Program: Interdisciplinary Science, BS (4901) - Iona College

2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

Apr 03, 2025

The College offers a major program in interdisciplinary science (HEGIS 4901). It is the nature of the program to provide an individualized education in science as an alternative to the traditional science majors which are available.

The program in interdisciplinary science is supported by faculty of the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, and Physics.

Objectives

The interdisciplinary science major is designed to provide flexibility in designing a sound science program to meet individual needs and interests, and to provide opportunities for students to take courses in a number of related disciplines. The program will be structured around a theme or goal identified by the student, and will provide appropriate education for interdisciplinary fields where scientific, analytical and technical expertise are assets. Students with interests in science teaching, health fields, materials science, technical sales or management, laboratory techniques, etc. may find this major matched to their needs. The coordinator provides assistance in designing a curriculum that matches the students’ educational goals. All course selections must have the prior approval of the program coordinator to insure that each individual has been properly advised and that the program chosen has integrity and coherence. Interdisciplinary science majors will often be referred to other academic advisers for guidance in the choice of non-science courses that pertain to their major.

Overview

College Core	46-49 credits
Science Degree Core	14 credits
Major Requirements	24 credits
Liberal Arts Electives
Open Electives	33-36 credits
TOTAL	120-123 credits

College Core

To Satisfy Part of Area III

MTH 231 - Calculus 1 Credits: 4

Degree Core

MTH 270 - Applied Statistics Credits: 3
CHM 109 - General Chemistry 1 Credits: 5
CHM 110 - General Chemistry 2 Credits: 4.5
PHY 101 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 102 - General Physics II Credits: 4

Note:

Six of these science credits are applied to Area Ill of the College core and the remaining 14 credits are counted as the degree core.

With the permission of the coordinator, BIO 101 - General Biology 1 , BIO 102 - General Biology 2 may be substituted for chemistry or physics if appropriate to the individual’s program. In some other cases, introductory courses in all three of the basic sciences may be required.

Core Requirements

Students who choose to major in interdisciplinary science must complete the following:

A. Major Courses

A total of 24 credits in science beyond the introductory courses are required. Of these, at least 12 credits must be at the 300-400 level, and a science seminar (BIO 450 , CHM 450 , CIS 489, CES 450 or PHY 450 ) must be included. The selection of specific major courses is made jointly by the student and the coordinator.

B. Comprehensive Requirement

Students majoring in interdisciplinary science are required to submit a major paper on an appropriate topic during their senior year. To be acceptable, the paper must demonstrate understanding of the interdisciplinary dimensions of the topic.