Department of Natural Sciences

Chair:		George Ude

Professors:		William Lawrence (Emeritus), Steve Sheffield, George Ude

Associate Professors:		Alan Anderson, Eric Bonsu,Mikhail Goloubev, Ray Moharerrzadeh, Anne Osano, Deborah Rayfield, Lucia Santacruz, Sahlemedhin Sertsu,

Assistant Professors:		Tyesha Burks, Kari Debbink, Devyn Gillette, Kondareddy Karnati, Supriyo Ray, and Jacqueline Smith

Lecturers:		Claude Ferrer, Zelyn Richberg

Cure Coordinator		Chimdimnma Esimai

Mission

The mission of the Department of Natural Sciences is to assist the University in meeting its mission and goals by providing a quality education in several STEM degree fields, including Biology, Bioinformatics, Science Education, Chemistry, as well as to gain expertise in science and technology, applied biotechnology, and research skills. To rise to the challenges of our changing global economy and to fulfill the unmet need for trained biological scientists, bioinformaticians, chemistry, science education and other degree-holders in related STEM fields, the curriculum within the Department of Natural Sciences has been designed carefully to equip students to achieve their educational goals in preparation as the future STEM workforce. Curricular integration of innovative strategies and the deployment of high-impact practices, such as the course-based undergraduate research experiences, allow for hands-on research exploration for undergraduates at all levels, in alignment with making program graduates competitive for post-graduate opportunities and for entry into STEM careers. Ultimately, the mission of the Department of Natural Sciences is to provide graduates with unique opportunities and broad technical skills that will assist them in adjusting to any future changes in the global economy and in developing a sense of professionalism in their intended fields of study.

GOALS

To provide a quality education in each of the degree program areas within the Department, such that the students are prepared and equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly technological society and changing global economy.
To provide students an environment that encourages and fosters the ethics, attitudes, and discipline essential to professional growth.
To improve the academic performance of students through careful advising, monitoring, and tutoring activities, in collaboration with coordinated efforts across the University for improved student outcomes.
To create and foster a vibrant research environment within the Department, through expanding experimental and theoretical research capacity among the faculty and to involve all students in research activity through innovative course-based undergraduate research experiences, research assignments, and/or independent research projects under faculty supervision and through external research internships.
To prepare students for graduate or pre-professional schools or for career assignments in STEM fields, in government, in industry, or in education.
To maintain strong collaboration with regional and national private and government institutions in support of the Department’s educational and research activities.
To maintain the viability of our programs through systematic and continuous assessment, evaluation, enhancement, and modification.

REQUIRED EXAMINATIONS

As a graduation requirement, all Science Education majors must take and pass (according to the Maryland Department of Education passing score) both parts (Core Batteries and Specialty) of the PRAXIS Examination.
Opportunities are given to upperclassmen to take liberal, scientific, and technology-related fields; an advisor from his or her major field must approve each student’s elective program.

Programs

Bachelor of Science