Required Courses (8 hours)

• University Physics I and
• Mechanics and Waves Laboratory

Or

• University Physics I
• University Physics II and
• Electricity, Magnetism and Optics Laboratory

Or

• University Physics II

Electives (10 hours total)

• Physical Chemistry I, Lab
• Physical Chemistry II
• Numerical and Scientific Methods
• Physics Special Topics
• Independent Study
• Research in Physics

What You Will Learn

The Physics minor offers students the opportunity to study quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and more advanced computational approaches to modeling scientific phenomena. The minor’s introductory physics sequence consists of two courses that involve studying mechanics, as well as electricity and magnetism, both of which incorporate an introduction to programming using VPython.

A few examples of courses students in this minor take:

• University Physics I – Topics include fundamentals of classical mechanics. Primarily for science or pre-engineering students. Calculus is used in derivations and problem-solving.
• Mechanics and Waves Lab – Experiments in mechanics and waves. Includes experience with computer-assisted data recording, analysis and graphing, basic considerations of experimental design, and introduction to report writing.

Research and Presentations

In the Physics minor, you and your classmates will have the opportunity to carry out atmospheric science research with a faculty mentor. You’ll work together to collect and analyze measurements from balloon-borne instruments and ground-based spectrometers to help inform what factors are affecting air pollution.

In the University Physics sequence of courses, students work in teams to complete projects and show their work at a culminating project fair. Students interested in physics can also attend and present their research at a conference.

Students are invited to join the Physics Club, which in addition to various activities, helps prepare students for the different opportunities available to students studying physics.

The Medical Laboratory Science program prepares you to spend your last year of college immersed in a hands-on, hospital-based clinical training program. Your other three years at St. Edward’s will be full of science courses with labs, research opportunities and time to build relationships with fellow Hilltoppers through clubs focused on science, service and health.

Coursework establishes fundamental knowledge in such disciplines as microbiology, hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry and molecular biology. Research and clinical training at Partner Institutions of St. Edward’s allows students to pursue personal interests and develop skill sets that align with professional objectives.

Major Requirements: The BS in Medical Laboratory Science requires 53–54 hours of major courses. Requirements include a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Math. In addition, 30 hours of coursework is taken at a Partner Institution, including Microbiology, Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Coagulation, Phlebotomy, Blood Bank/Immunology/Serology and Urinalysis.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the Medical Laboratory Science major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:

• Microbiology - Microbiology is the study of microorganisms with an emphasis on their structure, function and role in sickness, health and research.
• Immunology - Immunology is the scientific discipline that seeks to understand the nature of the human immune system. The immune system is of paramount importance to the success of humans, as the human body is inundated daily by a multitude of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that left unchallenged would quickly destroy all human bodies. Throughout this course, students will discover the molecular nature of the human immune system, including the cellular and noncellular components involved and how these factors interact to combat disease. 
   

Interested in earning a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science? Learn about our dual degree program in partnership with The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

What You Will Learn

The Medical Laboratory Science program provides in-depth training that prepares you to test and analyze a variety of biological specimens for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 

• Study the theoretical and practical aspects of the major laboratory disciplines: clinical chemistry, hematology/coagulation, microbiology, transfusion medicine, urinalysis and clinical research.
• Learn to use sophisticated equipment like microscopes, hematology analyzers, cell counters and incubators to gather and analyze data that will help identify and treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and other medical conditions. 
• Pair courses like Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Biology with clinical training at one of our Partner Institutions (Austin State Hospital and Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas). There, you’ll learn medical testing procedures like phlebotomy, immunology and urinalysis.

Skills You Will Gain

Your classroom studies and experiential learning activities equip you with transferable skills that are valuable across many workplaces and employment scenarios.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Data collection and analysis
• Research
• Developing, testing and iterating on a hypothesis
• Time management
• Ability to multitask
• Teamwork
• Laboratory research and safety techniques
• Understanding and communicating — verbally and in writing — scientific and medical topics

Learn by Doing

You’ll learn the fundamentals of laboratory research and the scientific method in your science courses at St. Edward’s. For example …

In your freshman Biology lab, you’ll start to develop your laboratory skills and learn how to construct and answer a scientific question. Previous classes have collected and analyzed water samples from locations near campus and used their data to answer distinct research questions. At the conclusion of your work, you’ll learn how to present your findings to your peers.

In Microbiology, you’ll continue to build your lab skills through projects like determining whether a particular plant extract inhibits bacterial growth or characterizing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in soil samples. Although St. Edward’s students have been testing plant extracts for antimicrobial properties for many semesters, you’ll be testing one that has not been analyzed before. This project gives you a chance to experience real-life research, where no one knows the outcome.

Research

All Medical Laboratory Science students have the opportunity to conduct research and present their work at symposia on campus or at conferences like the Texas Academy of Science. Undergraduate research teaches you to work independently and analyze scientific literature. 

Outstanding students complete Research Experiences for Undergraduates, in which they join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. These competitive 10-week experiences, funded by the National Science Foundation, introduce you to research with different mentors and help you evaluate whether a research career is right for you.

Internships 

You’ll finish your degree by completing classes and rotations at one of two clinical sites, to which you apply your junior year. Here, you’ll do exactly the same kind of work you’ll do as a professional, making you a strong candidate for jobs in the field.

• Austin State Hospital is a public psychiatric facility a few miles north of St. Edward’s. If you enter this clinical program, you’ll study in classes with fewer than 10 other students. At ASH, you’ll learn how to analyze samples used to monitor patients’ medication levels, check for markers that indicate negative side effects, and assess patients’ overall health. 
• You’ll also complete rotations at other sites, such as the local blood bank, where you’ll learn how to do blood typing and analyze blood chemistry, and Dell Seton Medical Center, Austin’s safety-net and teaching hospital. There, you’ll work in divisions including blood chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, and blood and tissue typing.
• St. Edward’s also has a partnership with Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, where you can spend your last year of college learning how to conduct clinical tests. Your rotations will include the labs at BS&W Medical Center as well as the healthcare system’s hospitals in Round Rock and Waco, and the Veterans Affairs hospitals in Temple and Waco. For this program, you would probably move to Temple — an hour’s drive from Austin in light traffic — to reduce commuting time, participate fully in the life of the community and build your network in the field.

Teaching Assistantships

Students with an affinity for teaching and mentorship can assist younger students by serving as teaching assistants. At St. Edward’s, all classes are taught by professors, but student teaching assistants help their fellow students develop lab skills and techniques. You’ll expand your communication skills and improve your own lab skills by helping other people learn the material.

The St. Edward’s chapter of the Texas Academy of Science supports student research, including presentation and publication opportunities. Members also tutor in the sciences and complete other service projects.

Students with strong academic achievement in the sciences are eligible to join the St. Edward’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society.

The student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology attends regional ASM meetings together and takes a field trip to UTMB to learn about the master’s program and life in Galveston. The group invites guest speakers, watches documentaries (such as about antibiotic resistance) and plans special events like a reception with fermented foods.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Biological Sciences webpage.

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has an agreement with St. Edward’s through which students can earn two degrees in five years. Students complete three years at St. Edward’s and two years of clinical training at UTMB. Through this program, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Edward’s and a master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from UTMB. If you complete all your prerequisites at St. Edward’s, you will be accepted automatically to UTMB. If you pursue this path, you will move to Galveston after your third year of college to experience life in a beach city and build a new network of colleagues and friends in the medical community.

Learn more about our dual degree program in partnership with UTMB.

At St. Edward’s University, all curricula in the Biological Sciences are founded upon evolutionary theory. As a subject of scientific inquiry, the theory of evolution provides opportunities for testing hypotheses that strengthen our understanding of the processes that account for the diversity of life on earth, and existing data overwhelmingly support the theory as scientifically sound. We regard any non-scientific or teleological attempts that distract from the scientific processes that underlie science as, at best, a diversion to our mission to provide exceptional education to our students in the Biological Sciences. We stand with the numerous scientific societies that have issued statements on the subject of evolution and intelligent design, confirming the demonstrated success of the former and rejecting the scientific viability of the latter. 

Students pursuing a degree in Mathematics have two options to choose from. This helpful course map shows the sequence of prerequisites in the department.

1. Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

This program provides a comprehensive exploration of mathematics that prepares students for advanced programs or professional careers. This option offers more latitude in the choice of general electives and is appropriate for students seeking a double major or minor.

Major Requirements: The BA in Mathematics requires 56–59 hours of Mathematics major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Computer Science or Physics.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BA in Mathematics major (PDF).

2. Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

This program includes the same coursework as the Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics but with two additional semesters of laboratory science. This option explores calculus, modern algebra and other advanced topics in their purest form. Additionally, students learn to design and interpret prediction models for diverse industries, such as aeronautics, urban development and green energy.

Major Requirements: The BS in Mathematics requires 67–70 hours of Mathematics major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Computer Science, Physics and Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for the BS in Mathematics major (PDF).

Questions about placement into Mathematics courses? Refer to our placement guide for more information.

The Department of Mathematics also offers a dual degree option in Mathematics and Engineering.

What You Will Learn and Skills You Will Gain

Our Mathematics degree ensures that you’ll graduate with a strong résumé that showcases your knowledge and skills. Here’s a sample what you’ll learn:

• Refine your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Deepen your understanding of calculus, modern algebra, physics and statistics.
• Build your programming and computational skills in applied computer science courses.
• Sharpen your skills in oral and written communication. 
• Conduct rigorous research independently and in teams.
• Present your research findings in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations and research proposals.
• Collaborate effectively with peers and professionals.

Experiential Learning

A core component of the St. Edward’s Mathematics program is a four-semester sequence of research courses. In these classes, you’ll conduct open-ended research on unsolved problems individually with faculty members. You’ll present your findings at regional and national professional conferences, where you’ll meet other mathematicians and learn about graduate-school options and careers in your field.

Mathematics majors participate in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematics Competition, the preeminent math competition for undergraduates worldwide. A typical competition involves two 3-hour sessions in which students solve 12 problems. Thousands of math majors nationwide score 0 points every year due to the hyper-strict grading scale, so any positive score is a noteworthy accomplishment. In the past decade, four students from St. Edward’s have earned a positive score on the exam.

Teaching Assistantships

Strong students with an interest in teaching and mentoring can serve as teaching assistants for introductory classes. At St. Edward’s, all classes are taught by professors, but student teaching assistants help tutor and lead study sessions. You’ll expand your communication and people skills by helping other students learn the material. If you’re interested in teaching, you could also become a tutor in the Math Lab.

Research

As part of your coursework at St. Edward’s, you’ll complete four semesters of research. You’ll have the option to further develop this research and present your findings at conferences and for publication. Recently, Mathematics majors have studied the following:

• Mathematical analysis of lottery voting
• Dark energy, the force that causes the universe to expand
• Detecting whether congressional districts are racially gerrymandered
• The effects of storm-related electrical changes on tropospheric ozone levels

Most math majors travel to at least one conference during their time at St. Edward’s. These include:

• Texas Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Joint Mathematics Meetings of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America
• MAA Texas Section Meeting
• Mathfest
• National Conference for McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research

Outstanding students have been selected for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), in which they join the lab of a professor at a major research university over a summer. These experiences help you decide if a research career is right for you. In recent years, Mathematics majors have completed these REUs:

• Deep learning – specifically, teaching computers to identify the content of an image — at the Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology
• Research in the Mathematical Biosciences Institute Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to other research projects led by your professors. During Hurricane Harvey, which battered southern Texas in August 2017, several Mathematics majors, along with Natural Sciences professors and staff, collected meteorological data with weather balloons. They released 13 weather balloons that collected data used by the National Weather Services to create forecasts during the hurricane. Some of the students who participated also wrote code to automate the computation of data collected from the balloons and to visually display the data in graphs.

Internships 

You’ll also be encouraged to complete an internship to apply your mathematical skills in a professional context. Mathematics majors have recently interned at the following organizations:

• Exxon
• Molecular Rebar Design
• The Nature Conservancy
• National Ecological Observatory Network
• Department of Homeland Security STEM Summer Internship Program
• Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• SpaceX

As a student in the Mathematics program, you are afforded access to the funding programs, including paid internships, offered exclusively to STEM students at St. Edward’s University by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4). For more information on these programs please visit the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4) on the web.

Student Organizations

The St. Edward’s Math Club is a student chapter of the Mathematics Association of America. Members have traveled together to regional mathematics conferences, presented math concepts and helped with science fairs at local schools, and participated in the global MegaMenger collaborative fractal build. The club also hosts student and alumni research talks and serves as a forum for social events like Halloween pumpkin carving, bowling, laser tag and pizza parties.

The St. Edward’s Maker Club attracts tinkerers and programmers who have worked on projects involving 3-D printing, soldering, programming LED strips, and creating art through programming.

Students minoring in Mathematics must satisfactorily complete the following courses in addition to 6 hours of electives:

Required Courses:

• Calculus I, Lab
• Calculus II
• Calculus III
• Linear Algebra
• Differential Equations

Elective Courses:

• Discrete Mathematics or Inquiry and Proof
• MATH 3000+ upper-division courses (excluding 4150 and 4157)

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Mathematics webpage.

 1.  Kinesiology

This program provides a foundation in the physiological and mechanical aspects of the human body. Hands-on coursework and close interaction with faculty members will give you the freedom and guidance to become a well-versed, independent learner. In this track, you will:

• Explore the fundamentals of kinesiology such as musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics and fitness
• Study the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries
• Design and implement fitness programs
• Participate in a supervised internship

Most students select this degree with the goal of helping individuals in the area of fitness or sports.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology requires 47 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Kinesiology major (PDF).

2.  Kinesiology – Athletic Training Emphasis

Athletic trainers motivate others to fulfill athletic goals while practicing principles of injury prevention and rehabilitation. In this track, you will:

• Study all aspects of human anatomy, physiology and movement
• Work with SEU athletic teams
• Participate in a supervised internship
• Prepare to qualify for the Texas licensure test

To be licensed as an athletic trainer in Texas, you must pass the licensure test administered by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Close interaction with faculty at St. Edward’s — and time spent in classes, advising sessions and learning in the field — fully prepares you for your supervised athletic-training internship and state certification exams.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Athletic Training Emphasis requires 57 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Athletic Training Emphasis (PDF).

3.  Kinesiology – Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis

Occupational therapy is a health profession whose primary purpose is to help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). In this track, you will:

• Experience how movements are learned and how the capacity for movement changes over the lifespan
• Learn how to design and implement appropriate activities for individuals with special needs and limitations
• Explore the principles and techniques to plan, implement, document and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic exercise

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis requires 68 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Occupational Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

4.  Kinesiology – Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis

Physical therapists optimize health and function through the assessment, identification and correction of acute or prolonged movement dysfunction. In this track, you will:

• Identify, prevent and correct movement dysfunction
• Study scientific topics as they relate to the human body, exercise and rehabilitation
• Design rehabilitation plans
• Learn how to motivate individuals through fitness and wellness plans

This track is often taken by students pursuing physical therapy, medical or occupational therapy schools, as well as other medical-based fields.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis requires 74 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis (PDF).

5.  Kinesiology – Sports Management Emphasis

This track prepares you for a diversity of roles in the areas of sports marketing, facility management and planning, human resources, strategic planning, sports finance, and facility design. In this track, you will:

• Learn about the science and management of kinesiology in relation to sport programs
• Develop a fundamental understanding of business administration
• Study the management of kinesiology and sports programs

Students on this track are required to complete a minor in Business Administration as part of the degree plan.

Major Requirements: The BA in Kinesiology, Sport Management Emphasis requires 43 hours of Kinesiology major courses, including supporting courses in Biology.

Required Business Administration Minor: Requires 18 hours of business or management courses, for a total of 61 total major and minor hours.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for Kinesiology with Sports Management Emphasis (PDF).

Experiential Learning

Your classes will teach you about hands-on applications of kinesiology in different settings and help you discover more career options. For example:

• In Taping, Bandaging and First Aid, you’ll complete 200 hours of service under the supervision of a St. Edward’s athletic trainer.
• In Safety and First Aid, you’ll complete important training you can use in your career and in any emergency situation.
• In Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations, you’ll work one-on-one with a person or people with special needs in a physically active setting. For example, students have worked with the GO Project and Austin Adventurers, organizations that help young adults with special needs develop independent living skills.

Internships

As a Kinesiology major, you’ll have at least one internship or practicum, but the program will encourage you to complete several “mini-internships” so you can get experience in different settings. St. Edward’s students have recently interned at the following organizations:

• Austin Independent School District Athletic Office
• KidTherapy pediatric physical therapy in Austin
• Texas Physical Therapy Specialists
• Lonestar Soccer
• YMCA
• St. Theresa’s Catholic School
• St. Edward’s University RecWell (Recreation and Wellness)
• Austin ISD Food and Nutrition Services
• Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball Team

Students have also done volunteer work at physical therapy clinics and in hospitals to gain experience and give back to their community.

Student Organizations 

Learn about professional opportunities and meet students who share your interests through the Physical Therapy Organization. Many Kinesiology students also participate in Recreation and Wellness programs.

Students who are interested in the kinesiology field can complete a minor in Kinesiology to establish baseline knowledge and experience within the subject. This is especially helpful for individuals who are interested in pursuing careers where knowledge of kinesiology enhances their job applicant profile.

1. Minor in Kinesiology

Students interested in studying the anatomy, physiology and movement of the human body can pursue a minor in Kinesiology.

Required Courses:

• Introduction to Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
• Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
• Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
• Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics
• Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology and Sports
• Kinesiology Elective

2. Minor in Kinesiology – Coaching Emphasis

Students can add a minor in Kinesiology with a Coaching Emphasis to strengthen their candidate profile for sports and fitness-related jobs.

Required Courses:

• Instructional Topics: Strength Training and Cardiovascular Conditioning
• Safety and First Aid
• Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries
• Exercise Physiology
• Coaching Theory and Practice
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

3. Minor in Kinesiology – Fitness and Conditioning

What type of fitness training is best? What exercises yield the biggest benefits? How do you help someone build strength, endurance or athletic skill and prevent injury?

The Fitness and Conditioning minor will give you the foundation to work in community recreation programs, work one-on-one with individuals to improve their fitness or pursue a career in the health sciences. Students who earn the Fitness and Conditioning minor can go on to a variety of careers, including coaching, personal training or teaching. 

Required Courses:

• Concepts of Physical Fitness and Wellness
• Practical Training for the Fitness Professional
• Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Strength Training and Conditioning
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

4. Minor in Kinesiology – Recreation Management

The Recreation Management minor prepares students for professional positions in sports, community recreation and outdoor recreation. The courses build skills in program development, marketing and organizational behavior.

Students who minor in Recreation Management will have the knowledge and skills for entry-level program management roles at collegiate recreation programs, YMCA and YWCA programs, after-school programs, and outdoor recreation areas, such as Wild Basin Creative Research Center.

Required Courses:

• Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports for Special Populations
• Sport Marketing
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports and Kinesiology
• Organizational Behavior/Leading Teams and Organizations
• Internship in Kinesiology and Sports

Plus one of the following courses:

• Safety and First Aid
• Social and Psychological Issues of Kinesiology and Sports
• Coaching Theory and Practice
• Facility Design and Facility/Event Management

Are you a current student? Contact your advisor for the next steps in declaring your major or minor.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Kinesiology webpage.

Major Requirements: The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Chemistry requires 69 hours of major courses, which include a combination of introductory coursework, developmental chemistry, labs and research methods.

General Education Requirements: In addition to the major program requirements, all students must satisfy the general education requirements. Talk with your success coach and faculty advisor about which courses are right for you.

View and download the full degree plan for our Forensic Chemistry major (PDF).

A few examples of courses students in this major take:

• Crime Scene Investigation – Examine, learn, understand and employ the techniques of crime scene investigation. The objective is to teach the fundamentals of crime scene investigation.
  Students should be able to assess any crime scene and determine proper procedures
• Instrumental Analysis – A study of some of the modern instrumental methods including
  atomic and molecular spectroscopy, analytical separations, mass spectrometry, magnetic resonance spectrometry and other salient techniques.
• Forensic Chemistry – Major facets of forensic analytical chemistry will be covered, including drug analysis, forensic toxicology, trace analysis, and arson and DNA typing. The use of Bayesian probability in the evaluation of guilt and innocence will also be covered. Real-world case studies will be used to illustrate the application of these principles.

The Department of Chemistry also offers BS degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry.

What You Will Learn

Forensic Chemistry courses include a combination of introductory coursework, developmental chemistry, labs and research methods, and support courses in criminal justice. 

• Through classroom studies, lab work, field experiences and research, you’ll develop an understanding of how to collect, organize and interpret chemical data.
• Learn the fundamentals of crime scene investigation, and analyze blood and tissue samples to identify DNA or run toxicology screens.
• Understand how to verify the chemical composition of drugs taken as evidence and how to detect chemicals associated with explosives, firearms or toxic substances. 

Skills You Will Gain

As a Forensic Chemistry major, you’ll cultivate a range of skills that prepare you to excel in the workplace. You’ll be able to:

• Search, access, contextualize and effectively summarize readings of discipline-specific literature.
• Apply basic principles of experimental design to the development of an experimental procedure in the appropriate subdiscipline of chemistry.
• Use quantitative tools for data collection and analysis.
• Explain the purpose of general laboratory safety guidelines and their implementation in various lab settings.
• Clarify the principles governing the function and mechanisms behind key experimental and instrumental techniques in chemistry.
• Use appropriate experimental techniques and instruments to design and execute an experiment.
• Communicate the findings of independent research in a manner appropriate to the audience, including oral presentations and the writing of experiments, research manuscripts, poster presentations and research proposals.
• Demonstrate an ability to collaboratively arrive at a common goal within a team. 

Research

You’ll perform research with cutting-edge equipment — St. Edward’s is proud to be considered one of the best-equipped and best-funded small college chemistry departments in the country. We’ve been highly successful in securing external funding in support of an advanced curriculum, modern laboratory instrumentation and undergraduate research. 

Departmental and Research Funding
In addition to an ongoing research grant from the Welch Foundation, the Chemistry Department has secured curricular and equipment grants from the National Science Foundation, the Keck Foundation and the Educational Advancement Foundation. 

We are funded through the U.S. Dept. of Education under the Title V provision and through a five-year, $2.75 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences as part of a consortium that includes St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University and The University of Texas at Austin. 

Scholarships

• In addition to performing research over the academic year in one of the faculty-led research groups, students may apply for participation in the Chemistry Department’s full-time summer research program. The summer program is fully funded and successful applicants receive competitive student stipends.
• Students in chemistry-related majors at St. Edward’s may apply for Welch Foundation undergraduate research scholarships — including a summer scholarship that provides a six-week stipend to conduct research.
• Win competitive summer research apprenticeships at universities across the country — funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) — where you can get experience studying different subfields of chemistry and focus on your career direction. 

NSF summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) include:

• University of North Carolina
• Michigan State University
• University of San Diego
• University of Nebraska
• University of Michigan
• University of Mississippi
• North Carolina State University
• Boston University

Conferences and Presentations

• Students are encouraged to present their results at professional meetings, such as regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Texas Academy of Science.
• Students also have the opportunity to present at the annual SOURCE Symposium of undergraduate research on the St. Edward's campus.

At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.

View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Chemistry webpage.