Undergraduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.06.01

College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Dean and Professor: Dr. Seidman, 450-3199
Associate Dean and Professor: Dr. Hamilton, 450-3199

[1] Mission

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics supports the mission of the University of Central Arkansas through the departments of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics and astronomy. The college mission is to provide current, superior learning opportunities for students of the university and for the public; to advance knowledge of our disciplines; and to furnish professional services locally, regionally, and nationally.

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has as its central purposes

To help students of the university develop life-long competencies in critical thinking, oral and written communication, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving.
To provide high quality, rigorous programs that prepare students to enter the work force as practitioners or teachers of mathematics, the natural sciences, or computer science and other professions; to further their education through graduate programs in mathematics, the natural sciences, computer science, and related disciplines; or to attend professional schools, in such fields as dentistry, engineering, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine.
To provide opportunities for advanced studies in biology, mathematics, and science education through master's degree programs.
To serve students majoring in other programs that require solid foundations in mathematics and the natural sciences, such as teaching and the health professions.
To acquaint all students with the complexity and diversity of the contemporary world, in the context of the mathematical and scientific branches of human learning and ways of knowing, through general education courses.
To provide, promote, and encourage professional growth opportunities for faculty and staff, including faculty and student scholarship that advances and disseminates knowledge of the disciplines.
To serve the public, including consulting with schools, businesses, industries, and governmental agencies, delivering in-service training for teachers, making presentations to school children and the general public, and supporting professional organizations.

Students pursuing majors in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics are encouraged to participate in research as undergraduates. Additional information about research opportunities can be obtained from the college or departmental offices.

[2] Departments

Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics and Astronomy

[3] Programs

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE):

Biology (BS)
Chemistry (BS)
Computer Science (BS)
Environmental Science (see the program description in Interdisciplinary Studies) (BS)
General Science (BS)
Mathematics (BA, BS, BSE)
Physics (BS)
Secondary Science (BSE)

Pre-professional studies (see Pre-Professional Studies in the Table of Contents):

Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Master of Science (MS) and Master of Arts (MA):

Biology (MS)
Computer Science (MS)
Mathematics (MA, MS)