We need to find the probability that a student's height is within half a standard deviation of the mean, i.e., between 144 cm and 152 cm.

Using the standardization formula, we calculate:

\(P(144 < X < 152) = P\left( \frac{144 - 148}{8} < Z < \frac{152 - 148}{8} \right)\)

\(= P\left( -\frac{1}{2} < Z < \frac{1}{2} \right)\)

Using the standard normal distribution table, we find:

\(P\left( -\frac{1}{2} < Z < \frac{1}{2} \right) = 0.6915 - (1 - 0.6915) = 2 \times 0.6915 - 1\)

\(= 0.383\)

Therefore, the expected number of students is:

\(0.383 \times 120 = 45.96\)

Rounding to the nearest whole number, we accept 45 or 46.