Program Overview
The general science program is designed for students planning to enter interdisciplinary fields; to enter medicine, public health, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, or other allied health fields; or to undertake other programs requiring a general scientific background. Students who intend to do graduate work in a specific scientific field are advised to major in that field.
The bachelor of science degree, with a major in General Science, requires successful completion of a minimum of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (2) BS degree requirements; (3) major requirements listed below; and (4) a minor approved by the student’s minor advisor (the following minors may not be used with the general science major: biology, chemistry, physics, physical science).
Program Outline
Courses required for the BS in General Science might not satisfy the UCA Upper Division Core requirements. Students may choose any upper-division courses with the appropriate designations (C, D, I and R) to satisfy these requirements. It is recommended that they consider courses in their minor to satisfy the Upper Division Core. There is currently no Capstone Course in the General Science BS program. Students must take a capstone experience course (courses designated with a Z in the bulletin) as part of their minor or complete the prerequisites necessary to enroll in the capstone experience course in biology, chemistry or physics.
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in General Science / Option A enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390. Students majoring in General Science / Option B with an ACT Math subscore between 22 and 26 should enroll in MATH 1486 Calculus Preparation. Students with an ACT Math subscore of 27 or greater should enroll in MATH 1496 Calculus I.
Major in General Science
The basis of the General Science BS consists of a three-semester sequence of courses in each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Required courses
- BIOL 1440 Principles of Biology I
- BIOL 1441 Principles of Biology II
- BIOL 2490 Genetics
- CHEM 1450 College Chemistry I
- CHEM 1451 College Chemistry II
- CHEM 2401 Organic Chemistry or CHEM 3520 Quantitative Analysis
- PHYS 1410 College Physics I or PHYS 1441 University Physics I
- PHYS 1420 College Physics II or PHYS 1442 University Physics II
- PHYS 2411 College Astronomy or PHYS 2430 College Physics III or PHYS 2443 University Physics III
To complete the General Science degree requirements, student must complete either Option A or Option B below.
Option A (52 hours)
- 4 hours of BIOL electives at the 3000-level or higher
- 4 hours of CHEM electives at the 3000-level or higher
- 4 additional hours of either BIOL or CHEM electives at the 3000-level or higher (BIOL 4340, CHEM 4112, CHEM 4290, and CHEM 4301 are excluded).
- MATH 1491 Applied Calculus for the Life Sciences or MATH 1496 Calculus I
Option B* (56 hours)
- 4 hours of CHEM electives at the 3000-level or higher
- 4 hours of PHYS electives at the 3000-level or higher
- 4 additional hours of either CHEM or PHYS electives at the 3000-level or higher (CHEM 4112, CHEM 4290, CHEM 4301, and PHYS 4360 are excluded).
- MATH 1496 Calculus I
- MATH 1497 Calculus II
* Students selecting Option B must complete PHYS 2430 or PHYS 2443.
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
