School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering

Mathematics, Science and Engineering Programs Offered

BIOLOGY (BIOL)

The common core of Biology courses and support work will serve all career paths. All Biology graduates will participate in a capstone research experience that will allow the students to apply their learning to real-world problems. Requirements for the three proposed degree options will provide students with preparation necessary for their chosen career path. These degree options are:

1. Option 1 - B.S. in Biology: Preparation for Health Professions, Research, and Graduate Programs in Biology;
2. Option 2 - B.S. in Biology with Education Minor: Preparation for certification in secondary Life Science teaching
3. Option 3 - B.S. in Biology with Environmental Science Minor: Preparation for careers in resource management and environmental stewardship

All students in Biology will complete core requirements in Biology and support course work in Chemistry.

Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Science:

1. 24 Semester Hours of Biology as follows:

At least 4 hours selected from the following research/lab options

2. Completion of course work specified in one of the following degree options:

Option 1 - Health Professions and Research

Option 2 - Secondary Teaching with a minor in Education

Option 3 - Environmental Science with a minor in Environmental Science

3. 8 semester hours support course work in chemistry:

4. 3 semester hours of support course work in Mathematics:

Degree Option in Biology 1 - Preparation for Health Professions, Research, and Graduate Programs in Biology

Students choosing this option need to pay special attention to the 42 upper-division credit hour requirements for graduation. Because the required Biology and Core Curriculum contain only 31 to 35 required upper-division credits, students should take 7 to 11 upper-division credit hours of core electives to complete the graduation requirement of 42 upper-division credit hours.

1. 16-20 semester hours of required Biology course work

A. BIOL 2321/2121 (Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab) and either BIOL 2322/2122 (Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab) or BIOL 3430 (Structure and Function of Animals)

B. 12 Credit Hours of Biology Electives for a total of 40-44 credit hours in Biology

2. 8 semester hours support work in Chemistry

3. 8 semester hours support work in Physics

Degree Option in Biology 2 - Secondary Teacher Certification in Life Science with a Minor in Education

1. 14-16 semester hours of required Biology course work

A. BIOL 2321/2121 (Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab)

B. BIOL 2322/2122 (Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab) or BIOL 3430 (Structure and Function of Animals)

C. 6-8 semester hours of Biology electives for a total of 38-40 credit hours in Biology

2. Required Support Course Work in Physical Science: 8 additional semester hours of Chemistry, Physics, or Geology

3. Required 27 credit-hour Minor in Education (includes teacher apprenticeship)

Degree Option in Biology 3 - Environmental Science

1. Required Course Work in Biology: 14-16 additional semester hours in Biology (BIOL 4482 Aquatic Biology and BIOL 4490 Texas Flora recommended)

2. Required support course work in Physical Science: 8 additional semester hours of Chemistry, Physics, or Geology

3. Required 19 credit-hour Minor in Environmental Science

Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Science for Biology Majors:

Biology majors must complete 19 hours in the following Environmental Science courses: ENSC 1410, 2410, 3410, 4305, and 4415. Optional courses that can substitute for one of the upper-level courses (except Environmental Science Internship): ENSC 4460, 4499. Biology majors may select the Minor in Environmental Science for Chemistry Majors but must satisfy all Chemistry course prerequisites. Contact Department Chair in Biology or Environmental Science for further information on this minor.

Requirements for a Minor in Biology:

18 semester hours, 9 of which must be taken at the upper-division level and selected from at least two of the following areas: cell biology, genetics, and ecology.

CHEMISTRY (CHEM)

Chemistry is the science that deals with the properties, composition and structure of matter; with the changes that occur in matter; and with energy relationships involved in these changes. The Chemistry program at the University is designed to give the undergraduate student a sound background in chemistry as a whole, thereby providing preparation for work or further study in any of the large number of specialized areas that may be entered after graduation. Some students enter medical and dental programs after graduation. Faculty are involved in four areas of chemical education and research: analytical, organic, physical, and biochemistry.

Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Science:

1. 46 semester hours distributed as follows:

A. Non-Chemistry courses:

B. Required Chemistry courses:

C. 7 hours of Chemistry electives selected from:

D. 2 hours selected from:

2. A minor in any field.

Recommendations: Freshman-Sophomore Preparation

Students contemplating a major in Chemistry should take CHEM 1301/1101 and CHEM 1302/1102 in the fall and spring semesters respectively of the freshman year. CHEM 2311/2111 and CHEM 2312/2112 should be taken in the fall and spring semesters respectively of the sophomore year. MATH 2312 and 2313 should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Additional course work is encouraged in biochemistry, physics, mathematics, business, and/or computer programming depending on the educational and career goals of the student.

Requirements for a Minor in Chemistry:

18 semester hours, 10 of which must be taken at the upper-division level.

Explanation of laboratories: some laboratory courses are considered as separate courses and separate grades are given for the laboratories and corresponding lectures. Enrollment in a laboratory course requires concurrent enrollment in the corresponding lecture course, or permission of the instructor.

Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Science for Chemistry Majors:

Chemistry majors must complete 18 hours in the following Environmental Science courses:

Chemistry majors may select the Minor in Environmental Science for Biology Majors but must satisfy all Biology course prerequisites. Contact the Department Chair in Chemistry or Environmental Science for further information on this minor.

APPLIED CHEMISTRY

Applied Chemistry is the hands-on study of molecules, structure and reactivity. Students in the Associate of Arts in Applied Chemistry will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of chemistry and the ability to apply those concepts in real-world situations. Graduates will be prepared for careers as chemical technicians in today's advanced job market.

Major requirements for an Associate of Arts:

1. 37 semester hours distributed as follows:

Literature course

Fine Arts course

Religious Studies or Philosophy course

History course

Social Science course

Physical Education course

2. Required Chemistry Courses (24 hours):

3. Non-chemistry Courses (6 hours)

ENGINEERING (ENGR)

The University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management. This curriculum combines a strong core of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering courses with an intensive study in Business Administration. Modern engineering requires an understanding of social issues and economics as well as a thorough knowledge of science and technology. A student who graduates with a BS degree with a major in Engineering Management will bring a unique blend of technology and real world business skills to any future career. Graduates will be prepared to begin a career as a manager in nearly any engineering firm nationwide.

Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management

1. Engineering and Engineering support courses (36 hours):

CIS course 3000 level or above, approved by advisor.

2. Management courses:

3. Mathematics and Science courses:

Pre-Engineering Curriculum

The University offers a pre-engineering curriculum. This 2 or 3-year plan of study will have the student lay a groundwork of mathematics, science and computer courses which can then a) be transferred to a school that offers a four-year bachelor's degree in a branch of engineering, or b) be used as part of a degree plan at this University in an area such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or Nutrition, or c) be the basis for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management (BSEM). Degrees at most four-year universities have many courses in common for the first two years. In addition, nearly all degree programs at other schools have a core curriculum similar to UIW, requiring the student to take classes in other departments at the University.

Requirements for Pre-Engineering:

ENGINEERING PHYSICS MINOR

The minor in Engineering Physics gives Science as well as non-Science majors the opportunity to explore and apply scientific principles in technology and engineering, achieve proficiency in the applications of mathematics in engineering, formulate the design and development of engineering structures, and investigate the physical and engineering issues of air, water, and soil resources in our environment. A principal focus in this minor will be the integration of engineering, science, and mathematics in problem solving.

This minor will be of particular interest to Science majors such as Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Mathematics but the minor is open to anyone with an interest in Engineering Physics. All students though must fulfill the course prerequisites for the upper-level engineering courses due to the advanced nature of the mathematics, engineering, and science topics presented in these courses. The minor is not open to Engineering Management majors since the course work listed in the minor is already part of the required courses in their degree plan.

Requirements for a Minor in Engineering Physics:

18-19 hours, to include PHYS 2305, 2105, 2306, 2106, ENGR 3350, and any two out the following three: ENGR 3455, 4375, 4470

Students may substitute ENGR 4399 Special Topics in Engineering for one of the upper-level engineering course options only with permission from the Chair of the Engineering Department.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ENSC)

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to enter a wide variety of professional careers as well as graduate programs in pollution abatement, conservation, environmental assessment and education. Government, industry and private research groups all provide entry-level positions for environmental scientists. Faculty members are active in environmental research throughout Texas, Mexico, and Central America. The science faculty at University of the Incarnate Word offers unique opportunities for students to become involved in environmental research as undergraduates.

Major requirements for a Bachelor of Science:

78 semester hours in science as follows:

1. 20 semester hours in Biology:

2. 15 semester hours in Chemistry:

3. 15 semester hours in Environmental Science:

4. 8 semester hours in Geology:

5. 8 semester hours in Physics:

6. 3 semester hours in Mathematics:

7. 3 semester hours in Meteorology:

8. BIOL/CHEM/GEOL/METR Advanced Elective – 3 hours

9. 3 semester hours of elective

Contact Department Chair in Environmental Science for specific Core course requirements.

Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Science for Biology Majors:

Biology majors must complete 18 hours in the following Environmental Science courses: ENSC 1410, 2410, 3410, 4305, and 4415. Optional courses that can substitute for one of the upper-level courses (except Environmental Science Internship): ENSC 4460, 4499. Contact Department Chair in Biology or Environmental Science for further information on this minor.

Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Science for Chemistry Majors:

Chemistry majors must complete 18 hours in the following Environmental Science courses: ENSC 1410, 2315, 4203, 4301, 4302, 4305. Contact Department Chair in Chemistry or Environmental Science for further information on this minor.

GEOLOGY (GEOL)

Geology is a science involving the study of the Earth's origin, evolution, and continued development through time. Knowledge of the Earth requires understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the Earth's surface, and the physical and chemical processes that operate beneath the Earth's surface. The uniqueness of life on this planet is explored through the study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth.

Requirements for a Minor in Geology:

20 hours, to include GEOL 1401, 1402, 3410, 3450 and 3460

MATHEMATICS (MATH)

The mathematics program emphasizes concepts, procedures, and connections. All courses develop reasoning abilities along with skills in precise communication of concepts. Problem solving is addressed throughout the program. Mathematics majors are well prepared for jobs requiring expertise in quantitative analysis and problem solving, and for a wide variety of graduate and professional programs.

Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts:

36 semester hours in Mathematics including:

and 18 hours of elective mathematics courses selected from the following:

Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Science:

36 semester hours in Mathematics including:

and 18 hours of elective mathematics courses selected from the following:

Additional requirements: one computer language course and Physics 2305 or 2306 with a lab.

Both the BA and the BS in mathematics require a minor in an approved discipline, or an approved interdisciplinary minor.

Requirements for a Minor in Mathematics:

18 semester hours, to include MATH 2312, 2313, and at least 9 hours of upper-division courses.

METEOROLOGY (METR)

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The Meteorology degree program is designed for students who wish to receive a comprehensive education for the purpose of research into the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere, weather analysis, and weather forecasting. This science includes a study of the impact of air pollution on people and the environment, the threat of changing climate due to global warming, severe weather, and world climates. Meteorology is an interdisciplinary program which prepares students for entering a wide variety of professional careers as well as graduate programs in weather modeling and forecasting, air pollution studies, broadcast meteorology, hydrology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in meteorology, and education. Government, industry, and private research groups may also provide entry level positions for meteorologists. Students are required to minor in mathematics as part of the preparation required for graduate school or for careers in applied meteorology or meteorology research.

Major requirements for a Bachelor of Science:

81 semester hours in science as follows:

1. 55 semester hours in Meteorology:

2. 8 semester hours in Geology:

3. 18 hours with a Minor in Mathematics that includes MATH 1311, 2312, 2313, 3314, 3350, and 3355.

BROADCAST METEOROLOGY (METB)

The Meteorology program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Meteorology for students who wish to enter careers in cable, satellite, and regular broadcast TV, and radio. The course work in this degree program will fulfill the National Weather Association (NWA) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) course educational requirements, however all other requirements to earn the Seals of Approval from the AMS and NWA are the responsibilities of the student and are not part of this program. Twenty courses including a Workshop are required for a total of 62 credit hours to complete the degree program. The Workshop includes a 3-week training session involving on-camera presentation of weather forecasts. Students must separately meet the requirements of the NWA or AMS to earn a Seal of Approval for weathercasters. The proposed degree program does not provide a Seal of Approval but provides sufficient training and course work to prepare students to fulfill the educational requirements for the NWA or AMS Seal of Approval. The Broadcast Meteorology program also requires 9 credit hours of Communication Arts courses that include COMM 2358 Video Production I and two additional courses selected from the following: COMM 3353, 3380, 3390, and 4352.

Major requirements for a Bachelor of Science:

81 semester hours in science and other courses as follows:

1. 55 semester hours in Meteorology:

2. 14 semester hours in Geology:

3. 9 semester hours in Communication Arts courses that include COMM 2358 Video Production I and two additional courses selected from the following:

COMM 3353, 3380, 3390, and 4352.

4. 3 semester hours in MATH 1304 College Algebra or MATH 1306 College Geometry

NUTRITION (NUTR)

The Nutrition curriculum integrates the study of biology, chemistry, behavioral sciences, business, and communication into the various areas of nutrition. Graduates of the UIW Nutrition Program are employed in the following areas associated with food and nutrition: health care, food industry, food service management, community nutrition programs, government agencies, private practice, wellness, and media communication.

Students may select from one of two optional tracks to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition. Option A focuses on Nutrition and Dietetics, and prepares students for eligibility for a dietetic internship or other supervised practice program in dietetics. The Option A curriculum is externally approved through the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association. Option B focuses on Nutrition Science, and may be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, etc., as well as for graduate studies in Nutrition.

Requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition:

1. 27 semester hours in required Nutrition courses:

2. 49 semester hours in required supporting disciplines:

3. Additional semester hours as indicated, in one of the following two options:

A. Nutrition and Dietetics 21 to 24 Hours:

B. Nutrition Science 19 to 20 hours:

Requirements for a Minor in Nutrition:

NUTR 2341 is required, plus 9 semester hours of other NUTR courses, 6 of which must be in upper-division courses (3000 and above). Seminar, Practicum, and 1000-level courses do not meet the requirements for a minor.

PHYSICS (PHYS)

Physics is the fundamental science that deals with study of matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, heat, fluids, sound, electricity, magnetism, light, optics, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena. Physics is an experimental science that involves the continued development of physical theories and models through observations, measurement, and testing. The theoretical and applied concepts of physics are the foundation for the sciences, engineering, and technology.

Requirements for a Minor in Engineering Physics:

18-19 hours, to include PHYS 2305, 2105, 2306, 2106, ENGR 3350, and any two out the following three: ENGR 3455, 4375, 4470

Students may substitute ENGR 4399 Special Topics in Engineering for one of the upper-level engineering course options only with permission from the Chair of the Engineering Department