Natural Science, Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization, B.S.

Natural Science

Department Chairperson - Dr. J. Michael Engle

This program will prepare students to be sophisticated consumers of scientific information, to develop a general level of knowledge of the sciences, and to apply knowledge from the physical, chemical, and biological sciences to their personal and professional pursuits and as the basis for lifelong learning.

Graduates of this program will be well positioned to make informed decisions in those areas of their personal and professional lives requiring knowledge of the sciences. They will be better able to evaluate scientific elements of the issues and controversies of modern society.

By being able to view that world through the multiple lenses offered by major areas of the sciences, students in this program will have an enhanced awareness of the unity of the sciences - how insights and discoveries in one area of science influence and impact others. In conjunction with the liberal arts core, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the “grand synthesis” of intellectual pursuit - the integration and cohesiveness of the broad areas of human investigation.

The program offers preparation for future graduate work and/or entry level into the public or private sectors that have a scientific core or focus. Additionally, this program offered in conjunction with the College’s Elementary Education major will prepare students with a solid grounding in the sciences to become more knowledgeable and effective providers of instruction.

Program Goals and Outcomes

The courses required under this program in the sciences are designed to enable the student to:

1. integrate and apply knowledge and experience from chemistry, physics, biology and other disciplines using analytical thinking skills, information tools and computer applications to interpret data and answer questions;
2. understand the basic facts, principles, theories, methodologies and processes of science and be able to explain the differences between scientific and other ways of knowing;
3. relate their scientific knowledge to both the natural and technological worlds around them, and apply those understandings to develop informed opinions about societal issues with a scientific component;
4. employ the methods used by scientists to explore natural phenomena including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, evaluation of evidence and analysis of data utilizing safe practices related to laboratory and field work;
5. locate, evaluate and synthesize information on scientific topics and develop effective written and oral communication skills, including the ability to compose summaries, develop research papers or persuasive essays, and present the results of their own scientific investigations;
6. demonstrate respectful communication and collaboration within groups to function cooperatively in a team setting;
7. develop a set of scientific ethics and understanding of how scientific information is shared between peers in modern science, including responsible conduct for acknowledging prior and current contributions; and
8. successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in professional and/or graduate schools, in a scientific career in government or industry, in a teaching career in the school systems, or in a related career following graduation.

Requirements for Admission

1. Completion of high school coursework in biology, chemistry, and algebra with a “C” or better.

Some articulation programs require a specific SAT score for early admission. Students interested in such programs should contact the department chair for more information on the program they seek to pursue.

Students must select one of the following specialization:

• Natural Science Specialization
• Pre-Chiropractic Specialization
• Pre-Medical Laboratory Scientist Specialization
• Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization
• Physical Therapy Assistant/Natural Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization (2+2) Option
• Pre-Physician Assistant Specialization

Core Course Requirements

Major Course Requirements

• BIOL 101 - Biology I: Molecular and Cellular Biology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits (satisfies core requirement)
• BIOL 102 - Biology II: Evolution and Ecology 3 Lecture / 2 Lab / 4 Credits
• CHEM 101 - Chemistry I 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• CHEM 301 - Organic Chemistry I 3 Lecture / 3 Lab / 4 Credits
• MATH 113 - Pre-calculus 3 Credits
• MATH 220 - Introduction to Statistics 3 Credits (satisfies core requirement)
• MATH 305 - Statistical Research 3 Credits
• NASC 300 - Ethics of Science in the Modern World 1 Credit
• NASC 310 - Science Research Practices 2 Credits
• NASC 401 - Seminar in the Sciences 3 Credits (satisfies core requirement)

Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization

Other Required Courses

• PSYC 101 - General Psychology 3 Credits (satisfies core requirement)
• PSYC 102 - Human Growth and Development 3 Credits (satisfies core requirement)
• PSYC Psychology elective 3 Credits

Total Credits for Degree: 120 Credits

Physical Therapy Assistant/Natural Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization (2+2) Option

Mount Aloysius College offers a unique 2+2 option for students interested in Physical Therapy.  The first phase is a 2 year (plus summer of second year) Physical Therapist Assistant associate’s degree.  The PTA program is CAPTE accredited and prepares students for their national physical therapist assistant exam (NPTAE). Students can then continue for a second phase during which they earn a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy specialization from Mount Aloysius College.  The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is typically a three-year degree earned at the professional school of the student’s choice.  Advantages to the 2+2 pre-professional option include valuable academic and clinical experience to learn more about patient intervention options and supplemental income as a PTA.  It is also possible to do the PTA or Natural Science Pre-PT degrees separately. Students interested in this option, will complete a total of 137-138 credits by earning both the associate of science and bachelor of science degrees.