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Natural Sciences and Mathematics
 

The Natural Sciences and Mathematics division encompasses the investigation of natural phenomena, including the development of predictive explanatory systems and the study of numerical and other abstract structures and relations.

This division includes the departments of biology, chemistry, earth sciences (geology), mathematics, physics, psychology, and science teaching. Also available are interdisciplinary majors in biological and medical physics, biophysical science, biochemistry, engineering physics, molecular biology and two tracks through earth sciences or biology in environmental sciences.

In addition to the established majors, there are combined curricula ranging from cooperative offerings in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science, to the interdisciplinary concentrations in environmental science. Many of our students pursue individual research with faculty on cutting edge projects. We strongly encourage undergraduates to gain research experience while at the College.

 

Undergraduate Academic Programs

 

 

Undergraduate Programs in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics

 

Biology (Major and Minor)
Biology is the study of life and of life processes from molecular, cellular, organismal, community and global perspectives. In the modern context, biology encompasses aspects of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, physiology, animal behavior, ecology, evolution, and many other interrelated subject areas. You will have the opportunity to conduct your own research or work with a faculty member on cutting-edge research projects. The B.A. degree is designed for students who wish to pursue science related careers outside biology and for whom some background in science may be useful, such as science journalism, business, or law. The B.S. degree is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate professional degrees in biology or in the health professions.

 

Chemistry (Major and Minor)
The program in chemistry studies the fundamental properties and molecular compounds made up of atoms. You will study the basics of the chemical elements and polyatomic molecules, and of the theories used to correlate chemical structures and properties. You will take courses and conduct laboratory work in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and inorganic chemistry. You may later seek applications to benefit society: in agriculture, biology, cosmetics, engineering, environmental protection, food quality enhancement, forensic science, pharmaceuticals and other aspects of medicine.

 

Communication Sciences and Disorders (Major and Minor)
The Communication Sciences and Disorders (CS&D) program provides students with solid pre-professional training in the basic nature of human communication and disorders of communication. You will gain thorough grounding in the biological, psychological, physical, and linguistic bases of communication. You will study speech-language pathology and audiology, though the program allows you to pursue any specific interests within the field. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience within the Gebbie Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic located within the CS&D Department.

 

Earth Science / Geology (Major and Minor)
Geology is the scientific study of the structure, composition, and evolution of the earth and terrestrial planets. It involves the application of basic physical and biological sciences to phenomena as diverse as the formation of mountain chains and the evolution of life. The program emphasizes quantitative understanding of the processes that have governed earth's evolution. Advanced courses provide the foundation for professional careers in geology, hydrogeology, oceanography, environmental sciences, and many other fields. Many courses involve fieldwork.

 

Mathematics (Major and Minor)
The ability to reason logically and express ideas quantitatively, as well as knowledge of mathematical techniques and some theory, are everyday tools in many modern careers. A major in mathematics enables you to develop these abilities and acquire such knowledge. You will study important topics in classical and modern, pure and applied mathematics. Mathematics courses often hold particular interest if you intend to study the natural sciences, computer sciences, social sciences, architecture, engineering, and management.

 

Physics (Major and Minor)
The study of physics seeks a deep understanding of the makeup of our world around and how that world works. When studying physics, you will learn how we understand the universe at its largest (astronomical) scales and at the smallest scales (atoms and subnuclear particles.) You will learn how to study problems from the scientific viewpoint. With a solid physics background you can make informed decisions on the impact of science on your life and your community. You will have the background to work in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation.

 

Psychology (Major and Minor)
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. It encompasses all aspects of the human experience - biological, social, and cognitive. You will investigate why humans think, feel, and act as they do. Psychology, when employed as a profession, uses this knowledge to help people function better and to improve personal health and well-being. The psychology major provides concentrated study in cognitive-neuroscience (i.e., brain function, memory, aging, alcoholism, substance abuse), social-personality (i.e., leadership, consumer behavior, prejudice, personality), clinical-health (i.e., stress and illness, abnormal psychology, health psychology), and developmental-educational (i.e., child development, school performance). This major emphasizes basic understanding of research methods and statistical analysis. If you are considering graduate school, you are encouraged to take laboratory courses in psychology and to become actively involved in faculty research through the department's Allport Project.

 

Science Teaching (Major)
The Department of Science Teaching draws upon both The College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education to provide excellent preservice and inservice science teacher preparation. The faculty is devoted to preparing outstanding science teachers at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. They also supervise students in the field and conduct enrichment programs for teachers and students. The dual nature of the department gives you the opportunity to interact with field-specific researchers and School of Education faculty.

 

 
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