Science, B.S. (Abington)

Program Code: SCIAB_BS

Program Description

The Science major is an interdisciplinary degree that aims to provide a broad, general education in science. The bachelor of science (B.S.) curriculum is designed specifically for students who have education goals relating to scientific theory and practice and who require a high degree of flexibility to obtain their educational objectives. After completing foundation courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences, students will select additional science courses from designated areas. A large number of supporting credits permit students to readily include significant breadth or specialization into their undergraduate curriculum. Some examples include minors in business, computer and information science, education, kinesiology, or other fields. The degree allows students throughout the Commonwealth to become familiar with both the theory and the practice of science. It can help prepare students for various careers in pharmaceutical, biotechnical, chemical, medical, and agricultural industries. The degree can also be tailored to meet the specific requirements of professional programs such as medical, dental, or pharmacy schools.

The Science major is an interdisciplinary degree that aims to provide a broad, general education in science. The bachelor of science (B.S.) curriculum is designed specifically for students who have education goals relating to scientific theory and practice and who require a high degree of flexibility to obtain their educational objectives. After completing foundation courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences, students will select additional science courses from designated areas. A large number of supporting credits permit students to readily include significant breadth or specialization into their undergraduate curriculum. Some examples include minors in business, computer and information science, education, kinesiology, or other fields. The degree allows students throughout the Commonwealth to become familiar with both the theory and the practice of science. It can help prepare students for various careers in pharmaceutical, biotechnical, chemical, medical, and agricultural industries. The degree can also be tailored to meet the specific requirements of professional programs such as medical, dental, or pharmacy schools.

General Science Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, Scranton, University Park, York

The General Science option of the B.S. Science degree allows for the most flexibility.

Achievement in a more specialized set of goals can be met by selecting one of the other B.S. options offered:

Biological Sciences and Health Professions Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Legal Studies, Government Service, Public Policy Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Life Sciences Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, Scranton, York

Mathematical Sciences Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington

Physical Sciences Option

Available at the following campuses:

Not all of these options are available at all locations, and there are minor distinctions of the core curriculum at some locations, so see the Science program director at your College for further details.

Two-Year Preprofessional Preparation

The first two years of the Science major (62 credits) can meet the pre professional needs of those interested in admission to some schools of pharmacy, physical therapy, optometry, nursing, and physician assistant training. Successful students can then transfer after two years of undergraduate study to the professional school to which they are admitted. Note, however, that no Penn State degree can be awarded after only two years (62 credits) of study in the Science major. Also, note that the abbreviated two-year curriculum alone does not prepare students for admission to professional schools of general medicine, veterinary medicine, or dental medicine. Consult with your college's health sciences professional adviser for additional information.

What is Science?

The Science major provides a broad and interdisciplinary foundation in the natural sciences. The Science BS program uses the principles of chemistry, physics, and life sciences to understand how these integrate over general areas including biological sciences and health professions, public policy, and science research and development.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You like learning by doing hands-on experiments.
  • You are curious about the natural world and how science disciplines come together to explore and understand it.
  • You are intrigued by science and desire a career in current and emerging interdisciplinary science disciplines, health professions, or melding science with law, policy or business.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to the Science major, a student at any location must have:

  1. attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average;
  2. completed MATH 140 with a grade of C or better;
  3. completed at least two of the following courses, BIOL 110; CHEM 110; PHYS 211 or PHYS 250, with a grade of C or better.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Science, a minimum of 124 credits is required, with at least 15 credits at the 400 level:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 94

15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
CHEM 112Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 113Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course1
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
Requirements for the Option
Select an option74

Requirements for the Option

General Science Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, Scranton, University Park, York

Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:4
Mammalian Anatomy
Introduction to Human Physiology Keystone/General Education Course
and Physiology Laboratory
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3-4 credits of the following:3-4
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
STAT 301
Experimental Methods
Select 8-12 credits of the following:8-12
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course 1
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course 1
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
A maximum of 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be applied toward credits for graduation.
Select 21-26 credits from program list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)21-26
Select 3 credits from earth and mineral sciences3
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness from department approved course list in consultation with adviser3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication from department approved course list in consultation with adviser3
Select 6 credits of 400-level courses6
Supporting and Related Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 18 credits in life, mathematical, or physical sciences, with at least 9 credits at the 400 level 2,318
1

PHYS 211 and PHYS 250 require a grade of C or better.

2

Only the 9 credits at the 400 level require a grade of C or better.

3

Physical sciences include ASTRO, CHEM, PHYS; mathematical sciences include CMPSC, MATH, STAT; life sciences include BIOL, BIOTC, BMB, MICRB.

Biological Sciences and Health Professions Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
HPA 101Introduction to Health Services Organization3
Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:4
Mammalian Anatomy
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Introduction to Human Physiology Keystone/General Education Course
and Physiology Laboratory
Select 3-4 credits of the following:3-4
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
STAT 301
Experimental Methods
Select 6-8 credits of the following:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Genetics
Genetic Analysis
Elementary Biochemistry
Molecular and Cell Biology I
Introductory Microbiology
Select 8-12 credits of the following:8-12
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course 2
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course 2
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
A maximum of 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be applied toward credits for graduation.
Select 15 credits from program list for Healthcare/ Medicine/Ethical Competencies 115
Select 10-17 credits from program list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)10-17
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness from department approved course list in consultation with adviser3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication from department approved course list in consultation with adviser 3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level BMB, BIOL, BIOTC, or MICRB courses9
1

Six credits must be at the 400-level. Select from department approved course list in consultation with adviser.

2

PHYS 211 and PHYS 250 require a grade of C or better.

Legal Studies, Government Service, Public Policy Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:4
Mammalian Anatomy
Introduction to Human Physiology Keystone/General Education Course
and Physiology Laboratory
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3-4 credits of the following:3-4
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
STAT 301
Experimental Methods
Select 8-12 credits of the following:8-12
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course 1
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course 1
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 12-17 credits from program list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)12-17
Select 18 credits from program list for Legal Studies, Government Service, Public Policy 218
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness from department approved course list in consultation with adviser3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication from department approved course list in consultation with adviser3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 18 credits in life, mathematical, or physical sciences, with at least 9 credits at the 400 level 3,418
1

PHYS 211 and PHYS 250 require a grade of C or better.

2

Six credits must be at the 400-level. Select from department approved course list in consultation with adviser.

3

Only the 9 credits at the 400 level require a grade of C or better.

4

Physical sciences include ASTRO, CHEM, PHYS; mathematical sciences include CMPSC, MATH, STAT; life sciences include BIOL, BIOTC, BMB, MICRB.

Life Science Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, Scranton, York

Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:4
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Ordinary Differential Equations
Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Elementary Biochemistry
Molecular and Cell Biology I
Introductory Microbiology
Select 6-8 credits of the following:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 8-12 credits of the following:8-12
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course 1
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course 1
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
A maximum of 12 credits of Independent Study 296, 496 may be applied toward credits for graduation.
Select 23-29 credits from program list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)23-29
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication3
Select 6 credits of 400-level courses6
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level BMB, BIOL, BIOTC, or MICRB courses9
1

PHYS 211 and PHYS 250 require a grade of C or better.

Mathematical Science Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington

Prescribed Courses
CMPSC 122Intermediate Programming3
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2-3
Additional Courses
CMPSC 360Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science3-4
or MATH 311W Concepts of Discrete Mathematics
MATH 230Calculus and Vector Analysis4
or MATH 251 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
STAT 3013
or STAT 318 Elementary Probability
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Elementary Biochemistry
Molecular and Cell Biology I
Introductory Microbiology
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Introduction to Programming Techniques
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
CMPSC 202
Select 8-12 credits of the following:8-12
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course 1
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course 1
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
A maximum of 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be applied toward credits for graduation.
Select 18-24 credits from program list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)18-24
Select 6 credits of 400-level courses6
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level CMPSC, CSE, MATH, or STAT courses9
1

PHYS 211 and PHYS 250 require a grade of C or better.

Physical Science Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Currently not available at any campus location

Prescribed Courses
ASTRO 291Astronomical Methods and the Solar System Keystone/General Education Course3
PHYS 212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course4
PHYS 213General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics Keystone/General Education Course2
PHYS 214General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Keystone/General Education Course2
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PHYS 211General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course4
Additional Courses
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Elementary Biochemistry
Molecular and Cell Biology I
Introductory Microbiology
Select 6-8 credits of the following:6-8
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry II
and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
MATH 230Calculus and Vector Analysis4
or MATH 251 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Astronomy of the Distant Universe
Statics
Engineering Thermodynamics I
Introduction to Modern Physics
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
A maximum of 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be applied toward credits for graduation.
Select 20-22 credits from program list (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)20-22
Select 6 credits of 400-level courses6
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level ASTRO, CHEM, or PHYS courses9

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Have a basic knowledge of the fundamental concepts in molecular, organismal, and population biology.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use scientific and quantitative reasoning.
  • Demonstrate the ability to retrieve scientific information, analyze scientific data, and use computers and scientific equipment in a laboratory setting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to disseminate scientific findings through oral and written communication.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work cooperative in teams.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Abington

Les Murray
Program Chair
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7940
ldm12@psu.edu

Berks

Ike Shibley
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
L101G
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6185
BKScience@psu.edu

Harrisburg

Sairam V. Rudrabhatla, Ph.D.
Program Chair
Science and Technology Building, TL 174
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6560
svr11@psu.edu

Scranton

Agnes Kim
Associate Professor
120 Ridge View Drive
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2549
axk55@psu.edu

University Park

Beth Johnson
Director, Science Major
225B Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3889
bai107@psu.edu

York

Anne Vardo-Zalik
Associate Professor of Biology
1 Elias Science Building
York, PA 17403
717-718-6705
amv12@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

General Option: Science, B.S. at Abington Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3MATH 141 (GQ)4
MATH 140 (GQ)*†4BIOL 240W (GN)4
BIOL 110 (GN)*†4CHEM 112 (GN)*†3
CHEM 110 (GN)*†3CHEM 113 (GN)1
CHEM 111 (GN)1General Education Course3
 General Education Health & Wellness (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W or 230W (GN)4Physical, Mathematical, or Life Science Course3
Earth and Mineral Science Course3Elective3
STAT 200 or 250 (GQ)3-4PHYS 251 (GN)4
PHYS 250 (GN)*4ENGL 202C (GWS)3
CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 17-18 14.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Physical, Mathematical, or Life Science Course3General Education Course3-4
400-Level Selection3General Education Course3
Global, Social, and Personal Awareness3400-Level Science*3
General Education Course3Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
400-Level Science*3Physical, Mathematical, or Life Science Course3
400-Level Selection3400-Level Science*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3Elective 3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 123-125
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Disallowed Courses

Students may select free elective courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major, regardless of option, not even as free electives.

BIOL 011**, 012**
BISC 001, 002, 003**, 004**
BMB 001**
CHEM 001, 003, 101, 108
CMPSC 001, 100, 110
ENGL 004, 005
LL ED 005, 010
MATH 001, 002, 003, 004, 017, 018, 021, 022, 026, 030, 035, 036, 040, 041, 081, 082, 083, 110, 111, 200
MICRB 120, 121A, 121B, 150 151A, 151C, 151D, 151E, 151F, 151W
PHYS 001, 150, 151
CAS 004, 126
STAT 100
 
In addition, the following types of courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major:
 
  • Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills. NOTE: Only 3 credits of CHEM 017 and only 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
  • Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.
  • No more than 6 credits of ROTC and 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in the “Free Electives” category.
  • No more than 5 credits of KINES may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
  • ** On rare occasions, with adequate justification, a student may be permitted to use one or more of these courses to satisfy degree requirements. A petition must be submitted to request such an exception and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Life Sciences Option: Science, B.S. at Abington Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3MATH 141 (GQ)4
MATH 140 (GQ)*†4BIOL 240W (GN)4
BIOL 110 (GN)*†4CHEM 112 (GN)*†3
CHEM 110 (GN)*†3CHEM 113 (GN)1
CHEM 111 (GN)1General Education Course3
 General Education Health & Wellness (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BIOL 220W or 230W (GN)4CHEM 2123
CHEM 2103CHEM 2132
STAT 200, 250, MATH 250, or CMPSC 101 (GQ)3-4PHYS 251 (GN)4
PHYS 250 (GN)*4ENGL 202C (GWS)3
CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3Elective3
 General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 17-18 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
400-Level Science*3General Education Course3
400-Level Selection3General Education Course3
Global, Social, and Personal Awareness4400-Level Science*3
General Education Course3Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication4
Elective3Elective3
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
400-Level Science*3BMB 211 or MICRB 2013
400-Level Selection3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
Elective3Elective 3
Elective3Elective3
 15 15
Total Credits 127-128
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Additional Notes

Students must take ONE of the following courses: BIOL 220W (GN), BIOL 230W (GN), or BIOL 240W (GN).

Disallowed Courses

Students may select free elective courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major, regardless of option, not even as free electives.

BIOL 011**, 012**
BISC 001, 002, 003**, 004**
BMB 001**
CHEM 001, 003, 101, 108
CMPSC 001, 100, 110
ENGL 004, 005
LL ED 005, 010
MATH 001, 002, 003, 004, 017, 018, 021, 022, 026, 030, 035, 036, 040, 041, 081, 082, 083, 110, 111, 200
MICRB 120, 121A, 121B, 150 151A, 151C,151D, 151E, 151F, 151W
PHYS 001, 150, 151
CAS 004, 126
STAT 100
 
In addition, the following types of courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Biology major:
 
  • Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills. NOTE: Only 3 credits of CHEM 017 and only 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
  • Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.
  • No more than 6 credits of ROTC and 12 credits of Independent Study (296, 496) may be used to satisfy degree requirements. Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in the “Free Electives” category.
  • No more than 5 credits of KINES may be used to satisfy degree requirements.
  • ** On rare occasions, with adequate justification, a student may be permitted to use one or more of these courses to satisfy degree requirements. A petition must be submitted to request such an exception and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Math Option: Science, B.S. at Abington Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15 or 30H (GWS)3MATH 141 (GQ)4
MATH 140 (GQ)*†4CHEM 112 (GN)*†3
BIOL 110 (GN)*†4CHEM 113 (GN)1
CHEM 110 (GN)*†3General Education Course3
CHEM 111 (GN)1General Education Health & Wellness (GHW)1.5
 MATH 220 (GQ)2-3
 15 14.5-15.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Earth and Mineral Science Course3MATH 311W or CMPSC 3603-4
CMPSC 121 (GQ)3CMPSC 1223
PHYS 250 or 211 (GN)*4PHYS 251 or 212 (GN)4
CAS 100A or 100B (GWS)3Elective3
MATH 230 or 2514General Education Health and Wellness (GHW)1.5
 17 14.5-15.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202C (GWS)3General Educaton Course or PHYS 213 (GN) or PHYS 214 (GN)3-4
STAT 301 (GQ)Elective3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Course3General Education Course3
MATH 4113MATH 412 or 4183
 13 16-17
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3Elective 3
Elective3Elective3
MATH 4513MATH 455 or 4153
MATH 484, 436, 449, 450, or 4973BMB 211 or MICRB 2013
 15 15
Total Credits 120-123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Career Paths

Penn State students with a BS in Science are prepared for a broad range of careers and graduate programs. The solid foundation of science and math prepares students to think critically and scientifically in a range of industries and professions.

Careers

This program often leads to careers in all healthcare professions, including physicians and physician assistants, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists; laboratory research associates; scientific product representatives and science-based consulting.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Many graduates of the Science B.S. program choose to pursue graduate studies (MS and PhD) in the natural sciences. Most often, students gravitate to medically-related fields and life science sub-disciplines for focused graduate training. Students in the legal studies and public policy options may choose law school or master's in public policy programs.

Professional Resources

Contact

Abington

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7940
ldm12@psu.edu

https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/science

Berks

DIVISION OF SCIENCE
Luerssen Science Building
Reading, PA 19610
610-396-6185
BKScience@psu.edu

https://berks.psu.edu/academics/bs-science

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Science & Tech Building, TL 177
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-4387
mrr53@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/science-bs

Scranton

120 Ridge View Drive
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2549
axk55@psu.edu

https://scranton.psu.edu/academics/degrees/bachelors/science

University Park

SCIENCE MAJOR PROGRAM OFFICE
225B Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3889
bai107@psu.edu

https://science.psu.edu/interdisciplinary-programs/science-major

York

1 Elias Science Building
York, PA 17403
717-718-6705
amv12@psu.edu

https://www.york.psu.edu/academics/baccalaureate/science