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Academic Catalog
College Catalog 2024-2025 
  
    Nov 06, 2024  
College Catalog 2024-2025

Department of Natural Sciences


Natural Sciences

Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Natural Science and Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science
Majors: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science and Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science
Chair: Walter Smith
Department Faculty: Subrata Biswas, Jason Borgus, Teresa Brown, Bruce Cahoon, Jan Fiala, Heather Gordon, Chrissy Hall, Wei-Fone Huang, Ryan Huish, Islam Khan, Tegan Makal, Troy Makal, Christopher Messer, Suresh Mummadi, Josephine Rodriguez, Galen Sedo, Allison Scherer, S. Michael Shell, Adriana Undreiu
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology Clinical Liaison:
Laura Link, M.S., MLS (ASCP) CM, CHES. Program Director and Assistant Professor, Radford University

The Department of Natural Sciences offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in natural science with majors in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental science and medical technology/clinical laboratory science. It offers minors in biology, chemistry, earth science, public health and physics. Teacher licensure is available in Biology, Chemistry, and/or Earth Science. Courses are taught in astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, geography, physics, and science education.

Pre-professional studies are available for students seeking careers in dentistry, forestry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Advanced placement and credit by examination may be awarded in accordance with college-wide policies. Outstanding students may be graduated with honors after meeting the criteria set by College-wide policy. For all majors in the department, a grade point average of 2.50 or higher is required in all courses needed for the major. All majors must achieve a satisfactory score on the Major Fields Test required for the major.

Students may meet the degree requirements and design individual curricula to emphasize preparation for graduate school, professional schools, government, or private employment.

Research Honors in Biology

The Biology Program is pleased to award graduation with honors to students who distinguish themselves in research. To earn honors, students must submit a contract for research in biology and fulfill all requirements of the contract to the satisfaction of the biology program and the Department of Natural Sciences.

Teacher Licensure in Biology

Licensure to teach biology may be obtained by completing the requirements for either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degrees, in addition to the professional education requirements for secondary school certification. Students should consult the Director of Teacher Education for specific requirements.

Programs