Department of Natural Sciences

 

Mission

The Department of Natural Sciences (NS) is one of three academic departments within the College of Sciences & Technology at the University of Houston-Downtown. We are committed to excellence in teaching and research in biological, chemical, and physical sciences. Our mission is to prepare students for careers and science-related fields and graduate studies. The department offers high-quality instruction in the natural sciences and engagement in educational activities that foster greater appreciation and understanding of science in the greater Houston area.

The department provides a broad-based curriculum in natural sciences with baccalaureate degrees in biology, chemistry, and geosciences.

Why Natural Sciences at UHD?

The Department of Natural Sciences is committed to providing students a quality education. Students receive access to professors who provide a range of high-impact educational experiences and first-class resources. The department prepares students for rewarding careers across the sciences through:

• faculty mentoring
• undergraduate research experience
• commitment to student success beyond graduation
• active student organizations
• smaller class sizes
• interdisciplinary collaborations with CSET & MS faculty at UHD
• faculty collaborations with regional Texas industries and research institutions, as well in the CSET and MS departments at UHD

The department provides flexible learning options. In addition to on-campus classes, we offer online, hybrid, and weekend courses to accommodate students that work and commute.

Additionally, students are educated using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and have opportunities to participate in independent research in laboratories at UHD and neighboring research institutions. Areas of research specialization within the department include:

• biochemistry
• cell and molecular biology
• computational chemistry
• environmental sciences
• evolution and natural history
• geochemistry
• geophysics
• plant sciences
• polymer chemistry
• synthetic chemistry

The Natural Sciences department participates in the Texas Joint Admissions Medical Program, and HHMI NS SynergIE.

The department also offers students an opportunity to participate in the NS International Student Exchange Program. summer-long research opportunities are available for College of Sciences and Technology students in Poland.

Natural Sciences Undergraduate Programs

The NS degree programs offer a variety of specialized concentrations in each degree program and in several minors, to help students obtain the most from their degrees. Students wishing to get the most of their education in the Natural Sciences should familiarize themselves with the Program Learning Outcomes (PLO s) for baccalaureate degrees in the Natural Sciences.

Our innovative classes lead to high-demand careers. Choose your degree plan today.

• Degree Plans in Natural Sciences
• Natural Sciences Minors
• Integrated Requirements
• Upper-Level Biology and Microbiology Courses
• Upper-Level Physical Sciences Courses

Nursing Completion Program (RN to BSN)

The RN to BSN Degree at UHD offers students a strong educational foundation in nursing, while also providing them with the leadership and critical thinking skills necessary for a challenging career in any healthcare setting, or in the pursuit of a graduate degree. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research as part of their educational experience. Applicants must provide evidence of a valid, unencumbered Texas Registered Nurse or a multi-state compact license.

Natural Sciences Student Opportunities

These opportunities will assist NS students with making the most out of their college experience. To learn more information, please click the links below.

• Pre-Health Professions Scholarship
• ESPRIT de Corps Fellowship
• Honors Program
• Joint Admissions Medical Program (JAMP)
• Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program
• Scholars Academy
• UHD Student Research Conference
• Health Professions Advisory Committee
• The Joan S. Abramowitz Undergraduate Research Scholarship Endowment
• Welch Foundation Scholarship

Natural Sciences Student Resources

• The Science Learning Center

Natural Sciences Student Organizations

• American Medical Students Association
• American Student Dental Association
• Environmental Club
• Health Professions Organization

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