UHD 2000/2001 Catalog UHD Catalog Home | Academic Programs | College of Sciences and Technology | Natural Sciences Department Table of Contents | Previous Section | Next Section | Index | How to Use the Online Catalog NATURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Bachelor of Science Major in Applied Microbiology Bachelor of Science Major in Applied Physics Bachelor of Science Major in Biological and Physical Sciences Bachelor of Science Major in Biology Bachelor of Science Major in Chemistry Bachelor of Science Major in Industrial Chemistry Pre-Professional Areas 50 NATURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT Larry Spears, PhD, Chair Room 813-North, 713-221-8015 Faculty Professors: Capeheart, Hoffmann-Pinther, Loftin, Merrill, Spears Associate Professors: Abramowitz, Christmas, Driy, Flosi, Montgomery, O’Neil Assistant Professors: Derrick, Farnsworth, Gulati, Lyons, McCullough, Merkle, Morris-Smith, Slough, Uzman Lecturers: Griffard Emeriti: Fefer, Price, Sherman, Umland Academic Areas: Biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology, physics Pre-Professional Areas: Dental hygiene, dentistry, medical technology, medicine, nuclear medicine technology, nutrition and dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician’s assistant, and veterinary medicine Specialized Areas: Environmental science and science education (see list of certification areas below) Programs of Study Bachelor of Science with majors in: Applied Microbiology Applied Physics Biology Biological and Physical Sciences Biotechnology (pending approval) Chemistry Industrial Chemistry The Department of Natural Sciences offers lower and upper-level courses in the academic and specialized areas described above. In addition, it provides courses that serve a number of pre-professional areas. Students interested in biology may pursue the Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students interested in chemistry may pursue the Bachelor of Science program in Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry. Students interested in microbiology may pursue the Bachelor of Science in Applied Microbiology. Students who are interested in physics may pursue the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. Students interested in environmental science or science education may seek the Bachelor of Science program in the Biological and Physical Sciences. The department anticipates approval of a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology during 2000–2001. Affiliation Agreement between UHD and UTHSC at Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences The University of Houston-Downtown and The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) at Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences have a formal joint program designed to increase the number of students who pursue graduate degrees in the biomedical sciences. This exciting and successful program allows UHD science majors to earn undergraduate degree credit while pursuing advanced-level research in participating laboratories of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. In addition, this agreement fosters the exchange of faculty for seminars, guest lecturing and joint research projects. 51 Declaring a Major and Advising Students who wish to officially declare a major in an area of natural science and be accepted into a degree program in the Department of Natural Sciences should have passed all portions of TASP, have credit for 30 or more hours of university-level course work with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and be cleared by University College (655 South). All students accepted into the department will be assigned an advisor. The advising of students interested in a particular health professions area will be coordinated by the department’s Health Professions Advisory Committee. Students who wish to declare a major in science or one of the health-related areas should go to the department office in Room 813-North. Drop Policy for Science Courses with Prerequisites/Corequisites Students must follow stated prerequisite/corequisite listings for natural science courses. A student can drop a corequisite course after mid-semester up to and including the last day to drop the course. The student would receive a W for the dropped course. The department will not allow graduation credit for a science course in which the student has not satisfactorily completed any listed corequisite. General Requirements for Graduation The Department of Natural Sciences has the following general requirements for all science degrees: (1) Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all science courses that could apply toward the degree; (2) The only transfer credit courses with grades of D that apply toward a degree are first-year non-mathematics and non-science courses; (3) No more than three credit hours with a grade of D in upper-level science courses may be applied toward the degree; (4) Students must have at least 18 credit hours of upper-level science from UH-Downtown with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to apply toward the degree; and (5) Credit for science courses that are more than 10 years old must be approved by the department before they can be applied toward a degree. Students are responsible for meeting the requirements for graduation. Therefore, students should become familiar with the requirements listed in their degree plan and should refer to them each time they plan their semester program of study. The last 25 percent of the semester credit hours of work toward the degree must be taken at the University of Houston-Downtown. Students who wish to take courses at another college or university, including any other campus of the UH System, and apply the credits earned toward their degrees must request approval through the Natural Sciences Department. Courses taken without such approval may not be counted toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. Requirements for Minors in Science Biology: 22 hours of biology with only eight hours at the lower level; must include a minimum of four three-contact hour laboratory courses. Chemistry: 21 hours of chemistry; must include CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201 and eight hours of upper-level chemistry. Geology: 20 hours; must include GEOL 1305/1105, 1306/1106 and 12 hours of upper-level courses in geology. Microbiology: 20 hours; must include BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, MBIO 2305/2105 and eight hours of upper-level microbiology. Physics: 20 hours; must include PHYS 2401/2101, 2402/2102 and three upper-level courses in physics. For the above, no upper-level courses with grades of D will be counted; no transfer credits with grades of D can be applied; must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the applied courses; and the upper-level courses must be taken at UH-Downtown. Credit for directed studies, field experiences, honors thesis and undergraduate research cannot apply. Science Certification Programs Larry Spears, PhD, Coordinator Room 813-North, 713-221-8015 The Department of Natural Sciences in cooperation with the Department of Urban Education offers a full array of science certification programs for secondary-level education. These programs satisfy the requirements established by the Commission on Standards for the Teaching Professions, State of Texas. Detailed curriculum guides are available for each program in room 813N. Option I Programs (single discipline with a supporting field) Biology—Chemistry as supporting field Life-Earth Science—Chemistry as supporting field Physical Science—Biology as supporting field Chemistry—Mathematics as supporting field Option II Programs (two disciplines) Biology and Chemistry Biology and Earth Science Biology and Physical Science Chemistry and Earth Science Chemistry and Physical Science Life-Earth Science and Physical Science Option III Program Science (all disciplines). Requirements for all of the above programs may be completed under one of the degree programs available in the department. Honors Program in the Natural Sciences Jeff Flosi, PhD, Coordinator Room 820-North, 713-221-8171 In order to enhance the educational opportunities and experiences of academically talented students at UH-Downtown, the Department of Natural Sciences offers an Honors Program in the Natural Sciences. The program is designed to challenge and motivate students to do more than the minimum required for a particular degree in science. Students who successfully complete this program will be designated as graduates of an Honors Program in the Department of Natural Sciences on their university transcript. 52 Admission Requirements: Application to the department's Honors Program Admissions and Review Committee Completion of at least 60 semester credit hours of recognized university-level work An overall GPA of at least 3.0 with a GPA of 3.25 or better in science courses Completion of at least 16 semester credit hours in science, eight of which must have been taken at UHD Program Requirements: Satisfy the requirements for one of the department s Bachelor of Science degree programs Complete at least two honors designated courses in addition to six hours’ credit in BIOL or CHEM or GEOL or MBIO or PHYS 4399 Senior Honors Thesis. The two honors courses may not be taken during the same semester. The senior thesis will be done under the supervision of an approved member of the UHD faculty or under a scientist at an affiliated research institution or laboratory and will be presented in both oral and written form to the natural sciences faculty Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all science courses including the required honors courses Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all non-science courses taken at UH-Downtown The departmental Honors Program Admissions and Review Committee must approve all honors designated courses and all projects proposed by students for their honors theses. Upper-level courses designated as Honors require at least 25 percent more in-depth study than that required of students taking the course without honors credit. The additional course requirements will vary depending on the course and instructor. Bachelor of Science Major in Applied Microbiology Joan Abramowitz, PhD, Coordinator Room 807-North, 713-221-8486 The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Microbiology will prepare the student to be a productive team member in a variety of settings. A graduate will be prepared for positions in microbially related industry, research and clinical laboratories in the health care industry. In addition to being qualified for immediate industrial employment, a student with this background can also continue with graduate studies in such areas as biochemistry, biotechnology, dentistry, medicine, microbiology, molecular biology and public health microbiology. Course Requirements for the Applied Microbiology Major (129–130 hours) The program consists of three basic areas. The first area contains courses which provide the student with a broad-based general education. These courses are selected from English, fine arts, humanities and the social sciences. The second area contains courses which provide the student with a strong foundation in basic sciences, math and analytical reasoning skills. These basic courses include biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, microbiology and physics. The third area involves in-depth study in areas related to microbiology, including courses in industrial microbiology, immunology, pathogenic microbiology, biochemistry, and virology. All general requirements for graduation in the Department of Natural Sciences apply to this degree. General Education Requirements (33 hours) ENG 1301, 1302, 3302 and 2000-level literature course; three hours of fine arts; SPCH 1304 or 3306, POLS 2303 and 2304, Social and Behaviorial Sciences (one of the following: ANTH 2301, ANTH 2302, CJ 1301, ECO 1301, GEOG 1301, GEOG 1302, PSY 1303 or SOC 1303), and two of the following: HIST 1305, 1306, 2303 and 2309 Basic Mathematics and Science (43 hours) CS 1408 or 1410, MATH 1404*, 2300 and 2401, BIOL 1301/1101 and 1302/1102, CHEM 1307/1107 and 1308/1108, PHYS 1307/1107 and 1308/1108, MBIO 2305/2105 Major Area of Emphasis (41 or 42 hours) BIOL 3303/3103 and 4320, CHEM 3301/3201, 3302/3202, and 4340/4140, and MBI0 4110 (two credits), 4310/4111, 3320, 4320/4120 and 4340/4140, and one of the following: CHEM 3310/3110, CHEM 4342, BIOL 4310/4110 or BIOL 4313/4113 Electives (12 hours) Six of the 12 hours may be satisfied by appropriate field experience. Bachelor of Science Major in Applied Physics Peter Hoffmann-Pinther, PhD, Coordinator Room 811-North, 713-221-8174 The Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics is designed to provide a firm knowledge of the foundations of physics necessary to understand and analyze physical problems of current interest in different fields, coupled with the mathematical and laboratory skills to address those problems successfully. Bachelor’s degree physicists are employed in a variety of fields in industrial and government laboratories. They make contributions to such diverse areas as energy, aerospace and medicine. Currently UHD has a cooperative program with NASA, and other programs are being developed. The program has two tracks: computational physics and scientific instrumentation. The computational physics track emphasizes the use of computers and mathematical models in solving physical problems. Individuals with this background often act as liaison between engineering groups and their science and mathematics counterparts. 53 The scientific instrumentation track focuses on the tools necessary to implement industrial and laboratory applications of measurement and control through the use of computers and sensing devices. Both tracks are intertwined with other disciplines: computational physics with the Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and scientific instrumentation with the Department of Engineering Technology. While pursuing the program, students obtain an interdisciplinary background in physics, mathematics, computers and electronics. Course Requirements for the Applied Physics Major (128–131 hours) The program consists of 128 to 131 semester credit hours, of which 33 are for general education courses, 80 to 83 hours are in the sciences and mathematics and 15 hours are electives. The core curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded graduate and consists of courses in English composition, speech, literature, fine arts, American history and political science, behavioral sciences, mathematics, natural sciences and computer science. All general requirements for graduation in the Department of Natural Sciences apply to this degree. General Education Requirements (33 hours) ENG 1301, 1302, and 3302 or 4306; 3 hours of sophomore literature; 3 hours of Fine Arts; POLS 2303, 2304; two of the following: HIST 1305, 1306, 2303 and 2309; SPCH 1304 or 3306; Social and Behavioral Sciences (one of the following: ANTH 2301, ANTH 2302, CJ 1301, ECO 1301, GEOG 1301, GEOG 1302, PSY 1303, SOC 1303) Basic Mathematics and Science (59 hours) PHYS 2401/2101, 2402/2102, 3401, 3307, 3330, 3393, 4401, 4310; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108; MATH 2401, 2402, 2403, 3301, 4304; CS 1408 or 1410 Major Area of Emphasis Computational Physics (21 hours) MATH 2307, 4302; CS 3308; and 12 hours from PHYS 3300, 3399, 4302, MATH 3302, 4305, 4311; CS 4301, 4306 Scientific Instrumentation (22–24 hours) EET 2331/2131, 3432, 3435, 4434 and two of the following: EET 3433, 3451, 3461, ET 4302, PHYS 3300, 3399 Electives (15 hours) Bachelor of Science Major in Biological and Physical Sciences Glen Merrill, PhD, Coordinator Room 810-North, 713-221-8172 The Bachelor of Science in Biological and Physical Sciences provides both a broad-based curriculum in the liberal arts and a specific set of courses in the natural sciences designed to meet the personal and career goals and interests of the student. This degree is especially appropriate for students interested in multidisciplinary areas such as environmental science, earth/geological science, forensic science, life science, medical technology, public health, science education, and any health-related program which requires a bachelor’s degree for entry into a particular graduate program. Course Requirements for the Biological and Physical Sciences Major (126 hours) The approved degree plan for this program will be determined by consultation between the student, his or her advisor, and the department chair. A minimum of 126 hours of university-level course work is required. A maximum of 66 hours from a junior or community college may be approved as credit toward this degree. All general requirements for graduation in the Department of Natural Sciences apply to this degree. General Education Requirements (47 hours) ENG 1301, 1302 and a 2000-level literature course; SPCH 1304 or 3306; two of the following HIST 1305, 1306, 2303 and 2309; POLS 2303 and 2304; CS 1408 or 1410; 6 hours of behavioral and social sciences; 9 hours of arts and humanities; 3 hours of fine arts. Lower-Level Science Requirements (24 to 26 hours) Select six of the following lecture/laboratory courses: BIOL 1301/1102, 1302/1102; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108; GEOL 1305/1105,1306/1106; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108 or 2401/2101, 2402/2102. Upper-Level Requirements (36 hours) At least 18 hours of the 3000–4000 level course work must be in the natural sciences with a minimum science grade point average of 2.0 or better and at least 6 hours must be in 4000-level science lecture courses. Electives (17–19 hours) Electives at any level chosen with advisor approval. NOTE: No more than 28 hours of natural science courses (not including the hours of science listed under the Lower-Level Science Requirement) of the 126 hours of course work in this degree plan may be in a single discipline, and no more than 18 hours of the required upper-level science may be in a single discipline. The Department of Natural Sciences has five disciplines: biology, chemistry, geology, microbiology and physics. Bachelor of Science Major in Biology John Capeheart, PhD, Coordinator Room 808-North, 713-221-8176 The Bachelor of Science program provides both a broad-based curriculum in the Liberal Arts and in the Natural Sciences and a set of courses specifically in Biology. It is designed to meet the personal and career goals and interest of the student. The program allows the student a certain amount of flexibility in tailoring a degree program to his/her unique needs, yet does so within the confines of a traditional major in biology. This degree is particularly appropriate for students interested in the following areas: dentistry, medicine and related fields that require post-graduate study, public health, graduate work in biological or biomedical sciences, and science education. The Natural Sciences Department offers other degree programs that serve similar student career objectives. Some are more broad-based; others are more narrowly focused. 54 Course Requirements for the Biology Major (133–136 hours) The approved degree plan for this program will be determined through consultation among the student, her/his advisor, and the chairperson of the department. A minimum of 133-hours of university-level work will be required. A maximum of 66-hours from junior or community colleges may be approved as credit toward this degree. All general requirements for graduation in the department and the university apply to this degree. General Education Requirements (33 hours) ENG 1301, 1302 and a 2000-level literature course; one of the following ENG 3302, 3325, 3324, or 4306; one of the following SPCH 1304, 3304, or 3306; two of the following HIST 1305, 1306, 2303 and 2309; POLS 2303 and 2304; 3 hours of behavioral or social sciences; 3 hours of fine arts. Basic Mathematics and Science (39 hours) BIOL 1301/1101 and 1302/1102; CHEM 1307/1107 and 1308/1108; CS 1408 or 1410; MATH 1404 and 2300 or SOS 3312; MBIO 2305/2105; PHYS 1307/1107 and 1308/1108. Upper-Level Science (31–34 hours) BIOL 3303/3103; CHEM 3301/3201, 3302/3202 and 4304/4104; one of the following: BIOL 4320, 4325, 4230, 4330, or 4390; one of the following: BIOL 3310/3110, 3330/3130, 3340/3140 or 4390; two of the following: BIOL 3304/3104, 3305/3105, 3320/3120, 4303, 4310/4110, 4313/4113 or 4390; one of the following: BIOL 3301, 4260, 4340, 4350, 4360 or 4390. Approved Electives (27 hours) Must include at least 8 hours of upper-level electives. Bachelor of Science Major in Chemistry James Driy, PhD, Coordinator Room 821-North, 713-221-8170 The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry provides a rigorous broad-based curriculum in the Liberal Arts and the Natural Sciences and a set of courses specifically in Chemistry. The program allows the student a certain amount of flexibility in tailoring a degree program to his/her unique needs, yet does so within the confines of a traditional major in chemistry. This degree is particularly appropriate for students interested in the following areas: medicine and related fields that require post-graduate study, graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry, and secondary education. Course Requirements for the Chemistry Major (135 hours) The approved degree plan for this program will be determined through consultation between the student, his/her advisor, and the chairperson of the Department of Natural Sciences. A minimum of 135 hours of university-level course work will be required. A maximum of 66 hours from a junior or community college may be approved as credit toward this degree. General Education Requirements (36 hours) ENG 1301, 1302; ENG 3302, 3325, 3329, or 4306; and three hours of 2000-level literature; SPCH 1304 or 3306; two of the following HIST 1305, 1306, 2303 and 2309; POLS 2303 and 2304; one of the following ART 1301, 1302, 1310; DRA 1301, 3303, Social and Behavioral Sciences (one of the following: ANTH 2301, ANTH 2302, CJ 1301, ECO 1301, GEOG 1301, GEOG 1302, PSY 1303, SOC 1303), SOS 3306; and 3 hours of enhancement not already met by the curriculum. Basic Science and Mathematics (44 hours) CIS 1408 or 1410; MATH 1404, 2401, 2402, and 2403: BIOL 1301/1101 and 1302/1102, CHEM 1307/1107 and 1308/1108; PHYS 1307/1107 and 1308/1108. Upper-Level Chemistry Courses (28 hours) CHEM 3301/3201 and 3302/3202 CHEM 3301/3110 CHEM 3320 CHEM 3330/3130 CHEM 4340/4140 Three additional hours of 4000-level electives in chemistry Approved Electives (27 hours) Must include at least 8 hours of upper-level courses. Bachelor of Science Major in Industrial Chemistry James Driy, PhD, Coordinator Room 821-North, 713-221-8170 The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry is a rigorous program that prepares the student for a wide variety of technical positions in the chemical and petroleum industries of the greater Houston area, an area considered to be the chemical capitol of the world. Graduates of this program will be well prepared to enter the highly technical and demanding field of industrial chemistry. Courses required for this program also provide students with the knowledge needed to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or related scientific fields. Course Requirements for the Industrial Chemistry Major (134 hours) The program is divided into three principal areas. The first area contains a group of courses in the liberal arts that provide the student with a broad-based general education. The second area contains courses that provide a strong foundation in basic science including courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics and physics. The third area emphasizes the advanced methods, theories and applications of chemistry that are important to the world of industrial chemistry. Some of the courses included in this area are organic chemistry, physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, environmental chemistry, polymer chemistry and industrial chemical processes. Students are encouraged to participate in an appropriate field experience or a directed studies research activity during their junior or senior year. All general requirements for graduation in the Department of Natural Sciences apply to this degree. 55 General Education Requirements (36 hours) ENG 1301, 1302, 3302 and a 2000-level literature course; three hours in fine arts; three hours in economics; SPCH 1304 or 3306; POLS 2303 and 2304; two of the following: HIST 1305, 1306, 2303 and 2309; PSY 1303 or SOC 1303 Basic Mathematics and Science (45 hours) CS 1408 or 1410; MATH 2401, 2402 and 2403; BIOL 1301/1101 and 1302/1102; CHEM 1307/1107/1101 and 1308/1108; GEOL 1305/1105; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108 Major Area of Emphasis (44–45 hours) CHEM 3301/3201, 3302/3202, 3310/3110, 3320, 3330/3130, 3332/3132, 4310, 4360, 4362, 4364 and 4340/4140; PHYS: 3–4 hours of upper-level physics Electives (8–9 hours) Six of the eight hours may be satisfied by appropriate field experience. Pre-Professional Areas The Department of Natural Sciences offers lower and upper-level courses in the academic and specialized areas described above. In addition, it provides courses that serve a number of pre-professional areas. Students in pre-dentistry, pre-medicine and pre-veterinary medicine who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree prior to entering the respective professional school may choose to develop a degree plan for using the Bachelor of Science in Biological and Physical Sciences or one of the degree programs offered by the department. The pre-clinical course requirements for students interested in clinical laboratory science, dental hygiene, nuclear medicine technology, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician’s assistant and dentistry, medicine and veterinary medicine are described below. Since entrance requirements vary widely and are subject to frequent changes, close consultation with an assigned advisor is recommended. Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Students who plan to become registered medical technologists must complete one year of clinical training during the fourth or fifth year of study. Prior to entering the clinical program they should complete the following courses: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 3420; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201, 3310/3110, and 4340/4140; ENG 1301, 1302, and six hours of sophomore English; POLS 2303, 2304; HIST 1305, 1306; six hours of mathematics; MBIO 2305/2105, 4320/4120; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108; suggested electives include BIOL 3303/3103, 3305/3105. The BS program in Biological and Physical Sciences is recommended for students interested in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science. UHD is affiliated with the School of Medical Technology at the Methodist Hospital of Houston. Dental Hygiene Students applying to schools of dental hygiene to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene are required to complete at least 62 semester hours prior to their admission. Courses generally required include: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102; CHEM 1305/1105, 1306/1106; ENG 1301/1302, and 6 hours of sophomore English; POLS 2303, 2304; 3 hours of mathematics; HIST 1305, 1306; PSY 1303; SOC 1303; SPCH 1304. Medical Records Administration/Health Information Management Program To qualify for the Medical Record Administration designation, a bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited Medical Record Administration are required. There are three accredited MRA programs at the baccalaureate level in the State of Texas. The general requirements for the program in the State of Texas are: BIOL 1303/1103, 1304/1104; ENG 1301, 1302 and three hours of Sophomore English, GOV 2303, 2304; HIST 1305, 1306, MBIO 1305/1105; three hours each of business, mathematics, computer science and speech; and up to 21 hrs. Which must include biology and other courses depending on the institution. Check with your advisor for the specific requirements for a given institution. Nuclear Medicine Technology Students are admitted to training in this field upon completion of a baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 90 semester hours. Courses required for admission to the School of Nuclear Medicine Technology at the Baylor College of Medicine include: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 1303/1103, 1304/1104, 4320; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201, 3310/3110, 4340/4140; ENG 1301, 1302; HIST 1305, 1306; POLS 2303, 2304; MATH 1301, 1302, 1306, 2300; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108; nine hours of social science electives. Nursing Students who intend to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing are required to complete at least 60 semester hours prior to entering a school of nursing. Courses generally required include: ANTH 2302; BIOL 1303/1103, 1304/1104, 1306; CHEM 1305/1105, 1306/1106, ENG 1301, 1302; POLS 2303, 2304; HIST 1305, 1306; MATH 2300 or SOS 2307; MBIO 1305/1105; PHIL 1301; PSY 1303, 3307; SOC 1303. Nutrition and Dietetics Students applying to schools of nutrition and dietetics to pursue the bachelor of science degree during their junior and senior year are required to complete at least 60 semester hours prior to their admission. UH-Downtown and the University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences have a cooperative program for a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Lower-level courses required include: BIOL 1303/1103, 1304/1104, 1306; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201; ECO 2301 or 2302; ENG 1301, 1302 and 3 hours of sophomore English; POLS 2303, 2304; PSY 1303; SOC 1303. Recommended electives include courses in physics, statistics, speech and additional courses in social sciences, biology and mathematics. Occupational Therapy Prior to admission to a clinical program in occupational therapy, students are required to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours. Courses generally required include: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 1303/1103, 1304/1104 or 3305/3105; CHEM 1307/1107, ENG 1301, 1302, plus zero-six hours of literature; POLS 2303, 2304; HIST 1305, 1306; zero-six hours of mathematics or computer science; PHYS 1307/1107; three-six hours of psychology, three-six hours of sociology. TWU requires a baccalaureate degree for transfer students. 56 Optometry Students applying to the UH College of Optometry to pursue the bachelor of science and doctor of optometry degrees are required to complete at least 90 semester hours prior to their admission. Students may apply for admission while completing their pre-optometry course work. A baccalaureate degree is recommended prior to optometry studies. Courses required to enter the University of Houston College of Optometry include: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 1303/1103, 1304/1104; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201 and 4340/4140; ENG 1301, 1302, and 6 hours of sophomore English; POLS 2303, 2304; HIST 1305, 1306; MATH 1404, 2401, 2300; MBIO 2305/2105; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108; PSY 1303; SOS 3312; electives: six hours from art, drama, history, literature, music and philosophy. Pharmacy The schools of Pharmacy in the State of Texas are now instituting the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) as the entry level degree for the field of pharmacy. For admission to the program at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy the courses listed below must be successfully completed or in progress. The courses listed also meet all but one or two of the minor requirements for admission to the colleges of pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Southern University, and Texas Technological University. BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201, 3302/3202; ENG 1301, 1302 and six hours of sophomore English; POLS 2303, 2304, HIST 1305, 1306; MATH 1306, 2300; MBIO 2305/2105; PHYS 1307/1107, PSY 1303, PSY 2302 or SOC 1303; SPCH 1304, 3304 or 3306; Six hours of Cultural Heritage electives which meet the requirements of the UH core curriculum. Suggested electives are BIOL 3305/1105 and CHEM 4340/4140. Physical Therapy Most physical therapy programs recommend a bachelor of science degree prior to admission. Courses required include: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 3305/3105, 3320/3120; CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108; ENG 1301, 1302; POLS 2303, 2304; HIST 1305, 1306; MATH 1301 and 2300; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108; PSY 1303, 2310; SOC 1303; SPCH 1304. The BS program in Biological and Physical Sciences is recommended for students interested in Physical Therapy. Physician’s Assistant Prior to admission to a program leading to professional certification as a physician’s assistant, students must complete a minimum of 60 hours. Many students who enter these programs have a four-year degree. Some programs require a degree prior to admission. Students should consult with their advisor for the requirements of the program(s) they are interested in. Courses generally required are: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102 and 3405 or 1303/1103, CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, ENG 1301, 1302, three hours of literature, three hours of speech, POLS 2303, 2304, HIST 1305, 1306, MATH 1301, 1302, MBIO 2305/2105, nine hours of behavioral and social sciences; eight hours of electives in health-related areas. Dentistry and Medicine* A baccalaureate degree is strongly recommended for all pre-dental and pre-medical students since dental and medical colleges accept very few students without a degree. The courses required of most pre-dental and pre-medical students in Texas prior to admission include: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102 and eight hours of advanced biology with lab, CHEM 1307/1107, 1308/1108, 3301/3201, 3302/3202, 4340; ENG 1301, 1302 and six hours of sophomore English (may include ENG 3302), MATH 2401 (except for dental students); PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108. Veterinary Medicine* A baccalaureate degree is recommended for all pre-veterinary medicine students. The following lists the minimum requirements for admission to the Texas AandM College of Veterinary Medicine: BIOL 1301/1101, 1302/1102, 3303/3103, 1306; CHEM 1307/1107/1101, 1308/1108, 3301/3201, 4340/4140; MATH 2401 or 2300; MBIO 2305/2105; PHYS 1307/1107, 1308/1108; SPCH 1304; ENG 1301, 1302, 3302, three hours of literature, three hours of technical writing, and a three hour course in animal nutrition. * After completion of 30 semester hours of university-level work and passing all sections of the TASP exam, the pre-dental, pre-medical and pre-veterinary major must contact the Health Professions Advisory Committee in order to be assigned a permanent faculty advisor. The advisor and other committee members will be responsible for advising the student, providing information about application procedures and professional entrance exams, and providing letters of evaluation.