Science, B.S. (Abington)

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.

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:

attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average;
completed MATH 140 with a grade of C or better;
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:

Program Requirements
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)

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
CHEM 111	Experimental Chemistry I	1
CHEM 112	Chemical Principles II	3
CHEM 113	Experimental Chemistry II	1
MATH 141	Calculus with Analytic Geometry II	4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 110	Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity	4
CHEM 110	Chemical Principles I	3
MATH 140	Calculus With Analytic Geometry I	4
Requirements for the Option
Select an option		74

Requirements for the Option

General Science Option (74 credits)

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:		4
BIOL 129	Mammalian Anatomy
BIOL 141 & BIOL 142	Introduction to Human Physiology and Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 220W	Biology: Populations and Communities
BIOL 230W	Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 240W	Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3-4 credits of the following:		3-4
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics
STAT 250	Introduction to Biostatistics
STAT 301
STAT 401	Experimental Methods
Select 8-12 credits of the following:		8-12
PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 & PHYS 213 & PHYS 214	General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics ¹
PHYS 250 & PHYS 251	Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II 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 sciences		3
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness from department approved course list in consultation with adviser		3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication from department approved course list in consultation with adviser		3
Select 6 credits of 400-level courses		6
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 ^2,3		18

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
HPA 101	Introduction to Health Services Organization	3
Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:		4
BIOL 129	Mammalian Anatomy
BIOL 220W	Biology: Populations and Communities
BIOL 230W	Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 240W	Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
BIOL 141 & BIOL 142	Introduction to Human Physiology and Physiology Laboratory
Select 3-4 credits of the following:		3-4
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics
STAT 250	Introduction to Biostatistics
STAT 301
STAT 401	Experimental Methods
Select 6-8 credits of the following:		6-8
CHEM 202 & CHEM 203	Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 210 & CHEM 212 & CHEM 213	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
BIOL 222	Genetics
BIOL 322	Genetic Analysis
BMB 211	Elementary Biochemistry
BMB 251	Molecular and Cell Biology I
MICRB 201	Introductory Microbiology
Select 8-12 credits of the following:		8-12
PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 & PHYS 213 & PHYS 214	General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics ²
PHYS 250 & PHYS 251	Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II 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 ¹		15
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 adviser		3
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 courses		9

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:		4
BIOL 129	Mammalian Anatomy
BIOL 141 & BIOL 142	Introduction to Human Physiology and Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 220W	Biology: Populations and Communities
BIOL 230W	Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 240W	Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3-4 credits of the following:		3-4
STAT 200	Elementary Statistics
STAT 250	Introduction to Biostatistics
STAT 301
STAT 401	Experimental Methods
Select 8-12 credits of the following:		8-12
PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 & PHYS 213 & PHYS 214	General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics ¹
PHYS 250 & PHYS 251	Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II 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 ²		18
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness from department approved course list in consultation with adviser		3
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 18 credits in life, mathematical, or physical sciences, with at least 9 credits at the 400 level ^3,4		18

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Additional Courses
Select 4 credits of the following:		4
BIOL 220W	Biology: Populations and Communities
BIOL 230W	Biology: Molecules and Cells
BIOL 240W	Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
CMPSC 101	Introduction to Programming
MATH 250	Ordinary Differential Equations
STAT 250	Introduction to Biostatistics
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
BMB 211	Elementary Biochemistry
BMB 251	Molecular and Cell Biology I
MICRB 201	Introductory Microbiology
Select 6-8 credits of the following:		6-8
CHEM 202 & CHEM 203	Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 210 & CHEM 212 & CHEM 213	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Select 8-12 credits of the following:		8-12
PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 & PHYS 213 & PHYS 214	General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics ¹
PHYS 250 & PHYS 251	Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II 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 Awareness		3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication		3
Select 6 credits of 400-level courses		6
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level BMB, BIOL, BIOTC, or MICRB courses		9

¹: PHYS 211 and PHYS 250 require a grade of C or better.

Mathematical Science Option (74 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
CMPSC 122	Intermediate Programming	3
MATH 220	Matrices	2-3
Additional Courses
CMPSC 360	Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science	3-4
or MATH 311W	Concepts of Discrete Mathematics
MATH 230	Calculus and Vector Analysis	4
or MATH 251	Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
STAT 301		3
or STAT 318	Elementary Probability
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
BMB 211	Elementary Biochemistry
BMB 251	Molecular and Cell Biology I
MICRB 201	Introductory Microbiology
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
CMPSC 121	Introduction to Programming Techniques
CMPSC 201	Programming for Engineers with C++
CMPSC 202
Select 8-12 credits of the following:		8-12
PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 & PHYS 213 & PHYS 214	General Physics: Mechanics and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism and General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics and General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics ¹
PHYS 250 & PHYS 251	Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II 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 courses		6
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness		3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication		3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level CMPSC, CSE, MATH, or STAT courses		9

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

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
ASTRO 291	Astronomical Methods and the Solar System	3
PHYS 212	General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 213	General Physics: Fluids and Thermal Physics	2
PHYS 214	General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics	2
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PHYS 211	General Physics: Mechanics	4
Additional Courses
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
BMB 211	Elementary Biochemistry
BMB 251	Molecular and Cell Biology I
MICRB 201	Introductory Microbiology
Select 6-8 credits of the following:		6-8
CHEM 202 & CHEM 203	Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 210 & CHEM 212 & CHEM 213	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
MATH 230	Calculus and Vector Analysis	4
or MATH 251	Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
ASTRO 292	Astronomy of the Distant Universe
EMCH 211	Statics
ME 300	Engineering Thermodynamics I
PHYS 237	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 courses		6
Select 3 credits in Global, Social, and Personal Awareness		3
Select 3 credits in Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication		3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of 400-level ASTRO, CHEM, or PHYS courses		9

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 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
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

Megan Van Etten, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biology
Dawson Building 212A
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-963-2528
mlv18@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 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

General Science 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
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 110 (GN)^*#†	4	CHEM 112	3
CHEM 110 (GN)^*#†	3	CHEM 113	1
CHEM 111 (GN)^†	1	Global, Social, and Personal Awareness Course (from Department List)	3
MATH 140 or 140B (GQ)^*‡#†	4	CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)^‡	3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	BIOL 240W (or Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options))	3-4
First-Year Seminar	1
	16		13-14
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 220W or 230W (or Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options))	3-4	STAT 250 or 200 (GQ)^‡	3-4
Life, Mathematical, or Physical Science Course	3	Life, Mathematical, or Physical Science Course	3
Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication Course (from Department List)	3	Integrative and Applied Science Course (from Department List)	3
General Education Course (GS)	3	General Education Course (GA)	3
PHYS 250 (GN)^*#	4	PHYS 251	4
	16-17		16-17
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Life, Mathematical, or Physical Science Course	3	400-Level Life, Mathetmatical, or Physical Science Course^*	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	General Education Course (GH)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
ENGL 202C (GWS)^‡	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
400-Level Life, Mathetmatical, or Physical Science Course^*	3	400-Level Life, Mathetmatical, or Physical Science Course^*	3
400-Level Supporting Course	3	400-Level Supporting Course	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	2
	15		14
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.

Program List Exclusions: The Following Coursework is not Applicable to Degree Requirements

Students may select supporting courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s course offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements for the Integrative Science major. This list applies to ALL options in the Integrative Science BS major.

BIOL 001, 003, 011*, 012*
BISC 001, 002, 003*, 004*
BMB 001*
CAS 126
CHEM 001, 003, 005, 101, 108
CMPSC 100
ENGL 004, 005
ESL 004, 005
LL ED 005, 010
MATH 003, 004, 010, 017, 018, 021, 030, 033, 034, 035, 036, 040, 081, 082, 083, 097, 110, 111, 200
MICRB 150, 151A, 151B, 151C, 151D, 151E, 151F, 151G, 151W
PHYS 001, 010, 097, 114, 150, 151
STAT 100*

*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. Consult with your academic adviser.

In addition, the following types of courses may not be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Integrative Science major:

Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills.
Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.

Some courses may be counted toward degree requirements in the Science and Premedicine majors with some restrictions:

No more than 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used.
No more than 6 credits of ROTC courses (AIR, ARMY, NAVSC) may be used.
No more than 12 credits of independent study (296, 496, etc.) may be used.
- **Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in “Supporting Courses” and “Any 400-level Course Work” categories.
No more than 5 credits of KINES Physical Activity courses may be used.
- **KINES Health Courses (KINES 180, etc.) are not limited to 5 credits.

Life Science 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
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 110 (GN)^*#†	4	CHEM 112	3
CHEM 110 (GN)^*#†	3	CHEM 113	1
MATH 140 or 140B (GQ)^*‡#†	4	Global, Social, and Personal Awareness Course (from Department List)	3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)^‡	3
CHEM 111 (GN)	1	BIOL 240W (or Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options))	3-4
First-Year Seminar	1
	16		13-14
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
BIOL 220W or 230W (or Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options))	3-4	CHEM 212	3
CHEM 210	3	CHEM 213	2
Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication Course (from Department List)	3	General Education Course (GA)	3
General Education Course (GS)	3	PHYS 251	4
PHYS 250 (GN)^*#	4	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
	16-17		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	400-level BMB, BIOL, BIOTC, or MICRB course^*	3
General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3	MICRB 201 (or Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options))	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3
ENGL 202C (GWS)^‡	3	General Education Course (GH)	3
STAT 250 or 200 (GQ)^‡	3-4	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
	15-16		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
400-Level BMB, BIOL, BIOTC, or MICRB course^*	3	400-level BMB, BIOL, BIOTC, or MICRB course^*	3
400-Level Supporting Course	3	400-level Supporting Course	3
General Education Course (GHW)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	2
	15		14
Total Credits 119-122

*: 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.

Program List Exclusions: The Following Coursework is not Applicable to Degree Requirements

Students may select supporting courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s course offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements for the Integrative Science major. This list applies to ALL options in the Integrative Science BS major.

BIOL 001, 003, 011*, 012*
BISC 001, 002, 003*, 004*
BMB 001*
CAS 126
CHEM 001, 003, 005, 101, 108
CMPSC 100
ENGL 004, 005
ESL 004, 005
LL ED 005, 010
MATH 003, 004, 010, 017, 018, 021, 030, 033, 034, 035, 036, 040, 081, 082, 083, 097, 110, 111, 200
MICRB 150, 151A, 151B, 151C, 151D, 151E, 151F, 151G, 151W
PHYS 001, 010, 097, 114, 150, 151
STAT 100*

*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. Consult with your academic adviser.

In addition, the following types of courses may not be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Integrative Science major:

Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills.
Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.

Some courses may be counted toward degree requirements in the Science and Premedicine majors with some restrictions:

No more than 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used.
No more than 6 credits of ROTC courses (AIR, ARMY, NAVSC) may be used.
No more than 12 credits of independent study (296, 496, etc.) may be used.
- **Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in “Supporting Courses” and “Any 400-level Course Work” categories.
No more than 5 credits of KINES Physical Activity courses may be used.
- **KINES Health Courses (KINES 180, etc.) are not limited to 5 credits.

Mathematical Science 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
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MATH 140 (GQ)^*‡#†	4	MATH 141 (GQ)^*‡†	4
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)^‡	3	CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C (GWS)^‡	3
BIOL 110 (GN)^*#†	4	CMPSC 131	3
CHEM 110 (GN)^*#†	3	CHEM 112 (GN)	3
CHEM 111 (GN)	1	CHEM 113 (GN)	1
First-Year Seminar	1	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16		15.5
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CMPSC 132	3	DS 220	3
MATH 220	3	MATH 230 or 251	4
General Education Course (GS)	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3
PHYS 250 (GN)^*#	4	PHYS 251	4
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	General Education Course (GHW)	1.5
	16		15.5
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
MATH/STAT 318	3	MATH 311W	4
ENGL 202C (GWS)^‡	3	MICRB 201	3
Teamwork and Interpersonal Communication Course (from Department List)	3	Global, Social, and Personal Awareness Course (from Department List)	3
MATH 425^*	3	CMPSC 446^*	3
STAT 401^*	3	General Education Course (Integrative Studies)	3
	15		16
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
General Education Course (GA)	3	General Education Course (GH)	3
MATH/CMPSC 455 or STAT 462^*	3	CMPSC 445^*	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	General Education Course (Exploration)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3	Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
Supporting Course (consult with academic adviser for options)	3
	15		12
Total Credits 121

*: 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.

Program List Exclusions: The Following Coursework is not Applicable to Degree Requirements

Students may select supporting courses from nearly the entire range of the University’s course offerings. However, the following courses may NOT be used to satisfy degree requirements for the Integrative Science major. This list applies to ALL options in the Integrative Science BS major.

BIOL 001, 003, 011*, 012*
BISC 001, 002, 003*, 004*
BMB 001*
CAS 126
CHEM 001, 003, 005, 101, 108
CMPSC 100
ENGL 004, 005
ESL 004, 005
LL ED 005, 010
MATH 003, 004, 010, 017, 018, 021, 030, 033, 034, 035, 036, 040, 081, 082, 083, 097, 110, 111, 200
MICRB 150, 151A, 151B, 151C, 151D, 151E, 151F, 151G, 151W
PHYS 001, 010, 097, 114, 150, 151
STAT 100*

*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. Consult with your academic adviser.

In addition, the following types of courses may not be used to satisfy degree requirements in the Integrative Science major:

Courses which are remedial in nature or which focus on reading improvement or study skills.
Courses which substantially duplicate the subject matter covered in other completed courses taught at a comparable level.

Some courses may be counted toward degree requirements in the Science and Premedicine majors with some restrictions:

No more than 4 credits of MATH 140A may be used.
No more than 6 credits of ROTC courses (AIR, ARMY, NAVSC) may be used.
No more than 12 credits of independent study (296, 496, etc.) may be used.
- **Unless special permission is granted, Independent Study credit may only be used in “Supporting Courses” and “Any 400-level Course Work” categories.
No more than 5 credits of KINES Physical Activity courses may be used.
- **KINES Health Courses (KINES 180, etc.) are not limited to 5 credits.

x

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.