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Program Overview
The Life Sciences degree cultivates a foundational knowledge of the living world from sub-cellular to ecological and global scales. Critical thinking skills necessary to design, collect, and interpret datasets will be a central part of the major coursework, preparing students to teach critical thinking to their own students or to apply those skills to allied health professions where analytical skills will be applied in the workplace. Students will acquire the foundational knowledge and mathematical skills to interpret published research in their ultimate professional areas. Graduates may pursue a variety of career paths and will be prepared for graduate school in a variety of life or environmental science fields.
In addition to the core classes in the Life Sciences degree, students can choose a concentration in biology, pre-professional, or fitness science.
- The Biology Concentration focuses on building a broader and deeper range of knowledge and skills in biology and further strengthens the student’s foundational knowledge of chemistry and mathematics to support scientific analytical skills.
- The Fitness Science Concentration focuses on foundational knowledge and skills related to exercise science and the development of lifelong holistic wellness.
- The Pre-Professional Concentration allows room for further study in biology, health science, math or physical science to support student professional goals.
By adding just one more year to your undergraduate degree, you can also earn a Master of Arts in Teaching that credentials you to teach science at the high school level!
Every undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree at Johnson earns a double major – a major in Bible and Theology and a major of their choice, like Life Sciences. Click here to learn more about the Bible and Theology major.
Concentrations
In addition to the core classes in the Life Sciences degree, students can choose a Biology, Fitness Science, or Pre-professional concentration.
Biology Concentration Classes
General Chemistry II
The continuation of General Chemistry I is an introduction to chemistry, including gas laws, solutions, acids, bases, salts, kinetics, electrochemistry, and other related topics. The laboratory portion emphasizes proper technique in measuring, calculations, and analysis and interpretation of quantitative data. Includes a 3-hour weekly lab.
Calculus I or Math for Life Sciences
Calculus I
Introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus and their applications. Limits, continuity and derivatives, the definite integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Math for Life Sciences
This course is an introduction to a variety of mathematical topics that are relevant for analyzing problems in the life and health sciences and provides the mathematical background required for a course in calculus. Topics include descriptive statistics, linear regression, exponential and logarithmic functions, difference equations, matrix algebra, and basic discrete probability theory.
A Biology elective, 3000 level or higher or Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (BIOL 2044)
Fitness Science Concentration Classes
Kinesiology
Students will examine how physical activity permeates all aspects of life. A strong emphasis will be placed on career exploration, career opportunities, and professional development. This will entail the creation of resumes and cover letters, bringing in guest speakers from the field of kinesiology, and enhancing student professionalism and leadership skills.
Motor Learning
This course focuses on motor skill acquisition; variables that influence learning and performance of motor skills; and the relationship between skill acquisition, growth, development, and adaptation. Students apply these principles in teaching and coaching motor skills.
Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning
This course focuses on theories, organization, methods, and techniques involved in the teaching and coaching of strength training, physical conditioning, and personal training. It includes an introduction to biomechanical principles and their application.
Health & Fitness Testing, Evaluation, & Prescription
This course provides practical experience in using laboratory instruments and methodologies to evaluate health-related components of physical fitness. Special emphasis is placed on testing protocols, interpretation, risk identification, and stratification, and the application of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines in prescribing a health and fitness regimen.
Pre-Professional Concentration
General Chemistry II
The continuation of General Chemistry I is an introduction to chemistry, including gas laws, solutions, acids, bases, salts, kinetics, electrochemistry, and other related topics. The laboratory portion emphasizes proper technique in measuring, calculations, and analysis and interpretation of quantitative data. Includes a 3-hour weekly lab.
Calculus I or Math for Life Sciences
Calculus I
Introduction to the basic concepts of differential and integral calculus and their applications. Limits, continuity and derivatives, the definite integral and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Math for Life Sciences
This course is an introduction to a variety of mathematical topics that are relevant for analyzing problems in the life and health sciences and provides the mathematical background required for a course in calculus. Topics include descriptive statistics, linear regression, exponential and logarithmic functions, difference equations, matrix algebra, and basic discrete probability theory.
A Biology elective, 2000-level or higher
Supporting Sciences or Mathematics elective: Students may choose between courses in Biology (2000 level or higher), health sciences, chemistry, physics, or mathematics to support their studies and to complete coursework prerequisites for professional programs, as approved by their advisor.
