Download: Division of Natural and Computational Sciences Brochure

The Division of Natural and Computational Sciences is comprised of the Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences. The Department of Natural Sciences includes biology, chemistry, and physics. Students may elect to major in Biology, Computer Science, or Mathematics and minor in Biology, Chemistry,Computer Science, or Mathematics. To earn the bachelor's degree, students must complete the required hours in the general education core, the institutional course requirements, and the content (major program) area requirements.

OBJECTIVES: The Division of Natural and Computational Sciences:

• Offers students a basic knowledge of the sciences;
• Develops skills, concepts, and methodologies of scientific inquiries;
• Prepares students for professional and advanced studies in mathematics and sciences;
• Provides pre-professional training in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and engineering; and
• Provides training for teachers.

BIOLOGY

The Department of Biology offers diversified programs that enable students to select a curriculum that best suits their career goals. A baccalaureate path with a major or minor in Biology is available to the students. The biology program is ideal preparation for students pursuing the following allied health careers: nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic medicine. The program provides the skills necessary to enter professional programs as well as professions in industry, agribusiness, food management, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the retail industry. The secondary teaching certification requirements may also be fulfilled with the biology major.

OBJECTIVES: The biology major is designed for students who seek:

• A career as a professional biologist in industry;
• Graduate studies and research in the biological sciences;
• Preparation necessary for studies in nursing, medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and medical technology; and
• Combined training in physical education and health-related fields.

DEGREE PLAN:
Biology

CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
The chemistry and physics subject areas together constitute the physical sciences within the natural sciences. The chemistry program offers courses that prepare students for continued studies in chemistry, for chemically-related professional careers, and for industrial employment positions. A strong chemistry background is also necessary to prepare students for careers in the biological sciences, health, science teaching, and allied health careers.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the chemistry and physics programs are to:

• Provide a strong and competitive minor program in chemistry;
• Provide teacher training requirements;
• Prepare students for continued training in chemistry, the biological sciences, and health related careers;
• Prepare students for chemistry related industrial employment;
• Provide knowledge and skills in the physical sciences required for the appreciation of the natural and technological world.

COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Department of Computer Science offers a 125 semester hour program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Students with a GPA of 3.20 can be nominated for the UNCF/Melon Undergraduate Fellowship Program, or the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program, both of which prepare students for graduate school.

OBJECTIVES: The Computer Science Department:

• Trains students to be computer literate;
• Enables students to function efficiently in this information age;
• Provides students with a foundation of theory, knowledge and skills for students who desire to pursue advanced study in computer science or related fields;
• Prepares students for a smooth transition to graduate school; and
• Prepares students for productive careers in the public and private sectors.

DEGREE PLAN:
Computer Science

MATHEMATICS
The Mathematics Department offers programs of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics with Teacher Certification.


OBJECTIVES: Objectives of the mathematics program are to:

• Provide students with a broad education in pure and applied mathematics;
• Provide a foundation of theory, knowledge, and skills for students who desire to pursue advanced study in mathematics;
• Provide education and training for prospective teachers; and
• Offer students opportunities to gain appreciation of the artistic nature and cultural beauty of mathematics.

DEGREE PLAN:
Mathematics