A Solid Core of Courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
The major in Interdisciplinary Science provides an opportunity to build a four-year program on a solid core of courses in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. While the major is specifically designed for the Optometry and Engineering combined programs, it also is particularly valuable for the following:
- Students interested in professional employment or graduate study in biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, nutritional science, immunology, clinical chemistry, or pharmaceutical science.
- Students interested in preparing for professional careers in dentistry, medicine, osteopathy, veterinary medicine, or related medically allied fields.
- Transfer students who want to complete a science major within two years geared toward a variety of careers.
Requirements for the B.A. in Interdisciplinary Science
68 credits as listed below
Course substitutions in keeping with a student’s intended career can be made with the approval of the program adviser.
1. Four courses in Chemistry
- CH111, 112 Conceptual Chemistry I, II or CH101, CH102 General Chemistry I, II with permission of the chair
- CH201, 202 Organic Chemistry I, II
2. Three or four courses in Biology
- BI101, 102 General Biology I, II
- BI205, 206 Human Anatomy, Human Physiology or BI211 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology
3. Two courses in Physics
- PH201, 202 Fundamental Concepts of Physics I, II or PH211, 212 Conceptual Physics I, II
4. One of the following courses in Biology or Chemistry:
- BI325 Cell Biology or CH203 Equilibrium and Analysis
5. A minimum of four electives (or five courses if BI 211 is completed) in Chemistry, Physics or Biology. Included must be either BI 490 or CH 490.
6. Two courses in Mathematics or Computer Science
7. Other recommended courses:
- PL160 Symbolic Logic
- One year or more of a Modern Language
- Appropriate Mathematics electives
Requirements for Secondary Certification in General Science
Interdisciplinary Science majors seeking certification for secondary teaching must notify their advisers and the Director of Secondary Education. State certification requirements are very specific, so the earlier students plan for this option, the easier it is to develop appropriate programs.
Study Abroad Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Majors
Interdisciplinary majors are encouraged to spend a semester or year studying overseas. Exciting opportunities are available through the University’s The College of Global Studies and the Office of Study Away are relatively easy to arrange. With prior approval, courses taken at foreign universities can be transferred to Arcadia to fulfill Undergraduate Curriculum, including major, requirements. A list of interdisciplinary courses that transfer is available from the program adviser.
Generally, the sophomore and junior years are the most convenient time for Arcadia students to study abroad, although the second semester of the first year and the first semester of the senior year also are possibilities. Arcadia University has special arrangements with universities or runs its own programs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Australia, Chile, Cuba, France, Greece, Ireland, France, Germany,Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa and South Korea. Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to their adviser and the Office of Study Away.
