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Overview

The College of Science and Mathematics serves the needs of students majoring in its recognized disciplines and provides instruction as part of the general educational background of all students at the University.

The college is composed of six departments offering instruction in specific academic disciplines: biology, chemistry and biochemistry, geological sciences, mathematics, physics and astronomy, and statistics. An interdisciplinary program in marine science is supervised by a faculty committee drawn from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Geological Sciences. The college also administers a degree program in cardiovascular technology that combines 100 semester hours of academic work with a clinical program at an accredited hospital.

Teacher Preparation Programs

The College of Science and Mathematics participates in teacher preparation programs for undergraduate students who wish to pursue teacher certification. The University of South Carolina Columbia's innovative five-year program is closely coupled with a student's undergraduate major. This special program leads to a bachelor's degree and is followed by a master's degree leading to teacher certification. Because the University of South Carolina is committed to preparing professionals who will serve as leaders in education, admission to the master's degree program with certification is highly competitive.

Within this program the Bachelor of Science degree offered by the college is appropriate for students seeking certification as secondary teachers in the single disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In addition, students may apply for the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program to achieve certification in two disciplines with the following combinations: chemistry/physics, biology/chemistry, or earth science/life science.

Entrance Requirements

Any student who is admitted to the baccalaureate degree program of the University of South Carolina Columbia is eligible to be admitted to any of the degree programs of the college except cardiovascular technology. See later chapter information for the additional requirements for this program.

Progression Requirements

Students in the College of Science and Mathematics are subject to University regulations regarding probation, suspension, and readmission described in this bulletin under "Academic Regulations." Additional progression and retention requirements are specified in science and mathematics chapter sections for cardiovascular technology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics.

Attendance Requirements

Students in the College of Science and Mathematics are subject to the University regulations regarding class attendance set forth in this bulletin.

Other Regulations

In addition to the University academic regulations, students in the College of Science and Mathematics are subject to the following:

1. A student shall not be permitted to enroll for more than 18 credit hours without the approval of the assistant dean of the college.
2. The assistant dean of the college, with the recommendation of the appropriate faculty, may authorize a student to repeat a course.

Curricula

The College of Science and Mathematics offers established curricula leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. The B.S. degree is available for the following majors: biology, cardiovascular technology, chemistry, geology, geophysics, marine science, mathematics, physics, and statistics.

A candidate for the B.S. degree must satisfactorily complete the requirements for a major in one of the programs listed above. The student is advised to read carefully the statement of the appropriate department or program in the following pages. No student will be permitted to change a major field after the beginning of the senior year.

The curricula established for all baccalaureate degrees generally include a set of courses that fulfill the general education requirements, a set of courses that comprise a departmental major, a set of courses that comprise a cognate, and several hours of free elective courses. Details of the graduation requirements and academic regulations are distributed to each student in the college.

General Education Requirements. All majors in the College of Science and Mathematics must satisfy a set of general education requirements, which are designed to prevent too narrow an academic focus. These are outlined below.

Major Options. Science and mathematics students may satisfy a general major with a minimum of 24 to 28 hours in advanced courses in one department, or an intensive major with 33 to 41 hours in advanced courses in one department. The intensive major is intended specifically for students who plan to pursue graduate work or wish to meet standards of professional societies. A minimum grade of C or better is required on all major courses.

Double Major. A student may elect to complete a double major by satisfying the degree program requirements in each of two degree programs. This will include a minimum of 48 to 52 semester hours of major course work under the following options:

1. both majors in the College of Liberal Arts
2. both majors in the College of Science and Mathematics
3. one major in the College of Liberal Arts and one major in the College of Science and Mathematics.
4. one major in the College of Science and Mathematics and one major in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (computer science and computer information systems majors only).

The options will pertain also in cases where one degree program leads to a B.A. and the other to a B.S. degree as long as the student designates one as the official degree of record. Fulfillment of the requirements of the second major will be indicated on the student's official transcript. Approval of the dean(s) is required for a double major. The student must fulfill all requirements, except those for the cognate, for both majors.

Cognates. In addition to the satisfactory completion of courses in the major field of study, a student must also complete a minimum of 12 hours in advanced courses outside of the major related to the student’s major as prescribed by the major department.

The cognate is intended to support the course work in the major. Cognate courses may all be in one outside department or in several departments, depending on the individual interests and requirements of the student as judged by the student’s academic advisor. A cognate differs from a minor in that the courses must be above sophomore level and may be distributed over more than one subject area. In addition, unlike a minor, grades of D are acceptable for completion of the cognate requirement. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the cognate.

Courses offered by departments in the College of Science and Mathematics which are acceptable for cognate credit are outlined below; for cognate course offerings in other departments or colleges, consult the appropriate sections of this bulletin. In general, 399 courses are not used for fulfilling the cognate requirement.

Astronomy (All courses numbered 211 and above)
Biology (All courses at the 300, 400, 500, 600 level)
Chemistry (All except 101, 102, 105, 106, 111, 112, 118)
Education (All numbered 300 and above, except directed teaching)
Geological Sciences (All courses numbered 300 and above)
Marine Science (All courses numbered 301 and above )
Mathematics (241 and above except 401, 501, 502)
Physics (All courses numbered 212 and above )
Statistics (All courses numbered 500 and above)

It should be emphasized that the cognate is not a second set of elective courses to be chosen at random by the student. The cognate must be approved by the advisor as being related to the major field of study.

Due to its interdisciplinary nature, the major program and cognate requirements for marine science are combined into a single 36-hour major program requirement.

Minors. In place of the cognate a student in the College of Science and Mathematics may choose a minor consisting of at least 16 credit hours of prescribed courses. The subject area of the minor may be related to the major. The minor is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second area of study. It differs from the cognate inasmuch as the courses must be concentrated in one area and must follow a structured sequence. Courses applied toward general education requirements cannot be counted toward the minor. No course may satisfy both major and minor requirements. All minor courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. Minors are available in all major programs of the College of Science and Mathematics except cardiovascular technology and astronomy. For descriptions of specific minors, students should see their academic advisors.

Electives. With the exception of cardiovascular technology, requirements for the baccalaureate degree in the College of Science and Mathematics include at least 128 hours in academic subjects. Students in the College of Science and Mathematics may elect courses offered in other colleges of the University. In planning the course of study during the first two years, a student should give precedence to the courses that satisfy the general education requirements.

Basic Degree Requirements in Science and Mathematics (Bachelor of Science)

(128 hours)

1. General Education Requirements

Group I*
ENGL 101, 102 (6 hours) Must be passed with grades of C or better.
Foreign language: Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language equivalent to the minimal passing grade on the exit examination in the 122 course is required for all baccalaureate degrees. (0-9 hours)
Two courses in history, at the 100 level, at least one non-U.S. history (6 hours)

Group II--Quantitative
Mathematics 141 and 142 or (biology majors only) three courses including both MATH 122, STAT 201, and either MATH 170, 172, or 174 (8-9 hours)
Statistics as specified by major program (minimum 3 hours)
Computer science numbered 102 or higher (3-4 hours)

Group III--Humanities
Courses selected from: African American studies, English (numbered 280 and higher, except 450 and 460-463), fine arts history and literature (art, music, theatre), foreign language (201 and higher), history (300 and higher), philosophy (except 110, 111, 511), religious studies, WOST 111. At least one course must be in fine arts. (6 hours)

Group IV--Social Sciences
Courses selected from: anthropology, economics, geography, government and international studies, psychology, sociology, WOST 112 (6 hours)

Group V--Laboratory Science
Courses (both with laboratory) selected from: astronomy, biology, chemistry, geological sciences, marine science, and physics (8 hours)
Total of I, II, III, IV, and V (46-57 hours)

2. Major Requirements (One of the following options)

General major (24-28 hours)
Intensive major (33-41 hours)
Double major (48-60 hours)
Total (24-60 hours)

3. Cognate or Minor Requirements (12-18 hours)

4. Electives

Sufficient additional academic credits to total a minimum of 128 hours.

*Students are encouraged to demonstrate the level of accomplishment represented by Group I courses by means of advanced placement examinations. See the section on advanced placement under "Admissions."

Advisement

A student may declare a major in the College of Science and Mathematics at the time of admission to the University or after enrollment by completing the appropriate form available from the office of the assistant dean of the college. Each of the degree programs of the college has a director of undergraduate studies who supervises the academic advisement of the students majoring in that program. The assistant dean supervises the academic advisement program for the college and maintains accurate student records. Although it is the responsibility of students in the college to ensure that they complete all graduation requirements, the faculty and administration of the college make every effort possible to see that students are provided with accurate and timely academic advisement. No student is permitted to complete the registration process without an advisement form approved by his or her academic advisor. Each student should make an appointment with the office of the assistant dean for a senior’s record check in the next to last semester, at which time any unfulfilled graduation requirements will be identified. A student must have a major program card, approved by the advisor, at the time of this record check.

Cardiovascular Technology

Loren W. Knapp, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, College of Science and Mathematics, Director
Kathleen Maron, Ed.S., Student Services Specialist, College of Science and Mathematics, Associate Director

The degree of Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology (B.S.C.V.T.) is awarded upon:

1. satisfactory completion of at least 100 semester hours of academic work, including all courses prescribed in the curriculum below;
2. satisfactory completion of an intensive CVT training program, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology.

Admission and Retention Standards for Cardiovascular Technology

Admission to CVT training programs is very competitive, and only a limited number of candidates can be admitted in each class. For this reason the following admission and retention standards are applied during the academic portion of this program:

1. Admission. Students may be admitted into the cardiovascular technology program upon completion of BIOL 101, 101L, 102, and 102L; CHEM 111 and 112; and MATH 122 or 141 provided they meet the grade requirements specified below.
2. Retention. Progressive GPA standards are enforced for continuation in the program. Upon completion of 30 credit hours a minimum GPA of 2.50 is required; at 60 credit hours a minimum GPA of 2.75 is required. Upon completion of the specified academic requirements, only students who have gained admission into an approved CVT training facility will be retained in the program.

Transfer students admitted to this degree program must complete the last 30 credit hours of academic work in residence at the University of South Carolina prior to entering the intensive CVT training program.

Degree Requirements

1. General Education Requirements

General education requirements are the same as the College of Science and Mathematics requirements except:
Group II--only MATH 122 or 141, STAT 201, and CSCE 102 are required.

2. Major Requirements

a. BIOL 302, 303, 415, 460, 460L, 541 {=CHEM 550}, 541L {=CHEM 550L}.
b. CHEM 333, 331L, 334, 332L.
c. Satisfactory completion of an approved CVT training program.

3. Other Requirements

a. PHYS 201, 201L, 202, 202L.
b. 4 credits selected from BIOL 302L, 505, 530, and 620 or CHEM 321, 321L.

4. Electives

Electives to bring the total credit hours earned to 100; suggested electives: NURS 223, CLAS 230.

5. Cognate or Minor Requirements

The 15- to 18-month clinical program will replace the need for a cognate.

School of Cardiovascular Technology Affiliated with the University of South Carolina

The clinical faculty member listed below is also designated as a special lecturer on the cardiovascular technology program at the University of South Carolina.

Claude Smith, M.D., Medical Director
Providence Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina

Center for Science Education

The Center for Science Education, in conjunction with the departments in the College of Science and Mathematics, is responsible for developing and coordinating interdisciplinary teacher education courses and programs in science and mathematics. These courses are listed and described below under "Science and Mathematics for Educators" and carry the interdisciplinary SMED designator.

The Center for Science Education also assists individual departments in offering content-specific courses in their disciplines designed for in-service teachers. These courses carrying individual departmental designators include:

BIOL 501, 770, 771, 772, 775, and 776
CHEM 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, and 709
GEOL 531, 700, 702
MSCI 803, 777 and 778
MATH 701-I, 702-I, 703-I, 704-I, 712-I, 736-I, 752-I, and 780-I
PHYS 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, and 787

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Science and Mathematics for Educators (SMED)

• 510 -- Life Science for Teachers I. (3) (Prereq/core: none) Topics appropriate for elementary and middle-school curricula; phylogenetic organization of major kingdoms, characteristics of plants and animals, including humans; ecological principles; communities; energy needs, resources, flow and balance; heredity and adaptation.
  
• 510L -- Life Science for Teachers Laboratory. (1) (Coreq: SMED 510, permission of instructor)
  
• 520 -- Earth Science for Teachers I. (3) (Prereq/core: none) Topics appropriate for elementary and middle school curricula; solar system; earth-moon-sun relationships; geologic time; earth materials; emphasis on surface processes and an introduction to internal processes.
  
• 520L -- Earth Science for Teachers Laboratory I. (1) (Coreq: SMED 520, permission of instructor)
  
• 530 -- Physical Science for Teachers I. (3) (Prereq/core: none) Topics appropriate for elementary and middle school curricula; chemical and physical change; states and transformations of matter; atoms, elements, molecules, mixtures, and compounds; laws of motion; heat, light, and sound energy; electricity and magnetism.
  
• 530L -- Physical Science for Teachers Laboratory I. (1) (Coreq: SMED 530, consent of instructor)
  
• 541 -- Classical and Modern Physics for Teachers I. (3) (Prereq: science teaching certificate, algebra, trigonometry) Mechanics, electromagnetism, wave motion, sound, heat, optics, relativity, quantum physics, atomic and nuclear physics. No previous background in physics is assumed. Laboratory activities designed specifically for the pre-college teacher will be required.
  
• 542 -- Classical and Modern Physics for Teachers II. (3) (Prereq: SMED 541, science teaching certificate, algebra and trigonometry) Continuation of SMED 541.