Natural Science
| The Natural Science Department offers a diversity of courses in the biological and physical sciences. These courses can be used to fulfill the science requirement for any baccalaureate degree. There are also several options for students to major or minor in a natural science discipline. Research opportunities are available. There is even a marine biology course that includes a field trip to Jamaica! The Biology BA from the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to provide students with a well-rounded knowledge of fundamental concepts and research techniques at the ecosystem, organismal, physiological, and molecular levels. It prepares students for graduate study leading to careers in health professions, environmental professions, biological research, or secondary school biology teaching and for any postbaccalaureate position requiring a degree in biological sciences. Biology majors wishing to prepare for careers teaching High School biology should choose courses especially designated for pre-secondary education students (see Program Requirements), and may wish to consider the BA-MAT Program. In addition to the Biology BA, the Natural Science Department offers majors, minors, and concentrations in Biology, Physical Science, and Science for students who will receive a BA in Liberal Arts Studies from CAS, and for NCE students. |
 The alfalfa butterfly Colias eurytheme is seen here on Liatris pycnostachya, commonly known as "prairie blazing star", in the Natural Science Department's prairie garden on the Wheeling Campus. Photograph by Paul Gross. | Features- Flexible programs can be tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Our classes are small, usually 15 students or fewer, and our faculty are approachable.
- All classes and laboratories are taught by faculty. There are no T.A.'s.
- Academic support, including personalized tutoring, is available to NLU students at no cost through the Center for Academic Development.
- Natural Science faculty members are available to provide extra help. We are sincerely committed to your success.
- Most upper level science courses can be taken in any order, providing flexibility in program planning for transfer students.
- The Natural Science department offers content courses that are designed to complement the methods courses offered in NCE and to fulfill the science requirements for students majoring in education.
- We have a special program, in cooperation with the National College of Education, to train high school biology teachers in accordance with State of Illinois certification requirements and teaching and learning standards.
- There is an option to obtain a BA in Biology and MAT in Secondary Education through the BA-MAT Program.
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About the Natural Science DepartmentOur approach to education in the natural sciences emphasizes hands-on experience and problem solving rather than rote memorization. Our goal is to help students develop critical thinking skills while mastering fundamental principles. The highest priority for all faculty is teaching. Faculty - Ofra Peled, Chair and Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Guelph, Canada - Paul Gross, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Renée Judd, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., The University of Chicago - June Steinberg, Associate Professor (Emerita)
Ph.D., University of Illinois
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Contact: Dr.Renée Judd, Acting Chair, Natural Science Department rjudd@nl.edu
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