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Undergraduate Catalog
2001-2003
College of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics
General NSM Degree Information
- Baccalaureate Degrees
- Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree
- Core Curriculum Requirements
- Special Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
- Special Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Sciences Degree Program
(BISC)
- Graduate Programs
- Preprofessional Training
- Medical Technology
- Medical Technology Degree Plan
- Teacher Certification Programs
Baccalaureate Degrees
The college offers the Bachelor of Science degree in all departments and the Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemical and biophysical sciences, biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, and physics. Students interested in teaching biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, or physics at the secondary level should contact the Office of the Dean for advisement.
Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree
The following requirements must be met by students who expect to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Students will also be required to meet special requirements listed in the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
- Completion of a minimum of 122 semester hours including no more than
two semester hours of physical education. At least thirty-six of the
122 semester hours are to be advanced according to the respective degree
plans. Any change or substitution must have the college dean's written
approval. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average
in all courses attempted at the university.
- Completion of the core curriculum requirements (see chart).
- Completion of college degree requirements (B.A. or B.S.) to include
a major (29 to 50 semester credit hours of which at least 18 must be
advanced) and NSM Capstone course work (at least 6 hours):
- Of all courses attempted in the major (including both required
and "elective" courses in the major), no more than six semester
hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake
sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so
that they do not exceed the two course limit. Students may choose
the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language.
Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's
Office.
- Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses in the major (both required and elective) attempted at the university.
- Of all courses attempted in the major (including both required
and "elective" courses in the major), no more than six semester
hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake
sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so
that they do not exceed the two course limit. Students may choose
the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language.
Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's
Office.
|
|
||||
| Core Curriculum Requirements | Hours | |||
|
|
||||
| ENGL 1303, 1304. Freshman Composition | 6 | |||
| MATH 1310. College Algebra | 3 | |||
| Three hours in approved math, logic, statistics, computer science, or music theory courses | 3 | |||
| Approved courses in Natural Sciences | 6 | |||
| Approved courses in Social and Behavioral Sciences, three hours of which must be writing intensive | 6 | |||
| Approved courses in Humanities | 3 | |||
| Approved courses in Visual/Performing Arts | 3 | |||
| American History: HIST 1376 or 1377 and 1378 or 1379 or equivalent | 6 | |||
| American Government: POLS 1336 and 1337 or equivalent | 6 | |||
Special Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
In addition to meeting the core curriculum requirements, students must complete the following (see major department for specific course work which may be required):
- Major department courses: 29-50 hours
Of all courses attempted, (including both required and elective courses in the major), no more than six semester hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the two-course limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's Office. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the university.
- Foreign Language: 6 hours
Courses at the 2000 level or above in the same language are required. International students may not take English or their native language (more information is available in the Regulations and Requirements in this catalog).
- Mathematics: 6 hours
These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.
- Natural Sciences: 6 hours
Two core-approved courses in the same discipline, chosen from biochemical and biophysical science, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. These courses must be from outside the major. No non-science major course work will meet the requirement.
- NSM Capstone: 6-21 hours
- a double major.
- a double or previous degree.
- a senior research project.
- a senior honors thesis.
- 6 hours of NSM-designated interdisciplinary capstone courses.
- 9 hours selected from DISC
3369, 4370,
4371,
4377,
4378,
INDE
4333.
- an approved minor.
Students should consult the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog for general information on the requirements for minors. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on all courses attempted in the minor discipline at the University of Houston. Courses which by catalog statement cannot be applied toward a degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or which have other relevant catalog restrictions will not be included in the minor grade point average.
Special Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
In addition to meeting the general requirements, students must complete the following (see major department for specific course work which may be required):
- Major department courses: 29-50 hours
Of all courses attempted, (including both required and elective courses in the major), no more than six semester hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the two-course limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's Office. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the university.
- Natural Sciences: 14 hours
Core-approved courses including two laboratories in the same discipline, chosen from biochemical and biophysical science, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. These courses must be from outside the major. No non-science major course work will meet the requirement.
- Mathematics: 12 hours
These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.
- NSM Capstone: 6-21 hours
The NSM Capstone requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the following options:
- a double major.
- a double or previous degree.
- a senior research project.
- a senior honors thesis.
- 6 hours of NSM-designated interdisciplinary capstone courses.
- 9 hours selected from DISC
3369, 4370,
4371,
4377,
4378,
INDE
4333.
- an approved minor.
Students should consult the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog for general information on the requirements for minors. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on all courses attempted in the minor discipline at the University of Houston. Courses which by catalog statement cannot be applied toward a degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or which have other relevant catalog restrictions will not be included in the minor grade point average.
- a double major.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Sciences
Degree Program (BISC)
Academic advising for students pursuing the BISC degree is provided by the Office of the Dean. The general requirements for a baccalaureate program shall apply. In addition to the general requirements, the student must complete the following:
- Completion of a major (24 to 48 hours) including at least 18 advanced
hours with no more than six hours with grades lower than C- (over all
courses attempted, including both required and elective courses in the
major). Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all
courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the
university.
Should a student select Option 2, an aggregate 2.00 major GPA for both option areas is required for graduation, with no more than six semester hours with grades below C- (over all courses attempted in both options, including both required and elective courses).
- Natural Sciences: (32-35 hours of core-approved natural sciences with
a laboratory, including four of the five listed sequences, which may
include courses applied toward the major fields):
- BIOL 1431, 1432
- CHEM 1111, 1112, 1331, 1332
- GEOL 1130, 1176, 1330, 1376
- MATH 1431, 1432
- PHYS 1321, 1121,
1322, 1122,
or 1101, 1102, 1301, 1302
- Computer Science: COSC 1301 or 1410
Option 1: A minimum of 36 semester hours with 21 advanced hours is required.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Biology 1431, 1432, 3201, 3301 and 3306 | 16 |
| Twenty additional approved semester hours in biology (13 hours must be advanced) | 20 |
|
|
|
| Mathematics 1431, 1432, 2433, 2431, 3330, 3431 and 3333 | 25 |
| Ten additional approved advanced semester hours in mathematics with
at least three hours at the 4000 level. Special problems courses are not allowed. |
10 |
|
|
|
| Physics 1321, 1121, 1322, 1122, 3310 3312, 3315, 3112, and two semesters of 3111 | 20 |
| Sixteen additional approved advanced hours in physics | 16 |
|
|
|
| Physical Science | |
| CHEM 1111, 1112, 1331, 1332, 2133, 2233, 3221 and 3331 | 16 |
| Six additional approved advanced semester hours in chemistry | 6 |
| PHYS 1321, 1121, 1322, 1122 and 3315 | 11 |
| Ten additional approved advanced hours in physics | 10 |
Option 2: At least 24 hours (12 advanced) are required in each of two fields.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Biology 1431, 1432, 3201 and 3301 | 13 |
| Eleven additional approved hours in biology (eight advanced) | 11 |
|
|
|
| Chemistry 1111, 1112, 1331, 1332, 3221, 3222, 3331, 3332, 4370 or 4373 | 21 |
| Three additional approved advanced hours in chemistry | 3 |
|
|
|
| Life/Earth Science | |
| BIOL 1431 and 1432 | 8 |
| GEOL 1130, 1176, 1330 and 1376 | 8 |
| Three additional semester hours from GEOL 3377, 3378, PHYS 1305, 1306 | 3 |
| Thirteen additional approved hours in geology (12 advanced) | 13 |
|
|
|
| Mathematics 1431, 1432, 2431, 2433, 3330, 3333 and 3331 | 25 |
| Three additional approved advanced hours. Special problems courses are not allowed. |
3 |
|
|
|
| Physics 1321, 1121, 1322, 1122, 3310, 3312, 3315, 3112, and two semesters of 3111 | 20 |
| Six additional approved advanced hours in physics | 6 |
Graduate Programs
The college offers both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in all departments. Entry into any graduate program requires a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and an adequate background in the subject to be studied.
Through reciprocal agreements, graduate students at certain components of the University of Texas System, Rice University, and Baylor College of Medicine may take courses for credit at the University of Houston. University of Houston graduate students may take courses for credit at any of these three institutions. Charges for registration and tuition are made by the parent institution.
For more information on graduate and professional programs and a listing of courses, refer to the Office of the Dean, the appropriate department, or the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog.
Preprofessional Training
The college offers preprofessional training for students planning to study dentistry, medicine, medical technology, nursing, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and other health professions. Students are expected to acquaint themselves with the specific requirements of the professional schools they wish to enter. Health professions advisors in the Academic Advising Center, 320 Student Service Center, and department academic advisors are available to help students obtain the greatest possible benefit from preprofessional training.
Medical Technology
Students who wish to specialize in medical technology will be eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology when they satisfactorily complete the following program and the course in medical technology offered by a hospital approved by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the Board of Schools of Medical Technology.Before enrolling in the hospital portion of the training program, transfer students must complete at least the last 30 semester hours, including 16 semester hours in biochemical and biophysical sciences, biology, chemistry, or physics, at the University of Houston.
Medical Technology Degree Plan
First Year
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Fall and Spring Semesters | Hours |
|
|
|
| BIOL 1431 and 1432. Introduction to Biological Science | 8 |
| CHEM 1331 and 1111. Fundamentals of Chemistry and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1332 and 1112. Fundamentals of Chemistry and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| ENGL 1303. Freshman Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1304. Freshman Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 1330. Elementary Functions | 3 |
| MATH 1431. Calculus I | 4 |
| Social Sciences Core Course | 3 |
| Total | 32 |
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Summer Session | Hours |
| HIST 1376 or 1377. The United States to 1877 or equivalent | 3 |
| HIST 1378 or 1379. The United States since 1877 or equivalent | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
Second Year
|
|
|
| Fall and Spring Semesters | Hours |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| BIOL 2333 and 2133. Elementary Microbiology and Elementary Microbiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BCHS 3201 and 3304. Biochemistry Laboratory and General Biochemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 3331 and 3221. Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 3332 and 3222. Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| PHYS 1301 and 1101. Introductory General Physics and General Physics Laboratory I | 4 |
| PHYS 1302 and 1102. Introductory General Physics and General Physics Laboratory II | 4 |
| Humanities Core Course | 3 |
| Total | 30 |
|
| |
| Summer Session | Hours |
| POLS 1336. U.S. and Texas Constitutions and Politics or equivalent | 3 |
| POLS 1337. U.S. Government: Congress, President and Courts or equivalent | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
Third Year
|
|
|
| Fall and Spring Semesters | Hours |
|
|
|
| BIOL 4272. Cellular Biology Laboratory | 2 |
| BIOL 4373 or 4374. Microbial Physiology or Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 4323. Immunology | 3 |
| BIOL 3324 and 3124. Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 3369 and 3119. Analytical Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | 4 |
| NSM Capstone Courses | 6 |
| Visual/Performing Arts Core Course | 3 |
| Formal Science Course | 3 |
| Social Sciences Writing Intensive Core Course | 3 |
| Total | 31 |
Additional recommended courses include BIOL 3201, 3301, and 4384, and BCHS 3305. These courses may not be substituted for any of those listed for the first three years.
Teacher Certification Programs
The college offers bachelor's degree programs in various disciplines that meet the Texas State Board of Education requirements for the Provisional Teaching Certificate. Certification as a secondary school teacher is provided through professional education courses in the College of Education within degree programs in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Students seeking certification are provided academic advising, counseling and degree plans through the Office of the Dean.
The following courses of study are jointly approved by both colleges:
biology, chemistry, earth science, bachelor of interdisciplinary science,
and mathematics. For additional information and updates, students should
consult with the Dean's Office in the College of Natural Sciences and
Mathematics.
General Requirements
The teaching field requirements offered by the college are listed below.
A minimum of 122 semester hours are required. At least 36 of the 122 semester hours are to be advanced according to the respective degree plans. Any change or substitution must have the college dean's written approval. Students must earn a 2.50 minimum cumulative grade point average in all courses attempted at the university.
|
|
|
| Core Curriculum/General Education Requirements | Hours |
|
| ENGL 1303 and 1304, Freshman Composition | 6 |
| MATH 1310, College Algebra | 3 |
| Three hours approved Math, Logic, Statistics, Computer Science or Music Theory | 3 |
| Approved Natural Science Core Courses | 6 |
| Approved Social Sciences Core Courses, including at least three hours writing intensive | 6 |
| HIST 1376 or 1377, and 1378 or 1379 | 6 |
| POLS 1336 and 1337 | 6 |
| Humanities Core Course | 3 |
| Performing/Visual Arts Core Course | 3 |
|
Development Course Work
Option 1: Preparation to Teach One Field
A minimum of 36 semester hours with 21 advanced hours is required. Requirements are as follows:
Biology-Bachelor of Science
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology are included in the Department of Biology section of this catalog.
Chemistry-Bachelor of Arts
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry are included in the Department of Chemistry section of this catalog.
Earth Science-Bachelor of Arts
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Earth Science are included in the Department of Geosciences section of this catalog.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Science
The requirements for the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Science (BISC) is included in the general college requirements section of this catalog.
Mathematics-Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with a major in mathematics are included in the Department of Mathematics section of this catalog.
Option 2: Preparation to Teach Two Fields
At least 24 semester hours (12 advanced) are required in each field. Requirements are as follows:
At the time of the production of this catalog, only one Option 2 program for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has been approved. The first teaching field must be mathematics (B.S. or B.A. degree with a major in mathematics); the second field may be chosen from biology, chemistry, physics, or from a department outside the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Proposals for additional Option 2 programs are under consideration. For additional information and updates, students should consult with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
|
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|
NSM Capstone: Minor in Education |
|
|
|
Hours |
| EDUC 3301, EPSY 3300; SEDE 4305 plus SEDE 4306 or EDUC 4303 and EDUC 4314, 4315. | |
| Demonstrated speech proficiency, which can be met with COMM 1302 | 3 |
| Computer literacy, which may be satisfied with CUIN 3313 | 3 |
| Reading: CUIN 3347 | 3 |
Files Archived: February 5, 2003