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Fall 2007 - Summer 2008

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
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems and Modeling

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

1. Completion of a minimum of 122 semester hours. 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 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in all courses attempted at the university.

2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements.
   
   

   Core Curriculum Requirements	Hours
   ENGL 1303, 1304. Freshman Composition I, II	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	3
   Approved courses in Writing in the Discipline	3
   Approved courses in Humanities	3
   Approved courses in Visual/Performing Arts	3
   American History: HIST 1377 and 1378 or equivalent	6
   American Government: POLS 1336 and 1337 or equivalent	6

3. 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 advanced 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.

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):

1. 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 .

2. 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).

3. Mathematics: 6 hours

   These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.

4. Natural Sciences: 7 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 nonscience major course work will meet the requirement.

5. 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 four-year degree.
   • a senior research project.
   • a senior honors thesis.
   • 6 hours of NSM-designated interdisciplinary capstone courses.
   • 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):

1. 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 six hours. 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.

2. 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 nonscience major course work will meet this requirement.

3. Mathematics: 12 hours

   These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.

4. 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 four-degree degree.
   • a senior research project.
   • a senior honors thesis.
   • 6 hours of NSM-designated interdisciplinary.
   • capstone courses.
   • 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.

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:

1. 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).

2. Natural Sciences: (32-35 hours of approved natural sciences with a laboratory, including four of the five listed sequences, which may include courses applied toward the major fields):
   • BIOL 1161, 1162, 1361, 1362
   • CHEM 1111, 1112, 1331, 1332
   • GEOL 1130, 1176, 1330, 1376
   • MATH 1431, 1432
   • PHYS 1321, 1121, 1322, 1122,
     or 1101, 1102, 1301, 1302
   
   
3. Computer Science: COSC 1301 or 1410

Requirements	Hours
Biology 1161, 1162, 1361, 1362 , 3201, 3301 and 3306	16
Twenty additional approved semester hours in biology (13 hours must be advanced)	20
Mathematics 1431, 1432, 2331, 2433, 3330, 3331 and 3333	24
Eleven additional approved advanced semester hours in mathematics with at least three hours at the 4000-level. Special problems courses are not allowed.	11
Physics 1321, 1121, 1322, 1122, 3310, 3312, 3315, 3112, and two semesters of 3113	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

Requirements	Hours
Biology 1161, 1162, 1361, 1362 , 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 1161/1361 and 1162/1362	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, 2331, 2433, 3330, 3333 and 3331	24
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 3113	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, 832-842-2100, in room 56 University Libraries (via the back entrance to M.D. Anderson Library, across from the University Center) and department academic advisors are available to help students obtain the greatest possible benefit from preprofessional training.

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.

Requirements	Hours
Biology BIOL 1161/1361, 1162/1362, 2133, 2333, 4272, 4373 or 4374, 4323, 3124, 3324	24
Biochemical and Biophysical sciences BCHS 3201 , 3304	5
Chemistry CHEM 1331, 1111, 1332, 1112, 3331, 3221, 3332, 3369, 3119	22
Mathematics MATH 1330, 1431 3-4 hours approved course	7 3-4
Physics PHYS 1301, 1101, 1302, 1102	8

Medical Technology Degree Plan

First Year

Fall and Spring Semesters	Hours
BIOL 1361/1161 and 1362/1162. Introduction to Biological Science and Laboratory	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. Precalculus	3
MATH 1431. Calculus I	4
Social Sciences Core Course	3
Total	32

Summer Session	Hours
HIST 1377. The United States to 1877 or equivalent	3
HIST 1378. 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	3-4
Writing in the Discipline Core Course	3
Total	31-32

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 of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and/or Education.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Program in Environmental Systems and Modeling

The general requirements, including university core curriculum and college requirements, shall apply. In addition to the general requirements, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems and Modeling must complete the following:

1. Completion of the major, as defined below, 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 .
   

Mathematics (15 hours):
MATH 1431	Calculus I
MATH 1432	Calculus II
MATH 2331	Linear Algebra
MATH 2433	Calculus III
Computer Science (7 hours):
COSC 1410	Introduction to Computer Science
COSC 3361	Numerical Methods I
Natural Sciences (16 hours):
BIOL 1361:1161	Introduction to Biological Science and Laboratory
BIOL 1362:1162	Introduction to Biological Science and Laboratory
PHYS 1121	Physics Laboratory I
PHYS 1122	Physics Laboratory II
PHYS 1321	University Physics I
PHYS 1322	University Physics II

A major in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Systems and Modeling degree is defined as consisting of the following courses (38 hours):

Plus a minimum of 15 semester hours of approved courses from one of the options listed below:

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Last updated:
Thursday, May 1, 2008 - 05:55 PM

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