Natural Sciences

Paul DeLaLuz, Chairperson

Lori West, Assistant Chairperson

Biological Science / Health Science

Professors Michael Freake, Sherry Kasper, and Lori West
Associate Professors Jonathan Cornett, Ben Christmann, John Hisey, and Thaddeus McRae
Assistant Professor Joseph Daft
Associate Lecturer Pamela Hobbs
Lecturer Dana Perry

Chemistry

Distinguished Professor Paul DeLaLuz
Professor Matthew Krepps
Associate Professors John Hearn and Sarah Schlosser
Assistant Professors Brent Ferrell and David Harkins
Associate Lecturer Allison Sneed

Physics

Assistant Professor Anthony Minutolo

Disciplines

Astronomy
Biochemistry
Biological Science
Chemistry
Health Science
General Science

In harmony with the mission statements of Lee University and its College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Natural Sciences strives to equip students for success in science through its commitment to excellence in teaching, interdisciplinary studies and innovative research. Majors are provided with a foundation in the sciences to enable them to think critically, communicate clearly and perform successfully in their vocational calling. Through the integration of faith and its academic disciplines, the department promotes the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior. Students are challenged to discover and use their God-given gifts and talents to make a positive impact in their world.

The department offers majors in Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biological Science Education, Chemistry, Chemistry Education, and Health Science. Foundation courses in botany, zoology, chemistry, health sciences, general science, and physics present opportunities for both majors and non-majors to become acquainted with basic principles and concepts of the biological and physical sciences.

Biological Science

The Biological Science program (BIOLS.BS) is intended for the student who desires a good foundation in the biological sciences but not necessarily an emphasis in teaching, or the pre-professional track. Although these individuals could design their program to meet the requirements for professional school, they are more likely to progress to graduate studies or the technical job market. The philosophy of this program is to provide a broad exposure to the various sub-disciplines of biology so as to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding on which to build with additional graduate training or work experience. There is an emphasis on understanding, problem solving, exploration of the scientific literature and research.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

The chemistry and biochemistry curriculum (CHEMS.BS and BIOCH.BS) is designed to prepare students for graduate studies, professional school or a career in the industry. The program emphasizes development of analytical thinking skills, cooperative problem solving and independent investigation of chemical principles.

Pre-Professional and Health Science

The pre-professional tracks and health science major (BIOCP.BS, BIOLP.BS, BIOPA.BS, BIOPT.BS, HLSCI.BS), prepare students for entrance into health professions schools, graduate studies or entry level positions in health care systems managed-care organizations, long-term care settings, public health sectors, business and industry. Students enrolled in a pre-professional program (BIOCP.BS, BIOLP.BS, BIOPA.BS, BIOPT.BS) must earn a grade of B- or better in all classes listed under their Specialty Area and Collateral Requirements to fulfill the requirements of these majors.

Science Education

The science education programs (BIOLS.BST and CHEMS.BST) prepare graduates for initial employment as science teachers in middle and secondary schools and entrance to graduate schools. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, and development of curriculum and pedagogical skills.

Special Opportunities

Au Sable Institute inspires and educates people to serve, protect, and restore God’s earth. The Institute emphasizes a community based approach to learning where courses integrate teaching, devotion, recreation and biblical principles to guide scientific knowledge and technical skills in creation care.

It achieves this through academic programs and professional environmental certification for students who attend participating colleges and universities, of which Lee University is a member. Courses take place at Au Sable’s Great Lakes (Michigan) and Puget Sound (Washington State) campuses, and at campuses in India and Costa Rica. Students enroll and pay tuition through Lee, and classes are listed on the transcript as Lee classes. For course offerings visit www.ausable.org, and contact faculty representative Dr. Michael Freake at mfreake@leeuniversity.edu.

Students who participate in this program can take part in college credit courses such as:

Wildlife Ecology
This course covers the ecology, conservation, and stewardship of wildlife species and their habitats. The main components of the course includes growth and structure of natural and managed populations, environmental and human social factors affecting wildlife communities, and wildlife conservation. The course is set in the context of the historical development of the field from management, to ecology, and to the land ethic of Leopold. It also includes discussions of how to apply this information for management and stewardship of non-game and endangered species, and long-term prospects of wildlife in changing environmental, climatic, and social contexts. Prerequisite: one course in biology, or permission of professor (4-credits; 100 contact hours).

Marine Biology
Marine Biology focuses on intertidal life and marine ecology in oceanic and geophysical context. Students study the biology of marine plants and animals in the field, specifically trophic dynamic relationships of eel grass communities and the intertidal zone, workings of the island systems of Puget Sound, ecological roles of sea birds and fishes, population and community structure dynamics, exploitation and oceanic microbialization, and biogeochemical processes and their linkages with the biosphere. Marine stewardship and effects of human activity on the marine environment are integral to the course. Prerequisites: General biology or permission of professor.

Conservation Biology
Principles of conservation biology with applications to sustainable human society and biospheric integrity. An integrative approach to biology and society that interrelates population biology, ecological principles, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem functions, and human society in the context of biospheric degradation. The course develops a stewardship perspective rooted in biological principles and directed at conservation of plant and animal species, biotic communities, ecosystems, and human society. Included are topics of human development, poverty, and economic growth. Prerequisite: one year in biology and one course in ecology, or permission of professor (4 credits; 100 contact hours).

Programs

Majors

Minors

Courses

Astronomy

ASTR 111 - Principles of Astronomy

Biological Science

Biology

BIOS 395 - Research

Chemistry

General Science

Health Science

Physics

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Academic Catalog