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| School of Science and Computer Engineering |
School of Science and COmputer Engineering
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The School of Science and Computer Engineering (SCE) offers high quality academic degrees consistent with the role of a regional public university. Plans within the school prepare graduates to enter fields in natural sciences, mathematics, computing and computer engineering. Individuals in the school's plans are expected to develop skills in problem solving, independent study and critical thinking, and to be able to adapt knowledge to new situations and to the benefit of society. Students in these plans attain a sense of professional values and ethics as well as knowledge and skills relevant to their specific subject area. This sense of professional responsibility is essential if society is to benefit from the interfaces with advanced technology and science.
The school supports research and development directed toward producing new knowledge and identifying additional applications of existing knowledge. Dissemination of scientific knowledge through publications and presentations is encouraged, as well as professional service to local, regional, national and international communities.
The School of Science and Computer Engineering has three divisions; the Division of Computing and Mathematics, the Division of Engineering and the Division of Natural Sciences. The faculty of each division aspires to a professional model that includes balance among the components of the SCE mission: teaching, research and service.
The Division Chair of Computing and Mathematics coordinates the plans in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science and Mathematical Science. The undergraduate degree plans in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems are accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.
The Division Chair of Engineering coordinates the plans in Computer Engineering, and Systems Engineering. Support areas include telecommunications, robotics, control systems, industrial modeling, mathematical modeling and petrochemical processes. The undergraduate degree plan in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.
The Division Chair of Natural Sciences coordinates the plans in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics and Physical Sciences. Sub-plans or specialization areas include physiology/pre-health, cell/molecular, ecology/microbiology, biotechnology, environmental chemistry, environmental geology, environmental biology, industrial hygieneandsafety. The Chemistry Program has complete accreditation from the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Following admission to the university, students' transcript evaluations are forwarded to the Office of Student Advising. Some undergraduate plans require that faculty admissions committees review the students' files and determine whether students will be accepted into degree plans. Students are notified of their admission status by the associate dean. Once accepted to a degree plan, students meet with academic advisers and faculty who assist students in completing a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS). The CPS delineates specific requirements of a study area and must be completed during the semester of acceptance into a degree plan.
In general, no more than 12 hours of course work for an undergraduate degree and taken at University of Houston-Clear Lake prior to completion of a CPS may be applied toward any degree in the school. These hours, along with the hours accumulated during the semester the CPS is being finalized, will be evaluated for acceptance by the faculty adviser and approved by the associate dean.
Undergraduate students are required to satisfy the university undergraduate degree requirements described earlier in this catalog. Students pursuing bachelor of arts degrees or bachelor of science degrees must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours.
Courses noted on the CPS as academic core courses must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better. Some plans may require a grade of "C" or better in courses taken in the academic core.
Students desiring to study in the computing sciences may choose any one of five undergraduate plans. Applicants should consult the chair of the division for additional information.
An SCE admission committee reviews all applications. Students entering any of the undergraduate computing plans should have a cumulative GPA of 2.500 (four-point grade scale) or better in lower-level or transfer courses. Students with a GPA of less than 2.500 are encouraged to provide a written statement or additional material that will assist the admission committee in determining the individual's potential for success in upper-level courses.
All core courses require a grade of "C-" or better.
The plan in Computer Information Systems (CIS) leads to a bachelor of science (BS) degree. This plan prepares students to hold technical, administrative and management positions in the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, operation and management of computer-based information systems. It is based on a broad general education and upper-level studies in computer science and other areas related to information systems, such as management, communication and accounting.
The mission of the Computer Information Systems program is to prepare students for technical administrative and management careers in the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, support, operation and management of computer information systems.
The program educational objectives of the CIS program strike a balance between theory and practice of computer science and information systems. This balance satisfies both regional and national needs. Students graduating from the CIS program are equipped with not only sound technical knowledge and skills, but also understanding of the Information Systems (IS) environments.
The CIS program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.
Students must complete the following courses or their equivalents in preparation for upper-level study:
| Accounting | 3 hours |
| Business Calculus or Calculus I | 3-4 hours |
| *Statistics*Principles of Management or Management Theory and Practice | 3 hours3 hours |
| Economics | 3 hours |
| Three additional hours of Accounting or Economics | 3 hours |
| *Computer Programming in Pascal or Visual Basic | 3 hours |
| *Computer Programming in C or C++ | 3 hours |
*Courses available at UHCL.
Students must meet these core requirements or approved upper-level substitutes:
| CINF | 3231 | IS Theory & Practice |
| CSCI | 3234 | Advanced Software Development |
| CINF | 3331 | Business Data Communications |
| CSCI | 3331 | Computer Organization & Assembly Language |
| CINF | 4230 | Web Application Development |
| CSCI | 3333 | Data Structures |
| CINF | 4234 | Modern Systems Analysis and Design |
| CINF | 4634 | Computer Systems Administration |
| CSCI | 4333 | Design of Data Base Systems |
| DSCI | 3131 | Quantitative Methods for Mgmt |
| CINF | 4838 | Senior Projects in CIS |
| MATH | 3331 | Discrete Mathematics |
| CSCI | 3134 | Software Development with Java |
| SWEN | 4432 | Software Engineering |
Note: Lower-level credit given for any of the above courses may require students to take additional approved technical electives to satisfy the plan requirements.
| *Business electives (6 hours) Note: The elected courses should not have major overlap with CSCI or CINF courses listed in the student's CPS. For example, ISAM 3331 (Intro. To Business Databases), ISAM 4331 (Internet App in Business) and ISAM 4635 (Analysis & Design of Business Systems) are NOT appropriate business electives for CIS students. |
| *CINF/CSCI/CENG/SWEN courses (6 hours) |
| **A communication course |
| WRIT 3132 Written Communications in Business (3 hours) or |
| COMM 4233 Speech Communication: Theory and PracticeApproved elective: CSCI, CINF or WRIT 3135 (3 hours) |
*The specific courses beyond the core requirements to be included in the Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) will be selected by students with the approval of the faculty adviser.
**This requirement is in addition to the technical writing course requirement of SCE.
Students interested in developing a sub-plan in web applications and E-commerce should consider the following as electives:
| CSCI | 4135 | Adv Software Dev with .Net Framework and C# |
| CINF | 4334 | Electronic Commerce |
Students interested in developing a sub-plan in computer systems and security should consider the following as electives:
| CSCI | 4134 | Adv Software Design with Java |
| CINF/CSCI | 4233 | Computer Security |
| CSCI | 4534 | Operating Systems |
| CSCI | 4132 | Network Protocols |
Students interested in developing a sub-plan in telecommunications should consider the following as electives:
| CSCI | 4132 | Network Protocols |
| CENG | 4231 | Telecom Switching Systems |
| CENG | 4131 | Telecom Net Devices |
The following study plan for the four regular semesters is recommended as a typical example for incoming full-time CIS students. Individual study plans may vary as long as the prerequisite structures are satisfied. Students should seek the advice of their assigned faculty adviser and set up their Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) as early as possible.
| CSCI | 3134 | Software Dev with Java |
| CSCI | 3234 | Advanced Software Development |
| CINF | 3231 | IS Theory & Practice |
| MATH | 3331 | Discrete Mathematics |
| Business elective | COMM elective | |
| CINF | 3331 | Business Data Communications |
| CINF | 4234 | Modern Systems Analysis and Design |
| CSCI | 3331 | Computer Organization & Assembly Language |
| SWEN | 4432 | Software Engineering |
| CSCI | 3333 | Data Structures |
| CINF | 4230 | Web App Develop |
| CSCI | 4333 | Design of Database Sys |
| CINF/CSCI/CENG/SWEN elective | ||
| Business Electives | ||
| DSCI | 3131 | Quant Methods for Management |
| CINF | 4838 | Senior Project in CIS |
| CINF/CSCI/CENG/SWEN | elective | |
| CINF/CSCI/CENG/SWEN | elective | |
| CINF | 4634 | Computer Sys Admin |
The plan in Computer Science (CS) leads to a bachelor of science (BS) degree. This plan emphasizes the development of the skills and analytical abilities necessary to specify, design and develop computer-based solutions to complex systems problems. Students receive extensive instruction in software and hardware principles; in scientific, industrial and commercial applications; and in the supporting mathematical tools. The curriculum allows students to develop a broad background in computer science areas relating to system and application software development.
The mission of the undergraduate Computer Science program is to prepare students for productive careers in computing by providing an excellent and diverse environment for learning, research, and practice of computing theories, computer applications and software development.
The program educational objectives of the CS program strike a balance between theory and practice of computer science. Students graduating from the CS program are equipped with not only sound technical knowledge and skills, but also strong computer science fundamentals.
The Computer Science program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.
Students must complete the following courses or their equivalents in preparation for core requirements:
| *Linear Algebra | 3 hours |
| Calculus I & II | 8 hours |
| *Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 hours |
| *Calculus Based Physics with lab | 8 hours |
| General Chemistry with lab | 4 hours |
| *Computer Programming in C or C++ | 3 hours |
* Courses available at UHCL that can be taken while concurrently enrolled in a Community College.
Students must take the following courses or their approved substitutes:
| CENG | 3112 | Lab for Digital Circuits |
| CSCI | 3331 | Comp Organization & Assembly Language |
| CENG | 3132 | Digital Circuits |
| CSCI | 3333 | Data Structures |
| CENG | 3311 | Lab for Telecom & Networks |
| CSCI | 3532 | Adv Data Struc & Algorithms |
| CENG | 3331 | Intro to Telecom & Networks |
| CSCI | 4333 | Design of Database Systems |
| CENG | 3511 | Lab for Computer Architecture |
| CSCI | 4534 | Operating Systems |
| CENG | 3531 | Computer Architecture |
| MATH | 3331 | Discrete Math |
| CSCI | 3134 | Software Dev with Java |
| MATH | 3334 | Prob & Stat for Sci & Eng |
| CSCI | 3231 | Numerical Methods |
| SWEN | 4432 | Software Engineering |
| CSCI | 3234 | Advanced Software Development |
| CSCI | 4838 | Senior Project in Computer Science |
In addition to the core requirements, students must also take the following:
| CSCI courses | 6 hours |
| Approved CSCI, CINF or other related electives | 6 hours |
The following study plan for four regular semesters is recommended as a typical example for incoming full-time CS students. Individual study plans may vary as long as the prerequisite structures are satisfied. Students should seek the advice of their assigned faculty adviser and set up their Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) as early as possible. The plan includes 48 hours of required core and 12 hours of required electives. Students must take all courses or their approved substitutes.
| CENG | 3132 / | Digital Circuits and Laboratory |
| CENG | 3112 | |
| CSCI | 3134 | Software Dev with Java |
Note: The above courses should be taken before the start of the junior year at UHCL (no later than summer of sophomore year).
| CENG | 3331 / | Intro to Telecom & Networks and Laboratory |
| CENG | 3311 | |
| CSCI | 3234 | Advanced Software Development |
| CSCI | 3331 | Computer Organization and Assembly Language |
| MATH | 3331 | Discrete Mathematics |
| CENG | 3531 / | Computer Architecture |
| CENG | 3511 | |
| CSCI | 3333 | Data Structures |
| CSCI | 3231 | Numerical Methods |
| MATH | 3334 | Prob & Stat for Sci & Eng |
| SWEN | 4432 | Software Engineering |
| CSCI | 3532 | Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms |
| CSCI | 4333 | Design of Database Systems |
| Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective | ||
| Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective | ||
| CSCI | 4534 | Operating Systems |
| Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective | ||
| Approved CSCI, CINF or other related elective | ||
| CSCI | 4838 | Senior Project in Computer Science |
The plan in Mathematical Science leads to the bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree. The undergraduate degree is designed to prepare the student for a career in industry or education, or to prepare the student for graduate study in mathematics, statistics, operations research or other mathematically based disciplines. The plan includes courses in both the classical foundations of mathematics and the modern concern with numerical issues spawned by the computer.
Students who are seeking teaching certification will follow the degree plan and certification on notated pages. Please consult the School of Education for 4-8 degree and certification as well as for 8-12 degree and certification.
Applicants for the BA in Mathematical Science should have completed these courses in preparation for core requirements:
| Calculus I,II | 8 hours |
| *Calculus III | 3-4 hours |
| *Natural Science | 6 hours |
| *Scientific Programming Language | 3 hours |
*Courses available at UHCL.
If lower-level credit is given for any of the following courses, additional upper-level course work selected from the list of electives will be required. In addition to the three-semester calculus sequence, students must complete the following courses:
| MATH | 3131 | Introduction to Linear Algebra |
| MATH | 4030 | Introduction to Modern Algebra and Number Theory |
| MATH | 4434 | Introduction to Probability |
The remainder of required hours are selected from the following:
| MATH | 4031 | History of Math Sciences |
| MATH | 4231 | Predicate Logic |
| MATH | 4131 | Ordinary Differential Equations & Applications |
| MATH | 4232 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra |
| MATH | 4132 | Number Theory |
| MATH | 4235 | Theory of Models & Applications |
| MATH | 4135 | Numerical Analysis & Its Applications |
| MATH | 4435 | Introduction to Statistics |
| MATH | 4136 | Math Software Applications |
| General elective WRIT 3135 Tech. Writing if ENGL 2311 not taken. | ||
Applicants for the BS in Mathematical Science should have completed these courses in preparation for plan core requirements:
| Calculus I, II | 8 hours |
| *Calculus III | 3-4 hours |
| *Natural Science | 6 hours |
| *Scientific Programming Language | 3 hours |
*Courses available at UHCL.
If lower-level credit is given for any of the following courses, additional upper level course work selected from the list of electives will be required. In addition to the three-semester calculus sequence, students must complete the following courses:
| MATH | 3131 | Introduction to Linear Algebra |
| MATH | 4434 | Intro to Probability |
| MATH | 4131 | Ordinary Differential Equations/Applications |
| MATH | 4232 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra or |
| MATH | 4136 | Math Software Applications |
| MATH | 4435 | Introduction to Statistics |
| MATH | 4331 | Advanced Calculus |
The remainder of required hours is selected from the following:
| MATH | 4132 | Number Theory |
| MATH | 4232 | Introduction to Abstract Algebra |
| MATH | 4133 | Introduction to Topology |
| MATH | 4235 | Theory of Models and Applications |
| MATH | 4135 | Numerical Analysis & Its Applications |
| MATH | 4431 | Introduction to Analysis |
| MATH | 4231 | Predicate Logic |
| MATH | 4633 | Functions of a Complex Variable |
| MATH | 4435 | Introduction to Statistics |
| General elective WRIT 3135 Tech. Writing if ENGL 2311 not taken. | ||
The plan in Computer Engineering leads to the bachelor of science (BS) degree. This engineering plan is accredited by ABET, Inc. and emphasizes the study of large and small computer systems for industrial, scientific and business applications. Computer hardware and software concepts, along with engineering-level mathematics, prepare students for jobs in computer-based industries as well as for admission into the graduate plan in Computer Engineering.
The culminating experience for a student in this plan is CENG 4625 / CENG 4626 Senior Projects. Students desiring to complete this plan in 4 years should concurrently enroll at UHCL after completing 30 semester hours at the transfer institution.
The mission of the Computer Engineering plan is to provide students instruction in the pragmatic application of core knowledge by which they can specify, design and develop large and small computer systems for industrial and scientific purposes. There is an emphasis on microcomputer-based embedded systems. The curriculum includes sub-plans in software engineering and telecommunications.
The education objectives of the Computer Engineering program are:
Students entering the undergraduate Computer Engineering (CENG) plan should have a cumulative GPA of 2.500 (four-point grade scale) or better in lower level or transfer courses. Students with a GPA of less than 2.500 are encouraged to provide a written statement of additional material that will assist the admission committee in determining the individual's potential for success in upper level courses.
All core courses require a grade of "C-"or better.
Students seeking a degree in Computer Engineering must have completed these courses or their equivalents in preparation for upper-level study:
| General Chemistry | 4 hours |
| *Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 hours |
| Calculus I & II | 6 hours |
| *Calculus Based Physics | 8 hours |
| *Calculus III | 3 hours |
| *Programming with C | 3 hours |
| *Linear Algebra | 3 hours |
*Courses available at UHCL.
| CENG | 3112 | Lab for Digital Circuits |
| CENG | 4113 | Lab for Microprocessor Interfacing |
| CENG | 3113 | Lab for Linear Circuits |
| CENG | 4133 | Microprocessor Interfacing |
| CENG | 3114 | Lab for Adv Linear Circuits |
| CENG | 4331 | Analysis & Design of Linear Sys |
| CENG | 3132 | Digital Circuits |
| CENG | 4534 | Digital System Design |
| CENG | 3133 | Linear Circuits |
| CENG | 4625 / | Senior Projects |
| CENG | 4626 | |
| CENG | 3134 | Advanced Linear Circuits |
| CSCI | 3331 | Computer Organization & Assembly Language |
| CENG | 3311 | Lab for Telecom/Networks |
| CSCI | 3333 | Data Structures |
| CENG | 3331 | Intro to Telecom/Networks |
| MATH | 3331 | Discrete Mathematics |
| CENG | 3511 | Lab for Computer Architecture |
| MATH | 3334 | Probability & Statistics for Scientists & Engineers |
| CENG | 3531 | Computer Architecture |
| SENG | 4130 | Intro to Systems Engineering |
| CENG | 3624 | Intro to Engineering |
| SWEN | 4432 | Software Engineering |
An additional 12 hours of technical electives in CENG/CSCI/SWEN are required.
Students interested in software engineering should select from the following courses as their required technical electives:
| CSCI | 3233 | Object- Oriented Design and Programming |
| SWEN | 4433 | Software Engineering Tools |
| CSCI | 3532 | Adv Data Structure & Algorithms |
| SWEN | 4435 | Introduction to Personal Software Process |
Students interested in careers involving telecommunications and networks should take the following courses as their required technical electives:
| CENG | 3135/3115 | Introduction to DSP and Lab |
| CENG | 4231 | Telecom Switching Systems |
| CENG | 4131 | Telecom Networking Devices |
| CSCI | 4132 | Network Protocols |
Students interested in careers involving signal processing and control systems should take the following courses as their required technical electives:
| CENG | 3135/3115 | Introduction to DSP and Lab |
| CENG | 4632 | Digital Control Design |
| CENG | 4135 | DSP Applications |
| CSCI | 3231 | Numerical Methods |
The plan in Biological Sciences leads to the bachelor of science (BS) or bachelor of arts (BA) degree. This plan is designed to prepare students for advanced study, technical positions in environmental or biomedical research or teaching. The Physiology/Pre-Health sub-plan within the BS plan is particularly applicable to students preparing for medical or dental school or other health-related professions. The BA in Biological Sciences is designed for students interested in teaching biology. Students who plan to pursue a teaching career must have dual advisement in both the subject field (Biological Sciences) and education. Please refer to the School of Education section of the catalog for the appropriate grades 4-8 or 8-12 degree and certification.
Applicants for the BA in Biological Sciences must have completed these courses in preparation for upper-level study:
| Chemistry with lab (including 4 hours of organic (with lab) | 12 hours |
| Biology (including labs) | 8 hours |
Students must complete a minimum of 15 upper-level hours with grades of "C" or better (grades of "C-" or below are not acceptable) in the Biological Sciences at UHCL. The CPS must include at least one course of upper- or lower-level study in each of these areas of Biological Sciences:
| Environment | 3 hours |
Examples: environmental biology, marine biology, microbiology or Ecology of the Amazon
| Population | 3 hours |
Examples: ecology or epidemiology
| Anatomy (including co-requisite lab) | 4 hours |
Examples: human anatomy, plant anatomy, comparative animal morphology or biology of fishes.
| Physiology | 3 hours |
Examples: human physiology, comparative animal physiology or plant physiology
| Cellular Biology | 3 hour |
Examples: biochemistry I or cell biology
| Genetics and lab | 4 hours |
The BA in Biological Sciences also requires that students complete these support courses:
| Statistics (MATH 3038) | 3 hours |
| Technical Writing (WRIT 3135, if not completed at lower level) | 3 hours |
Applicants for the BS in Biological Sciences must have completed these courses in preparation for upper-level study:
| General Chemistry (including lab) | 8 hours |
| Physics (including lab) | 8 hours |
| Calculus | 4 hours |
| Biology (including lab) | 8 hours |
The course of study for the BS in Biological Sciences requires 60 semester hours, which include 25 hours of core courses, plus 19-21 hours within a specialization area, plus 15-17 hours of approved electives.
Students must complete the following core courses with grades of "C" or better (grades of "C-" or below are not acceptable) in the Biological Sciences.
| BIOL | 4431 | Biochemistry I | 3 hours |
| BIOL | 4422 | Laboratory for Biochemistry | 2 hours |
| BIOL | 3431 | Genetics | 3 hours |
| BIOL | 3411 | Genetics Laboratory | 1 hour |
| CHEM | 3233, 3234, 3224 | Organic Chemistry I and II, Lab | 8 hours |
| BIOL | 4131 | Ecology | 3 hours |
| MATH | 3038 | Computational Statistics | 3 hours |
| BIOL | 4728 | Seminar in Biology | 2 hours |
Three Specialization Areas are available to students pursuing the BS degree in Biological Sciences. In all cases prerequisites for each course must be satisfied prior to enrollment in the course. Students in each Specialization Area must complete the required courses with grades of "C" or better (grades of "C-"or below are not acceptable).
| BIOL 4432 | Biochemistry II | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4435 | Human Physiology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 3733 & BIOL 3713 | Human Anatomy & Lab | 4 hours |
| BIOL 3231 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4631 | Immunology | 3 hours |
| Choose one of the following courses: | 3 hours | |
| BIOL 4437 | Cellular Physiology | |
| BIOL 4436 | Pathophysiology | |
| BIOL 4531 | Molecular Biology | |
| Physiology (BIOL 4434 or BIOL 3134) | 3 hours | |
| Anatomy& Lab (BIOL 3031& BIOL 3011 or BIOL 3133andBIOL 3113) | 4 hours | |
| Microbiology & Lab (BIOL 3231 & BIOL 3221) | 5 hours | |
| Environmental Toxicology (BIOL 4235) | 3 hours | |
| Choose one of the following courses: | 3 hours | |
| BIOL 3333 | Environmental Biology | |
| BIOL 4233 | Field Biology | |
| BIOL 3131 | Marine Biology | |
| Choose one of the following courses: | 3-4 hours | |
| BIOL 4237 | Plant Identification | |
| BIOL 3334 | Environmental & Public Health Microbiology | |
| BIOL 4133 & BIOL 4113 | Biology of Fishes and Lab | |
An additional 15-17 hours of coursework in the sciences must be selected in consultation with a Biology Program faculty adviser and must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
Pre-Health Professions Students
Pre-Health professions students (e.g., medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy or nursing) are advised that most health professional schools require the following courses; however, students are responsible for determining the specific requirements of those medical schools selected for application:
| General Chemistry | One year with laboratory |
| Organic Chemistry | One year with laboratory |
| General Physics | One year with laboratory |
| Calculus | One half year |
| Biology | Two years, one with laboratory |
Requests for letters of recommendation from the Pre-Health Profession Evaluation Committee must be in the Premedical Adviser's office no later than the third Monday in September. UHCL Pre-health Advisory Committee Webpage: http://www.uhcl.edu/sce/HPAC
The Biology Scholars Plan combines the BS degree plan in Biology with MS degree plans in Biology or Biotechnology with the intention of allowing highly motivated and qualified students to complete both the BS and MS degrees in biology in a time and cost efficient manner. Students in the plan may take up to four courses at the graduate level in their senior year if they have completed the required course prerequisites. These graduate credit hours may be applied toward either the BS or MS degree, but not both. Additionally, students in the Scholars Plan are expected to begin a graduate research project early in their studies. After admission to the Scholars Plan and successful completion of the BS degree in Biology, the Biology Program Graduate Admissions committee will consider waiving the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement for admission into the Biology Graduate Program.
Biology Scholars Plan application requirements:
Students who fail to meet any of these requirements will be dropped from the Scholars Plan, but may continue to pursue the BS or MS degree in biology. Students who are dropped from the Scholars Program, but who wish to continue to pursue the MS degree, must meet the standard application requirements for admission to the Biology Graduate Program.
At the completion of the requirements for each degree the student will be awarded the BS and MS degrees in Biological Sciences. A notation will be made on the student's transcript indicating they have completed the Biology Scholars Plan.
In the event a student is unable to complete the entire program of study, they are assured the BS degree in Biology upon completion of the requirements for that degree. In the event a student fails to complete the MS degree requirements, graduate level classes taken while in the program may be applied toward the BS degree.
A student may work toward a Certificate in Biotechnology, which requires the completion of at least seven biology laboratory courses at UHCL. The certificate option targets students who are working toward or have already completed a BS degree and wish to add course work that will be focused on the biotechnology field. Training in these laboratories will prepare students for careers in academic, industrial, biomedical, clinical, state/federal or environmental areas.
Students who are currently majoring in biology, environmental science or chemistry, or who have already completed a bachelor's degree, must have completed introductory biology (6 hours), general chemistry (8 hours), organic chemistry (8 hours) and calculus as general prerequisites. In addition, students must have completed or be currently enrolled in the following courses: biochemistry, cell biology or cell physiology, genetics, animal/human/plant physiology and microbiology.
Current UHCL students (degree-seeking BS or MS students or post-baccalaureate non-degree seeking students) who wish to participate in the certificate option must be in good academic standing, maintain a minimum 2.500 GPA in the laboratory courses and be advised by a faculty member in the Biology program.
A minimum of seven laboratory courses must be completed for the Certificate in Biotechnology.
The following three core courses are required:
| BIOL 4522 | Molecular Biology Laboratory |
| BIOL 4523 | Laboratory for Biotechnology |
| BIOL 4524 | Laboratory for Eukaryotic Gene Expression |
At least four of the following courses are required:
| BIOL 3221 | Laboratory for Fundamentals of Microbiology |
| BIOL 3713 | Human Anatomy Laboratory |
| BIOL 4225 | Environmental Toxicology Laboratory |
| BIOL 4931 | Topic: Histological Techniques |
| BIOL 4421 | Laboratory for Physiology |
| BIOL 4535 | Tissue Culture |
| BIOL 4819,4829, 4839 | Independent Study (up to 6 hours total) |
Plans in Chemistry lead to the bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degrees. The Chemistry Program has completed evaluation and assessment by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and is on the ACS list of approved chemistry programs nationwide. Therefore students may now obtain ACS-certified BS degrees in chemistry if they complete the appropriate curriculum. Students enrolled in the Chemistry plan may choose from high quality content courses in all of the traditional areas of Organic, Analytical, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, as well as in the closely related fields of Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry. Moreover, students are encouraged to further enhance their studies by undertaking research with one of the Chemistry plan's faculty in any of these areas. In regard to such research, it should be noted that during the past nine years the Chemistry plan has received endowments from the Welch Foundation in the form of a Chemistry Departmental Research Grant. Those funds have been expended in support of the research efforts carried out by the plan's faculty during the training of students. This grant has just been renewed through the year 2011. The Chemistry plan also has an endowment from the Zeon Chemicals Company.
All chemistry courses taken at UHCL more than one year prior to being admitted to the Chemistry plan are subject to faculty review before being accepted for degree credit. Further information on the Chemistry plan is available from the Chair of Chemistry.
The BA degree is recommended for students preparing for careers in interdisciplinary areas such as medicine, secondary school teaching, patent law or environmental science. Students seeking a career in secondary school teaching must also file a certification plan with the School of Education. The BS degree is designed to meet the needs of students planning careers as professional chemists and is recommended as preparation for graduate training or for a career in the chemical industry.
Students seeking a BA degree in Chemistry must meet the following minimum requirements or equivalents before being admitted.
| General (Freshman) Chemistry I & II with laboratory | 8 hours |
| Calculus I (Differential Calculus) | 3 hours |
| College Physics I and II with laboratory | 8 hours |
| Introduction to Computer Programming | |
| (e.g., BASIC, FORTRAN, C or PASCAL) | 3 hours |
In all cases above, evidence of completion of the course with a grade of "C-" or better is required.
Students seeking a BA degree in Chemistry must successfully complete the following courses or their equivalents:
| Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3233, CHEM 3234, CHEM 3224) | 8 hours |
| Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 4635, CHEM 4636, CHEM 4622) | 8 hours |
| Physical Chemistry (CHEM 3230 or CHEM 4231) | 3 hours |
| Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 4335) | 3 hours |
| Chemistry Seminar (CHEM 4732) | 3 hours |
| Mathematics (MATH 3038 or MATH 3131) | 3 hours |
| Advanced CHEM elective (approved by faculty adviser) | 3 hours |
A minimum of 12 hours in the CHEM rubric must be successfully completed at UHCL. For successful completion of any core requirement or chemistry elective, a grade of "C-" or better must be attained.
Students seeking the BS degree in Chemistry must meet the following requirements before being admitted.
| General (Freshman) Chemistry I and II with lab | 8 hours |
| Calculus I and II | 8 hours |
| *Calculus-based Physics with lab | 8 hours |
| Introduction to Computer Programming | |
| (e.g., BASIC, FORTRAN, C or PASCAL) | 3 hours |
*Course available at UHCL.
In all cases above, evidence of completion of the course with a grade of "C-" or better is required.
Students seeking the BS degree in Chemistry must successfully complete the following courses or their equivalents:
| Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3233, CHEM 3234, CHEM 3224) | 8 hours |
| Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 4635, CHEM 4636, CHEM 4622) | 8 hours |
| Physical Chemistry (CHEM 4231, CHEM 4232, CHEM 4222) | 8 hours |
| Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 4335, CHEM 4325) | 5 hours |
| Chemistry Seminar (CHEM 4732) | 3 hours |
| Math for Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHEM 4130) | 3 hours |
| Biochemistry (CHEM 4431) | 3 hours |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM 4638) | 3 hours |
| Undergraduate Research (CHEM 4729) | 2 hours |
A minimum of 15 hours in the CHEM rubric must be successfully completed at UHCL. For successful completion of any core requirement or chemistry elective, a grade of "C-" or better must be attained.
The plan in Environmental Science leads to the bachelor of science (BS) degree. This plan seeks through an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for opportunities in the private sector and in governmental agencies where environmental issues are being addressed. Graduates of the plan will also be prepared to pursue further academic training in Environmental Science. Students may also prepare for the professional certification examinations in Industrial Hygiene and Safety.
Students must specialize in one of the following areas: Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Geology, Industrial Hygiene or Safety.
Applicants for the BS in Environmental Science must have completed the following courses (grade of C- or better) in preparation for upper-level study:
| Chemistry I, II | 8 hours |
| Calculus I | 3 hours |
| College Physics I, II | 8 hours |
| Technical Writing | 3 hours |
In addition to the above requirements, at least 12 hours in science (biology, chemistry, physics and/or geology) must be completed before admission to the Environmental Science plan. Other courses specific to the specialization area (e.g., Biology I, II for those specializing in Environmental Biology or Environmental Chemistry; and Anatomy and Physiology for those specializing in Industrial Hygiene or Safety) should also be completed.
(Must be completed with a grade of "C-"or better)
| Organic Chemistry I | 3 hours |
| Environmental Chemistry | 3 hours |
| Environmental Biology | 3 hours |
| Environmental Geology | 3 hours |
| Environmental Health and Safety | 3 hours |
| Statistics (MATH 3038 or Equivalent) | 3 hours |
| Internship, Co-Op, Independent Study, Seminar or Adv. Studies | 3 hours |
(Must be completed with a grade of "C-"or better)
Environmental Biology
| BIOL 3334 | Environmental and Public Health Microbiology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4131 | Ecology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4235 | Environmental Toxicology | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4434 | Comparative Animal Physiology | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4521 | Lab for Environmental Analysis | 2 hours |
| CHEM 4535 | Environmental Sampling & Monitoring | 3 hours |
Environmental Chemistry
| CHEM 3230 | Survey of Physical Chemistry | 3 hours |
| CHEM 3234 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4521 | Lab for Environmental Analysis | 2 hours |
| CHEM 4532 | Water Chemistry and Water Pollution | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4535 | Environmental Sampling & Monitoring | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4635 | Analytical Chemistry I | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4636 | Analytical Chemistry II | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4536 | Soil and Groundwater Remediation | 3 hours |
Environmental Geology
| GEOL 3631 | Photogeology | 3 hours |
| GEOL 4222 | Laboratory for Geomorphology | 2 hours |
| GEOL 4234 | Geomorphology | 3 hours |
| GEOL 4235 | Sedimentation and Stratigraphy | 3 hours |
| GEOL 4531 | Hydrogeology | 3 hours |
| CHEM 4521 | Lab for Environmental Analysis | 2 hours |
| CHEM 4535 | Environmental Sampling & Monitoring | 3 hours |
Industrial Hygiene
| INDH 3131 | Industrial Health and Hygiene | 3 hours |
| INDH 3332 | Principles of Professional Safety | 3 hours |
| INDH 4131 | Noise and Hearing Conservation | 3 hours |
| INDH 4133 | Industrial Ventilation | 3 hours |
| INDH 4135 | Industrial Radiological Health | 3 hours |
| INDH 4231 | Ergonomics, Human Factors and Workspace Design | 3 hours |
| INDH 4232 | I H Sampling and Analysis | 3 hours |
| BIOL 4235 | Environmental Toxicology | 3 hours |
Safety
| INDH 3131 | Industrial Health and Hygiene | 3 hours |
| INDH 3332 | Principles of Professional Safety | 3 hours |
| INDH 3430 | Techniques of Safety Eng & Analysis | 3 hours |
| INDH 4231 | Ergonomics, Human Factors and Workplace Design | 3 hours |
| INDH 4232 | I H Sampling and Analysis | 3 hours |
| INDH 4136 | System Safety and Accident Investigation | 3 hours |
| INDH 4233 | Hazardous Material & Emergency Management | 3 hours |
| INDH 4234 | Fire Safety Engineering | 3 hours |
Additional required electives must be selected in consultation with a faculty adviser and shall be completed with grades "C-" or better. In all cases, prerequisites for each course must be satisfied. A maximum of six hours of environmental management courses may be included.
B.S PHYSICAL SCIENCES The BS in Physical Sciences is designed for students interested in teaching physical sciences. Students may choose among sub-plans that will allow them to focus on a particular area of physical sciences, which includes physics, chemistry, astronomy or geology. Students who plan to pursue a teaching career must have dual advisement in both the subject field (Physical Sciences) and education. Please refer to the School of Education section of the catalog for the appropriate grades 4-8 or 8-12 degree and certification.
| Calculus I and II | 6 hrs |
| General Chemistry I and II | 8 hrs |
| Organic Chemistry I with Lab | 5 hrs |
| University Physics I with Lab | 4 hrs |
| ASTR | 3131 | Modern Astronomy | 3hrs |
| CHEM | 3230 | Survey of Physical Chemistry | 3 hrs |
| GEOL | 3035 | Fundamental of Earth Science | 3 hrs |
| MATH | 3038 | Computational Statistics | 3 hrs |
| PHYS | 3032/3012 | University Physics II with Laboratory | 4 hrs |
| PHYS | 3033 | Modern Physics | 3 hrs |
| PHYS | 4732 | Modern Physics Research Seminar or | 3 hrs |
| CHEM | 4732 | Chemistry Seminar |
| *ASTR | 3231 | Observational Astronomy | 3 hrs |
| ASTR | 4132 | Astrobiophysics | 3 hrs |
| *PHYS | 4632 | Astroparticle physics | 3 hrs |
Chemistry sub-plan (11 Hours)
| CHEM | 3234 | Organic Chemistry II with Lab | 5 hrs |
| CHEM | 4335 | Inorganic chemistry | 3 hrs |
| CHEM | 4635 | Analytic Chemistry | 3 hrs |
Geology sub-plan (9 Hours)
| GEOL | 3137 | Mineralogy and Petrology | 3 hrs |
| GEOL | 4234 | Geomorphology | 3 hrs |
| GEOL | 3333 | Environmental Geology | 3 hrs |
Physics sub-plan (9 Hours)
| *PHYS | 4231 | Intermediate Mechanics | 3 hrs |
| PHYS | 4331 | Principles of Electromagnetism | 3 hrs |
| PHYS | 4531 | Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics | 3 hrs |
*Pending Coordinating Board Approval
The plan in Physics leads to the bachelor of science (BS) degree at the undergraduate level. Our location and the connections our faculty have with NASA and allied aerospace industry allow UHCL to offer students unique research opportunities. The Houston-Galveston area is a thriving center for many science-intensive industries, from aerospace to petrochemical; thus, the demand for professionals with knowledge of physics is high. Local industries in Houston provide a huge potential to employ physics bachelors in addition to the increasing demand for physics teachers in high schools. This demand is also expected to grow dramatically over the next decade. An undergraduate degree in Physics would enable the students to progress into graduate programs in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering. Students may select electives in areas of particular interest.
Students seeking a BS degree in the Physics should complete the following requirements before seeking admission to the plan:
| Calculus I & II | 8 hours |
| Programming Language Course (e.g., C, C++, Fortran, Java) Physics sub-plan only | 3 hours |
| General Chemistry I and II with laboratories | 8 hours |
| Technical Writing | 3 hours |
| PHYS 3031 & 3011 | University Physics I with Lab |
| PHYS 3032 & 3012 | University Physics II with Lab |
| PHYS 3033 & 3013 | Modern Physics with Lab |
| PHYS 4131 | Mathematical Methods for Physicists I |
| PHYS 4132 | Mathematical Methods for Physicists II |
| PHYS 4231* | Intermediate Mechanics |
| PHYS 4331 | Principles of Electromagnetism |
| PHYS 4432 | Principles of Quantum Mechanics |
| PHYS 4531 | Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics |
| PHYS 4839 | Independent Study in Physics |
| PHYS 4732 | Modern Physics Research Seminar |
In addition to the core requirements, the student, in consultation with a faculty adviser, selects 12 hours of SCE approved science electives.
* Pending Coordinating Board Approval