School of Natural Sciences Dean: Dennis M. Travis Location: Science Lab, Room 611 Telephone: 626-6159 The School of Natural Sciences offers a comprehensive array of courses, programs and undergraduate degrees encompassing the biological, earth, and physical sciences. Courses are offered through three biological science departments: Botany, Microbiology, Zoology; four physical science departments: Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Physics; and the Center for Science Education. Programs are available in five undergraduate curricular offering categories: Liberal Arts, Pre-Professional, Professional, Technical Education, and, General Education. Liberal Arts Programs (majors and minors) allow students to pursue indepth study in the natural science discipline of one's choice. They also allow one to experience a more diverse education through broader study outside of the natural sciences. Liberal arts graduates are able to find employment in a variety of entry level positions directly related to their major discipline. They are also able to move into graduate school or professional programs. Liberal arts graduates have the education for significant career ladder movement in their discipline fields. They also have the background to exercise unique job mobility to become entrepreneurs and pioneer new career directions. Pre-Professional Programs are designed for students interested in specific professional careers requiring additional education at selected colleges and universities. While students can earn a degree in pre-professional programs at Weber State, they often transfer credit to another college. There, they complete a structured program of study to qualify for a specified professional career. Weber has an excellent record of graduates successfully being admitted into professional school programs. Professional Teacher Education Programs are designed to meet the needs of students seeking certification to teach in elementary, middle and secondary schools. A new Center for Science Education has been established in the School to enhance preservice teacher education programs in the natural sciences. Job opportunities for teachers with majors or minors in natural science disciplines are excellent. Technical Education Programs are offered to meet the needs of individual seeking vocational and technical preparation required for skilled job-entry or reentry employment, as well as for career updating and occupational enhancement. Currently, we offer two Associate of Applied Science degree programs, and a Certificate of Skill Proficiency. General Education Courses are required of all students who receive a baccalaureate degree from Weber State College. The goal of the School of Natural Sciences general education requirements is to enrich the quality of the students personal life through learning. The natural science general education courses are designed: 1. To augment the student's understanding of accumulated scientific knowledge, the means of acquiring scientific knowledge, and the methods of expressing and conveying scientific knowledge to others; 2. To stimulate interests through exposure to new areas of investigation; 3. To instill an appreciation of the interrelationships among disciplines; and 4. To stimulate growth toward a philosophy of life. Students planning to major or minor in the School of Natural Sciences should contact the appropriate department for assistance in planning their program. The details of the requirements for all majors and minors are listed with the respective departments. Students completing the teaching majors, minors, or emphasis will also work closely with the Center for Science Education and the School of Education. Students completing baccalaureate programs in the School of Natural Sciences may receive either the bachelor of arts degree or the bachelor of science degree. Majors * Botany * Chemistry * Geography Geology Microbiology Applied Physics * Physics * Zoology ** Biology Composite ** Earth Science Composite * Science Composite Minors * Botany * Chemistry * Geography * Geology Microbiology * Physics * Zoology Pre-Professional Programs Pre-Medicine Pre-Dentistry Pre-Veterinary Medicine Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Agriculture Pre-Forestry Pre-Range Management Pre-Wildlife 1 & 2 year Programs Chem Technician, AAS Chem Technician, Cert, of Prof. Geological Tech, AAS *A teaching major or minor are also available. * *Teaching majors only.