Natural Sciences Major (M)

The goal of the Department of Life and Earth Sciences at Concordia University Wisconsin is to develop competent scientists with a Christian worldview. The graduates of its programs will possess the current scientific knowledge and research/data interpretation skills so necessary for entering scientific or medical careers in industry, academia, or government. More importantly, they will be prepared to provide a Christian influence and ethical perspective to the debate on the science-related issues facing the world today.

The Natural Science major is designed to accompany a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education for students preparing to teach high school science.  Accordingly, it provides a wide-ranging background combined with an opportunity for an area of specialization.  Students pursuing other careers in science, or intending to apply to graduate programs in science, generally should choose a more specialized major. 

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod affirms that all of Scripture, including the creation account in Genesis, is the word of God, true, and authoritative for faith and life. Current conventional scientific theories that conflict with the account in Genesis might be studied in portions of this course. In no way should this be seen as endorsement of a non-authoritative view of Scripture by the course instructor or by Concordia University. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to explain major biological and related scientific concepts (Knowledge Base of Biology and Related Sciences);
  • Demonstrate the ability to appropriately collect and analyze data while utilizing laboratory equipment and procedures safely and effectively (Biological Procedures and Data)
  • Develop investigative and critical thinking skills to explore complex questions and solve challenging scientific problems (Scientific Inquiry);
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information effectively to both scientists and non-scientists (Scientific Communication);
  • Recognize how vocations in science provide opportunities for service to Christ and others and necessitate ethical behavior in all aspects of science (Vocation and Ethics) demonstrate an understanding of how/why a Christian sees evidence of God’s design in nature and how to be good stewards of His creation (God’s Design and Stewardship).

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements51
Electives 124
Minor: Optional
Total Hours120
1

For Secondary Education Students, the credit total is 130

Required Core Courses
General Biology I (Science with a Lab)
Statistics I (MATH 205 for Biology Emphasis; MATH 128 for Chemistry/Physics Emphases)
College Algebra
Public Speaking (Communication)
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to Writing
Courses Required for Secondary Education Students
Foundations of Education (Core Human Beings & Being Human requirement)
Human Relations for Teachers (Core Society and Culture requirement)
Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Science - Secondary (Required pedagogy class) 2
Major Requirements23
General Biology I (taken in core)
BIO 142General Biology II4
CHEM 141General Chemistry I4
CHEM 142General Chemistry II4
PHYS 151General Physics I4
or PHYS 171 University Physics I
PHYS 152General Physics II4
or PHYS 172 University Physics II
SCI 275Cosmogony3
Choose one environmentally-focused class3-4
Choose one of the following emphases:9-17
Emphasis in Biology
Emphasis in Chemistry
Emphasis in Physics
Major Electives7-15
Total Hours51
2

Requires Upper Division Status

Environmentally-Related Courses 

BIO 156Environmental Science4
or PHYS 108 Introductory Astronomy
or SCI 195 Meteorology
or SCI 235 Earth Science
or SCI 246 Oceanography

Emphasis in Biology 

Statistics I (taken in core)
BIO 146Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (If BIO 191 is chosen, BIO 192 must be selected as a major elective)4
or BIO 191 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 244Botany4
BIO 260Biology of Microorganisms4
BIO 348Genetics4
BIO 490Biology Senior Seminar (fall semester)1
Total Hours17

Emphasis in Chemistry 

College Algebra (taken in core)
CHEM 241Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 242Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 225Analytical Chemistry4
CHEM 425Biochemistry4
CHEM 491Chemistry Senior Seminar I1
Total Hours17

Emphasis in Physics

College Algebra (taken in core)
Introductory Astronomy (must be selected as environmentally-focused course)
University Physics I (must be selected as major requirement)
University Physics II (must be selected as major requirement)
MATH 201Calculus I (must be taken before PHYS 171)4
MATH 202Calculus II4
CHEM 491Chemistry Senior Seminar I1
Total Hours9

Major Electives 

7 elective credits are required for the biology/chemistry emphases, 15 for the physics emphasis.  Major electives can be selected from any courses in the other emphases (BiologyChemistryPhysics), additional courses from the environmentally-focused category, or selected from the following (prerequisites may apply):

CHEM 235Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry4
BIO 192Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
BIO 240Zoology4
BIO 321Cell Biology4
BIO 367Ecology of the Tropics3
BIO 368Ecology of the Tropics-Lab1
BIO 410Ecology4
Other courses approved by the chair of the Department of Life and Earth Sciences