The Department of Natural Sciences at Williams seeks to provide students with an understanding of various scientific disciplines. All intelligent and responsible individuals need a basic knowledge of the natural world. The department acquaints students with the value of, and threats to, the environment.
Additionally, the requirements for the academic programs are appropriate for students to enter into the industry, teaching, or to do graduate work in their major area of study. The college also provides the pre-professional courses necessary for entrance into professional schools.
Biology
The department offers the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree as well as a minor program of study in biology. Course offerings in biology curriculum are designed to: (1) provide pre-professional training for students planning careers in biological sciences, medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health sciences; (2) prepare students for teaching; and (3) provide the basic foundation for graduate study in biology.
The department offers course work in biology, chemistry, physics, and physical science.
A minor in biology requires 18 hours above the General Education requirement and must include at least six hours of upper level mathematics credit.
Mathematics
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The mathematics curriculum provides the course work for a minor in mathematics, a specialization in mathematics for elementary education majors, and a concentration for the general studies degree program. Mathematics, as a minor, is an excellent compliment to any major, especially for students interested in research for statistics. A minor in mathematics requires 18 hours above the General Education requirement and include at least six hours of upper-level mathematics credit.
Pre-Professional Programs
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The pre-professional programs offered through the Department of Natural Science are designed to prepare students for entrance to professional schools of the health sciences. A sound liberal arts education is a common prerequisite for admissions into most professional schools.
Williams offers courses of pre-professional study in dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine, among others. The pre-professional advisor will help students plan schedules to meet the pre-professional requirements.
Students in pre-professional programs are required to complete the same coursework as a biology major, but meet with their academic advisor to tailor their schedule to their particular program.
