Natural Sciences Minor

PEAKS | NSM

The Natural Science Minor provides opportunities for students to sample widely among the natural sciences to gain knowledge of both physical and life sciences. Because much of our understanding of the natural world is framed quantitatively, the study of mathematics is included. In addition to studying how natural science is a way of knowing, students include coursework involving the relationship of science to other forms of knowledge, culture, or society.

Minor Requirements (13 credits):

• One (1) of the following courses.
  • MAT-111 Contemporary Mathematics (3 cr)
  • MAT-112 Introduction to Statistics (3 cr)
  • MAT-149 Pre-Calculus (4 cr)
    or
    a higher level math course (excluding MAT-221 / MAT-222 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I & II)
• At least 3 credits in physical sciences, selected from among:
  • CHE-141 General Chemistry & Lab (4 cr)
  • ENV-160 Environmental Science I & Lab (4 cr)
  • GOL-101 Physical Geology & Lab (4 cr)
  • GOG-150 Physical Geography (3 cr)
  • PHY-100 The Universe (3 cr)
  • PHY-231 General Physics I & Lab (4 cr)
• At least 3 credits in life sciences, selected from among:
  • BIO-102 Human Disease & Lab (4 cr)
  • BIO-104 Introduction to Human Anatomy (3 cr)
  • BIO-109 Biology of Reproduction (3-4 cr)
  • BIO-129 Murder, Medicine, and Magic (3-4 cr)
  • BIO-140 Idaho Natural History & Lab (4 cr)
  • BIO-145 Drugs, Brains & Behavior & Lab (3-4 cr)
  • BIO-201 Molecules to Cells & Lab (4 cr)
  • CHE-124 Forensic Science & Lab (3 cr)
  • ENV-260 Environmental Science II & Lab (4 cr)
• At least one course that emphasizes relationships between science and knowledge, culture, or society:
  • ENV-200 Nature and Culture (3 cr)
  • ATH-309 Cross Cultural Approaches to the Environment (3 cr)
  • REL-251 Religion & Science (3 cr)
  • PHI-202.3 Bioethics (3 cr)
  • PHI-340 Environmental Philosophy (3 cr)
  • ENG-299T.9 Visions of Environment (3 cr)
  • POE-339 Environmental Policy Analysis (3 cr)
  • POE-389 Ecological Economics (3 cr)

Student Learning Outcomes

• Critical Thinking
• Analytical Reasoning
• Quantitative and Qualitative Problem Solving
• Written Communication
• Sharpen student understanding of the methodology and limits of science
• Increase student scientific literacy in both the physical and life sciences
• Apply scientific knowledge in the broader context of the liberal arts