Natural Sciences
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Program Overview
Both majors in the Natural Sciences Department
at USF -- Biology and Environmental Science --
use hands-on learning tools and experiences to
prepare students for their professional lives
after graduation. From using the A.D.A.M. software,
to assisting faculty in research projects, to
classes and internships at nationally acclaimed
research facilities, it’s never been this
invigorating to examine the many sides of biology.
Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi Lab, the Shedd Aquarium and the Morton Arboretum have teamed up with USF to provide its students with true-life learning experiences in labs with advanced instrumentation. At Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, students conduct field research at one of the largest prairie restoration projects ever undertaken. Botany, Ecology and Environmental Science courses also use field sites for their learning experiences.
Students in the Biology program at the University of St. Francis don’t just study science, they DO science.
Biology students quickly find out what it feels like to be effective in a real laboratory. USF lab equipment is the same as what professional scientists use. USF’s Biology and Chemistry labs are state of the art, housing an O2/CO2 respirometer, multiple UV-Vis spectrophotometers, a microplatereader, PCR technology, FT-IR,GC-MS and FT-NMR spectrophotometers. All of this means that students’ time is spent collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data. For those interested in discovering how living things work, how they interact with one another and how they evolved, along with a keen interest in animals, plants and designing experiments, the Biology and Environmental Science majors at USF are a good choice. Minors are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Natural Science.
The Natural Science programs at the University of St. Francis challenge students through a comprehensive, intensive program, guided by a faculty committed to student success.
Faculty
USF faculty members bring students on board as
they conduct their research projects, as well
as encouraging students to undertake their own
-- it’s all about learning by doing, getting
that first-person experience that brings the learning
experience to a whole new level. This mode of
learning is central to the university’s philosophy
of science education.
Top science students may be awarded Science Fellows scholarships. The Science Fellows program also offers students a unique opportunity to be involved with the Natural Science Department and with professional scientists.
Students may work for the Natural Science Department as tutors, lab assistants and research assistants.
The internship/mentoring program for Science Fellows offers students the opportunity to work with scientists at widely recognized scientific organizations and, in turn, tutor other science students.
Career Outlook
More than 97 percent of graduates
of USF’s Natural Science Department
have obtained employment or
entered graduate school within six
months of graduation.
USF Biology majors have pursued careers in biological research, ecology, forensic science, physical therapy, pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, teaching and related areas. There also are career opportunities in developing better crops, fighting human and animal disease, or overseeing breeding of endangered species.
Students majoring in the Natural Sciences have the educational foundation to continue their studies at professional schools in dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic medicine and osteopathic medicine.
The many career options which the Science degree offers makes it so appealing and marketable. Biology majors can enter the education field, where jobs are plentiful. Many local schools employ graduates of our Mathematic teacher certification program. Like to work outdoors? Environmental Science majors can work in agricultural fields, zoos, near lakes and oceans, and in forest preserves. For those preferring indoor employment, museums, nature centers and labs fill the bill. Biology majors also use their degrees in creative professions when they write or provide artwork for scientific journals and other publications. The legal profession needs biologists for environmental and medical cases. Science extends its reach into many fields, making this a good choice for anyone interested in entering a solid profession, and in knowing how living things work and interact.