College of Science

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.

Department Chairs/Directors

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, 801-626-6251
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.

Departments and Programs