The Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Major Academic Plans page or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

Courses in this program may complete more than one graduation requirement.

The BS in Natural Sciences degree with the Option in Science Education is designed for students preparing to be middle school science teachers, or seeking a career as an informal science educator in a museum or outdoor setting such as state parks, environmental camps, or nature centers. Successful completion of the program fulfills one of the requirements for admission into a single subject teaching credential program.

Those students who plan to enter the single-subject credential program should consider following a Foundational Level General Science (FLGS) cluster of courses (BIOL 161, BIOL 162, GEOS 102, GEOS 300W, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, PHYS 202A, PHYS 202B) as part of the regular degree requirements. See major advisor for additional information.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
ENGL 333W	Advanced Composition for Future Teachers (W)		3.0	FS	GW  W
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. Advanced practice in writing and in using writing in the classroom for single- and multiple-subject credential candidates. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (003436)
ENGL 350W	Science, Technology and the Literature of Cultural Change (W)		3.0	FS	GE  USD  W
This course studies American culture and the various ways in which particular cultural products reinforce, oppose, underscore, or resist the values of the dominant culture - we also explore the gaps between the explicit and the implicit in those cultural values. Our discussions of these texts sustain an ongoing conversation about the various ways science and technology drive and are driven by the movements in culture we explore. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (021236)
GEOS 300W	Earth System Science (W)		3.0	FS	GW  W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A or PHYS 341. An intermediate treatment of astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, with emphasis on climate change and its impacts. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (004137)
PHIL 370W	Philosophy of Science (W)		3.0	FS	GE  W
An examination of the philosophical issues raised by scientific inquiry. Topics include the logical empiricist view of science, perception, and discovery, scientific paradigms, and the implications of reductivism. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (021717)

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 69-73 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Students who plan to enter the single-subject credential program should consider following a FLGS cluster of courses (BIOL 161, BIOL 162, GEOS 102, GEOS 300W, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, PHYS 202A, PHYS 202B).

Lower-Division Requirements: 30 units

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
BIOL 162	Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology		4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; or department permission. Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly BIOL 151. (001122)
EDTE 255	Introduction to Democratic Perspectives in K-12 Teaching		3.0	FS
Prospective teachers acquire planned, structured observations and experiences in K-12 classrooms. Placements are made in selected schools and classrooms that demonstrate exemplary practice as described in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and represent California's diverse student population. Dialog/discussion sessions assist prospective teachers in making connections between subject matter courses, personal, social and emotional growth, and life in the K-12 schools. Prospective teachers are encouraged to begin introductory school experiences as early as possible in the subject matter program. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (015812)
MATH 118	Trigonometry		3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisite: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready. Trigonometric functions, graphs, identities and conditional equations, logarithms, solutions of triangles, and complex numbers. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005500)
PHYS 202A	General Physics I		4.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: High school physics or faculty permission. High school trigonometry and second-year high school algebra or equivalent (MATH 051 and MATH 118 at CSU, Chico). Mechanics, properties of matter, wave motion, sound, heat. Science majors are encouraged to take PHYS 204A instead of this course. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007394)
SCED 141	Concepts in the Physical Sciences		3.0	FS
Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of MATH 110. Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (004132)
SCED 142	Concepts in Life Science		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: SCED 141 or completion of GE Physical Sciences (B1). Study of the nature and interactions of living things on the planet. Includes cell organization; diversity and physiology of plants and animals; DNA and genetics; ecology; and evolution. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors or others interested in K-8 teaching. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020915)

1 course selected from:

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOS 102	Physical Geology		3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: High school chemistry or physics is recommended; students with no previous science courses are advised to enroll in GEOS 101. No college credit for those who have passed GEOS 101. Physical and chemical processes in the earth, including origin and identification of rocks and minerals; earth's interior; movements and major features of the earth's crust; erosion and sedimentation; geological structures; topographic maps; mineral resources. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (004069)
GEOS 170	Atmospheric Science		3.0	SP
A descriptive study of weather processes; winds, circulations and storms; and weather impacts on life, property, crops, water availability, and air quality. Current weather briefings and California weather topics are emphasized. 3 hours lecture. (004130)
GEOS 265	Soils and Surficial Processes		3.0	FA
Prerequisites: GEOS 165 or SCED 343 (may be taken concurrently); CHEM 111 (may be taken concurrently). In-depth survey of the hydrologic cycle, and soil systems. Interactions between these systems are examined through case studies. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (020723)

Upper-Division Requirements: 24 units

6 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
EDTE 302	Access and Equity in Education		3.0	FS
Prospective teachers examine socio-political issues of education relative to current demographics of California schools, integration of multicultural education, and promotion of social justice. Candidates identify, analyze, and minimize personal and institutional bias and explore the complexities of living and teaching in a pluralistic, multicultural society. Candidates identify barriers English Learners experience in becoming full participants in the school program and strategies for assisting students in overcoming these barriers. 3 hours lecture. (002977)
EDTE 530	Fundamentals of Teaching Practice for Secondary Teachers		3.0	FS
Teaching is an intellectual challenge that involves planning, facilitating, and reflecting on the process of student learning. Teacher candidates develop strategies necessary to create safe and structured learning environments and explore relationships among curriculum, instruction, assessment, and classroom climate to meet the needs of a diverse student population within a democratic society. This is a Single Subject Program course and is not applicable to a master's degree. 3 hours seminar. ABC/no credit grading. (002935)
ENGL 471	Intensive Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition		3.0	FS
An intensive introduction to the theory and practice of second language acquisition and teaching. 3 hours lecture. (020485)
SCED 321W	Scientific Inquiry (W)		3.0	SP	GW  W
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, SCED 141, SCED 142. This course engages students in inquiry into topics that span the scientific disciplines. Skills addressed include experimental design, modeling, representation, dissemination of results, and critique of peers' work. Content topics include light, color and sound, from biological, chemical and physics perspectives. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (020914)
SCED 342	Concepts in Earth and Space Science		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SCED 141 or completion of GE Physical Sciences (B1); and SCED 142 or completion of GE Life Sciences (B2). Fundamental concepts in (1) the solar system and the universe, (2) the structure and composition of the solid Earth, and (3) Earth's atmosphere and water. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (004144)
SCED 343	Concepts in Environmental Sciences		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: SCED 141 or completion of GE Physical Sciences (B1); and SCED 142 or completion of GE Life Sciences (B2). A course designed to introduce basic principles and concepts in environmental science. Field investigations in the local environment provide a natural setting for scientific inquiry and student research on environmental processes and conditions that shape the local landscape. Intended for Science Education or Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (020916)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
BIOL 302W	Evolution (W)		3.0	FS	GE  W
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course. Analysis of the evidence for evolution and the nature of the process. Darwinism, neo-Darwinism, sociobiology, conflicts and misconceptions regarding evolution, creationism, and evolution of the human body and mind are considered. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (021355)
BIOL 318	Biology of Childhood		3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course. Basic biological principles, including the scientific method, reproduction, development, physiology, and anatomy. The biological basis of childhood diseases, immunity, nutrition, issues of health and well-being, and the relevance of biological information in social, political, and ethical decision making regarding children. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001151)
BIOL 334	Conservation Ecology		3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course. An examination of ecological principles and the impact of increasing population and technology upon the environment. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001156)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOS 300W	Earth System Science (W)		3.0	FS	GW  W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111; PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A or PHYS 341. An intermediate treatment of astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, with emphasis on climate change and its impacts. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (004137)
GEOS 330W	Environmental Science (W)		3.0	FS	GE  W
Prerequisites: One course from GE Pathway Foundation Physical Sciences and one course from GE Pathway Foundation Life Sciences. Human impact on life-support systems; use of physical and ecological principles in environmental management and protection; discussion of land use and its environmental impact; and an evaluation of human influence on natural cycles. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. (021331)

Major Option Course Requirements: 15-19 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

Students who plan to enter the single-subject credential program should consider following a FLGS cluster of courses (BIOL 161, BIOL 162, GEOS 102, GEOS 300W, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, PHYS 202A, PHYS 202B).

• Science Education Option

Science Education Option: 15-19 units

2 courses required:

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
GEOS 355	Natural Disasters		3.0	FS	GE
Prerequisites: GE Physical Sciences (B1), GE Life Sciences (B2). The purpose of this course is to provide students with the material and opportunity to learn the science behind geological and natural disasters and gain an appreciation of how these events shape both our lives and the development of societies with specific reference to California. The course focuses on, but not be limited to, a discussion of how much of a disaster is a natural phenomenon and how much a tragedy is imposed by the designs of populations. Along the way, we develop the methodology of science and build writing and quantitative skills. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (004148)
PHYS 202B	General Physics II		4.0	FS
Prerequisites: PHYS 202A with a grade of C- or higher. Light, electricity, magnetism, selected topics in modern physics. Science majors are encouraged to take PHYS 204B instead of this course. Algebra and trigonometry are used. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (007395)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
BIOL 161	Principles of Ecological, Evolutionary, and Organismal Biology		4.0	FS	GE
Introduction to evolutionary history and biological diversity, microbes and protists, invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. Form and function of plants and animals. Ecological principles. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly BIOL 152. (001123)
GEOS 370W	Energy in the Human Environment (W)		3.0	SP	GW  W
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; GEOS 170 (may be taken concurrently); and PHYS 202A or PHYS 204A (may be taken concurrently). Analysis of present and long-term global energy crises; coverage of scientific concepts needed to understand energy and its environmental interactions; in-depth examination of alternative energy sources and their environmental impact. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (004149)

1 course selected from:

1 course selected from:

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.