DIVISION OF
NATURAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
J. Beers, Blume, Bowden, Essary, Funk, Greuel (chair), Main, Newton, Piston, Siemens, Swearingen, Umesiri, Wakefield
The Division of Natural and Health Sciences, consisting of the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Kinesiology, Mathematics, and Physics is equipped to give students excellent training in the indicated fields. Majors are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Exercise Studies, Mathematics, and Sports Medicine; a minor field may be selected in any of the departments. Degrees that prepare students for professional careers are available as well. These include a Teacher Education Program in Mathematics, and pre-professional programs leading to occupations in health fields, industry, scientific research, and college teaching.
Students with high achievement are encouraged to consider graduate study. The Division offers Core Curriculum courses that provide a breadth of practical scientific knowledge to students throughout the university. In each area of the curricula, the Division desires to provide an understanding of the natural world that can help our students to become established as Christian thinkers, prepared for God-honoring careers and service.
PREPARATION FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL STUDY
"Pre-medicine" is not a major at John Brown University. At most institutions of higher learning, a curriculum termed "pre-medicine" means simply that a student is meeting requirements for admission to medical school and, therefore, in addition to working toward a baccalaureate degree in some discipline, the student is satisfying these specific requirements. JBU has a Pre-Health Professions Program (PHPP) for students preparing for training as a physician, dentist, optometrist, veterinarian, or a career in one of the allied health professions, such as physician assistant, physical therapist, and occupational therapist, among others. While students in any major may participate in the PHPP, majors in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Sports Medicine provide particularly good preparation for careers in the health professions. All students in the PHPP must fulfill certain requirements in the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics), communication skills, and courses from the social sciences and humanities, under the guidance of the Health Professions Advisory Committee. More information is available in the Student Handbook of the Division of Natural and Health Sciences.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
(SYMBOL: BIO)
The Department of Biology offers courses designed to give the student a broad foundation in the principles of biology and a familiarity with current problems in specific subdisciplines of biology. The approach taken by the department is to explore a Christian interpretation of the scientific facts and theories of life processes, emphasizing the harmony of such theories with a biblically-based worldview.
The Biology Department, in cooperation with the Chemistry Department, offers pre-professional training for students interested in a career as a dentist, physician, medical technologist, nurse, optometrist, pharmacist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician assistant, public health worker, and veterinarian. Graduates of the Biology Department may look forward to careers in a number of fields including teaching, research, bioethics, biotechnology, field biology/naturalist area, camp and recreation, missions, and government service. The curriculum includes courses normally required for admission to graduate schools. A degree in Biology can be combined with a minor in Education to prepare for alternative secondary teaching certification.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Biology
1. University Core Curriculum-46 hours
The Mathematics and Natural Science electives are covered by program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Department
A. Biology Major Core-33-34 hours
BIO 3301 Field Experience (required of all students in the Pre-Health Professions Program)
MTH 2103 Applied Statistics for Scientists
One of the following:
B. Biology Major Electives: 20 hours of upper-division Biology courses, which may include CHM 3164 and as many as four hours of research (BIO 4221, 4222, or 4223)
3. Additional courses, selected in consultation with academic advisor, for completion of a minor or fulfillment of prerequisites for graduate school, medical school, dental school, or other professional schools. May also include additional upper-division Biology courses, including additional hours of research (BIO 4221, 4222, or 4223), or courses applied toward completion of a second major.
4. Complete a standardized achievement test designated by the department
5. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Requirements for minor in Biology
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 20 hours.
BIO 1124 Cell Biology
An additional 16 hours selected from BIO.
At least eight hours must be upper-division courses.
Minor in Education
Students interested in teaching should complete a minor in Education.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
(SYMBOL: CHM)
The science of chemistry deals with the composition and changes of matter. The Department of Chemistry offers courses in which students study fundamental principles that provide a strong basis for understanding the physical world and provide opportunity to develop laboratory skills.
Chemistry courses address such topics as theories of atomic and molecular structure and the nature of chemical reactions. Courses are specifically designed to provide a foundational knowledge of chemistry necessary for understanding biological processes, to help students develop a scientific attitude, to give practice in the experimental method, to provide training in laboratory techniques, to enable the student to acquire the chemical background necessary for certain specialized professions and vocational fields, and to acquaint students with the chemical aspects of our environment and our civilization. A degree in Chemistry with a minor in Education will prepare students for alternative secondary teaching certification.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Chemistry
1. University Core Curriculum-49 hours
The Mathematics and Physical Science electives are covered by program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Department-58 hours
CHM 3114 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
CHM 4134 Physical Chemistry II
MTH 2103 Applied Statistics for Scientists
Five hours from among the following (three hours maximum in research):
CHM 1101 Chemistry Practicum: Glassblowing
CHM 2151 Seminar: Nanotechnology
CHM 3101 Chemistry Practicum: Teaching
CHM 4221/22/23 Chemistry Research
3. Complete a standardized achievement test designated by the department
4. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Biochemistry
1. University Core Curriculum-46 hours
The Mathematics and Natural Science electives are covered by program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Department-77 hours
BIO 3174 Molecular Cell Biology
CHM 3114 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
CHM 4134 Physical Chemistry II
MTH 2103 Applied Statistics for Scientists
One of the following:
Eight hours from the following (including no more than four hours of research):
BIO 4221/22/23 Biological Research
CHM 2151 Seminar: Nanotechnology
CHM 4221/22/23 Chemistry Research
3. Complete a standardized achievement test designated by the department
4. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Requirements for minor in Chemistry
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 20 hours, selected from the following:
CHM 3114 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry
Minor in Education
Students interested in teaching should complete a minor in Education.
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SCIENCE
(SYMBOL: GSC)
Requirements for minor in General Science
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours.
Required courses-must be taken in at least two of the following departments: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science (excluding GSC 3103).
At least eight hours must be upper-division courses.
DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY
(SYMBOL: KIN)
The Department of Kinesiology offers two programs: the Bachelor of Science degree with major in Sports Medicine and the Bachelor of Science degree with major in Exercise Studies. The baccalaureate curriculum in Sports Medicine leads to entry into graduate programs in the allied health professions such as athletic training or physical therapy as well as graduate studies in other related fields such as exercise physiology, sports health, and sports psychology. The curriculum for Exercise Studies prepares students to conduct individual exercise programs and fitness testing. This program also meets the requirements to sit for the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine/Fitness Instructor Certification) and/or the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) NSCA-CPT.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Sports Medicine
1. University Core Curriculum-46 hours
Social Science - PSY 1013 needed as prerequisite for PSY 2383 and 2413. The Mathematics and Natural Science electives are covered by program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Division-70 - 75 hours
KIN 1283 Athletic Training Techniques
KIN 2283 Injury Evaluation and Rehabilitation
KIN 3303 Nutrition for Fitness and Sport
KIN 3483 Therapeutic Exercises and Modalities
MGT 3323 Management in Health and Sport
MTH 1113 College Algebra (waived by ACT Math score of 24 or SAT Math score of 580)
MTH 1122 Trigonometry (waived by ACT Math score of 24 or SAT Math score of 580, and B or better in high school Trigonometry)
PHY 1114 Fundamentals of Physics I
PHY 1124 Fundamentals of Physics II
PSY 2383 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
PSY 2413 Developmental Psychology
One of the following:
3. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Exercise Studies
1. University Core Curriculum-45 hours
The Natural Science and Wellness Activity electives are covered by program requirements.
2. Courses specified by this Department-52 hours
CHM 1014 Fundamentals of Chemistry
KIN 1081 Aerobic Walking/Jogging
KIN 1091 Nautilus and Free Weight Training
KIN 1283 Athletic Training Techniques
KIN 3303 Nutrition for Fitness and Sport
KIN 3353 Theory and Techniques of Coaching
KIN 3392 Personal Training Course
MGT 3323 Management in Health and Sport
3. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Requirements for minor in Kinesiology
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 19 hours.
KIN 1283 Athletic Training Techniques
KIN 3392 Personal Training Course
An additional eleven hours from among the following:
KIN 2283 Injury Evaluation and Rehabilitation
KIN 3303 Nutrition for Fitness and Sport
KIN 3353 Theory and Techniques of Coaching
KIN 3483 Therapeutic Exercise and Modalities
MGT 3323 Management in Health and Sport
At least six hours must be upper-division courses.
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
(SYMBOL: MTH)
The Department of Mathematics offers courses which provide a solid foundation in the mathematical sciences consistent with a Christian worldview. The curriculum is designed to provide the Mathematics major with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter a career in teaching, insurance and finance, industry, or to continue into graduate school. The department also offers a Core Curriculum course and support courses for students majoring in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Elementary Education, and Pre-Professional Programs.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with major in Mathematics
1. University Core Curriculum-49 hours
The Mathematics and Physical Science electives are covered by program requirements.
2. Courses Specified by this Department-48 hours
MTH 2114 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
MTH 3103 Foundations of Mathematics
One of the following:
MTH 3173 Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
MTH 3183 Probability and Statistics
An additional six hours of upper-division mathematics courses.
CS 1113 Introduction to Computing
3. Minor field
4. Complete a standardized achievement test designated by the department
5. Electives as necessary to complete minimum total hours
Minimum total semester hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Requirements for minor in Mathematics
The student must successfully complete a minimum of 21 hours.
An additional 18 hours selected from MTH.
At least six hours must be upper-division courses.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) degree with major in Mathematics
See B.S.E. degree with major in Mathematics in Education Division.
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
(SYMBOL: PHY)
The courses in this department are planned to meet the requirements of students who intend to specialize in engineering, chemistry, or allied subjects; or are fulfilling pre-medical, pre-dental, or similar pre-professional requirements.
Requirements for minor in Physics
A minimum of 18 hours from PHY (excluding 1114 and 1124).
At least six hours must be upper-division courses.
