General Education

This requirement helps develop an understanding of scientific reasoning and the scientific method and expose students to the excitement of discovery in these separate fields. Students will be able to evaluate scientific data in order to make rational decisions on science-related issues that will affect their lives and community.

The same course cannot be counted for more than one requirement within Scientific Principles and Reasoning. For every requirement under the Scientific Principles and Reasoning category there are two pathways to complete the requirement--a one-course option and a multiple-course option (i.e., two or three courses). Multiple-course options are structured to cover much of the same material that is included in one-course options but in greater depth (see table). Students must take at least one course from each of the three areas (Physical Science, Biological Science, and Social Science). The options for different course requirements are independent of each other. That is, one may choose the multiple-course option to satisfy the Biological Science core requirement but choose the one-course option for the Physical Science.

In general, students will find it most efficient to take one-course options for a given requirement. However, students in some majors will find that a particular core requirement can be satisfied using the multiple-course pathway with courses they are already taking for their major. Students with career or personal interests outside their major may find that multiple-course options better serve their needs.

Requirement Rationale Statements for All University Core Courses