Department of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics

Mission

The Department of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics prepares students to explore the natural world, improve human and population health, and solve complex scientific and societal challenges through inquiry, quantitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. Rooted in the liberal arts and the Dominican tradition of the search for truth, the department empowers students to discover, innovate, and serve their communities through science.

About the Department

The Department of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics prepares students for careers that advance scientific discovery, improve individual and community health, and address the complex challenges facing society. Small class sizes, individualized faculty mentorship, and hands-on laboratory experiences provide students with the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and ethical foundation needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving scientific and healthcare professions.

Students engage in interdisciplinary coursework, laboratory research, and experiential learning that develops critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. Whether preparing for graduate or professional school, scientific research, healthcare careers, biotechnology, education, or public service, graduates leave Albertus equipped to make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Degrees and Programs

The department offers the following academic programs:

Associate's Degrees 

• Associate of Science in Health Sciences  (Adult Degree Program and Traditional Undergraduate Program)

Bachelor's Degrees 

• Bachelor of Science in Biology (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
• Bachelor of Science in General Health Sciences (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
• Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health  (Adult Degree Program and Traditional Undergraduate Program)

Minors 

• Biology (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
• Chemistry (Traditional Undergraduate Program)
• Mathematics (Traditional Undergraduate Program)

Special Opportunities

Pre-Medical Studies 

Students interested in careers as physicians, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, or other healthcare professionals may pursue the Pre-Medical Studies advising track. Although not a major or minor, the track provides individualized faculty mentoring to help students complete prerequisite coursework while preparing competitive applications for professional schools. Students are encouraged to gain clinical, research, leadership, volunteer, and shadowing experiences while working closely with faculty advisors and the Office of Career and Professional Development throughout their undergraduate studies.

Teacher Preparation

Majors within the department serve as the academic foundation for students pursuing Albertus Magnus College’s undergraduate Initial Teacher Preparation Program leading to the following endorsements:

• Biology, 4–12 (030)
• Chemistry, 4–12 (031)
• General Science, 4–12 (034)
• Mathematics, 4–12 (029)

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is embedded throughout the department's curriculum. Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses, faculty-mentored undergraduate research, internships, clinical placements, service-learning, and community partnerships. Opportunities such as the STEM Academy for Growth and Experience (SAGE) Summer Research Program, internships, and community health initiatives allow students to apply scientific knowledge while developing the professional skills needed for careers and graduate study.

Department Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of a degree in the department, students will:

• Demonstrate disciplinary knowledge by applying foundational concepts, theories, and methods within the biological, chemical, mathematical, health, or public health sciences.
• Apply scientific, quantitative, and evidence-based reasoning to investigate questions, analyze data, solve problems, and inform decisions related to science, health, and society.
• Communicate scientific and health information effectively through written, oral, visual, and quantitative formats for professional, academic, and community audiences.
• Critically evaluate scientific research, health information, and quantitative evidence using ethical principles, analytical thinking, and evidence-based approaches.
• Apply disciplinary knowledge through laboratory, research, clinical, internship, field, or community-based experiences to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals and communities through ethical, evidence-based practice.