Similarly, some of the field's methodologies rely upon quantitative analysis, while others are primarily qualitative. The natural science requirement is designed to enhance students' appreciation of the beauty of science as well as their understanding of the challenges of doing science. Students gain experience in the formulation and testing of hypotheses and are introduced to more than one scientific methodology. The natural science requirement consists of two laboratory courses selected from two of the three areas of science represented at the University of Richmond, namely, chemistry, physics, and the biological sciences. This requirement can be met by topical as well as survey courses.
Social analysis is the systematic study of individual and social human behavior.
This field of study involves a systematic theoretical and empirical examination of the patterns of human behavior within or across various societies and cultures. Courses satisfying this requirement focus on human behavior. They teach students to analyze individual and group behavior by utilizing a variety of theoretical and empirical frameworks. All courses in this field of study must include the reading of or involve students in research on patterns of human behavior. Courses that employ social contextual analysis for purposes of providing a frame of reference for the study of other phenomena, such as literary texts, works of art, etc., do not fulfill this requirement.