| 253.535.7560 | www.plu.edu/nsci/ | nsci@plu.edu |
| Ann Auman, Ph.D., Dean |
The College of Natural Sciences fulfills a two-fold purpose, preparing its majors for careers as science professionals and providing all students grounding in the scientific awareness vital for being a citizen in the modern world and participating in a democracy. Opportunities for close interactions abound and the development of the whole person is a central concern.
The College of Natural Sciences offers B.S. and B.A. degrees in most programs, minors, and core courses that fulfill General Education Program elements. The departments provide supporting courses for interdisciplinary programs within the sciences and for other colleges of the University. Courses for B.A. in Education degrees with majors and minors in natural sciences are available; see the Department of Education section of this catalog for the specific degree requirements. See also the sections on the Health Sciences (located in the pre-professional programs section), Engineering Dual Degree program (located in the undergraduate courses and curricula section), and the STEM Education Minor (also located in the undergraduate courses and curricula section) for related programs.
Descriptions of specific course offerings and degree requirements offered within the College of Natural Sciences are listed under:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Earth Science & Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- STEM Education
The following courses are offered under Natural Sciences. Other courses suitable for satisfying General Education (GenEd) program elements may be found in the listings for each of the departments in the college.
Natural Sciences (NSCI) Undergraduate Courses
NSCI 287 : Special Topics in NSCI
Selected topics as announced by the department. May be repeated for credit. (1 to 4)
NSCI 350 : STEM Education Partnership Program
This course introduces students to STEM teaching and provides opportunities for gaining teaching experience in a K-8 classroom. Teams of students will partner with K-8 teachers to co-develop and co-teach classroom lessons. Topics include Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards in Mathematics, STEM-specific teaching strategies, issues of classroom equity and access, and designing assessments of STEM learning. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and completion of one of the following with a grade of C- or above: BIOL 226 or CHEM 116 or CSCI 270 or GEOS 201 or MATH 152 or PHYS 154/164. (4)
NSCI 387 : Special Topics in NSCI
Selected topics as announced by the department. May be repeated for credit. (1 to 4)
NSCI 495 : Internship
To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)