Natural Sciences and
Mathematics
CONTACT PERSON
Chair: Matthew Johnston, PhD
e-mail:
majohnston@lcsc.edu
Phone: 792-2295
Division Office: MLH 134
Phone: 792-2295
Fax: 792-2064
Web:
http://www.lcsc.edu/science
FACULTY
Alex Bezzerides, PhD, MLH 303
albezzerides@lcsc.edu
: Biology
Laura Bracken, M Ed, MLH 331
bracken@lcsc.edu 792-2484: Mathematics
Matthew Brady, PhD, MLH 335
mjbrady@lcsc.edu 792-2828: Biology
Paul Buckley, PhD, MLH 241
ptbuckley@lcsc.edu 792-2233: Chemistry
Daniel Conte de Leon, PhD, MLH 312,
dfcontedeleon@lcsc.edu
792-2295: Computer Science
J. Anthony Fernandez, PhD, ADM 209B tfernandez@lcsc.edu
792-2213: Biology
Jane Finan, MS, MLH 221
jfinan@lcsc.edu 792-2407: Biology
Misti Fowler, MS, MLH 316
mdfowler@lcsc.edu 792-2467: Mathematics
Alan Hain, MAT, MLH 334
aphain@lcsc.edu 792-2107:Mathematics
Heather Henson-Ramsey, PhD, MLH 315A
hlhensonramsey@lcsc.edu 792-2799: Biology
Jacob Hornby, PhD, MLH 211
jmhornby@lcsc.edu 792-2441: Biology
Burma Hutchinson, MS, MLH 333 bhutchin@lcsc.edu
792-2868: Mathematics
Rachel Jameton, PhD, MLH 311,
rajameton@lcsc.edu
792-2268: Chemistry
George Johnson, MAT, MLH 231 gwjohnson@lcsc.edu792-2
838: Stockroom Manager
Matthew Johnston, PhD, MLH 305 majohnston@lcsc.edu
792-2410: Chair and Chemistry
Masoud Kazemi, MS, MLH 337
mkazemi@lcsc.edu792-2401 : Mathematics
Victor Kriss, PhD, MLH B11
vkriss@lcsc.edu 792-2344 : Physics
Jenni Light, PhD, MLH 120A
jligh@lcsc.edu 792-2796 : Engineering
Ed Miller, PhD, MLH 332
edmiller@lcsc.edu 792-281 0: Mathematics
Holly Patterson-McNeill, PhD, MLH 321
hapatterson-mcneill@lcsc.edu 792-2342: Computer
Science
Jean Sawyer, MAT, MLH 317,
jasawer@lcsc.edu 792-2797: Mathematics
Keegan Schmidt, PhD, MLH 120B
klschmidt@lcsc.edu
792-2283: Geology
Wendy Shuttleworth, PhD, MLH336
washuttleworth@lcsc.edu
792-2633: Biochemistry
Elizabeth Skendzic, PhD MLH 243
emskendzic@lcsc.edu
792-2782: Biology
Craig Steenberg, PhD, THall 302
csteenbe@lcsc.edu
792-2343: Mathematics/Computer Science
Tom Urquhart, PhD, MLH 218
urquhart@lcsc.edu 792-2246: Biology
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Rollie Hallen, BS MLH 231
rwhallen@lcsc.edu 792-2867: Chemistry
Nancy Johnston, PhD, MLH B1
najohnston@lcsc.edu
792-2341: Chemistry
Thomas Walker, MAT, MLH 120C,
tcwalker@lcsc.edu
792-2798: Earth Science
Robert Yeoman, MS, MLH 206,
byeoman@lcsc.edu 792-2295: Mathematics
OVERVIEW
The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers courses
in Biology, Chemistry, Chemistry: Secondary Education, Computer
Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Forensic Science, Geology,
Geographic Information Science, Mathematics, Physics and Natural
Science to provide students with the opportunity to develop their
maximum potential in their professional and personal life. Courses
within these disciplines emphasize the philosophy and processes
of science and mathematics, the contribution of science and
mathematics to contemporary culture, and environmental issues.
The philosophy of the Division is to involve students in the process
of science through active student research as a means of developing
skills needed for critical thought about issues in science.
The Division offers baccalaureate majors in Biology, Biology:
Secondary Education, Earth Science, Earth Science: Secondary
Education, Chemistry, Chemistry: Secondary Education, Computer Science, Mathematics,
Mathematics: Secondary Education, and Natural Science:
Secondary Education. The Division also offers an associate degree in
Liberal Arts: Natural Science. Courses are fully transferable to other
accredited institutions for students who plan to continue studies
in physical therapy, occupational therapy, forestry, engineering,
agriculture, medical technology, pharmacy, dental hygiene, premedical,
pre-dental, veterinary science and physician assistance.
Students should contact the division office for a faculty advisor in
order to plan the courses for their major.
The Divisions objectives are to provide a well-balanced and
high quality
science and mathematics education and four-year (BS and
BA) degrees in Science, Mathematics, and Secondary Science
and Mathematics Education. Students develop specific skills and
competencies, become aware of the social role of scientists and
mathematicians in the world community, develop personal and
intellectual attributes for thoughtful decision making, and develop a
general education foundation which promotes competency for life.
The Division also has many special facilities to assist in
undergraduate education and provide opportunities for individual
research projects. Among these are a Computer Science Laboratory,
a Science and Math Tutoring Lab, an Astronomical Observatory,
the Nez Perce County Biodiversity Museum and Collection, and a
large geological collection. Students seeking entrance into medicine,
dentistry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical technology,
and veterinary medicine usually complete a baccalaureate degree
in Biology or Chemistry with a minor in the Humanities prior
to admittance to a professional program. Faculty advisors work
closely with students in planning course work and preparing for the
entrance exams and interviews that are prerequisites for acceptance
into a professional school.
MAJORS AND MINORS OFFERED
MAJORS
BIOLOGY
Biology students may choose a major with a Pre-Medical emphasis,
or an Environmental Field emphasis. The Pre-Medical emphasis
is designed to prepare students for medicine, dentistry, veterinary
science, physical therapy and other related health fields. Students
interested in seeking entrance into these professions usually
complete a baccalaureate degree prior to admittance to a professional
program. Biology majors may also continue their education in a
graduate program in the life sciences.
The Environmental Field Biology emphasis of the Biology major
is designed to prepare students for careers in natural resource
management. The program option educates field biologist/technician
professionals in fields related to the overall management of natural
ecosystems. Students are prepared for employment with government
agencies such as State Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service,
US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management. Tribal agencies,
private industry (natural resource companies, energy companies), land
use planning agencies, environmental consulting firms or entry into
graduate school. The program emphasizes a bridge between theoretical
and applied field approaches, research experiences with professional
field biologists and placement into summer research/work programs
with regional state, government or private agencies.
Students may also complete courses required for secondary teaching
certification.
CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry program prepares students for industrial or
government laboratory work or graduate work in Chemistry or
Biochemistry. The Chemistry emphasis provides a strong foundation
for students entering the professional health fields, especially
the pre-professional programs such as Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental,
Pharmacy and Medical Technology.
The Geochemistry emphasis couples a solid foundation in analytical
chemistry with the deductive thinking skills, three-dimensional
visualization skills, and fundamental understanding of earth
materials that the earth sciences offer. Students graduating with
this major are prepared for careers in the geo-technical industry
as well as continuing their education in a graduate program in the
Environmental Earth Sciences.
Students may also complete courses required for secondary teaching
certification.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
The Computer Science program is designed to prepare students
for industrial work or graduate work in Computer Science or
Management Information Systems. The program offers four options
within the major. The Computer Science emphasis is a traditional
computer science curriculum, mathematically rigorous and is based
on the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) core curricula
recommendations. Although this option is especially designed to
prepare students for graduate programs in Computer Science, the
courses contain sufficient practical projects which prepare students
for entry-level programming or software engineering positions.
The Computer Information Systems emphasis is an interdisciplinary
program combining courses from the Business Division with
the Computer Science core and is based on the Association of
Information Systems (AIS) curriculum model. This option is
designed to prepare students for entry-level information systems
positions requiring both technical and organizational expertise.
Students are also prepared to enter graduate programs in
Management Information Systems.
The Computer Science Web-Based emphasis combines courses
from the BTS Divisions Web Development program with the CS
core to create a program with both a strong application and a strong
theoretical orientation. This option is designed for CS students who
want a strong applied background, preparing them for industry.
The Computer Science Technology emphasis combines courses from
the T & I Divisions Information Systems Analysis program with
the CS core to create a program with both a strong application
and strong theoretical orientation. This option is designed for
CS students who want a strong applied background in computing
infrastructure, preparing them for industry.
EARTH SCIENCE
The Earth Science major provides a quantitative education in
Earths systems, including the solid earth, hydrosphere,
atmosphere and biosphere. Students will gain a foundational
understanding of the major features of each of these systems and
the interrelations between them through lecture, laboratory and
field studies. The program provides a very broad-based science
education, preparing students for a wide variety of careers in
the private and government sectors including the fields of
environmental science, mining and petroleum industries, and
resource management. It also provides an excellent foundation
for students interested in continuing their education with
graduate work in the sciences.
Students may also complete
courses required for secondary teaching certification.
GENERAL STUDIES: NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS
The General Studies major serves a number of students needs:
for strong liberal arts programs; for thorough pre-professional
coursework; as preparation for many graduate programs. See the
Academic Programs section for additional information on this
major.
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
The Interdisciplinary Studies major permits students the
opportunity to design a course of study to satisfy personal and
career goals. Students interested in an academic area within the
Interdisciplinary option MUST contact the division office of the
discipline they intend to pursue as their primary area of study.
See the Academic Dean section for additional information on this
major.
MATHEMATICS
The Mathematics major is characterized by a balance between
theory and application, beginning in the pre-calculus sequence
and continuing through to upper division courses. Appropriate
technology is integrated at all levels of the curriculum. At the
end of the program students are prepared to enter graduate
school or business and industry. Students may also complete
courses required for secondary teaching certification.
NATURAL SCIENCES: SECONDARY EDUCATION MAJOR
Based upon the processes of science, this major provides
learning experience and subject matter skills necessary for the
secondary school teacher who must be prepared to teach a variety
of science courses. At the same time it allows the student to
selectively acquire depth of subject matter in a concentrated
discipline of . The versatility inherent to this major is
especially applicable to teaching in junior high schools and
smaller senior high schools. Students are encouraged to take
additional upper division courses in pertinent disciplines.
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS LIBERAL ARTS: NATURAL SCIENCES
The Associate of Arts Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Natural Sciences
and Mathematics requires completion of 64 credits which must include
the General Education Core plus 18 ± 24 credits in Science and/or
Mathematics courses taken from subjects in the Division of Natural
Sciences and Mathematics. This degree provides a solid liberal arts
foundation accompanied by strong preparation in Science and Math.
Completion of this degree prepares students to continue in multiple
science baccalaureate programs as well as programs in health sciences.
MINORS
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Forensic Science
Geographic Information Science
Geology
Information Systems
Mathematics
Math: Elementary Education
Natural Sciences
Physical Sciences
ONE- AND TWO-YEAR TRANSFER
PROGRAMS
For students interested in any of the following fields, the Division of
Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers one to three years of coursework
that will prepare them for transfer to an institution offering programs in
these fields. The student MUST meet with an advisor in the appropriate
content area. The advisor will assist in planning a transfer program
designed for the institution to which the student plans to transfer.
Transfer programs
Agriculture
Dental Hygiene
Engineering
Forestry
Medical Technology
Pharmacy
PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM
The Pre-Engineering program prepares students to complete
a degree in any field of engineering study after transfer to an
engineering school. Engineers use the principles of science and
mathematics to design and build products that enhance our quality
of life in all areas including health, home, work place, recreation
and entertainment. All introductory Engineering course numbers
follow Idaho statewide standards. Students have the option of
participating in formal 2/3 dual-degree agreements with BSU and
ISU Engineering programs. Transfer to Engineering programs at
any other school is also possible through individual consultation.
ASSESSMENT
Major field examinations are given to all students at the conclusion of
their program of study. The purpose of these exams is to assess content
knowledge in their area of study to continue improving the program.
Exit interviews are required of all Natural Sciences majors at the
conclusion of their program of study. Data gathered from the major
field examinations and the exit exams are used to guide improvement
and development of programs within the Division of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics. Additionally, the success of graduates who enter
professional and graduate schools is monitored.
ADVISING
All students declaring majors in the Division of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics will be assigned an advisor. Students should meet
with their faculty advisor each semester in advance of registration
and any time that they have questions concerning their program
or are in need of academic advice.
TUTORING
The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has
comprehensive tutoring available in Mathematics, Chemistry and
introductory Biology courses. To help students succeed in math
courses, the Math and Science Tutoring Center is open daily, as
well evenings and weekend hours.
CLUBS
The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has three student
organizations. The Chem-Bio Club is active in promoting Chemistry,
Biology and environmental activities not only for students, but
community members of all ages. It is very active in working with
regional K-12 schools. It encourages membership into the American
Chemical Society, and promotes funding for travel to academic
meetings, poster and research presentations all over the country.
The Geology Club regularly attends regional conferences,
participates in numerous field trips, including extended trips to
more distant sites over the summer breaks. It sponsors a yearly jet
boat trip up the Snake River that is quite famous locally.
The Computer Science club is a community club that extends
membership to both LC students and members of the local
community. The club promotes Computer Science in all of its
forms with regional K-12 schools. Members of the CS club
are encouraged to consider membership in the Association for
Computing Machinery (ACM). The club works on projects locally
with an emphasis on creating a community for those interested in
computer science. All of these clubs encourage the camaraderie and
teamwork necessary for successful careers in science.
PREPARATION FOR FUTURE
GRADUATE STUDIES
Students who major in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and
Mathematics are regularly accepted into graduate programs across the
country. These majors prepare students to successfully complete
the Graduate Record Examination and encourages interested students
to do an undergraduate research experience (REU) before graduation
in the discipline they are considering for graduate study.
FRANK MOSHER MEMORIAL
OBSERVATORY
The Frank Mosher Memorial Observatory, located on the Lewiston
Rodeo Grounds, houses a 16-inch Newtonian Reflector telescope in
a 16-foot dome. Built with funds contributed from the community,
it is a memorial to Frank Mosher, a Clarkston High School
teacher who was an enthusiastic promoter of amateur astronomy.
The observatory was dedicated in 1975 to public service as well as
instructional use by the College.
