics 0221, 0231; Mathematics 0241 or 1271
      Physics 0150, 0152, 0151, 0153
      Nine elective credits in the sciences (See division handout for specific courses.)
3. Non-major courses Chemistry 0080, 0085, 0105, 0191, 0192, 0193, 1291, 1292, 1360, 0230  

1. Eligibility for admission to CVMH depends upon successful completion of the following:
       A. The completion of 90 college credits to include:
           Biology 0110, 0120, 0111, 0121, 1185, 1186 (A minimum of 16 credits in Biology is required.) Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, 0231, 0232, 0233, 0236; Mathematics 0221; Physics 0100, 0200, 0130, 0230
       B. A minimum overall QPA of 2.60 and a minimum of 3.00 in the sciences
2. Certificate Courses
       At the hospital, students are required to take the following courses:
           Biology 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193, 1194, 1195;
           Chemistry 1291, 1292
           Natural Sciences 0009, 0010, 0011
           Physics 1190
3. Requirements for the BS in Chemistry

1. Freshman-level Core Courses
        Computer Science 0411, 0410, 0100, 0406
        Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0401
2. Sophomore-level Core Courses
        Computer Science 0455, 0456, 0457, 0458, 0045, 0046, 0047, 0048
        Mathematics 0241, 1181
3. Junior- and Senior-level Core Courses
        Any five of the following Computer Science electives (listed in categories)
           Foundations/1710, 1713
           Systems/1712, 1750, 1792, 1793
           Languages/1720, 1791
           Applications/1783, 1132, 1735, 1736, 1742, 1765, 1766
4. Other Electives for Majors
        Computer Science 1904, 1162, 1163, 1165, 1903, 1171
5. Non-Major Courses
        Computer Science 0012, 0013, 0015, 0016, 0081, 0082

1. Geology Courses
    A. The following courses constitute the
         Geology core and are required of all students electing the Geology major: 0015, 0061, 1000, 1004, 1005, 1108, 1110.
    B. Field work requirement: (variable credit)
         can be fulfilled by successful completion of Geologic Field Methods 1157
         or Geology field camp at another institution, or geological work experience
         deemed appropriate by the Geology department.
   C. Geology Electives: (12 credits)
       1. From the following list a minimum of three courses must be completed: 1105, 1061, 1202, 1106 or 1139
       2. Other Geology electives: courses in this list are to be chosen in concert
                with the student's academic advisor to ensure the broadest possible
                background in geology. Students are urged to include as many of these
                courses as possible: 0086, 1150, 1603, 1163, 1165, or 1170.
2. Additional required related courses:
      Where there are course choices, those listed as "recommended" are suggested as the curricula for students who are planning to continue in graduate school.
   
       Physics: Recommended, one year; with laboratories; 0150/0151 and 0152/0153 (Mathematics prerequisites and corequisite); 10 credits or 0100/0130 and 0200/0230; or first term of Physics and Geophysics (1406).
   
       Chemistry: One year with laboratories; 0111/0113 and 0112/0114; 10 credits.
   
       Mathematics: Recommended: Mathematics 0221* (4 credits); 0121* (4 credits); 1112 (4 credits), or Statistics 1020 (4 credits); 1040 (3 credits).
   
   Note: If the student chooses the statistics option, he or she is expected to have a demonstrably solid background in algebra.
   
   *These courses have prerequisites.
   Note: Additional electives must be taken, preferably in Geology, to make the total 120 required for graduation.

1. Required Mathematics Courses (36 credits) Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241, 0401, 1012, 1153, 1154, 1181, 1271 and one course from Group I/Mathematics 1125, 1531, 1561, 1701, and one course from Group II/ Mathematics 1071, 1175, 1178, 1296
2. Required Computer Science Courses (15 credits) Computer Science 0411, 0455, 0456, 0410, 0100, 0045, 0046
3. Mathematics Electives (6 credits) Selected from the following:
   Mathematics 1117, 1291, 1531, 1561, 1071, 1175, 1178, 1296 or any other three or four credit 1000-level Mathematics course, with departmental approval. Mathematics 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004, 0121, 0080 may not be used for these six elective credits.
4. General Degree Requirements

Actuarial Science Option:

1. Required Mathematics Courses (32 credits)
   Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241, 0401, 1012, 1153, 1154, 1181, 1271, 1163, 1164
2. Required Computer Science Courses (11 credits)
   Computer Science 0100, 0411, 0455, 0410, 0045
3. Required Business and Economics Courses (12 credits)
   Business 0100, 0300; Economics 0105, 0115
4. Mathematics Electives (6 credits)
   Select from the following:
       Mathematics 1531, 1296, 1175, 1178, 1071 or any other three or four credit 1000-level Mathematics course, with departmental approval. Mathematics 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004, 0080 and 0121 cannot be used for these six elective credits.
5. Business Electives (6 credits)
   Select from the following: Business 1110, 1310,1330, and 1360.
6. General Degree Requirements

Note: One Mathematics and one Computer Science course may be applied to the Distribution of Studies requirement.

Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science Degree

     The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences combines a broad base in science with experiences and areas of study largely of the student's choosing. The three options of study are Broad Natural Sciences (to include Chemistry and Geology), Biopsychology, and Physics. Through the careful selection of courses, the student can prepare for a range of careers or for study at graduate or professional schools. A minimum of 65 credits is required.

Option 1 - Chemistry or Geology Concentration

1.  Normally, at the freshman level, each student takes the following core courses:
   A. Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121
   B. Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
   C. Geology and Planetary Sciences 0015, 0061
2. While a sophomore, the student continues to study in any two of the three core areas/ Biology, Chemistry, or Geology and Planetary Science with a minimum of two courses in each of the two areas.
3. At the junior and senior levels, students, in close consultation with their advisors, will design the program to reflect their interests and needs. Intra-divisional as well as interdivisional concentrations may be selected. However, a minimum of 12 credits in a single discipline is required beyond the science core in sections I and II above.
4. In addition to the freshman science core, the sophomore options, and the junior-senior concentration, the following courses are required for all students:
   A. Mathematics 0221 and a statistics course
   B. Physics, one year with laboratories
   C. Computer Science 0081
   D. Natural Sciences 0160 or an equivalent senior project/independent study
   E. Specific electives to bring credit total to 120 credits, including the general DOS and English requirements.

1. Required Courses (55 credits)
       Biology 00110, 0111, 0120, 0121, 0350, 1125, 1226
       Psychology 0200, 0270, 0280, 1031, 1032, 1216, 1440, 1500
   Other required courses:
       Chemistry 0111, 0113, 0112, 0114, 0230
       Mathematics 0221
2. Recommended courses: (Those students planning to obtain a graduate degree should obtain as many of the following as possible.)
       Biology 0360, 1148, 1186
       Psychology 1010, 0351, 0470
       Chemistry 1321, 1332

Note: Pre-Professional students will need to take the two-semester Chemistry sequence (0231, 0233, 0232, 0234). They will also need to take two semesters of Physics (0100, 0130, 0200, 0230).

Option 3 - Physics Concentration

1. Required Physics Courses (24 credits)
   Physics 0150, 0151, 0152, 0153, 0390, 0400, 0450, 1300 (or 1118), 1350, 1400
2. Additional Required Courses (40 credits)
   Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121
   Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
   Geology: At least seven credits
   Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241
   One course in computer science or Engineering Technology 0030

1. Required courses in Psychology ( a minimum of 14 courses and corresponding laboratories and psychology seminar):
   Psychology 0200, 0230, 0240, 0270/0280, 1031/ 1032, 1060/1061 or 1065/1061, 1121/1123, 1141, 1440, 1500, four terms of 1000, 1570, plus three psychology electives (two of which must be upper-level courses).
2. Related Area (4 courses)
3. Mathematics 002 or 004 (unless exempted); must be taken and completed with a C or better grade to be used as a prerequisite for Psychology 0270.
4. Elective Courses
   A. Lower Division: 0210, 0220, 0351, 0470, 1178
   B. Upper Division: 1010, 1216, 1251, 1327, 1550, 1560, 1636, 1650 (when there are two or more Psychology prerequisites), 1800, 1810, 1971
5. Biology 0110 and 0120 along with corresponding laboratories. These serve as prerequisites for Psychology 1500.
6. Recommended Courses
   A. Computer Science
   B. A senior project is strongly recommended for students intending to go to graduate school.