Mar 19, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate.

College of Science


Go to the College of Science website

Dr. Andrea Easter-Pilcher, Dean

The College of Science provides quality education in the natural sciences and mathematics. The college offers majors and minors in seven departments (Botany, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology). The college also supports students through its Developmental Mathematics Program. The departments and programs of the College of Science support professional and graduate school preparatory programs, and contribute significantly to the general education of students by improving scientific understanding of the natural world and quantitative literacy. Education is provided through formal classes, laboratory and field experiences, and undergraduate research projects. Student learning is also supported by departmental clubs and professional preparatory organizations. The college promotes science and mathematics teaching through the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, and community outreach through such facilities as the Layton P. Ott Planetarium and Museum of Natural Science.

Associate Dean: Dr. Barb Trask
Location: Tracy Hall Science Center, Room 470
Telephone Contact: Donna Wollman 801-626-6159

Department Chairs/Directors

Botany and Plant Ecology: Dr. Suzanne Harley    801-626-6174
Chemistry and Biochemistry: Dr. Laine Berghout     801-626-6952
Developmental Mathematics Program: Dr. Kathryn Van Wagoner    801-626-7478
Earth and Environmental Sciences: Dr. Marek Matyjasik   801-626-7726
Mathematics: Dr. Sandra Fital-Akelbek    801-626-6095
Microbiology: Dr. Matthew Domek    801-626-6949
Physics and Astronomy: Dr. Colin Inglefield    801-626-6163
Zoology: Dr. Ron Myers   801-626-6170

Science and Mathematics Programs, offered as both majors and minors allow students to pursue in-depth study in the science discipline of one’s choice. They also allow one to experience a more diverse education through broader study outside of the sciences. Graduates in the sciences and mathematics are able to find employment in a variety of entry-level positions directly related to their major discipline. They are also able to move into graduate school or professional programs. Our graduates possess the broad liberal arts educational background and depth of expertise for significant career ladder movement in their discipline fields. They also have the breadth of knowledge and skills to exercise unique job mobility to become entrepreneurs and pioneer new career directions.

Pre-professional Programs are designed for students interested in specific professional careers requiring additional education at professional schools elsewhere. Weber State University has an excellent record of graduates being admitted into a wide range of professional school programs.

Professional Teacher Preparation Programs are designed to meet the needs of students seeking certification to teach in elementary and secondary schools. The Center for Science & Mathematics Education coordinates with the Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education to provide opportunities for students to investigate science teaching careers. There are many excellent career opportunities for graduates with teaching majors or minors in science or mathematics.

Technical Education Programs are offered to meet the needs of individuals seeking vocational and technical preparation required for skilled job-entry or reentry employment, as well as for career updating and occupational enhancement. Currently Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered for Biotechnician training and Chemical Technician training, respectively, and Institutional Certificates are offered for Biotechnician training, Chemical Technician training, and Geomatics.

Students planning to major or minor in the College of Science should contact the appropriate department for assistance in planning their program. The details of the requirements for all majors and minors are listed within the respective departments. Students completing the teaching majors, minors, or emphases will also work closely with the Center for Science & Mathematics Education and the Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education.

Center for Science & Mathematics Education

Director: Dr. Jennifer Claesgens
Location: Tracy Hall Science Center, Room 205
Telephone: 801-626-7772
Web Site: weber.edu/csme

Effective science and mathematics education of the citizenry requires rich and active experiences with the concepts and methods of science and math throughout life. To this end the Center for Science & Mathematics Education seeks to share the resources and expertise of the faculties at Weber State University with the surrounding schools and community.

The mission of the Center for Science and Math Education is to:

  • To provide training and advisement for pre-service secondary education science and mathematics teaching majors.
  • To provide coordination for science and mathematics education at Weber State University, liaison with the WSU Department of Teacher Education, the Utah State Office of Education and the local school districts.
  • To provide in-service training and support for science and mathematics teachers.
  • To provide opportunities and support for K-12 students related to science and mathematics.

The Center for Science & Mathematics Education also administers and advises students in the Biology Composite Teaching (BS)  and the Biology Teaching Minor .

See Mathematics Education (MTHE) under Course Descriptions .

Science Education courses are listed following Master of Education (MED) under Course Descriptions .

Chemical Technology Center

Director: Dr. Edward B. Walker
Location: Tracy Hall Science Center, Room 255P
Telephone: 801-626-6162
Email: ewalker@weber.edu

The mission of the Chemical Technology Center is to enhance the learning environment at Weber State University. The Center involves students and faculty in applied research activities that concomitantly provide extra-curricular learning opportunities, service to the community, and productive relationships with local and regional industries.

Layton P. Ott Planetarium

Director: Dr. John Armstrong, planetarium@weber.edu, 801-626-6215
Web Site: weber.edu/ottplanetarium

The Planetarium, featuring a 30-foot hemispherical dome, is used for instruction in undergraduate astronomy classes. It is also a science education facility featuring programs of interest to elementary students, secondary students, and the general public. For the general public, a program featuring some topic of current interest in astronomy is given one evening a week. Any teacher wishing instructional materials or wanting to set up an appointment for a class visit should contact the Director of the Planetarium, 801-626-6871.

Pre-Professional Programs

For information see weber.edu/premedicalprofessionalprograms or call the Pre-Medical Professional Programs office 801-626-7755.

Students pursuing one of the following programs should satisfy the pre-professional requirements while completing a bachelor’s degree. Students should work closely with both their pre-professional advisor and their academic major advisor. Since course loads are typically heavy, and requirements and application procedures vary among post-graduate programs, students should plan their academic strategies early and with full information.

Advisement

Students should be familiar with requirements in the Weber State catalog and consult with the pre-professional advisor and an advisor in their major department.

Emphasis Advisor Room Telephone
Pre-Chiropractic Mr. James Moore TY 358 801-626-7813
Pre-Dentistry Mr. James Moore TY 358 801-626-7813
Pre-Medical Mr. James Moore TY 358 801-626-7813
Pre-Optometry Mr. James Moore TY 358 801-626-7813
Pre-Pharmacy Dr. Don Davies TY 255K 801-626-6224
Pre-Occupational Therapy Ms. Brittni Strickland SW 102L 801-626-7425
Pre-Physical Therapy Ms. Rachel Brock SW 323 801-626-6696
Pre-Physician Assistant Mr. Kenton Cummins MH 215 801-626-7509
Pre-Podiatry Mr. James Moore TY 358 801-626-7813
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Dr. Ron A. Meyers TY 407 801-626-6170

Departments and Programs

Department of Botany and Plant Ecology Go to Botany website

Go to information for Department of Botany and Plant Ecology.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Go to Chemistry website

Go to information for Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Go to the Geosciences website

Go to information for Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Department of Mathematics Go to Math website

Go to information for Department of Mathematics.

Developmental Mathematics Program Go to Dev Math website

Go to information for Developmental Mathematics Program.

Department of Microbiology Go to the Microbiology website

Go to information for Department of Microbiology.

Department of Physics and Astronomy Go to Physics website

Go to information for Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Department of Zoology Go to Zoology website

Go to information for Department of Zoology.

Interdisciplinary Programs