Natural Sciences

Students attending Day of Science presentations

Professor teaching class in Natural Science

Natural Science students working with plants

Students working together on group project

Students performing experiments in Chemistry lab

Welcome to Natural Sciences!

The Department of Natural Sciences houses multiple fields of study: astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, microbiology, and physics. Our emphasis on undergraduate research prepares our students for a broad range of careers. Graduates may enter the work force or go on to graduate or professional school in fields such as health, pharmacy, forensic science, or science education. Students in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Physics can expect a rigorous curriculum that will provide lecture, laboratory, field, and study abroad experiences. Our department consists of approximately 40 full-time faculty, 40 LEO I/II lecturers, 11 staff, as well as around 700 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate students.

We offer degrees in several undergraduate majors and minors, and applied certificates. We also offer interdisciplinary graduate programs in Biological & Biomedical Science and Environmental Science.

We have several research and teaching facilities that support our students in their learning and research activities:

Environmental Internship Program

Learn about our Environmental Internship Program and read about our students' experiences.

Studying while Traveling

We offer several study abroad and field trip opportunities:

BCHM 133 Biochemistry - Medical and Aromatic Plants in Culture and Practice (3 credits) is a study abroad course to Padua, Italy.
ESCI 410/510 Future Cities Live (1-4 credits) is a study abroad course to selected cities globally. In Summer 2026, Amsterdam in The Netherlands and Berlin in Germany will be explored.
ESCI 377/577 Environmental Field Methods (1 credit) is a summer field course in the SE-Michigan region.
ESCI 478/578 Field Geology (4 credits) is a field trip to a US National Park or other national natural treasures.