Program Requirements
The 24-hour integrated science minor requires:
BIO 100 Principles of Biology (4) preferred OR BIO 111 Zoology (4)
CHE 101 Introductory Chemistry (4) preferred OR CHE 111 General Chemistry (4)
PHY 102 Conceptual Physics (4)
PHY 120 Introduction to Earth Science (4)
PHY 121 Astronomy (4)
Electives from BIO, CHE or PHY to total 24 hours
Program Description
The integrated science minor offered through the Department of Biology/Chemistry is designed for students certifying to teach elementary. It is intended to include essential elements of the Michigan Curriculum Framework Science Benchmarks in their academic content area settings. Each of the component courses is expected to demonstrate not only the concepts necessary for understanding and teaching the benchmarks, but also to demonstrate the integration of the particular discipline with other scientific fields. Beyond this, each course is also expected to show applications of the discipline in daily life.
Other academic programs offered through the Department of Biology/Chemistry are:
Biology
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Course Descriptions
ACT 107 Introduction to Actuarial Science (1)
An introduction to and overview of the field of actuarial science. Field trips and guest speakers will be key elements to this course. Students will be investigating the field of actuarial science. (Offered in spring.)
ACT 385 Practicum in Actuarial Science (4)
Significant working or participatory experience in the field of actuarial science. Approval will be given only if there is evidence of significant new learning opportunities related to actuarial science. Credit assumes 40 hours of non-repetitive experience for each of the 4 credits. The practicum requires two supervisors: a work supervisor and an academic supervisor. All paperwork for the practicum must be processed prior to the activity and will not be accepted after the fact. Students must be of junior standing and have completed at least half (34 credit hours) of the program. Prerequisites: Must be a senior actuarial science major. (Offered every semester, interim and summer.)
ACT 452 SOA Exam Review (3)
Additional topics in actuarial science and preparation for the first actuarial science exam (exam P). Review and more in-depth treatment of topics in previously taken courses in the major. Student must have completed at least three fourths of the course work in the major, including MAT 351, 357, and 358, before taking this course. Prerequisite: Must be a senior actuarial science major. (Offered in fall starting in 2010.)
Career opportunities
Once students pass the first actuarial exam, they usually receive multiple job interviews and offers. This program makes good use of analytical skills and problem solving. Students with strong backgrounds in mathematics and an interest in solving problems using knowledge from mathematics and business are encouraged to pursue this challenging academic program and rewarding career. The Society of Actuaries Web site, www.soa.org, gives more information about this career and how to prepare for it. The SAU major in actuarial science meets the requirements listed there.
Program strengths and emphases
The mathematics, business, and computer science programs are well-poised to offer actuarial science students both a well-rounded and in-depth program preparing students for a challenging and rewarding career. Students pursuing this program should be prepared to pass the first actuarial exam (exam P), and upon completion of the program, students should be able to find meaningful employment in the risk management field. The projection for employability for students with this major is quite good for the next 10 years, the longest period of time for which career need projections are made.
Program Description
As a part of the Department of Mathematics/Computer Science/Physics, actuarial science is an interdisciplinary major and draws students from accounting, business, computer science, economics and mathematics. The major in actuarial science combines mathematics, business and computer science to prepare students for careers in risk management. Actuaries manage local, state, and federal budgets, pension plans, and insurance funds (auto, home, health, and life). They also help corporations make financial forecasts and solve economic problems. The academic program for the actuarial science major is challenging, but the rewards of completing such a program are great. Actuaries are paid very well and have many opportunities for advancement.
This academic program includes courses in mathematics (three courses in calculus, one course in linear algebra, and three courses in statistics), computer science (three courses), accounting (principles of accounting I and II), economics (macro and micro), and business (five courses: finance, investments, forecasting, management, and insurance and risk management). The program also includes a practicum, an introduction to the field of actuarial science, and a review for the first actuarial exam.