Department of Natural Sciences
Chair: John H. Wahlert
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Deputy Chairs:
- Charles Malerich
- Peter Orland
- Seymour Schulman
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Professors:
- Etan Bourkoff
- Joel Brind
- Sultan Catto
- Linda Hoffman
- Mary Jean Holland
- Joan Japha
- Ramzi Khuri
- Peter Orland
- Seymour Schulman
- David J. Szalda
- Edward B. Tucker
- John H.Wahlert
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Associate Professors:
- Emil Gernert, Jr.
- Charles Malerich
- Keith Ramig
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Assistant Professors:
- Chandrika Kulatilleke
- Valerie Schawaroch
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Chief College Laboratory Technician:
- Dalchand Rampaul
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Senior College Laboratory Technicians:
- Merton Lewis
- Honghong Luo
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College Laboratory Technician:
- Bogdan Nicolescu
The mission of the Department of Natural Sciences is to foster scientific literacy and an understanding of the scientific method of learning. Offering classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental studies, the department provides introductory-level courses for students who need to satisfy the laboratory sciences requirement. Undergraduates may also work with a faculty advisor to design ad hoc majors to prepare for postbaccalaureate careers in science- and healthrelated fields or for entry to graduate or professional studies.
Arts And Sciences Ad Hoc Major in Natural Science Areas
When a student’s educational objectives cannot be fully attained solely by study within an existing department, program, or school, he or she is given the option of devising an ad hoc pattern of courses in an area of concentration of his or her own choosing. A student may embark upon an ad hoc major following preparation and acceptance of a proposal outlining the area of study, the desired outcomes, and the educational values of the program. The program must be approved by the chairpersons of the appropriate departments and the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences.
The Department of Natural Sciences offers a preprofessional specialization that enables students to include biology, chemistry, and physics courses as part of an arts and sciences ad hoc major. Students prepare for entry into professional schools of medicine, dentistry, and other health care fields; graduate study in biological sciences; and teaching of biology, chemistry, and general sciences. Students combine basic courses in biology, chemistry, and physics with advanced electives.
The department also offers a specialization in environmental studies as part of an arts and sciences ad hoc major. This major includes a variety of courses in the sciences and additional courses from the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, the Zicklin School of Business, and the School of Public Affairs. This ad hoc major integrates ecological principles in the dual context of science and society.
Prospective students are urged to register with the office of the Department of Natural Sciences early in their college careers. Each student will be assigned an individual advisor who will assist in formulating the specific ad hoc major program designed to attain the desired educational objectives. The department can be contacted at 212-802-3080.
The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences ad hoc major requires 30–33 credits.
Students may wish to minor in natural sciences in order to pursue general intellectual interests or specific career objectives. For example, students can complete some of the science courses required for admission to medical school by doing a minor in natural sciences. For the natural sciences minor, students take two natural sciences courses at the 3000 level or above followed by a capstone course at the 4000 level. All 4000-level courses offered by the Department of Natural Sciences or an independent studies course may serve as the capstone. Interested students should contact the department.
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