Purpose: The
associate of science degree with a major in Science is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university in a major which requires a background in the natural or physical sciences and mathematics. With the many advances taking place in all areas of science, the opportunities for persons with expertise in this area are rapidly increasing. This program provides the necessary training for transfer into a broad range of scientific fields ranging from botany to zoology and from chemistry or geology, to physics. In addition, the Science major is designed to meet the requirements for admission to a professional school or upper-division major for career preparation in many of the medical professions including nursing, pharmacy, medicine, and veterinary medicine. The Computer Science specialization is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university in a major that requires a background in the sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Student familiarity with or expertise in computer science is frequently a requirement for study in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, science education, engineering, manufacturing, and related fields. This program will provide the opportunity to obtain this needed preparation. In this rapidly changing field, students should regularly meet with their advisor to keep up with course and curriculum updates. The Mathematics specialization is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university in a major that requires a background in the sciences, mathematics, and computer science. The Mathematics specialization includes the courses usually required in the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program in mathematics. The Teacher Preparation specialization is designed for persons who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university in a major that requires a background in the sciences, and who plan to teach at the elementary, middle, or secondary school level. The Teacher Preparation specialization enables the student to participate in field experiences in area schools. Admission Requirements: General college curricular admission Program Notes: The following high school units are strongly recommended for the Science major: four units of English, three units of college preparatory mathematics, one unit of laboratory science, and two units of foreign language. The following high school units are strongly recommended for the Computer Science and Mathematics specializations: four units of English; four units of college preparatory mathematics, including algebra (two units), geometry and trigonometry (or advanced math); two units of laboratory science; and one unit of social studies. Students in the Computer Science and Mathematics specializations are urged to begin their programs of study during the fall semester because many courses are sequential and only offered once a year. Students are encouraged to seek information from the upper-division college, university or professional school to which transfer is intended as to specific requirements for a particular major or specific admission requirements. Note to
Prospective Teachers: Students who wish to be licensed to teach in Virginia should earn a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts or science field. Students should consult with their advisor regarding elective choices that match their desired teaching endorsement area(s). While enrolled at the community college, students should prepare for and successfully complete Praxis I, the initial teacher licensure examination. Students preparing to take the Praxis I examination may wish to enroll in J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College courses MTH 50 and ENG 50. Computer Competency Requirement: Students in this program will meet the college’s computer competency requirement by passing the computer competency exam, administered in the testing centers on each campus, or by completing CSC 155, Computer Concepts and Applications. Students not passing the computer competency exam for CSC 155 may retake the exam only once. | 
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