The purpose of the Natural Science degree is to enable students to receive a general science education based on a course of study which is broader, but less in-depth in a single area, than a typical science major in the College of Arts and Sciences. Requirements are successful completion of 30 semester hours approved and offered by one science department (designated the major) and 27 semester hours approved and offered by a second science department (designated the minor). The five science departments are found within the College of Arts and Sciences and include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. At least 9 semester hours of the major must be at the 400 level or above. Because departments within the college offer a variety of courses for diverse purposes, not every course listed in this catalog can be counted toward the natural science degree. Students must obtain approval of a plan of study leading toward this degree from the department chair of both the major and minor departments. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible to avoid taking courses that might not be approved toward the degree. In addition to the number of hours, there is a requirement of at least a C average in courses counted toward the major and also in courses counted toward the minor. At least one-third of the hours in both the major and minor must be completed at UAB, and at least a C average must be maintained in these courses. Individual departments may be contacted for specific listings of courses required or recommended for the major or minor in that department for the natural science degree, or for information about particularly effective major/minor pairings.

A degree in Natural science will teach you how to operate scientific equipment, apply scientific theories, design experiments and record results, reason logically, pay attention to detail, and report results and conclusions orally and in writing. These skills can serve you in many careers, including science education, science-related business, reporting and editing, and legal professions. It is also useful for those who intend to go on to graduate school in the life sciences, law, science education, health professions, and public health.