School of Arts & Sciences

We look to scientific inquiry and the natural sciences to explain our physical world, and discover new ones. 

Welcome to the Department of Natural Sciences! We offer an expanding range of programs where students take a deeper look at the chemical elements, cellular and molecular building blocks that make up our world. As you progress through our programs, you’ll strengthen analytical thinking, master technical problem solving, apply theories, tools, and techniques to solve complex challenges and prepare for graduate or professional studies.  

From our existing biology and chemistry majors and minors, to our new graduate programs in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Polymer and Material Sciences, we pledge to be your partner as you strive toward your academic, personal, and professional goals.  

Our Research and Study Facilities

Get to know the Science and Technology Center, home to the Department of Natural Sciences! This LEED certified building has green spaces, student-focused collaboration spaces, a vivarium, as well as laboratories with cutting-edge technologies. 

The biology and chemistry programs each have specialized facilities where students can put theory into practice. Our biology labs have Thermocyclers, high-resolutions microscopes, as well as capabilities for tissue and cell culture, spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis. There is also a greenhouse available to students conducting research in environmental contaminants and geosciences. 

Within our department there are several facilities that support chemistry research, including the Center for Nanotechnology and Center for Organic Synthesis. Our chemistry labs also host capabilities in the areas of inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and computational chemistry. These labs have the latest technologies, including NMR, UV-VIS-IR spectrophotometers, fluorescence spectrophotometers, and gas chromatography.

State of the Art Lab Instruments and Facilities

Grants, Research, and Partnerships

We actively seek federal and state research grants, as well as corporate sponsorships to support undergraduate research efforts. We also stay dedicated to our students, regularly offering STEM scholarships to support their educational journey. We are also introducing Graduate Research Assistantships for the newly launched graduate programs in Applied Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Polymer and Material Sciences.

Aligning with University goals, we recommit each year to community and business partnerships. These partnerships support our initiatives to meet workforce demands, prepare globally competent students and graduates, and strengthen economic development of the greater Baltimore region and State of Maryland.

Interested in building a new partnership?

Connect with Dr. Jiru!

We pledge to be your partner in your quest to reach your academic and personal goals. Our programs give a wide array of opportunities and students who graduated from the Department pursue either graduate studies (MS/PhD) or professional schools (medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy…). We are here to help you unleash your potential.

Dr. Mintesinot Jiru, Chair