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- A Brief Review of the Department
Bioinformatics is the interdisciplinary research area at the intersection of biology, mathematics and computer science. The need for bioinformatics capabilities has been enhanced by the explosion of publicly available genomic information resulting from the decoding of dozens of genomes. In the wake of the human genome project's requirement for the development of high throughput analysis and storage techniques a host of new fields and technologies are emerging: genomics, proteomics, metabolomics; data distilling, data mining (extracting desired and useful information from these data banks); development of biological chips which hold tremendous promise in the pharmaceutical and medical fields; computer screening of potential drugs; macromolecular structure prediction; and large scale ecological and evolutionary studies.
- Programs
The program at St. Edward's offers three tracks. The Genomics track gives students the experimental background to continue research in fields such as proteomics, genomics, phylogeny and other branches of molecular biology where large amounts of experimental data are produced and analyzed. The Biomathematics track provides students interested in applications of mathematics to the life sciences such as the development of mathematical models of ecosystems and physiological processes with the analytical and quantitative skills needed. The Simulation and Modeling track provides students with advanced computer science skills in modeling and high-level programming, allowing them to work in areas such as protein folding prediction and network simulations and artificial intelligence in neuroscience.
Biology
- A Brief
Review of the Department
At St. Edward's University, students majoring in Biology have three options, each of which is described in detail in the Academic Programs web page accessible via the home page of the Department of Biology. Within the Bachelor of Science degree, there are two tracks. One of them, the Health Professions track, is customized for students with an interest in medicine, dentistry, and other areas of the health professions. Faculty from the Biology Department play key roles on the Health Professions Advisory Committee, and students should seek their guidance in preparing for subsequent steps in their professional development.
Also within the Bachelor of Science program, the Graduate School track helps students prepare for further education at the post-baccalaureate level. This degree includes courses that most graduate programs in Biology emphasize as important foundations for further study. A third option, by which students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, is designed for students who are interested in teaching at the secondary level.
As students consider these options, it is important to note that they have wide latitude in customizing their degree to suit their needs. It is certainly important to create a degree plan that includes important courses at appropriate times, but it is also important to consider all of the elective courses that are available to provide the optimum preparation for specific cases. In every instance, students should work closely with their faculty advisor to craft the degree plan that is most likely to help them succeed in reaching their individual goals.
-
A Brief
Review of the Department
The program in chemistry seeks to provide
a thorough scientific, mathematical, and highly professional
preparation for advanced training and research. In addition,
the program strives to make a significant contribution
to the general cultural development of the students by
helping them to gain a fuller understanding and appreciation
of the natural world and the role of an intelligent citizen.
- Programs
Environmental Chemistry (pdf)
Some of the most critical and challenging issues that must be addressed in this century are environmental in nature. Finding good policy solutions to address these issues will require an understanding of the underlying processes that drive environmental changes. Many of these processes are chemical in nature and must be studied using the techniques of chemistry. The professional tools needed to address these problems are extensive expertise in the field of chemistry and a general knowledge of the field of environment science. The Bachelor of Science degree program in Environmental Chemistry is designed to prepare college graduates with this type of expertise. A degree in Environmental Chemistry provides professional preparation for students interested in applying a rigorous scientific degree to careers in the environmental field. Graduates with this degree have a background appropriate for attending graduate school in chemistry or environmental science, or professional employment in environmental analysis and environmental remediation positions with corporations, research labs, and governmental agencies. Graduates of this program would also be well qualified to pursue a professional career in other areas of chemistry.
Chemistry
The program in Chemistry seeks to provide a thorough scientific, mathematical, and highly professional preparation for advanced training and research. In addition, the program strives to make a significant contribution to the general cultural development of students by helping them gain a fuller understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the role of the intelligent citizen.
Forensic Chemistry
The Forensic Chemistry degree is designed to prepare the student to:
- Work in a forensic crime laboratory
- Pursue a graduate program in Forensic Chemistry or Chemistry
- Enter a pre-professional program
The degree plan represents a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry modified to include courses in Toxicology and Chemical Residue Analysis, with support courses in Criminal Justice. This major will include a mandatory forensics-based internship as part of the department's commitment to an experientially based curriculum.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry lies at the interface of Biology and Chemistry. It is a discipline that emphasizes a molecular approach to the study of biological processes. The St. Edward's program consists of an appropriate mix of Chemistry and Biology courses aimed at providing the student with a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of the discipline. This program will prepare the student for entry into professional schools serving the health professions, for graduate study in related disciplines and for careers in the field.
Computer
Science
A Brief
Review of the Department
The computer science program at St. Edward’s University
reflects the belief that a college education should provide
broad based general knowledge while simultaneously providing
the technical knowledge needed to deal with the multitude
of problems arising in professional settings. The computer
science degree plans are designed with the flexibility
to meet the needs of a large number of students and provide
a sound basis for either direct placement in a professional
position or advanced study in graduate school. Because
many problems are quantitative in nature, the program
provides the methods necessary to handle such problems
through course requirements in mathematics and statistics
as well as computer science. One of the principal aims
of the computer science program is to provide the student
with the capability to develop software that aids in solving
problems in engineering, mathematics, business, economics,
ecology, education, and other areas on diverse computer
systems. - Programs:
- Computer Information Science
- Computer Science (BA)
- Computer Science (BS)
Mathematics
- A Brief
Review of the Department
The mathematics program at St. Edward’s
reflects the dialogue between the "traditional"
and the "applied" aspects of mathematics. The
result is a mathematics program that provides a solid
foundation for graduate work as well as for employment
in business and industry. Two tracks are offered. The
Applied Track (BA or BS) is intended to prepare students
for employment in industry, professional careers, or graduate
study in applied mathematics, statistics and related fields.
The Traditional Track (BA or BS) is intended to prepare
students for graduate study in mathematics or a related
field. The Bachelor of Science degree requires two semesters
of laboratory science in addition to the courses required
for the Bachelor
of Arts.
Science
-
A Brief Review of the Programs
The courses in the Science program are designed to support
two distinct groups of students: science majors and non-science
majors. All science majors are required to complete
SCIE 4345, History and Philosophy of Science, a course
designed to introduce the philosophy of science and
mathematics by way of the historical analysis of philosophical-scientific
debates. All non-science majors are required to complete
SCIE 2320, Science in Perspective. Students taking this
course will learn to distinguish between science and
pseudoscience through analysis of methodology, understand
the difference between science and technology, appreciate
the historical and philosophical background of science,
and understand the role of science in creating and solving
current societal problems. These courses are taught
by faculty members in all of the disciplines represented
in the School of Natural Sciences.
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Courses
SCIE
4345, SCIE
2320
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