Faculty:
Jerry Deese, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physics and Mathematics; Chair – Natural Sciences Division
*David Collum, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences; Assessment and Accreditation Data Coordinator
Alicia Pate, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology and Biochemistry
Shayani Pieris, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Plant Sciences
Amber Pyatt, D.N.P, R.N., Associate Professor of Nursing; Director of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
*Julia Schroeder, Ph.D., Professor of Education and Natural Sciences; Dean – Southern Illinois Regional Learning Centers
J. Mark Sherman, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology/Biotechnology
David B. Smith, M.S., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Lydia Thebeau, Ph.D., Professor of Biology; Dean of Academic Advisement and Allied Health Initiatives
Mary Vedamuthu, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry
Jason Vermette, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Craig Walston, M.S.S., Instructor of Natural Sciences; Head Women’s Softball Coach
*Also listed under the Education Division
Mission Statement: The Natural Sciences Division provides curricula fulfilling general education and degree requirements. The Natural Sciences include the areas of Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Science, Physics, and Pre-Nursing. The division and its faculty are committed to professionalism and excellence within the framework of a Christian worldview and within the mission of the University as a whole.
Biology
Mission Statement: Biology courses are offered to serve the needs of students in major and minor fields, as well as students in allied health and professional majors and non-science majors, fulfilling general education and degree requirements. Majors will be prepared to face regional competition for employment and academic placement. In accord with the general mission of the University, courses are taught with a Christian worldview while maintaining a perspective of objective analysis and rigorously discriminating between observation and derived theories.
Students who desire certification to teach advanced biology or chemistry in high school (grades 9-12) are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a Unified Science Core of at least 39 hours, with an additional 20 hours minimum in at least one endorsement area (Biology or Chemistry). The program requires specific courses both in education and the sciences; for more information, see the Secondary Education section of this catalog and the Unified Science major.
Biotechnology
Mission Statement: The biotechnology program is designed to serve those students interested in pursuing a career in research or higher academic degrees. Majors will be well-equipped to compete for employment in major pharmaceutical or industrial laboratories, governmental laboratories, or not-for-profit research institutions and will be competitive for academic placement in graduate degree programs. In accord with the general mission of the University, courses are taught from a Christian worldview.
The biotechnology program provides students with scientific background and laboratory experience necessary for employment in biotech and pharmaceutical industries, for advanced studies in applications of biotechnology such as biochemistry or molecular biology, or to pursue advanced professional degrees (MD, MBA, law) with emphasis in biotechnological issues. Career opportunities in the field of biotechnology include university teaching and research or biomedical research in hospital, academic, governmental, or industrial research laboratory settings. Students taking business courses, along with their biotechnology training, would also represent ideal candidates for jobs in management, sales, or marketing in biotechnological or pharmaceutical industries. The biotechnology program is an ideal preparatory tool for students planning to go to graduate school or other professional degree program, or those students interested in pursuing a career as a research associate.
Chemistry
Mission Statement: Chemistry courses are offered to serve the needs of students in major and minor fields as well as students in allied health professional majors and non-science majors fulfilling general education and degree requirements. Majors will be prepared to face regional and national competition for employment and academic placement. In accord with the general mission of the University, courses are taught from a perspective of objective analysis while discriminating between observation and derived theories. It is intended that the student will see that a truly objective observation of the science demonstrates the glory of Christ through His creation.
Students who desire certification to teach advanced biology or chemistry in the secondary school are required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to complete a Unified Science Core of at least 39 hours with an additional 20 hours minimum in at least one endorsement area (Biology or Chemistry). The program requires specific courses (see the Unified Science major in the Division of Education ).
Many developments in modern biological sciences rely extensively on techniques and principles of chemistry and physics. The importance of this relationship has led to the design of the Biochemistry major, which prepares students for advanced study in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, structural biology, genetic engineering, and cell biology through the understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. It provides the basic science background necessary for applying to health professional schools including medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. Majors in the field are employed by pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical industries to develop new medicines and research the causes of disease. Biochemists also work in agriculture, developing pest-resistant crops and other technologies, as well as in government labs and educational institutions.
Students interested in a career in chemical engineering should consult Dual Degree Program in Engineering described in this catalog.
Mathematics
Mission Statement: Mathematics plays a key role in understanding the principles of our physical environment and is an important tool in successful utilization and conservation of human, physical, and financial resources. The mission of the Mathematics department is to instill in its students an understanding of the mathematical concepts necessary to be productive members of society, and to provide the mathematics foundation necessary for graduate study in mathematics and careers in mathematics, education, business, finance, science, medicine, and engineering. This mission follows from our Christian worldview which states, in part, that we are to live in harmony with the physical environment God has created for us and utilize its resources intelligently and conservatively.
Physics
Mission Statement: The physics courses, in accordance with the Missouri Baptist University mission statement, seek to prepare students to live in harmony with the physical environment by becoming aware of its basic principles and the means for intelligent use and conservation of its resources. An understanding of the principles of physics, designed and implemented by God, is a key factor in fulfilling this purpose. The physics courses are designed to provide this understanding, give science and mathematics students the physics background required for success in those careers, and satisfy Unified Science Core requirements for secondary science certification in Missouri.
The courses in physics and physical science (PHYS) are offered to fulfill general education, elective or additional physics credits, and/or Missouri science certification requirements.
Pre-Nursing
Mission Statement: The Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Pre-Nursing is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the basic skills needed to prepare for a career in nursing. Obtaining this degree gives students a broad basis in the liberal arts tradition, from a Christian worldview, for pursuit of more advanced nursing degrees. Following the Associate of Science – Pre-Nursing with two years of clinical study will complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and prepare the student for a successful career in the critically important nursing profession.
Major
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Biochemistry, BS
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Biology, BA
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Biology, BS
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Biotechnology, BS
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Chemistry, BA
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Chemistry, BS
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Chemistry, Concentration in Forensic Science, BA
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Mathematics, BPS
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Mathematics, BS
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Pre-Nursing, ASPN
Minor
