School of Mathematics and Sciences

Professor Adam Reinhart, Dean

Professor William Hahn, Associate Dean

Professors Elise Adamson, Scott Franklin, Gary Gray, Robert Moore, Christopher Truitt, Tim Walsh

Associate Professors Matthew S. Allen, Charles Nelms, Christopher Thornhill

Assistant Professors Libby Cleveland, Matthew Thomas Dyson, Margaret Vietrel

Instructors Corin Olivas

Emeritus Professors Philip C. Almes, Paul Vaughn Ross, Harold Temple, Gerald Thompson

Purpose

The School of Mathematics & Sciences emphasizes a rigorous, ethical approach to the study of mathematics and science. We believe that success in these disciplines requires a broad base of content knowledge and the development of the critical thinking skills necessary for the ongoing acquisition, processing and communication of current subject matter. The activities of the School, both academic and professional, intentionally reflect the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His centrality to all of Creation.

The School of Mathematics and Sciences offers programs in biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, environmental sciences, geology, mathematics, molecular biology, and physical sciences as well as related pre-professional studies.

Courses in the biological sciences discipline provide a survey of the field. They meet the needs of students desiring the recent biological viewpoint, preparation for teaching and research in biological sciences, graduate study, a career in applied sciences, or a future in medicine and related fields.

The molecular biology major emphasizes coursework in cellular biology and biochemistry. Students preparing for medical school or graduate school programs in cellular biology are encouraged to consider this degree option. Because of the number of courses in chemistry
required for the molecular biology major, students choosing this major most often minor in chemistry.

The chemistry program is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to continue study in chemistry at the graduate level, work in the chemical industry, teach science at the secondary school level, or to prepare to enter one of the health science professions or allied
health fields.

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary field of study concerned with human dependencies and interactions with natural and engineered (eco) systems. In addition to coursework specific to environmental science, professionals in environmental careers are expected to be well-grounded in biology, chemistry, and geology. Because the focus of environmental science is on human interactions with the environment, a broad understanding of the human endeavor inherent in a liberal arts education is also essential.

Courses offered in the physical sciences area offer a broad, general knowledge in the physical sciences - physics, chemistry, and/or geology - with sufficient depth and content to meet student academic needs.

Both the content and the method of mathematics are important for meeting the needs of the world as well as the development of the individual. As a tool of the sciences, mathematics is indispensable, while as an art, it challenges the ability and appreciation of the best minds.
The mathematics area seeks to do three basic things: teach fundamental mathematical concepts, show how mathematics can be applied to the real world, and investigate the nature of the mathematical process itself. The School of Mathematics and Sciences places students in mathematics courses according to their high school record and the ACT (American College Testing) program examination in mathematics as follows:

MATH 0325 - Pre-Algebra and MATH 0326 - Elementary Algebra , are for students with ACT scores in mathematics lower than 16.
MATH 1300 - Intermediate Algebra is for students with ACT scores in mathematics of 16 through 19. Students who fail MATH 1300 are encouraged to enroll in MATH 0325 or MATH 0326 unless the instructor approves re-enrollment in MATH 1300 .
MATH 1303 - Mathematics for Liberal Arts and MATH 1304 - College Algebra are for students with ACT scores in Mathematics of 20 or above. MATH 1300 or placement through test scores is required for enrollment.
MATH 1305 - Trigonometry is for students who plan to major or minor in mathematics or science who have not had trigonometry in high school. Prerequisites: High school plane geometry and either two years of high school algebra or MATH 1304 .
MATH 1306 - Elementary Statistics is for students who have had MATH 1304 or above. It is a requirement for all mathematics and sciences school majors or minors.
MATH 2406 - Calculus I is for students with ACT scores in mathematics of 26 or above and who have had trigonometry and are interested in more mathematics courses.

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School of Mathematics and Sciences

Purpose

Programs