Natural Sciences
Courses | Employment
Major
Major Requirements
- Biology 111, 112; and Chemistry 101, 104,
- Two courses in Physics and/ or Geology; and
- Five additional courses from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geology, Natural
Sciences or Physics. Seven of the required courses must have a laboratory component and at least
nine semester hours must be in courses numbered 250 or higher. A minimum of five courses in the
major field must be completed at Dominican.
A student must receive a minimum grade of “C-” in all courses used to satisfy the major
requirements.
Health Sciences Concentration
The nursing profession is rapidly evolving into a career that demands an increasing knowledge
of the natural sciences. In the technical field of clinical medicine, the nurse if often the “
front-line” for monitoring patient status and administering care. Successful nurses rely on
knowledge of the natural sciences to administer proper treatment. The health sciences
concentration provides the student with the necessary background to be competitive upon entrance to
nursing school and to excel in the nursing profession.
Required Courses
- Biology 111, 112, 120, 152, 160, 252, 260
- Chemistry 101, 104
- Mathematics 175, 211
- Philosophy 242
- Two courses in Physics and/or Geology
- Clinical Internship (minimum two semester hours)
Environmental Studies Concentration
This interdisciplinary field of study has an emphasis on human interactions with the
environment and the public policies, locally, nationally and internationally, that shape those
interactions. The student completing this concentration will have a strong background in the
laboratory and political sciences and in business that is necessary to understand the complexity of
environmental issues. Students are encouraged to choose a minor in a field that complements
their specific career goals.
Required Courses
- Biology 111, 112
- Chemistry 101, 104
- Mathematics 211
- Political Science 282, 295
- Theology 362
- Two courses in Physics and/or Geology
- Five courses in Environmental Studies and any science
- Internship, independent study or research in an environmental field (minimum 2 semester hours)
Education Concentration
For teachers to be successful they must be knowledgeable about what they teach and proficient
in how they teach. This concentration is designed to provide students seeking to teach in the
elementary and middle grades a broad base of knowledge in the sciences. The elementary
education program described in the Education section of this bulletin trains the student in the art
of teaching. Together these components enable the student to serve as an area specialist in
science education, a field underrepresented among elementary and middle school faculties.
Required Courses
- Biology 111, 112
- Chemistry 101, 104
- Two courses in Physics and/or Geology
- Five courses in science
- Four courses in Education
Courses
137. BASIC HUMAN BIOLOGY (4)
A survey of how the major organ systems of the body function. Essential material on cells and tissues will be included. Lecture and laboratory.This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
138. BIOTECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (3)
This course examines the role of biotechnology in human society. Basic concepts in genetics recombinant DNA technology, and molecular biology will be presented and discussed in order to serve as a foundation for understanding the benefit and ethical questions that arise from the use of derived technologies in agriculture, medicine, ecology and industry.143. WORLD POPULATION AND POLLUTION (3)
The application of ecological principles to environmental problems caused by human activities. Emphasis is given to alternatives to present practices. Topics include air and water pollution; resource depletion; loss of biodiversity; toxic and solid wastes; energy use; population growth and global poverty. Lecture.This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
160. GENETICS AND SOCIETY (3)
The study of heredity and its interrelationship with individual and societal activities. Not open to students who have completed Biology 392.Listed also as Psychology 260.
This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
161. CHEMISTRY IN OUR LIVES (3)
The chemistry behind the real world experiences of everyday life, such as plastics, food, and over-the-counter drugs. The chemistry of air, water, fossil fuels, global warming and other environmental issues are also discussed.Prerequisite: One year of high school algebra
Listed also as Chemistry 161.
201. SCIENCE IN CHICAGO (3)
This course acquaints students with the many fine science exhibits available in the Chicago area. Ten visits will be made to selected science museums, zoos and laboratories located less than an hour from campus. Students will be responsible for admission fees.202. OUR DYNAMIC PLANET (3-4)
A course in basic physical geology. A study of the formation, occurrences and structures of minerals and rocks; plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes and mountain building processes; glaciers and deserts; erosion and geologic time. To satisfy the laboratory component, students must enroll for four semester hours and attend the laboratory section.Listed also as Geology 201.
This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
205. ENERGY (3-4)
The physical theory of using heat to do work, the mechanisms of converting energy from one form to another, pollution and global warming will be discussed. Alternative energies such as biomass, nuclear, and solar, will also be included. Lecture, discussion, optional laboratory.To satisfy the laboratory component, students must enroll for four semester hours and attend the laboratory section.
Listed also as Physics 205.
This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
231. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY (4)
Listed also as Geology 231.240. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (4)
Listed also as Geography 240.250. NUTRITION (3)
Listed also as Nutrition Sciences 250.251. WATER, WETLANDS AND AQUASPHERE (4)
In this course we will discuss the many faces of water by looking at its role in environmental studies, chemistry, biology, international politics, public policy, business, physics, health, literature and religion. Lecture and laboratory.This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
253. SCIENCE FOR THE ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER (4)
Research, discovery and hands-on classroom activities form the basis for becoming familiar with scientific principles that apply to our everyday lives. Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered instructional method that requires student involvement in the learning process by incorporating interdisciplinary study, critical thinking skills and structured research considering the student's individual learning style to produce student-generated models of a given concept, process or knowledge base.Lecture and laboratory.
This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
270. ASTRONOMY (3-4)
Topics include the history of astronomy, basis optics, telescopes, and spectroscopy. The science of our solar system will be discussed with emphasis on geology and atmospheric sciences. Other topics will include the birth and death of stars including discussions of black holes. Contemporary topics such as dark matter, the expansion of the universe, and the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence will also be covered. To satisfy the laboratory component, students must enroll for four semester hours and attend the laboratory section.Prerequisite: Mathematics 130
Listed also as Physics 270.
This course will satisfy the natural sciences core area requirement.
INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OR CREATIVE INVESTIGATION (1-3)
Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced, Senior Thesis Independent Research or Creative Investigation is a course in which students collaborate with facultymentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct an independent project under the guidance of a faculty member. This directed undergraduate research or creative investigation culminates in a conference presentation, journal article or other creative/scholarly project.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Employment
Utilize the breadth of coursework in the Natural Science major for your program in nursing, environmental studies or teaching. Take courses in both the physical sciences and the natural sciences to position you for your career choice.
Choose from concentrations in
- Health sciences
- Education
- Environmental studies
- Positions in health-care
- Education
- Environmental studies
- Ecology
- Project development
- Waste management
- Health-care institutions
- Schools
- Colleges and universities
- Corporations
- Government
- Agencies