Sample Courses
- Introduction to human evolution looks at homo sapiens as a living organism, with a focus on biological evolution, genetics, and fossil hominids.
- Foundations I: Genetics and evolution examines the genetic basis of life and the evolutionary basis of biological diversity.
- General chemistry laboratory teaches laboratory skills through chemical reactions and writing equations, phase diagrams, equilibrium constants, acid-base titrations, voltaic cells, and exercises in kinetics and inorganic chemistry.
- Biogeography studies the relation of plants and animals to the environment by examining the distribution of individual species, and historical changes in plant distribution.
- Food and culture takes an anthropological approach to the role of nutrients in human development, cultural determinants and differences among populations,
and world food policy. - Introduction to data structures is a computer and information science course that explores the design and analysis of data structures as means of engineering
efficient software. - Biopsychology examines the relationships between brain and endocrine activity and behavior, with topics ranging from sensation, perception, sexual behavior, drug effects, eating, drinking, sleeping, dreaming and learning.
Hands On Learning
General science gives you the opportunity to take many laboratory courses in chemistry, physics, and biology.
Field studies in geology and anthropology can take you to nearby coastal, forest, high desert, and alpine environments.
All motivated science students can seek out research opportunities as well.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
General science is particularly compatible with students whose scientific interests are not contained within a single discipline. The neurosciences, environmental sciences, and biophysical sciences are examples of such cross-disciplinary areas.
Science minors (biology, chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics) are relatively easy for the general science student to obtain, since you can double-count upper division courses taken for the general science major in your minor. Some general science students choose a language as their second major especially if they are interested in career fields where bilingualism is an asset, as in teaching.
If you have an interest in environmental problem-solving, a second major or a minor in Planning, Public Policy, and Management (with an emphasis in resource development and environmental management) might be a good way to go.