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General Science

Grow Your Science Knowledge

Study the wonders of biological and physical sciences. Go from measuring chemicals in the lab to examining plant life outdoors. Enjoy hands-on learning with professors, both in the classroom and in nature. Experience field trips and diverse research while completing your major. Be prepared to pursue medicine, veterinary science, research or teaching. 

What jobs can you do with a
general science degree?

Take what you have learned in the science and carry your lessons into careers in:

Medicine, healthcare or veterinary science

Laboratory research and science technology

Pharmaceutical sales and marketing

Teaching science or related programs

Research

Hold a research position alongside your professors to explore the fields of science with hands-on learning. Become a teacher’s assistant or lab assistant in a paid position. Present your physical and social science research during DWU’s Capstone Day!  

General Science Courses

Your foundational coursework will include biology, chemistry, and physics classes. Plus, you’ll have unique opportunities to do research on and off campus.

BIO 120 Principles of Biology I

4 Hours
Students will examine concepts and theories in the following areas: the philosophy and methods of science; ecology; cell structure and function; genetics; and evolution. Three lectures, one laboratory. This course is intended to primarily serve those majoring in the Biological Sciences. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO 120L.

BIO 122 Principles of Biology II

4 Hours
This course includes the philosophy and methods of science, nutrition, gas exchange, internal transport, osmoregulation, chemical control, nervous control, reproduction, development, diversity and classification of organisms. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 120/120L. Prerequisite or corequisite: BIO120L.

CHM 164 University Chemistry

3 Hours
A one-semester course covering the core concepts of general chemistry, maintaining the depth and relevance of a two semester sequence. Topics covered include: bonding, equilibrium, stoichiometry, chemical kinetics, and oxidation-reduction. Prerquisite: MTH 120 or equivalent is recommended.

CHM 166 University Chemistry Lab

1 Hours
An introduction to experimental chemical methods of synthesis and characterization by quantitative and qualitative procedures. Experiments will relate to topics covered in CHM 164. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CHM 164.

CHM 174 Organic and Biochemistry

4 Hours
This course is a study of the fundamentals of organic chemistry (nomenclature, functional groups, reactions) with an emphasis on compounds of biological interest (amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, nucleic acids and the metabolic cycles). Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 164. Corequisite: CHM174L

CHM 331 Organic Chemistry I

4 Hours
This is an introduction to the nomenclature, structure, properties, reactions and uses of the compounds of carbon. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 164/166 or CHM 174.

MTH 210 Calculus I

5 Hours
This course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus. Students will learn to calculate the rates of change of functions including trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions and how to solve initial value and optimization problems. Students will learn the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and integration techniques. Prerequisite: MTH 135 or math placement.

PHS 260 University Physics I

4 Hours
This is an introductory calculus-based course in the fundamentals of physics as applied to mechanics. Topics included are kinematics, vectors, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, rotational dynamics, gravitation, simple harmonic motion and waves. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MTH 135 or consent of instructor. Corequisite PHS 260L.

PHS 270 University Physics II

4 Hours
This a calculus-based course in the fundamentals of physics as applied to electricity and magnetism. Topics included are Coulomb’s law, electric fields, potential fields, capacitance, DC circuits, magnetic fields, induction, AC circuits and Maxwell’s laws. Three lectures, one laboratory. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PHS 260/206L. Corequisite: PHS270L.

Get to Know Your Professors

Learn chemistry from our experienced professors! Our low student-to-teacher ratio offers valuable one-on-one interaction.

Bethany Melroe Lehrman, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry | Dean of the Donna Starr Christen College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences

Brian Patrick, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology

Mike Farney, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus, mathematics

Paula Mazzer, Ph.D.

Professor of Biochemistry

Tim Mullican, D.A.

Professor of Biology | Chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences

The Experience

General science is designed to provide a broad background in biological and physical sciences. You may structure the program in many ways depending on your intended scientific career. Customize your degree to meet your career goals with electives in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics.

Related Majors & Minors

Behavioral Sciences

It’s complicated to understand why people do what they do.

    Biochemistry

    Explore the living things around you, while you investigate the complexity of life processes in animals and plants.

      Biology Education

      Open young minds to the wonders of science! Become a biology teacher.

        Biology

        Gain practical, hands-on experiences with lab activities, research and an internship in your field.

          Pre-Med

          Pursuing a degree in medicine or another health profession after Dakota Wesleyan?

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