Academics

Pursuit of knowledge through scientific study has been the cornerstone of human accomplishment throughout history. The College of Science continues this tradition by providing undergraduate students with curricula that allow exploration and mastery of both the basic concepts and most recent advances of modern science and preparation for professional scientific careers. The College of Science consists of the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees offered by these departments prepare students to pursue a wide variety of rewarding, professional scientific careers or graduate study. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered in all departments. Bachelor of Arts degrees allow students to develop a broad liberal education with a concentration in science and are particularly appropriate for careers in science teaching. Bachelor of Science degrees provide students with a more intensive background in science, preparing them for advanced graduate study or entry into exciting technological careers in industry, medicine, government, business, or commerce. A wide range of degree options within departmental B.S. programs provide students with career-oriented course work required to pursue professional career paths in specific scientific fields. All departments within the college provide highly accessible student academic and career advising that support customization of degree plans to meet a student's specific career goals.

The College of Science fosters interaction between students and faculty. Faculty actively participate as advisors to student scientific societies and are readily available to assist or advise students both within and outside the classroom. Faculty members in all departments actively participate in research supported by world-class research facilities and modern scientific equipment. Undergraduate science majors are encouraged to engage in research under the supervision of a faculty member of their choice, many of whom have international reputations for their scholarly contributions. Students can receive course credit for supervised research.

Beyond the undergraduate degree, the College of Science offers programs leading to graduate degrees. All departments offer Master of Science degrees (M.S.) that allow students to pursue technologically intensive careers in public or private arenas. A Master of Arts in Science (M.A.I.S.) degree program specifically prepares students for careers as science teachers. The departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology offer the Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) that allows students to carry out independent dissertation research within a chosen scientific specialty, leading to careers in research and/or university teaching. The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees offered by the Graduate Program in Environmental Science and Engineering prepare students for careers as environmental professionals. The Graduate Catalog provides details of the college's master's and doctoral degree programs.

Also available to undergraduate students in the College of Science are unique and innovative combined degree programs leading to both a B.S. degree and a graduate or professional degree within an accelerated time frame. These combined degree programs include the five-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology/Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree programs in Health Care and Biomedical Sciences Management and a five-year B.S. in Biology/Master of Biomedical Engineering (M.B.E.) degree program (see the Department of Biology section of this catalog for detailed descriptions of these programs).

The College of Science takes pride in offering students outstanding degree programs in all of its departments. These programs are marked by excellent teaching, broad undergraduate research opportunities and superior academic and career advising. Graduates of these degree programs are highly competitive in the job market or when applying to nationally recognized graduate or health professions schools. Please visit the College of Science and speak with one of our advisors. Call 817-272-3491 to make an appointment.

The future marvels of the 21st century will spring from science just as did those of the 20th century. The human genome project, miracle drugs, efficient fuels, arrays of new synthetic materials, the transistor, the laser, nuclear power, solar energy, computers, the Worldwide Web, global information systems, the electron microscope, nanotechnology, bioinformatics and sophisticated techniques for locating mineral deposits are merely a few examples of the crowning scientific achievements of the past century. Discoveries of similar or greater magnitude lie ahead in this new century as scientists bring their talents to bear on modern society's pressing problems such as alternative energy sources, environmental protection, and improved health care. Students graduating from College of Science degree programs have the unique opportunity to participate in this century of new and unparalleled scientific discovery.

The University of Texas at Arlington does not admit students to specific degree programs. Instead students wishing to pursue a major in one of the College of Science undergraduate degree programs must apply to the appropriate academic unit for acceptance into that program. Students should familiarize themselves with the general requirements for acceptance to the degree program of their choice as well as the specific requirements for granting of the degree.

Academic Policies for College of Science Majors

In the College of Science, students are required to maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.25 in all their course work as well as a minimum GPA of 2.25 in their major course work in order to remain in good standing within their degree program. Students whose overall or major GPA falls below 2.25 will be dropped as a major in the College of Science and must select an alternative major.

The general College of Science policy on academic probation may be superseded by more rigorous policies within specific science degree programs.

Academic Policies for Science Minors

A science minor consists of 18 credit hours or more in any one of the departments within the college. At least 6 of the 18 hours must be in advanced 3000 or 4000 level courses. All classes that are to be used toward a minor must also be applicable toward a major in the same discipline. Non majors courses may not be applied toward a minor.

A 2.0 grade average must be maintained in the minor In order to be approved by the minor department. All classes for a science minor must be approved by an academic advisor in the minor department. Transfer students must complete at least nine hours toward the minor at UT Arlington, and six of the nine must be 3000 or 4000 level.

Transfer Students

Field of Study:

Students who complete an approved field of study curriculum in whole or in part will receive academic credit for the equivalent courses within their selected field of study at UT Arlington. To view the field of study curriculums approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, visit www.thecb.state.tx.us.

Core Complete:

Students who transfer from a Texas community college or university and are certified as core complete shall have satisfied the core requirements of UT Arlington. Academic departments may, in some instances, require specific courses outside the major as prerequisites for major course work.

Academic Standards:

Students who wish to be admitted to a department within the College of Science must have a grade point average of 2.25 or higher in all college course work completed prior to application for admission to the UT Arlington College of Science.

Competence in Computer Use

Graduating students are expected to be proficient in the use of computers. Proficiency is considered to be the ability to utilize word-processing, database/spreadsheet, statistical, graphical and other representative software applications in a student's major discipline. Each student should be able to tap the communications, analytical, and information-retrieval potential of computers to solve scientific problems and evaluate research results. Students should consult with their individual department, school or college undergraduate advisors to determine the mechanisms by which they can demonstrate computer competency. A student may be required to pass a proficiency examination or complete a department- or college-designated computer proficiency course to meet this requirement.

Competence in Oral Presentations

Graduating students are expected to have proficiency in oral communication skills including interaction in classroom settings to meet the needs of their course work and utilization of acceptable grammar and pronunciation in formal presentations. Students should consult their individual department, school or college undergraduate advisors to determine the mechanisms by which they can demonstrate oral communication skills competency. A student may be required to pass a proficiency examination or complete a department- or college-designated oral communication skills course to meet this requirement.

Substitutions for Modern and Classical Languages in the College of Science Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

With the approval of the major advisor and the Dean of Science, a student may substitute two courses in a single area cluster for six hours of a modern or classical language. The area clusters:

African American area cluster
HIST 3365. African-American History to 1865
HIST 3366. African-American History, 1865-present
POLS 4318. Politics of African Americans
HIST 4374. African History I
HIST 4375. African History II
HIST 4376. African Diaspora I
HIST 4377. African Diaspora II.
ENGL 3345 African American Literature

Mexican area cluster
HIST 3368. Mexican American History.
HIST 3369. The History of Latino Religions
HIST 4368. History of Mexico
POLS 3317. Mexican Politics & US Mexico Relations
POLS 4319. Politics of Mexican Americans.
ENGL 3346 Mexican American Literature.

American Indian area cluster
ANTH 3333. North American Indians
ANTH 3350. North American Archaeology
HIST 3367. American Indian History
HIST 3370. The Image of the American West.

Russian area cluster
ENGL 3301. Russian Literature in Translation
HIST 4359. History of Russia to 1855
HIST 4360. History of Russia since 1855
POLS 4365. Foreign Policies of Russia and the Successor States

Latin America area cluster
ART 3320. Art of the Ancient Americas.
HIST 4365. History of Spain and Portugal
HIST 4366. Latin American History: Origins Through Independence
HIST 4367. Latin American History: Post-Independence to the Present
POLS 3316. Dictatorship and Democracy in Latin American Politics
POLS 4319. Politics of Mexican Americans

One of ANTH 2322, Global Cultures, or ANTH 3331, Culture and Personality, or LING 2301, Introduction to the Study of Human Languages, may substitute for three hours in one of the area clusters.

Advising of premedical/dental/pharmacy/optometry and veterinary medicine students is provided by the Office of the Dean of Science, Room 206 in the Life Science Building. Services for students include preadmission counseling, career counseling, and assistance in applying to professional schools. Many medical and dental schools request a recommendation from the applicant's undergraduate institution. At The University of Texas at Arlington, this recommendation is provided by the Health Professions Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to interview and evaluate applicants for admission to medical or dental school. Criteria for obtaining a Committee recommendation are established by the Committee and are periodically reviewed. Students planning to apply to professional schools should contact the Health Professions Advisor in the Office of the Dean of Science at least one year prior to making application.

Medical and dental school applicants should begin the application process in January of the year preceding their intended entry to professional school. An applicant's file should be complete, including the Health Professions Advisory Committee evaluation by the following May 1.

Students who plan to enroll for the fall MCAT and DAT examinations are expected to follow the spring application process. The professional schools will hold the applicant's credentials until MCAT and DAT scores are received.

In general, medical and dental school admission committees do not state a preference regarding an applicant's undergraduate major, leaving students to choose a degree program best suited to their special abilities and interests. Therefore, a student may choose any major, after conferring with the Health Professions Advisor, as long as the minimum requirements for admission to the medical or dental school are met.

The post baccalaureate premedical program is designed for those students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue admission to medical school. Since student backgrounds may vary, each post baccalaureate program is custom designed for the individual student. Students in this program may complete premedical requirements in one to two years depending upon their undergraduate major and the time of entry to the program.

Post baccalaureate courses can be completed independently of a structured degree or certificate. The only concern on the part of the medical schools is that all requirements are completed. For those students who wish to recieve a certificate in recognition of their studies, the College of Science offers a Certificate in Pre Professional Studies. The certificate requires completion of two upper division biology classes approved by the health professions advisor, two organic chemistry classes ( CHEM 2321 & 2181, 2322 & 2182 ) and the second semester of physics ( PHYS 1442 ). In order to recieve the certificate, students must maintain a 3.5 or higher grade point average in all required courses and the courses must be completed at UTA.

Students who wish to gain experience providing care for underserved persons outside the U.S. may enroll in a summer Foreign Clinical Experience Program jointly coordinated by the School of Nursing and the College of Science. Students in this program first take a class that familiarizes them with the culture of the country they are visiting. They then travel to the host country where they assist in a designated clinical setting. Upon completion of the experience, students submit a paper summarizing what they have learned and are awarded course credit for their experience.

The University of Texas at Arlington offers prerequisites for a number of programs in the allied health sciences. Career counseling, degree plan evaluation and assistance in procuring hands-on experience are available for students seeking degrees in:

Health Care Administration

Physical Therapy

Dental Hygiene

Physician's Assistant

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Medical Technology*

Dietetics

as well as other related fields. These services are offered through the office of the Allied Health Coordinator, Department of Biology, Room 351, Life Science Building.

*The program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology is described under the Department of Biology.

Programs leading to teacher certification at secondary levels are available in departments of the College of Science in coordination with the College of Education and Health Professions. Included among these are secondary certification in Composite Science offered in the Departments of Biology and Earth and Environmental Sciences; in Life Science offered in the Department of Biology; in Physical Science offered in the Departments of Physics and Chemistry and Biochemistry; in Chemistry offered in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; in Physics/Mathematics offered in the Department of Physics; and in Mathematics offered in the Department of Mathematics. Descriptions of these programs are provided in each department’s section of this catalog.

Students transferring from other institutions are invited to explore opportunities in the College of Science. Inquiries about the equivalency of their transferred courses and other questions related to transferring are welcome in the Office of the Dean of Science, 206 Life Science Building.

Students who plan to attend junior college or another senior college before entering UT Arlington can receive assistance in planning their course work programs and potentially avoid needless delay of graduation by consulting an advisor in the Office of the Dean of Science (206 Life Science Building) before matriculating.

The Science Constituency Council is the official representative student organization for the College of Science with Student Government. Meeting twice monthly, the SCC serves both the College and its students. The SCC strives to involve a greater number of students in all aspects of the College of Science. SCC members are majors in the departments of the College. At least half of the voting members are elected during Student Congress elections. Self-nomination is encouraged.

501 S. Nedderman Dr. · 106 Life Science Bldg. · 817-272-2129

The Science Education and Career Center is an on-site resource facility designed to support student learning and course work in science and mathematics through self-study modules and a variety of study aids. In cooperation with College of Science faculty, the center offers a full spectrum of multimedia resource materials and study aids for students in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics and psychology classes. The Science Education and Career Center also provides students with a broad spectrum of information on career opportunities in science and career development presentations from a wide variety of scientific fields. The center also provides students with quiet study areas and a study lounge.

Materials currently available include:

• Videotapes
• VCR viewing stations
• Study guides and sample exams
• Lab notes and solutions manuals
• Interactive CD-ROMs
• Hands-on models
• Science careers resources and counseling
• On-site photocopiers
• Networked computers

The Math Clinic is a service provided on a walk-in basis for all math students enrolled in Math 0301, 0302, 1301, 1302, 1303, 1308, 1315, 1316, 1323, 1324, 1325, 1426, 2325, 2326, and 3319. It is located in Room 314, Pickard Hall, and is open seven days a week. The tutors are outstanding undergraduate students with demonstrated abilities for helping students.

The Physics Clinic is a tutoring service provided on a walk-in basis for students enrolled in Physics 1441, 1442, 1443 and 1444. The tutors include graduate students, faculty and outstanding undergraduates. The location and times are posted in the Physics Department Office, 108 Science Hall.

The College of Science provides a wide variety of science courses for non-science majors. These courses, including those listed below, have been specifically designed to be applicable to science and mathematics requirements for non-science majors. Non-major students should examine the requirements for their degrees before selecting science courses to meet those requirements. The listed courses are also intended to stimulate interest in science and mathematics beyond the specific degree requirements for non-science majors. The courses named have no prerequisites, few prerequisites, or prerequisites consisting of introductory courses only. The figures in parenthesis indicate the number of hours of instruction per week in the Fall and Spring Semesters. The first figure indicates the amount of time devoted to theory, and the second indicates the amount of time devoted to laboratory work.

Biology

1282. Introduction to Biology Laboratory (1-2)
1301. Nutrition (3-0)
1333. Introduction to Biology (3-0)
1334. Introduction to Biology (3-0)
2317. Basic Concepts in Human Sexuality (3-0)
3303. Drugs and Behavior (3-0)

Chemistry

1300. Introductory Chemical Principles (3-0)
1445. Chemistry for Non-Science Majors (3-3)
1446. Chemistry for Non-Science Majors (3-3)
1451. General and Biological Chemistry (3-3)

Geology

1425. Earth Systems (3-1)
1426. Earth History (3-1)
1430. Global Environmental Issues (3-1)
1450. Environmental Geology of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex (3-1)
2401. Weather and Climate (3-1)
2404. Geologic Hazards (3-1)
2405. History of Life and Geologic Time (3-1)
2410. Planetary Geology (3-1)

3403. Volcanoes and Volcanic Processes (3-1)

Mathematics

0301 THEA Test Preparation.
0302 Fundamentals of Algebra.
1301. Elementary Mathematical Modeling
1302. College Algebra (3-0)
1308. Elementary Statistical Analysis (3-0)
1315. College Algebra for Economics and Business Analysis (3-0)

Physics

1400. Introduction to Musical Acoustics (3-0)
1401. Physics for Nonspecialists I (3-2)
1402. Physics for Nonspecialists II (3-2)
1445. Introductory Astronomy I (3-2)
1446. Introductory Astronomy II (3-2)

Psychology

The psychology courses listed below are of general interest. Such courses contribute significantly to a well-balanced education even though they do not apply to any science requirement. Courses marked with an asterisk can be taken as biology.

1315. Introduction to Psychology (3-0)
2310. Behavior Management and Modification (3-0)
2317. Basic Concepts in Human Sexuality (3-0)*
2443. Psychological Statistics (3-2)
3301. Human Relations (3-0)
3303. Drugs and Behavior (3-0)*
3306. Psychology of Creativity and Creative Thinking (3-0)
3310. Developmental Psychology (3-0)
3311. Aging and Adulthood (3-0)
3312. Infancy and Early Childhood (3-0)
3313. Psychology of Cultural & Gender Diversity (3-0)
3314. Psychology of Personality (3-0)
3315. Social Psychology (3-0)
3316. Environmental Psychology (3-0)
3317. Introduction to Clinical and Counseling Psychology (3-0)
3318. Abnormal Psychology (3-0)
3326. Animal Behavior (3-0)*

View Course Descriptions for:

Science (SCIE)