Department of Natural Sciences

Faculty: C. Carmichael, D. Chen, S. Diakoff, J. Goff (Chair), C. Johnson, N. Rogers, S. Wirick

The Bible claims that the universe is the product of God’s creativity; it is ultimately the work of His hands (Psalm 19). Although Christians may disagree about the details, they agree that the universe serves as an incessant and eloquent testimony of God’s power. Mainstream science, although it may not give God credit for the universe, still rightfully recognizes the wonders and beauties of the earth and of the heavens beyond. Studying the Natural Sciences helps us understand God’s majesty (Romans 1:20), our own relative insignificance (Romans 8:3, 4), and God’s love for us in spite of our insignificance (Luke 12:27, 28; Matthew 10:29, 31). In light of the powerful testimony to God’s character revealed in the universe, we have a moral responsibility to appreciate the splendor of God’s works.

The Bible goes further. Although the Earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1), He has entrusted it to us (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:6); we have a moral responsible to care for the earth on God’s behalf. It is impossible to fulfill this mandate without studying the intricacies of the creatures we care for and understanding both how they impact the environment and how the environment impacts them.

There are also practical reasons for studying the Natural Sciences. Our individual lives and society in general are being increasingly affected by science and technology. Therefore, a significant goal during collegiate years should be to acquire a working knowledge of this growing field, an appreciation of the methods by which such knowledge is obtained and classified, and increased skills in problem solving related to scientific inquiry.

In addition to the wonders seen in the world around us, the psalmist has written that we ourselves are marvelous and wonderfully complex creations of God (Psalm 139:14). The apostle Paul teaches us that we are obligated to glorify God in our bodies (I Corinthians 6:19, 20) and calls our bodies His sanctuary. One of the ways we glorify God in our bodies is by living lifestyles that support healthy bodies. The Wellness Center at Malone provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to glorify God in this way by fostering a lifelong love of activity and physical fitness.

Wellness Center

In addition to being a beautiful facility that enhances campus life and improves the wellness of students, faculty, and staff, the Wellness Center provides academic opportunities as well. The cardio floor includes a high-tech, computerized program that assesses many components of fitness including blood pressure, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and upper-body strength and flexibility. Many faculty and staff members have already taken advantage of this fitness assessment and have used it as a motivator to begin workout programs in the Wellness Center.

Along with the assessment, an orientation describing proper use of the cardio and weight equipment and personal training suggestions is available. Twenty-eight Life Fitness cardio machines are available including total body trainers, steppers, treadmills, upper-body ergometer, recumbent and upright bikes, and cable machines. In addition, dumbbells, fitness balls, and a stretch area are available for the workout enthusiasts.

Majors

The Department of Natural Sciences offers majors in Biology (Allied Health Track, General Biology Track, Life Science Teaching Track, and Pre-Professional Track), Biology-Clinical Laboratory Science , Chemistry (General Chemistry Track and Forensic Chemistry Track), Exercise Science , and Zoo and Wildlife Biology . Pre-professional (pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, pre-dental, etc.) programs are also offered. All Natural Sciences majors are required to meet a minimum 2.25 major GPA and complete all of the internal/external assessment instruments employed by the department in order to be eligible for graduation. A comprehensive list of these assessments and a timeline for their completion may be obtained from the chair of the Department of Natural Sciences.

In conjunction with the School of Education and Human Development, the Department of Natural Sciences offers majors and/or licensure programs in Integrated Science , Life Science (Biology: Life Science Teaching Track) , Life Science/Chemistry Education , and Physical Science . These areas of specialty prepare students for secondary teaching licensure for grades 7-12. Periodic assessment of students pursuing these majors/programs is crucial for the purposes of obtaining/maintaining accreditation by NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). Several assessments have therefore been built into the required coursework for each of these majors, either in specific education classes (EDUC 443, 460, and 497) or specific content classes (CHEM 201, SCI 160). However, two assessments must be completed by each teacher education major independently of specific coursework in collaboration with a natural sciences instructor. A comprehensive list of these assessments and a timeline for their completion may be obtained from the chair of the Department of Natural Sciences.

Notes: 1) Students pursuing any of the above-mentioned teacher education programs must maintain a minimum 2.75 major and cumulative GPA to progress through the teacher licensure program and to register for education courses at the 300 level or above. See details of the assessment requirements and criteria for teacher licensure programs in the School of Education and Human Development . 2) A $50 laboratory fee is assessed for each laboratory course within this department.

Pre-Professional

Pre-Dental, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary

Entrance into professional study requires significant preparation in science and mathematics. Hence, selection of either the biology or chemistry major is recommended. A student planning to complete entrance requirements for professional study should confer with the pre-professional committee.

AuSable Institute for Environmental Studies

Malone participates in the Environmental Studies extension program available through AuSable Institute in five different locations: AS-Great Lakes in the Great Lakes Forest, Michigan; AS-Pacific Rim on Puget Sound, Washington; AS-Everglades north of the Everglades, South Florida; AS-Africa near Nairobi, Kenya; and AS-India in Tamil Nadu, South India. Courses are offered primarily during the summer. Interested students should contact the Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences. Complete course descriptions for available courses can be found in the AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies Official Bulletin. Additional information is available at www.ausable.org. Enrollment in any of the AuSable courses is by permission of the Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences.