Life Science Major

Life Science Major

Life Science

Major

The most important “system” in the Army is the human soldier. Because the soldier is a biological system, life science, biotechnology, and medicine offer unique potential for enhancing the performance of this most complex, critical, and costly of the Army’s systems. Life scientists study the structure and processes of living organisms using the unifying principles of life: cell theory, evolution, genetics, and homeostasis.

The life science major focuses on the evolution, structure, and processes of living organisms. Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology are providing significant improvements in the quality of our lives even as they alter the fundamental way we view life itself. Evolution, genetic engineering, recombinant DNA research, medical treatment, ecology, and emerging diseases are just a few of today's research areas under the life sciences heading. The life science major gives cadets a basic understanding of analytical and organic chemistry and biology, focusing on the broader understanding of biology and biotechnology. The life science major includes all the courses needed for cadets pursuing the medical school option as well as other post-graduate choices. However, life science majors do not need to be interested in becoming medical doctors; there are multiple opportunities available within many Army branches for life scientists to apply technical expertise. 

Life sciences majors have a lab requirement component. This major offers an honors track. 

To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Chemistry and Life Science.

 

Required Courses

CH383 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I

CH384 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II

CH385 INTRODUCTION TO CELL BIOLOGY

CH387 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY

CH388 GENETICS

CH457 MICROBIOLOGY 

CH473 BIOCHEMISTRY

 

Sample Electives

CH362 MASS & ENERGY BALANCES

CH371 INTRO TO ANALYTICAL CHEM 

CH399 TOPICS IN CHEM/LS/CHMENG 

CH450 BIOENGINEERING MDLING & ANLSIS

CH460 HUMAN ANATOMY

CH471 POLYMER CHEMISTRY

CH474I NSTRU METHODS OF ANALYSIS

CH481 PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I

CH499 TOPICS IN CHEM/LS/CHMENG W/LAB

EV471 ECOLOGY

KN355 FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY

NE474 RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY

PH365 MODERN PHYSICS

PL390 BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

 

This major offers an honors track. 

 

To learn more, view the full Life Science Major Curriculum.

Cadets have numerous opportunities to participate in activities that will expand their intellectual and social interests within their field including medical school scholarship opportunities, Projects Day participation, and summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience.

Honor Societies:
Golden Key - International Honour Society
Phi Kappa Phi - Oldest and Largest Collegiate Honor Society

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Chemistry and Life Science or the Center for Molecular Science.