Program: Natural and Physical Sciences by Ave Maria University

Natural and Physical Sciences

Biology B.S. and B.A., Major and Minor | p. 2

Marine Biology Major and Minor | p. 3

Biochemistry Major | p. 4

Chemistry Minor | p. 6

Physics Major and Minor | p. 7

Engineering Minor | p. 8

Environmental Science Major and Minor | p. 10

Agriculture and Catholic Environmental Stewardship (ACES) Minor | p. 11

Meet Our Faculty | p. 12

What Are Natural and Physical Sciences?

The study of science at Ave Maria University is a testament to humanity’s ability to know God’s creation, even apart from the illuminating power of grace. By enabling us to explore the complexity and simplicity of physical reality, science instills AMU students with a deep sense of wonder toward the natural universe. These programs will allow you to encounter the Creator through the beauty of creation.

Through the disciplines of biology, marine biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and environmental science, you will experience a deeper love of creation and the role of stewardship.

Biology

B.S. AND B.A., MAJOR AND MINOR

As a biology major at Ave Maria University, you will study the beauty, mystery, and rational order of life. Under careful mentorship of accomplished faculty, you will come to deeply appreciate God’s plan for creation and experience a deep sense of wonder toward the natural universe.

Built on a solid foundation through our core curriculum, this major provides you with a comprehensive study in multiple areas of modern biology. You will receive an excellent preparation for graduate school, medical school, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or employment in research laboratories, clinical laboratories, or science education.

Explore Careers

Biologist

Conservationist and Ecologist

Veterinarian

Nurse

Lab Technician

Dentist

Dr. Stephen Cronin

Associate Professor of Biology stephen.cronin@avemaria.edu (239) 280-1617

• Both B.S. and B.A. degrees are available.

• AMU has a scuba club where you can receive PADI divemaster certification.

• AMU faculty members maintain active research laboratories and offer opportunities for undergraduate research, often leading to presentations at academic conferences and publications in peerreviewed scholarly journals.

• AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter for exceptional students.

Quick Facts

Marine Biology

MAJOR AND MINOR

As a marine biology student at AMU, you will live a short drive away from some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, including a rich array of coastal bays, estuaries, and coral reefs. Through field and laboratory research, you will deeply understand the beauty of the natural world, fashioned by a loving God. From kayaking through mangrove forests to scuba diving in the Gulf of Mexico, you have extraordinary opportunities for hands-on analysis and observation. These experiences—paired with the mentorship of experienced professors—allow you to enter dynamic research careers directly involved in addressing humanity’s impact on critical marine environments. There are few places in the world that offer more diverse aquatic ecosystems than Ave Maria, Florida.

Explore Careers

Biomedical Researcher

Sustainability and Conservation Officer

Applied Marine Botanist and Zoologist

Environmental Planner

Marine Ecologist

Dr. Samuel Shephard Associate

Professor of Biology

samuel.shephard@avemaria.edu (239) 304-7345

• Southwest Florida is one of the most diverse and extraordinary aquatic ecosystems on the planet.

• AMU has a scuba club where you can receive PADI divemaster certification.

• Marine biology science labs have an average of six students for increased one-on-one mentorship with professors.

• AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter for exceptional students.

Quick Facts

Biochemistry

MAJOR

As a biochemistry student at AMU, you will be trained in chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and bioethics. The biochemistry majors (B.S. and B.A.) provide a rigorous and modern introduction to biochemical sciences through classroom teaching, class-associated labs, and research. These opportunities foster the development of independent thinking, complex problem-solving, and technical proficiency. Post-graduation, you will be trained to enter the corporate work force, graduate school, and professional programs, while acting as well-formed biochemists and authentic disciples of Christ.

The biochemistry B.A. program is designed to offer a complete academic preparation in biochemistry. It has the flexibility to incorporate another major, a minor in another field, or additional courses needed for admission into professional programs.

The biochemistry B.S. program—with an emphasis on research—is designed to offer rigorous academic preparation in biochemistry. This program will prepare you for a professional career in research, professional programs like medicine, graduate programs, or entering the workforce. In addition to the required courses for the major, multiple upper-level biology and chemistry classes are required for the Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

Explore Careers

Biochemist

Biotech

Medical Doctor

Scientist

• Both B.S. and B.A. degrees are available.

• A pre-medicine option is available.

• AMU biochemistry graduates are strong candidates for positions in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology marketplace.

• AMU has state-of-the-art equipment available for research and teaching in spectroscopy, molecular biology, centrifugation, and chromatography.

• Biochemistry majors have been placed in several summer research REU/internship programs such as Harvard/MIT, Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction, and Texas A&M. Contact Us Dr. Stephen Thong Chair of Chemistry and Physics stephen.thong@avemaria.edu (239) 304-7940

Quick Facts

Did You Know?

Most labs have an average class size of 14 students, allowing for increased one-on-one mentorship with professors.

MINOR Chemistry

The chemistry minor allows students to develop familiarity with the chemical sciences, while majoring in another discipline. The program consists of six courses covering general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

Throughout these courses, you will gain hands-on laboratory experience—under the guidance of our experienced chemistry professors—to help you excel in scientific theories firmly rooted in our Catholic faith.

Dr. Stephen Thong Chair of Chemistry and Physics

stephen.thong@avemaria.edu (239) 304-7940

Physics

MAJOR AND MINOR

The study of physics at Ave Maria University grows from an understanding that the material world is organized by its Creator. According to this rational order, the human person can know God through His creation. The physics major at AMU will provide you with an integrated view of reality, cutting-edge theoretical research, lab experimentation, and applications in the field of engineering.

Explore Careers

Engineer

Data Scientist

Research Scientist

Geophysicist and Astrophysicist

Architect

Industrial Lab Tech

Dr. Alex Tsai

Associate Professor of Physics alex.tsai@avemaria.edu (239) 280-1607

• AMU physics graduates have done competitive research for undergraduate programs and internships.

• AMU physics graduates have gone on to enter graduate programs in physics, chemical engineering, software engineering, and statistics.

• AMU physics graduates have gotten jobs serving in the military, working in hightech industrial laboratory settings, writing actuarial exams, and teaching K-12 science.

• Physics majors at AMU can do undergraduate research with professors and are often published as authors in peer-reviewed academic journals.

• Labs in the physics major have an average class size of seven students for increased one-on-one mentorship with professors.

Quick Facts

The engineering minor provides AMU students with training in robotics, control systems, and automation—highly desirable skills for a competitive job market. The minor includes six courses with an emphasis on robotics, including an introduction to robotics, mechatronics, electronics, and automation and controls, as well as calculus and an introduction to computer programming.

Did You Know?

All courses in the natural and physical sciences are taught by full-time faculty, 85% of whom hold the highest degree in their fields.

Environmental Science

MAJOR AND MINOR

The environmental science major at AMU provides students with an excellent foundation in the relationship between us and nature, grounded in humanity’s role as stewards of God’s creation. Using an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates the academic fields of ecology, zoology, botany, genetics, microbiology, and chemistry, this program teaches students how to analyze complex environmental issues across multiple perspectives.

As an environmental science student, you will be prepared to engage with urgent policy issues facing modern society, such as promoting environmental sustainability, as well as supplying energy and resource needs for our society.

Explore Careers

Sustainability and Conservation Officer

Environmental Engineer

Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Manager

Zoologist

Prof. Brett Feger Instructor of Biology brett.feger@avemaria.edu (239) 304-7366

• Courses in the environmental science major incorporate both laboratory and field research, which includes exploring tropical environments like mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

• Environmental science students study the rich ecosystems of Southwest Florida and the Everglades, one of the world’s most unique, complex, and significant environments.

• AMU is home to a Tri-Beta National Biological Honors Society chapter for exceptional students.

Quick Facts

MINOR Agriculture and Catholic Environmental Stewardship (ACES)

AMU’s ACES minor will form future agricultural and environmental leaders in authentic Catholic teaching, robust natural science, and practical outdoor skills.

Classes in ecology, theology, and business will offer you a solid and integrated base for learning about sustainability and stewardship from an authentically Catholic perspective. And by the time you graduate, you will have a working understanding of the science behind agricultural and environmental stewardship, with the hands-on experience you’ll need to succeed.