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College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The universe is a mystery — a vast, sweeping, unending stream of questions. It is up to the scientists and the mathematicians to pursue the answers. At UWA, we’ll help you join the inquiry. We’ll complement your passion for knowledge with the skills and experiences you need to pursue your love of science and math to the limits.

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

— Dr. Carl Sagan

Our Mission

The mission of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is to elevate academic achievement and quality of life through higher education, research and outreach.

Choose the Program That’s Right for You

Choose a natural sciences or mathematics degree that meets your needs and your schedule. Choose from a range of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees — on campus or online — all of which are designed to give you the tools and skills you need to succeed in a variety of related fields.

Faculty Spotlight

Department Spotlight: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Conservation and Field Biology and Marine Biology. In these and other programs in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, we explore the basic science of life. The opportunities you’ll find here are both rich and varied.

Alumni and Student Experiences

Hear from previous and current students about their experiences.
UWA President Dr. Ken Tucker presents diploma to graduate

About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

One of the things that you’ll hear about UWA quite often is, “There’s something about this place.” Come visit us at the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), and you’ll get a sense of what that means. NSM contains the Departments of Biological and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Physical Sciences, and the Department of Mathematics. In 2017, the College was also pleased to add under its umbrella the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, which contains the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science. The more than 50 faculty in the College oversee almost 20 majors covering the full spectrum of basic sciences, applied health training and mathematics. These STEM fields, of course, are critical to the future. A strong preparation in these areas goes a long way toward ensuring a productive career.

The opportunities in NSM are rich and varied. Our program in Cell and Molecular Biology prepares students for entry into medical, veterinary and other professional schools, as well as providing outstanding preparation for entry into graduate study at UWA or another institution. Similarly, the Conservation and Field Biology program provides a firm foundation for those biologists who wish to work with the natural resources so abundant in the Southeast. This program also serves as a solid foundation through which students can move into UWA’s new Master of Science program in Conservation Biology, one of the few of its kind anywhere.

Other students may opt for our program in Environmental Science and its associated internships, which provide an excellent gateway into employment. NSM’s program in Marine Biology and its association with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab has a long, rich history, and many of the graduates of that program currently work with their feet wet around the world.

In the Physical Sciences, our programs in Chemistry allow students to choose a variety of pathways. Perhaps the most popular, and successful, in the Pre-Pharmacy Chemistry track. Students successfully completing this program have had great success moving on into schools of pharmacy and joining this highly rewarding occupation. Our programs in Exercise Science and Health Sciences feature the opportunity to work with some of the nation’s finest professors and athletic trainers. The College provides opportunities for teacher certification in biology, general science, mathematics and physical education and UWA’s long history of teacher preparation has established a tremendous reputation with educational institutions in the region.

Exercise Science

In NSM, we believe strongly in learning by doing. Our classes are inquiry-based with a hands-on approach. Undergraduate research is a major focus and our Undergraduate Research Symposium has developed into one of the best in the region. We try to provide opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Our students have interned at Yale University, done research on Siberia’s Lake Baikal and studied at the University of Western Australia. Outreach and involvement also play a major role in NSM, and the College has long-sponsored events such as Science Saturdays, Elementary Science Olympiads and Regional Sciences Fairs. Our students typically play a major role in these events.

All in all, we believe that the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is the perfect place to put UWA’s other motto into action: Do something that matters!

Jeffery Merida, PhD
Dean
(205) 652-3414
jmerida@uwa.edu 

 

NSM Programs and Initiatives

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Your UWA education is so much more than going to class. Learn more about the countless opportunities to be a part of something great, from service organizations and Greek Life to clubs and much more.

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