Bachelor of Science in Biology/Psychology - Pre-Chiropractic

at Northwest Missouri State University USA

English majors tend to be readers or writers. Many are both. Through coursework in literature, writing, linguistics and the history of the English language, students explore a diverse range of texts with the goal of becoming thoughtful and knowledgeable readers, writers, thinkers, communicators and artists.

In addition to reading and writing, students are introduced to the principles of linguistics, writing pedagogy, community literacies, publishing, workplace writing and creative writing. They read and engage in discussions about literary works, participate in literary criticism, write in a variety of analytical argumentative and creative genres, and are challenged to view language through artistic, social and scientific lenses.

The math education major is an accredited program primarily focused on the skills needed for teaching secondary education. Students take both mathematics and education classes to help understand the concept behind mathematical formulas and develop the tools necessary to teach future students on those concepts.

Class sizes are small and follow a cohort model. Students learn the latest techniques and technology to effectively teach high school students, using tablets, smartboards and software programs.

The comprehensive major in nanoscience is the study of structures in nanometer size which is smaller than cells but larger than most molecules. At Northwest, this interdisciplinary majors focuses on providing practical laboratory experiences, isolating DNA and synthesizing nanoparticles to construct solar cells. Students can choose to specialize in nanoscale biology, nanoscale chemistry or nanoscale physics.

• Nanoscale biology applies nanotechnology at the cellular level. Two approaches include using nanotechnology to study part of a living cell or use part of the living system as a model for creating nanoscale devices. This major utilizes cellular mechanisms to create new technologies.
• Nanoscale chemistry focuses on utilizing nanomaterials for drug delivery systems, carbon nanotubes, dye-sensitized solar cells and semiconductor nanowires. This major continues to evolve as chemists use their skills in synthesis and chemical modification, and employ state-of-the-art instrumentation and technology to characterize and manipulate nanostructures.
• Nanoscale physics focuses on the interaction of light and electromagnetic radiation at a nano level, the change in properties from the large scale to the nanoscale, and practical experience in designing and looking at materials at a nano level.

Geography is a holistic discipline that studies the relationship between humans, the unique cultures of construct and the environments in which they live. This major prepares students for a wide range of careers in varied areas of geography and culture. This major offers three different areas of focus:

• Culture and Society
• Environmental Geography
• Geographic Information Science

Each emphasis allows students to specialize in one of these fields and tailor classes within that emphasis to fit their interest beyond the core courses within the program.

As a student majoring in geography at Northwest, you learn the importance and impacts of space, the uniqueness of places and regions, and how humans and environment interact.

The major focuses on culture and regional geography with a wide range of tropical and regional courses available. Students will develop physical geography expertise in areas like geomorphology, atmospheric processes and sustainability. The major also teaches skills in analyzing, planning and critical thinking to prepare you for success in your career.

The environmental geology major teaches students about geology as it relates to human impacts on the natural world. Faculty focus on three core areas: hydrology, natural disasters and geology and natural resources.

Hydrology relates to water and water resources. Students learn where and how water is distributed, the definition of “good” water, and how to retrieve and protect the good water. Students study natural disasters and how human activities influence these disasters. Geology and natural resources is the study of the production of gas, metal and stone, and the relationship between natural resources and modern society.

Recreation majors at Northwest is the study of play and leisure in an individual’s life and methods to improve quality of life. Student can emphasize in:

• Recreation and Park Management which prepares students for program leadership and development, and budget and facility management;
• Corporation Recreation/Wellness which involve programs related to a person’s physical well-being;
• Therapeutic Recreation which prepares students with the skills to assess and evaluate the needs for individuals with special needs; and
• Sport Management prepares students for leadership roles in professional, collegiate and community sports organizations.

Writing majors at Northwest learn skills and techniques in composing content that inspires, communicates, solves problems and seeks truth. Students in Northwest’s writing majors work across the spectrum of writing studies—from writing professional reports to writing poems. Northwest students are not canalized strictly into writing for news media like in a journalism program, to courses in fiction and poetry like in creative writing programs or to vocationally focused genres like technical writing programs. Rather, we’ve designed a major to help and challenge students to grow into flexible, effective, communicative writers.

When employers make hiring decisions, they seek smart people who write well. Northwest’s writing major is like cross-training for today’s job market. You will receive professional training without an expiration date—a liberal arts degree that prepares you for your first job after college and every job you decide to do after. We think studying writing is excellent preparation for life as an artist, scholar, citizen and professional—all the things that you should be when you finish a rigorous undergraduate education at a supportive university, and all the things you need to succeed in contemporary life.

Psychology majors at Northwest learn the scientific study of a person’s thoughts and behaviors. Northwest faculty help students understand three core areas: scientific research methods that enhance critical thinking skills, evidence and claims knowledge; insight of an individual’s personal behavior, motives and thought processes; and the understanding of the biological and social factors that contribute to human development, cognitive skills, relationships and personality.

Marine biology majors at Northwest study marine organisms and their ecology, habitat and interaction. Faculty focus on ecology, or the study of organisms and their habitats; diversity, in organisms; and adaptations of organisms and diatoms, or the unicellular life of oceans. Students also learn best practices for surveying marine organisms.

The early childhood education program prepares students to successfully complete the licensure requirements of the program and earn their teaching license with an endorsement in early childhood education. This license enables students to teach children birth through the third grade in multiple settings including public and non-public schools, homes and other community settings.

This program offers a strengths-based approach in working with all children including those with special needs and rights. Along with coursework that is focused on child-centered and culturally sensitive practices, students participate in embedded field experiences in the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center and Horace Mann Laboratory School and partnering community settings. Combined, these learning experiences provide the basis from which theories about development, learning and curriculum come to life for our students.

Individually and as a cohort of learners, students learn an integrated approach to teaching and learning through constructivist curriculum practices and strategies that offer meaningful learning within diverse systems and settings. Opportunities to learn together as critical colleagues who further each other’s reflective thinking skills prepares students for professional collaboration in their future careers.

Across the country, the importance of early childhood education continues to grow as studies indicate the long-term benefits educational opportunities in the early years have on shaping future learning outcomes. Faculty focus on preparing childhood teachers, decision makers and intellectual and ethical leaders to create opportunities for learning that ensures the well-being of children and families in their communities and beyond.