Undergraduate degrees: B.A, B.S.
Broad Curriculum Develops A Range of Skills
If you enjoy science and math and want to pursue a science-related career, general science may be the right major for you. Because it is broader than most undergraduate degree programs, the general science curriculum enables students to develop skills that relate to a wider variety of topics, ideas, and experiences. The program is multi-disciplinary —it requires a basic mastery of several sciences beyond the introductory level—and quite flexible, so that general science majors can tailor their academic program to meet specific goals.
As a general science major you will be able to take classes in astronomy, chemistry, biology, computer information science, anthropology, geology, physics, and geography—perfect if you love scientific exploration in its own right. By becoming familiar with a broad range of disciplines, a wide range of possibilities are open to you beyond working in a lab or teaching. You can apply your knowledge of science to careers in writing, social science, law, and activism.
The general science program has variety and flexibility; as a result, you will have a lot of say in how your course plan is designed. To fully take advantage of the program, you need to design your course schedule carefully. Fortunately, there are trained advisers to guide you through this process. You should consult frequently with your adviser and with faculty members on the program committee because they can help you in choosing courses and identifying career goals. They can also provide assistance in applying to professional schools or training programs that require completion of additional courses beyond those required for the general science major.
Points of Interest
- Students in the General Science Program master several sciences through the variety of course work required for the major
- You can use this flexible major to become a writer or teacher just as easily as you can use it to get into medical school
- Field study opportunities in geology, biology, physical anthropology, and marine biology take general science students out of the classroom and into the spectactular Pacific Northwest environment
- You can design your own academic program and tailor your studies to your interests by choosing your areas of specialization from a range of sciences
- Every term the program’s advisers put out a newsletter that contains helpful information and articles of interest to general science majors
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.
Student Work
Nghi Tran decided to major in general science because it provided a broad scope of the diverse fields within science. She was drawn to the degree because of her interest in learning about science and all its applications; she was less interested in delving deep into one specific field. She also felt that it was the best degree to pursue in order to reach her long-term goal of becoming a pharmacist. “[You get] a nice overview of a lot of good information you can readily apply to many health fields,” she says.
During her time at UO, Tran has been involved in the pre-pharmacy club, which provides students with information about pharmacy school and different aspects of the career field. In addition, Tran has interned with Peer Health and has volunteered with Volunteers in Medicine, which placed her at the on-campus clinic. During her internship Tran was able to work directly with patients. “I highly recommend volunteering at the clinic to any pre-pharmacy student,” she says. “It provides great exposure to the field.”
When senior Suzanne Wise was in high school, she realized that she wanted to be a dentist. For her, choosing an undergraduate degree in general science was the best way to get the information she needed to move on to a doctoral program in dentistry.
At a sophomore, Wise was a teaching assistant for two biology classes. She helped out with lab sections, graded papers and labs, and helped students when they had questions about the lab or the coursework.
In addition, Wise is in the pre-dental club and has job-shadowed several local dentists that were introduced to her through one of her biology classes. She also worked with Doctor Shane Samy once a week. “Definitely look into general science,” Wise says. “You don’t hear about it as much as other programs, but it’s good for all pre-health sciences and for people who want to double major.”
Selected Faculty Work
The General Science Department is comprised of faculty members from many of the science departments, including chemistry, geological sciences, human physiology, mathematics, anthropology, and biology. A rotating committee of faculty from these areas oversees the general science program.
Career Opportunities
General Science can work for many career interests. It can be appropriate for students interested in health-related careers in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical technology. Pre-engineering students have used the major to gain a broader scientific background than is provided in traditional pre-engineering programs in chemistry or physics.
Combined with a second major or minor in English, general science can be excellent preparation for a writing career in science, technology, or natural history. Combined with a major in a particular science discipline, general science can provide a supporting upper-level breadth. The major also works well for students who want to teach elementary or middle school science. A bachelor’s degree in general science can be useful in many careers in medicine, dentistry, education, and research. When combined with other majors or minors a degree in general science can also be excellent preparation for careers in law, business, and public relations.
Contact Information
(541) 346-3288