Department of Sciences and Mathematics
The Department of Sciences and Mathematics at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College aims to develop future scholars in natural sciences, computational studies, human movement, and health and wellness. Our dedicated faculty members strive to create an environment that promotes productive student-faculty and student-student interaction and instills a sense of community in our students. Our rigorous curriculum seeks to build a knowledge base that supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to enable students to efficiently put theory into real-world practice. We are committed to inspire our students to utilize their education to become future leaders and to stimulate positive change in our global society.
I. Mission & Value Statements
Mission
The Science and Mathematics Department is committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that promotes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and knowledge application. Through rigorous academic programs in biological, physical, computational, and health sciences, we prepare students to become ethical leaders, innovative researchers, and compassionate practitioners. Our mission is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to advance the biological sciences, human health enhancement, technological innovation, and overall lifelong wellness.
Core Values
1. Interdisciplinary Excellence
We embrace the synergy between scientific disciplines - biological, physical, computational, and health sciences, to solve complex problems and develop integrated solutions.
2. Evidence-Based Inquiry
We foster a culture of curiosity and investigation, where knowledge is built through experimentation, analysis, and ethical scholarship.
3. Student-Centered Learning
We prioritize hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities that empower students to pursue academic and professional success.
4. Health and Human Performance
We promote holistic understanding of the human body and wellness, integrating science with practice in exercise, health, and therapeutic sciences.
5. Ethical and Professional Integrity
We instill ethical principles and professionalism in research, clinical settings, and community engagement.
6. Technological Innovation
We encourage the exploration and application of emerging technologies in computer science, engineering, and mathematical modeling to address contemporary challenges.
7. Community and Global Engagement
We support meaningful partnerships, service learning, and outreach that apply science and health knowledge to improve the lives of those we reach.
8. Lifelong Learning and Leadership
We prepare students to be adaptable, reflective, and inspired contributors to their professions and communities, committed to ongoing personal and intellectual growth.
II. Student Requirements/Admission Procedure
Department faculty work closely with admissions and academic advising to create a supportive environment for new and transferring students, both from other institutions and between majors within the SMWC offerings.
III. Transfer Policy
Since the world is constantly changing, caution is used in accepting transfer credit based on the age of the credits. Generally, the transferred course must have been taken within ten years of enrollment at SMWC. Some exceptions to this ten-year rule may apply, such as when the student is currently employed in related fields.
At least 50% of the total hours required for each major or minor within the Department of Sciences and Mathematics must be taken at SMWC. Students may also choose to gain credit through a CLEP exam or CPL. CLEP and/or CPL do not count as credit earned at SMWC and therefore do not apply toward the 50% rule of course credits in the major or minor.
IV. Grade Policy
Students majoring or minoring in Biology, Environmental Science, Pre-Professional Studies, Chemistry, or the Engineering 3+2 dual degree program are required to earn a minimum grade of “C” or higher in all cognate courses to remain a major or minor in these programs. Additionally, students in these majors must maintain a minimum “C” average for all major core courses. Students are allowed two enrollment attempts to reach the minimum "C" level. [Cognate courses: BI 141 Principles of Biology I, BI 142 Principles of Biology II, CH 115 General Chemistry I, CH 116 General Chemistry II.]
Students targeting graduate schools and SMWC partnerships with other institutions of higher education have additional grade expectations to meet the requirements of those institutions. These policies appear within the program specific information located elsewhere in the catalog.
V. Educational Goals/Program Learning Outcomes
This specific information can be found on the associated pages for department majors and minors.
VI. Programmatic Accreditation
There is no programmatic level accreditation for majors or minors in this department.
The department offers the following majors and minors: