General Science, B.S.

The General Science Major provides a solid grounding in the physical and biological sciences. While some of our General Science graduates have found work as laboratory technicians or have gone on to graduate school, this program is most appropriate for, and normally is recommended only to, those who are planning to teach at the K-8 level. Students in this major may choose either of two tracks, the first designed for those interested in teaching at the elementary school level, and the second intended for those interested in teaching general science at the middle school level. Students should choose the specific coursework sequence appropriate for the license they are planning to pursue.

Requirements for the General Science Major

OPTION I - Elementary Licensure (1-6) with General Science (1-6) - 40 Credits

Students choosing this option are expected to complete a second major in Elementary Education, and are encouraged to consider applying to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for General Science (1-6) licensure after they apply for Elementary (1-6) licensure.

Required Foundation Courses - 28 Credits

ASTR 0101 - Astronomy Credits: 3
BIOL 0102 - Environmental Biology Credits: 4
BIOL 0104 - Human Biology Credits: 4
CHEM 0101 - Introduction to Chemistry Credits: 4
GEOL 0101 - Physical Geology with Laboratory Credits: 4
GEOL 0107 - Historical Geology with Lab Credits: 4
PHSC 0101 - Introduction to Physics Credits: 4
GNSC 0139 - Current Topics in Science Seminar I Credits: 1

Required Upper-Level Courses - 9 Credits

GARP 0230 - Meteorology Credits: 3
GNSC 0239 - Current Topics in Science Seminar II Credits: 1
GNSC 0349 - Research Methods for the Physical Sciences Credits: 1
GNSC 0350 - Research Experience Credits: 2
GNSC 0360 - Methods of Science Education for Pre-K-6 Credits: 2

Upper-Level Elective - 3 Credits

One of the following courses, which integrate the other disciplines within the major:

ASTR 0349 - Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy Credits: 3 or
GEOL 0347 - Integrated Physical Science: Geology Credits: 3

OPTION II - Middle School Licensure in General Science (5-8) - 52 Credits

Students planning to teach should also review the section on licensure requirements that follows the description of the General Science Minor

Required Foundation Course - 39 Credits

ASTR 0101 - Astronomy Credits: 3
BIOL 0128 - General Biology II Credits: 4
BIOL 0129 - General Biology I Credits: 4
CHEM 0109 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHEM 0111 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4
GEOL 0101 - Physical Geology with Laboratory Credits: 4
GEOL 0107 - Historical Geology with Lab Credits: 4
MATH 0104 - Pre-Calculus Credits: 3
PHSC 0115 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHSC 0117 - General Physics II Credits: 4
GNSC 0139 - Current Topics in Science Seminar I Credits: 1

Required Upper-Level Courses - 13 Credits

GARP 0230 - Meteorology Credits: 3
GNSC 0239 - Current Topics in Science Seminar II Credits: 1
ASTR 0349 - Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy Credits: 3
GEOL 0347 - Integrated Physical Science: Geology Credits: 3
GNSC 0349 - Research Methods for the Physical Sciences Credits: 1
GNSC 0350 - Research Experience Credits: 2 ASTR 0350 or CHEM 0350 or Independent studyin Geology or physics (GEOL 0350 or PHYS 0350) may be substituted for GNSC 0350.

Pedagogical Coursework

A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required in pedagogical coursework specific to your licensure program prior to practicum. Consult with the department on which courses are classified as part of the pedagogy requirements.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the Common Core .

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Westfield State University