Life & Physical Sciences
Gain a wide breadth of knowledge in the sciences
If your interests in science are wide-ranging, Alfred University's Life & Physical Sciences major is designed for you. Students looking for an interdisciplinary approach & a broad scope of education in the sciences enjoy a flexible, balanced curriculum and an ability to concentrate in four distinct tracks.
Major
Minor
Students must successfully complete the following breadth and depth courses:
Breadth
Core Courses:
- CHEM 105 General Chemistry I & Lab - 4 credits
- ENVS 101 Environmental Studies I - Natural Science - 4 credits
- MATH 151 Calculus I - 4 credits
- PHYS 111/125 Physics I - 4 credits
- BIOL 150 Biological Foundations - 4 credits
- GEOL 101 This Dynamic Earth - 4 credits
- GEOL 104 - Earth & Life Through Time - 4 credits
- GEOL 201 Surficial Geology - 4 credits
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the major in Life & Physical Sciences, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences general education requirements, you'll be required to complete the College's First Year Experience Program or Transfer Student Program.
If you're infatuated with science - but not just one science - this track is built for you.
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry II & Lab - 4 credits
- PHYS 112/116 Physics II - 4 credits
Take one of:
- MATH 152 Calculus II - 4 credits
- CSCI 156 Computer Science I - 4 credits
Take one of:
- BIOL 130 Introduction to Human Genetics - 4 credits
- BIOL 207 Intro to Anatomy & Physiology - 4 credits
- BIOL 211 Cell Biology - 4 credits
Take one of the following, not duplicated in the core:
- ENVS 205 Environmental Data Analysis - 4 credits
- ENVS 220 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems - 4 credits
- GEOL 101 This Dynamic Earth - 4 credits
- GEOL 104 Earth & Life Through Time - 4 credits
- GEOL 106 Elementary Oceanography - 4 credits
- GEOL 201 Surficial Geology - 4 credits
Plus, a minimum of 10 credits at the 300 level or above from one of the disciplines represented or SCIE.
Interested in the real world/technical applications of science? This track relies heavily on our top-tier engineering program allowing you to take anywhere from 7 to 14 credits from a variety of introductory or upper-level engineering courses.
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry II & Lab- 4 credits
- PHYS 112/116 Physics II - 4 credits
- MATH 152 Calculus II - 4 credits
- ENGR 101 Introduction to Engineering - 2 credits
- ENGR 102 Computer Aided Design - 2 credits
Take four of (20 credits):
- ENGR 111 Explorations in Biomaterials - 1 credit
- ENGR 112 Explorations in Ceramic Engineering - 1 credit
- ENGR 113 Explorations in Renewable Energy Engineering - 1 credit
- ENGR 114 Explorations in Glass Engineering - 1 credit
- ENGR 115 Explorations in Materials Science & Engineering - 1 credit
- ENGR 116 Explorations in Mechanical Engineering - 1 credit
Take remainder of credits from (30 credits):
- CEMS 203 Introduction to Ceramic Powder & Processing - 3 credits
- CEMS 214 Structure & Properties of Materials - 3 credits
- ENGR 210 Discovery & Disaster - 2 credits
- MECH 211 Statistics - 3 credits
- RNEW 201 Renewable Energy - 3 credits
- RNEW 255 Power System Operation & Economics - 3 credits
- CEMS 314 Ceramic Processing Principles - 3 credits
- CEMS 316 Chemical Processing in Ceramics - 3 credits
- CEMS 318 Refractories - 3 credits
- ENGR 305 Engineering Statistics - 3 credits
- ENGR 306 Engineering Economics - 2 credits
- RNEW 303 Software Engineering - 4 credits
- RNEW 310 Fuel Cell Principles & Technology - 3 credits
- CEMS 352 Electroceramics - 3 credits
- CEMS 368 Introduction to Bioengineering - 3 credits
- MATH 253 Calculus II - 4 credits
- MATH 271 Differential Equations - 4 credits
- MATH 281 Foundations of Higher Mathematics - 4 credits
- MATH 371 Linear Algebra - 4 credits
- MATH 381 Mathematical Statistics - 4 credits
Or, a minimum of 10 credits at the 300 level or above from ENGR, SCIE, CHEM, BIOL, PHYS, GEOL or ENVS (at least 3 credits must be from engineering).
If you love to write and/or speak in public - but also love science - this track is for you. Science and the results of scientific experimentation are often misunderstood by the public and inaccurately represented by the media. People who understand science and who are proficient in communicating are critical.
Take three of:
- ENGR 110 Technical Communications - 4 credits
- COMM 101 Introduction to Communication Studies - 4 credits
- COMM 110 Mass Media & American Life - 4 credits
- COMM 205 Introductory News writing & Reporting - 4 credits
Take one of:
- COMM 200 Topics in Communications - 2 to 4 credits
- COMM 302 Public Relations Principles - 4 credits
- COMM 309 Persuasion: Reception & Responsibility - 4 credits
Take one of, not duplicated in the core:
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry II & Lab- 4 credits
- PHYS 112/126 Physics II - 4 credits
- ENVS 205 Environmental Data Analysis - 4 credits
- ENVS 220 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems - 4 credits
- GEOL 101 This Dynamic Earth - 4 credits
- GEOL 104 Earth & Life Through Time - 4 credits
- GEOL 106 Elementary Oceanography - 4 credits
- GEOL 201 Surficial Geology - 4 credits
- BIOL 130 Introduction to Human Genetics - 4 credits
- BIOL 207 Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
- BIOL 211 Cell Biology - 4 credits
Plus, a minimum of 10 credits at the 300 level or above from Engineering OR one of the Science fields (including SCIE).
Accepted into one of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) articulation agreements? (Congrats!) This track is reserved for you! It is especially designed for you to complete your Alfred University major and the general science requirements using courses that will easily transfer to LECOM.
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry I & Lab - 4 credits
- CHEM 315 Organic Chemistry I & Lab - 4 credits
- CHEM 316 Organic Chemistry II & Lab - 4 credits
- BIOL 211 Cell Biology - 4 credits
- BIOL 212 Genetics - 4 credits
Combined minimum of 10 credits from these courses:
- CHEM 400 Topics in Chemistry - 2 to 4 credits
- BIOL 302 General Microbiology - 4 credits
- BIOL 307 Anatomy & Physiology: Nerves, Muscles, Skeleton - 4 credits
- BIOL 308 Anatomy & Physiology: Viscera - 4 credits
- BIOL 315 Genetics & Evolution of Populations - 4 credits
- BIOL 420 Biochemistry: Proteins & Metabolism - 4 credits
- BIOL 400 Topics in Biology - 2 to 4 credits
Life & Physical Sciences majors have found interesting and rewarding employment in a wide range of careers thanks to the breadth the program offers. The experience and qualifications acquired throughout their studies, research projects and internships enable graduates to work as professionals in government regulatory departments, in private industry, and with private general sciences-related consulting firms. Many of our graduates continue on to graduate school.
General Science Track Outcomes
Career Options:
- Lab Technician
- Elementary Education (would require an additional degree)
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Nature Center Guide
- Science Museum Guide
- Technical Writer
- Patent Lawyer
Graduate School Combinations:
- MBA 4+1 program with pharmaceutical sales rep
- Law school - patent law
Applied Science
Career Options:
- Technician
- Drafter
- Patent Law
- Safety Technician
- Law school - patent law
Science Communications
Career Options:
- Science Journalist
- Science Writer
- Science Editor
- Patent Law
- Technical Writer
- Pharmaceutical Public Relations
- Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Sales Representative
Graduate School Combinations:
- Law school - patent law
Human Health Sciences
Career Options:
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate School:
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) - pharmacy, dentistry or osteopathic programs
Similar Programs
Students enrolled in our General Science major may find double-majoring or minoring in other similar programs of interest to them.