General Science

B.S. in General Biological Science

B.S. in General Physical Science

B.S. in General Mathematics

WSU Tri-Cities offers a Bachelor of Science degree through the General Studies Program.  This division of general studies is for students who are interested in interdisciplinary programs in science that offer broader options in course selections than are possible within single departments.  Students who wish to earn this degree will devise an approved, coherent program of study with the academic advisor that fulfills an academic or career goal and includes prerequisites consistent with the upper-division major course work.  In addition, the General Education Requirements and any additional requirements of the College of Sciences must be satisfied.

There are two plans in the General Science Program, which allow you the flexibility to design a program of study with assistance from your advisor. 

Plan A - Primary/Secondary Concentration

Plan A requires a primary concentration of courses within an academic department.  The courses used in the concentration must total at least 24 semester credits, including at least 15 upper division credits.  Plan A also requires a secondary concentration of at least 15 semester credits, including at least 6 upper division credits, in another academic department.  If the primary concentration is Biology, the major is General Biological Science.  If the primary concentration is in a single physical science (chemistry, geology, or physics) the major is General Physical Science.  If the primary concentration is Mathematics, the major is General Mathematics.  The cummulative grade point average in each of the concentrations must be at least 2.0.

Plan B - Three Related Areas

Plan B is an option within the Physical Science major.  This plan allows a combination of courses in three or more academic departments or programs in the physical sciences.  At least 9 credits are completed in each of three areas that may include mathematics, chemistry, geology, physics, computer science, or math/science-based engineering.  Twelve additional elective credits in physical science round out the 39 credits.  At least 21 upper-division credits are required. 

Environmental Science Concentration

Environmental Science is a multi-disciplinary field and as such allows an especially wide latitude in planning an individual curriculum.  Please consult the General Science academic coordinator for assistance in planning this option.

Prerequisite and Required Courses

General Biological Sciences: Lower-division requirements include calculus, one year introductory biology, and one year principles of chemistry.  One semester of organic chemistry is required.  WSU-TC strongly recommends that the General Biological Science course plan includes the following biology core courses: Biol 372 General Ecology, Biol/MBioS 301 General Genetics, and MBioS 303 Introductory Biochemistry.

General Physical Sciences: Lower-division requirements include one year calculus, one year calculus-based physics, and one year principles of chemistry. One biological science course is also required.  Students who plan a concentration in chemistry need quantitative and organic chemistry.  Physical geology is a prerequisite for upper division geology courses.

General Mathematics: Lower-division requirements include three semesters of calculus (4 quarters) and linear algebra.  Additionally, differential equations and a programming language course are required to meet the prerequisites for the Tri-Cities Math courses.  Two quarters of physics for scientists and engineers is recommended.

Environmental Science: Lower-division requirements include one year biology, one year of principles of chemistry, one year physics, introductory calculus and environmental science.

College of Sciences: The College of Sciences requires that students have taken two years of a single foreign language in high school or that they take one year of a foreign language in college.  For additional College requirements, consult your advisor.

Course descriptions can be viewed at the WSU Catalog webpage.

For program information contact:

Carol Coker
WSU Tri-Cities
Room 263B West Bldg.
2710 University Drive
Richland, WA  99354-1671

(509) 372-7306

ccoker@tricity.wsu.edu

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