Natural Sciences and
Mathematics
CONTACT PERSON
Chair: Matthew Johnston, PhD
e-mail:
majohnston@lcsc.edu
Phone: 792-2410Division
Office: MLH 134
Phone: 792-2295 Fax: 792-2064
Web:
http://www.lcsc.edu/naturalsciences
FACULTY
Laura Bracken, M Ed, MLH B1 bracken@lcsc.edu 792-2484:
Mathematics
Matthew Brady, PhD, MLH 243 mjbrady@lcsc.edu 792-2828: Biology
Paul Buckley, PhD, MLH B2 ptbuckley@lcsc.edu 792-2233:
Chemistry
J. Anthony Fernandez, PhD, ADM 209B tfernandez@lcsc.edu
792-2213: Biology
Jane Finan, MS, MLH 221 jfi nan@lcsc.edu 792-2407: Biology
Alan Hain, MAT, MLH B4 aphain@lcsc.edu 792-2107: Mathematics
Heather Henson-Ramsey, PhD: Biology
Jacob Hornby, PhD, MLH 211 jmhornby@lcsc.edu 792-2441: Biology
Rachel Jameton, PhD, MLH 311, rajameton@lcsc.edu 792-2268:
Chemistry
George Johnson, MAT, MLH 231 gwjohnson@lcsc.edu 792-2838:
Stockroom Manager
Matthew Johnston, PhD, MLH 134B majohnston@lcsc.edu 792-2410:
Chair and Chemistry
Masoud Kazemi, MS, MLH B5 mkazemi@lcsc.edu 792-2401:
Mathematics
Victor Kriss, PhD, MLH B11 vkriss@lcsc.edu 792-2344: Physics
Ed Miller, PhD, MLH 120A edmiller@lcsc.edu 792-2810:
Mathematics
Holly Patterson-McNeill, PhD, MLH 315A hapatterson-mcneill@lcsc.edu
792-2342: Computer Science
Christine Pharr, PhD, SPH116 cpharr@lcsc.edu 792-2325:
Chemistry
Keegan Schmidt, PhD, MLH 120C klschmidt@lcsc.edu 792-2283:
Geology
Wendy Shuttleworth, PhD, MLH130A washuttleworth@lcsc.edu
792-2633: Biochemistry
Elizabeth Skendzic, PhD: Biology
Craig Steenberg, PhD, MLH 321 csteenbe@lcsc.edu 792-2343:
Mathematics/Computer Science
Tom Urquhart, PhD, MLH 218 urquhart@lcsc.edu 792-2246: Biology
Micheal Vernon, PhD, MLH 120B mvernon@lcsc.edu 792-2178:
Mathematics/Computer Science
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Rollie Hallen, BS MLH 231 rwhallen@lcsc.edu 792-2867:
Chemistry
Burma Hutchinson, MS, MLH B3 bhutchin@lcsc.edu 792-2868:
Mathematics
Nancy Johnston, PhD, MLH B51 najohnston@lcsc.edu 792-2341:
Chemistry
Karen Smith, MA, MLH B36 klsmith@lcsc.edu 792-2179:
Mathematics
Robert Yeoman, MS, MLH 134, byeoman@lcsc.edu 792-2295:
Mathematics
OVERVIEW
The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers courses
in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology,
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 majors in
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mathematics:
Secondary Education, Natural Sciences, and Natural Science:
Secondary Education, Earth Information Systems (EIS), and
Engineering. Our 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, pre-medical, 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 and Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) 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 can choose a degree with a Pre-Medical
emphasis, or an Environmental Field Biology 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.
Pre-Medical students may wish to consider the interdisciplinary
option with majors in Science and a minor in some area of
Humanities. 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
(State Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest
Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc.), 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.
CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry program is designed to prepare students for
industrial or government laboratory work or graduate work in
Chemistry or Biochemistry. Additionally a strong Chemistry
foundation is necessary for students entering the professional
health fields, especially the pre-professional programs such as
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pharmacy and Medical Technology. The
Earth Sciences program at LCSC emphasizes the environmental
science career field by offering an Environmental Geochemistry
emphasis within the Chemistry major. This program 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 in this program are prepared
for careers in the geo-technical industry as well as continuing
their education in a graduate program in the Environmental Earth
Sciences.
EARTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Earth Information Systems (EIS) major consists of courses in
Geographic Information Science (GIS), Geology, Chemistry and
Computer Science. The EIS major prepares students for spatial
analysis intensive careers in the environmental and physical
sciences. The EIS major will prepare students for positions in
the geotechnical industry.
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 science. 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.
NATURAL SCIENCES: COMPOSITE
The Natural Sciences Composite major is composed of a
cross-section of courses in the scientific disciplines. This
major is useful for students who want a broad background
in the sciences so that they may continue in a graduate program
or work as a laboratory technician.
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 three 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 BTS 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. Students who declare a Computer Science
major with an emphasis in Information Systems or Web-Based
must be concurrently enrolled in these AAS majors or already
completed an AAS in these majors.
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Associate of Arts degree in
Liberal Arts: Natural Sciences
The Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in
Natural Sciences requires completion of 64 credits which must
include the general education core plus 24 credits of laboratory
science courses taken from a list on the program
plan. This degree will provide a solid liberal arts
foundation accompanied by a strong preparation in foundational
science content and laboratory skills. Completion of this degree
will prepare a student to continue in multiple
science baccalaureate programs as well as programs in the health
sciences. Jobs as laboratory technicians for private industry
and academic research are common with this background.
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN
ENGINEERING
The Associate of Science in Engineering degree requires
completion of 67 credits which include completion of the general
education core plus 32 credits of Mathematics, Science,
and Engineering courses as described on the program plan.
Coursework in the general education core is designed
specifically to meet the needs of engineers, and an elective
choice from several options allows tailoring of the degree to
the specific interest of the student. This degree provides a
strong foundation for technical work in engineering or applied
physical science, or for continued education toward
an Engineering, Mathematics, or Physical Science baccalaureate
degree. Jobs as laboratory technicians or field
assistants for private industry or academic research are common
with this background.
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 obtaining a two-year Associate of
Science in Engineering degree as well as 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 in order
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 advisors each semester in advance
of registration and any time that they have questions concerning
their program or are in need of academic advice.
CLUBS
The Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has two student
organizations. The Chem-Bio Club is active in promoting
chemistry, biology and environmental activities not only for
campus 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.
Both of these clubs encourage the camaraderie and teamwork
necessary to successful careers in science.
PREPARATION FOR FUTURE
GRADUATE STUDIES
Students from LCSC who major in Biology, Chemistry, Computer
Science and Mathematics are regularly
accepted into graduate programs across the country. Each of
these majors prepares 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.
