Laboratory Science

Degree

Bachelor of Science with a major in Laboratory Science
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
School of Molecular and Physical Sciences

Contact

Amy Deveau, Ph.D.
Academic Director, School of Molecular and Physical Sciences
adeveau@une.edu

Mission

Chemistry and physics are fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter: its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes. Chemistry often is referred to as the central science; it rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science, and has applications in such diverse areas of research as the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.

Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. To understand living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.

In addition to offering majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Laboratory science, and minors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, the department fills a significant role for students in other programs through its introductory courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in the students' majors.

Major Description

The Laboratory Science (LS) major is designed to prepare graduates for work in a variety of modern laboratory settings, ranging from biotechnology labs to quality control labs to academic, medical, or industrial research labs. The program includes a broad spectrum of laboratory courses in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology so that the graduate will evolve a comprehensive repertoire of relevant lab skills that can be applied to careers across chemical, biological, and medical industries. With careful selection of elective courses, LS graduates wishing to become medical technologists will be well-prepared for acceptance into accredited hospital internship programs in medical technology. Recent LS graduates have been successful in pursuing careers in industry and studies in graduate programs.

Curricular Requirements

CAS Core RequirementsCredits
Total Credits43
Program Required CoursesCredits
BIO 105/105L – Biology I w/LabCredits Fulfilled by Core Requirements
BIO 106/106L – Biology II w/Lab4
BIO 214/214L – Genetics w/Lab4
BIO 232/232L – Microbiology w/Lab4
BIO 365/365L – Immunology w/Lab4
BIO 370 – Cell and Molecular Biology3
CHE 150/150L – University General Chemistry I w/Lab*4
CHE 151/151L – University General Chemistry II w/Lab*4
CHE 250/250L/250S – University Organic Chemistry I w/Lab and LabLecture*5
CHE 307/307L – Quantitative Analysis w/Lab5
CHE 310/310L – Fundamentals of Biochemistry w/Lab4
CHE 417/417L – Instrumental Methods of Analysis w/Lab4
MAT 190 – Calculus IFulfilled by Core Requirements
PHY 210 – University Physics I*4
Total Credits49
Select a minimum of three (3) courses from the followingCredits
BIO 203/203L – Histology w/Lab4
BIO 204/204L – Parasitology w/Lab4
BIO 245/245L – Gen Prin of Human Anat, Phys and Path I w/Lab4
BIO 345/345L – Gen Prin of Human Anat, Phys and Path II w/Lab5
CHE 251/251L/251S – University Organic Chemistry II w/Lab and LabLecture*5
CHE 450 – Advanced Biochemistry Lab3
PHY 211 – University Physics II*4
Total Credits11–14
Open Elective Credits (as needed to reach 120 credits)**Variable
Minimum Total Required Credits120

*Matriculated majors are expected to enroll in the University course sequences for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The following substitutions may be made with department permission: CHE 110 for CHE 150; CHE 111 for CHE 151; CHE 210 for CHE 250; CHE 211 for CHE 251; PHY 110 for PHY 210; and/or PHY 111 for PHY 211.

**Recommended Elective Courses are BIO 330/330L – Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy w/Lab (if BIO 245/345 not selected), MAT 150 – Statistics for Life Sciences and MAT 195 – Calculus II

Students in this major can participate in the pre-health graduate school preparation tracks.

Academic and Technical Standards

A minimum grade of C- must be achieved in all required science and mathematics courses used toward graduation in laboratory science, and a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average in the sciences is a requirement for graduation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Laboratory Sciences major students will be able to:

  • Describe and apply advanced information and concepts relevant to general laboratory science.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in safe laboratory practices and use of instrumentation standard to the discipline.
  • Clearly communicate information in both oral and written forms relevant to general laboratory science.
  • Work collaboratively in various team settings.
  • Compete for placement in graduate programs or employment relevant to the field of study.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their advisor.

Transfer Credit

Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program. A transferred course must align in scope and content to the required course offered at SWAGÊÓƵ. Otherwise, a course may transfer as a general elective. All courses completed must be no older than five (5) years. Transferred courses for matriculated students must be approved by the department.

Other restrictions apply. See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Admissions

See Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This catalog outlines the academic programs, degree criteria, policies, and events of the SWAGÊÓƵ for the 2024–2025 academic year and serves as the official guide for academic and program requirements for students enrolling at the University during the Summer of 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters.

The information provided is accurate as of its publication date on April 26, 2024.
The SWAGÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify its programs, calendar, or academic schedule as deemed necessary or beneficial. This includes alterations to course content, class rescheduling, cancellations, or any other academic adjustments. Changes will be communicated as promptly as possible.

While students may receive guidance from academic advisors or program directors, they remain responsible for fulfilling the requirements outlined in the catalog relevant to their enrollment year and for staying informed about any updates to policies, provisions, or requirements.