Physical Science

The Physical Science Interdisciplinary major focuses primarily on the study of nonliving matter. It concerns itself with the theoretical and observable natural phenomena of our world and universe.

Cutting across a variety of Physical Science disciplines, it intentionally trades depth of learning for broader scope of inquiry. By offering more latitude in its curriculum design, it often allows students to prepare for less traditional or unique scientific ventures. It also occasionally serves as an undergraduate pathway to certain professional programs.

To best meet individual needs and interests, career goals and the requirements of the major, close cooperation with your advisor is highly recommended.

Program Requirements

You must meet the Basic Requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences to obtain an interdisciplinary degree.

37 credit hours are needed in the major. Including:

MATH 220	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	4
STAT	One of these Statistics courses: STAT 320, 340, 410 or 510	3
CHM 210 OR CHM 220	Chemistry I Chemical Principles I	4 5
CHM 230 OR CHM 250	Chemistry II Chemical Principles II	4 5
PHYS 113 OR PHYS 213	General Physics I Engineering Physics I	4 5
PHYS 114 OR PHYS 214	General Physics II Engineering Physics II	4 5
GEOL 100/103 OR GEOG 220	Earth in Action & Geology Lab Environmental Geography I	3/1 4
DAS 499	Physical Science Senior Report (See description below)	1
Electives chosen from the following areas: Computing and Information Science - 200 or above Chemistry - 350, 351, 371, 500 or above Geology - 100, 102, 103, 105, 500 or above but not 512 Geography - 221 Mathematics - 221, 222, 240, 510, 551 Physics - 122, 191, 300 or above but not 515 Statistics - 341, 511 or above	5-9

Problems, Seminar or Topics courses are not acceptable unless listed above. At least five elective hours must have a prerequisite. A "C" or better is required in all courses (including transfer work) prescribed for this curriculum (including electives). A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required overall. 124 hours are required overall for graduation. (Students who entered KSU before the fall of 2003 require only 120 hours for graduation).

DAS 499: Physical Science Senior Report allows individual exploration of an area of physical science culminating in a final formal report. This is the Capstone course required of Physical Science Interdisciplinary majors. Permission of the Physical Science advisor is a prerequisite for the course.

Advisor: Gayla Adams-Wright

Gayla Adams-Wright Gayla has been part of the K-State family since 2004 and has experience advising students across multiple areas, including: Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Pre-Chiropractic, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Occupational Therapy as well as Physical Science and Life Science interdisciplinary degrees.

She has a Master’s degree is in Rehabilitation Counseling and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Development. Originally from California, she has lived in Oregon, Missouri and Kansas.

Email: gayla@k-state.edu
Phone: 532-6904
Office: 107 Calvin Hall