Inquiry into the nature of physical phenomena is among the most persistent of human concerns. During the past century, both the scope and pace of such inquiry have broadened and accelerated, and its influence on our civilization has become pervasive. The discoveries and consequences of scientific inquiry have profoundly affected the human race—both in daily life and in practically all domains of intellectual life.
The Division of Mathematics and Sciences believes that an understanding of mathematics and the sciences is an indispensable part of a sound education. Coursework in the Division provides students with instruction that addresses fundamental issues in the broad range of scientific inquiry. The Division seeks to instill in students an appreciation of critical thinking as well as knowledge of specific subjects. Students who decide to major in one of the disciplines of the Division undertake specialized study and research in their selected fields.
The Division offers majors in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The major in Biology includes four options: General Biology, Biotechnology, Pre-Professional, and Biology with Teaching Certification. The major in Mathematics includes five options: Mathematics/Applied (Pre-Engineering), Pure Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, double major in Mathematics and Computer Science, and Mathematics with Teaching Certification. The major in Mathematics leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree; each of the others leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Minors are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. (See the School of Education sub-section of the College of Professional Studies section in this Catalogue for more details on the certification programs.)
Students majoring in Mathematics/Applied (Pre-Engineering) pursue a five-year curriculum leading to two degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland at College Park, Vanderbilt University, or Florida A & M University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Applied Mathematics from Kentucky State University. More information about this program may be found in the sub-section describing the Mathematics offerings. Students interested in Pre-Engineering should consult the chairperson of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences or the Pre-Engineering advisor.
The Division offers a curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in programs related to the health professions. Students interested in medicine, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, or other allied health fields should consult the chairperson of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences or the Pre-health professions advisors. The following section of this Catalogue describing allied health offerings also contains information relevant to these fields.
sion of Mathematics and Sciences or the Pre-health professions advisors. The following section of this Catalogue describing allied health offerings also contains information relevant to these fields.
NOTE: Students must complete all prerequisite courses in the Division of Mathematics and Sciences with a grade of “C” or better before they may attempt the next course in a course sequence.
Many allied health programs are changing to graduate programs and require a baccalaureate degree for admission into the programs. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to complete a B.S. in Biology (or another appropriate discipline) before applying to an allied health professions program. The Division offers coursework that prepares students for admission to upper-level courses at a university with an accredited program toward an undergraduate degree in an allied health field. Allied health offerings at Kentucky State University include pre-physical therapy, pre-cytotechnology, pre-nuclear medicine technology, pre-optometry, and pre-pharmacy.
The Division offers attractive programs for students interested in entering medical or dental schools. To enter either of these professional schools the students must complete at least one year of biology with laboratory, one year of general chemistry with laboratory, one year of organic chemistry with laboratory, one year of physics with laboratory, one year of college mathematics or one semester of calculus, one year of English, and other courses that will help assure success, such as those in advanced communication skills, logic, or computer science and psychology.
Academic advisors at Kentucky State University work closely with pre-medical and pre-dental students to ensure that they fulfill all of the requirements for admission to professional schools.
Students who need more information about these programs should consult the Chairperson of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences or the Pre-Health Professions advisors as early in their academic careers as possible.
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