Natural Sciences

Carthage offers a variety of majors and programs in the natural sciences, preparing students for careers in health care, research, teaching, and business. The close-knit community of science faculty and students stems naturally from the College's liberal arts atmosphere and is deepened through the activities of hands-on science. Courses provide the foundation upon which students and faculty interact in research projects, student clubs and honor societies, outreach programs, seminars, and colloquia. Carthage undergraduate science students join active faculty researchers in ongoing scientific programs and present the results of their research projects both on and off campus.

The Majors

Biology: Students who major in biology select a sequence of courses that acquaint them with a variety of animals and plants, their structure, function, genetics, and molecular biology. The biology curriculum prepares students for graduate study, research opportunities, teaching, and entry into medical, veterinary, dental, and other professional schools.

Chemistry: Students who major in chemistry study the properties of atoms and molecules, and their transformations in nature and laboratory. The department has been accredited by the American Chemical Society since the early 1960's, one of few small colleges to earn this distinction. This assures students of a quality staff and curriculum, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and library materials, a preparation which makes Carthage science graduates of special interest to employers and graduate schools.

Computer Science: Students who major in computer science develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in many disciplines. The courses provide firm foundation of knowledge and practical experience in software development, computer architecture, and theoretical computer science. This understanding prepares students for successful careers in the computer industry and for graduate study.

Environmental Science: Students in the environmental science program study the problems that arise when human beings interact with the physical/natural environment that surrounds them. The approach is broadly based and yet focused on the student's choice of an individual study track (Conversation/Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Data Analysis, Water Supply/Quality, or Environmental Education). One of the primary goals of the program is to nurture a student's understanding of how to approach complex problems using methodologies and philosophies from multiple disciplines. The program prepares students for both graduate study and careers in environmental fields.

Geography: Students in Geography study the interaction of human beings with the natural and built environment and the spatial dynamics of those interactions. The program emphasizes environmental analysis, climatology and meteorology, hydrology, biogeography, urban-economic analysis and geographic information systems (GIS, GPS, computer mapping, etc). The curriculum uses a problem solving model that prepares students to undertake research in a variety of contexts. The department also offers a number of undergraduate research opportunities outside of the thesis experience. Students completing degrees in Geography pursue graduate school and professional careers in approximately equal measure, and the unique spatial analytic skills learned in Geography put them in high demand. The Department of Labor has identified the field as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields.

Mathematics: Students who major in mathematics acquire methods of logical reasoning and deduction, develop problem-solving skills for a wide variety of applications, and learn techniques of the major branches of contemporary mathematics. Courses help undergraduates prepare for opportunities in business or industry, the teaching profession, and graduate work. The department publishes its undergraduate students' research in the journal, Sine on the Dotted Line

Neuroscience: Neuroscience is the study of the structure and function of the nervous system. Students who major in this discipline study biology, psychology, and chemistry, and then use electives to direct their focus in the following areas: biology for molecular and cellular function of the nervous system; psychology for behavioral correlates of nervous system function; and chemistry for chemical properties of the nervous system. Additional requirements include two semesters of laboratory research. Students are prepared for graduate school and career opportunities in scientific research and medical/therapeutic fields.

Physics: The physics and astronomy programs imparts a thorough understanding of fundamental physical phenomena and the ability to treat these phenomena in a mathematical context. A full laboratory program, which complements classroom work, is offered to students who major in physics. Students learn laboratory techniques and the primary methods of experimental measurement and data reduction, and are prepared for careers in industry or education, or for graduate school. An emphasis in astronomy and astrophysics is available for students interested in pursuing post-graduate work in astronomy.

Special Programs

ScienceWorks: Science Works is an innovative program that teaches business skills to science majors with the goal of preparing them to succeed in entrepreneurial environments. The program's courses address technology careers, patents and intellectual property, technology research and development, business management, regulation and communication, and include a summer internship and a core project developing an original technology business concept from start to finish.

Pre-Engineering: Students interested in engineering attend Carthage for three years and, upon successful completion of that part of the program, can enroll at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Upon graduation, students receive a bachelor of arts degree from Carthage and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from engineering school.

Pre-Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy students attend Carthage for three years and, upon successful completion of that part of the program, may apply to Washington University in St. Louis or Rush University in Chicago, for two years. Students who complete the full program receive a bachelor of arts from Carthage and a master of science degree in occupational therapy from Washington University or Rush University.