Nature, its origins and its evolution, its strengths and its frailties, its order and its perceived disarray, constitutes the realm of study classified as science. Scientists search for interconnecting relationships and traits of order to understand the nature of our universe. Each new discovery provides additional knowledge and frequently enables the solution of previously perplexing questions. Often technology is able to transform scientific discovery into applications which are beneficial to our everyday living. Technology would be impoverished were it not for the new knowledge continually being sought by scientists. At the same time, science could not progress without the advances in instrumentation and techniques generated by technology. Thus, a symbiotic relationship exists between science and technology, a relationship which permeates the courses and programs in the college.

The departments of the College of Science are organized to respond to the needs of students for both general and specialized education in science in offering the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. The former degree permits heavy emphasis in selected subject matter and closely allied fields, whereas the latter degree is designed for the student who desires a more broadly based education while still specializing in one of the sciences. Additionally, the college offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematical Science, a joint program between the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics.

For this reason, many students select a degree program in science to complete their prerequisite courses for professional study programs. The early admissions option to professional schools of dentistry or medicine in the zoology degree program provides the opportunity for a student to receive a degree in zoology if they are successful in gaining admission to a professional study program in medicine or dentistry prior to completion of a regular four-year degree program. To receive the degree, they must complete all requirements under this program and successfully complete their first year of medical or dental school.

In addition to the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, the College of Science includes the Cyclotron Institute, a research institute that emphasizes fundamental studies of nuclear science in which both undergraduate and graduate students participate. The College of Science offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in all departments.

1. General Requirements: General requirements include those which are required in every degree program at the University. Please refer to these requirements defined in the University Core Curriculum and graduation requirements in computer science and foreign language sections of this catalog. Special guidelines should be noted in the following categories:

A. U.S. History and Political Science (12 hours)

1. Political Science (6 hours) This requirement may be met through POLS206 and 207.

2. U.S. History (6 hours) Two courses in U.S. history will fulfill this requirement. Students seeking teacher certification must complete HIST 105 and 106.

NOTE: Three hours in history and three hours of political science may be substituted by successfully completing the required four semesters of upper-level ROTC curriculum.

B. Foreign Language

1. The B.A. in Biology requires successful completion of at least a two-semester sequence at the University level of a foreign language. The course sequence must be in the same language. (All other degrees must meet those found in graduation requirements in computer science and foreign language.)

C. The International and Cultural Diversity portion of the University Core Curriculum may be fulfilled by 6 hours from the courses listed on here. These courses may be in addition to other University Core Curriculum requirements, or if a course in this category satisfies another area of the Core, it can be used to meet both requirements.

2. Major Field of Study: Each department sets its own requirements for the major. At least 12 semester hours in the major must be completed in advanced courses (300- or 400-level) in residence at Texas A&M.

3. Minor Field of Study: The B.A. degree requires a minor field of study or an area of emphasis for students pursuing teacher certification. A minor requires 15-18 semester hours in one discipline. Six of these hours must be advanced (300- or 400-level) courses. Students must contact the department offering the minor to determine course requirements. Students pursuing a B.S. degree may select an optional minor. Contact the department offering the minor to determine course requirements.

4. Electives: Electives should be chosen to enhance the student's degree program and/or complete professional school prerequisites if not contained in required courses in the degree plan. Elective courses must be above the minimum level required in other areas of the degree program. For example, MATH 102, 103 and 150 are not acceptable because they are below the minimum requirement of calculus. Also, introductory courses to another field of study such as BIMS 101 and AGLS 101 will not count toward degree requirements. Lower-level and upper-level ROTC courses are not acceptable as electives. Please consult an advisor when selecting electives.