2023-2024 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Integrated Science Studies, BS


Program Description

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrated Science Studies provides students with a well-rounded and rigorous background across the core scientific disciplines of biology, geology, chemistry, and physics while conveying advanced information that spans the respective content areas. The program encourages students to think about the interdisciplinarity of science by emphasizing the fundamental tenets of each discipline, how they interact, how these interactions can be applied towards our understanding of the natural world, and the overall nature of science. Students in the program will gain an in depth understanding of established scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws while being encouraged to participate in the process themselves as they generate and test new hypotheses through participation in innovative research. 

Students will choose a concentration in the Agriculture, Pre-Health Professional, or Earth and Biological concentration. 

Earth and Biological Concentration:

The Earth and Biological Concentration focuses on the complex biological and physical systems that shape the world around us. The concentration is designed to ensure students gain a balanced understanding of the geological processes that have created the Earth as well as an in-depth understanding of the ecological and biological systems housed within. Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of how the two systems intermingle and influence one another. The Earth portion of the concentration develops understanding of the non-living environment while the Biological aspect engages the living world and corresponding ecological processes. Students in this concentration will have the opportunity to pursue their interests in the environment. 

Pre-Health Professional Concentration: 

The Pre Health Professional concentration delves deep into the anatomy and physiology of organisms with a special emphasis on preparing students for graduate and professional programs in health care fields. The coursework prepares students for such potential professional opportunities as Physicians Assistant, Medical, Pharmaceutical, Veterinary, or Optometry Schools. There is an ever increasing need for health care professionals and this concentration serves as a starting point for these in demand fields.

Agricultural Concentration:

The Agricultural Science concentration builds off of the strong foundation built by the ISS degree to prepare students for careers and/or graduate and professional programs relating to the field of agriculture.  Northwest Ohio is home to a thriving agricultural industry and the Lake Campus is situated in Mercer County, which currently ranks number 1 in total value of agricultural products sold (2012 data via USDA) in OH agricultural production.  Many of the students within this region have an existing interest in agriculture and this concentration will offer a unique opportunity to pursue this field of study.

Admission Requirements

Students must have: 

• 2.0 GPA

• 16 hours earned

• Grade of “C” or higher in one course in the chosen major

Upon admission, a student will be assigned an advisor at the Lake Campus who will help the student develop a program of study.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to effectively communicate the scientific method
  • Students will have competency in the four core science disciplines
  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills
  • Students will demonstrate fundamental field techniques necessary to collect data for scientific research

Agriculture Concentration Learning Outcome:

  • Students will develop a broad knowledge base in principles of agronomy, agroecosystems, and animal science. 

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Program Requirements:


I. Wright State Core: 40 Hours


Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours


Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours


Required:

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours


Element 4: Arts/Humanities: 3 Hours


Element 5: Social Science: 7 Hours


Required:

Element 6: Natural Science: 10 Hours


Required:

Additional Core Courses: 4 Hours


Required:

III. Departmental Requirements: 3 hours


IV. General Electives: 2-6.5 Hours


At most 3 credits may be independent or field study.

Earth and Biological Concentration: 32 hours


Students in the Earth and Biological Concentration must take the following courses:

Total: 120 Hours