A student planning a professional career in chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, optometry, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, or veterinary science may receive guidance from the College of Science pre-health professions advisor. Pre-Health programs are not baccalaureate programs. In most cases the student must complete a degree in an area of his/her choice (in addition to pre-health program requirements) and then apply to the appropriate graduate program. SIU’s first year of medical school (the last 3 years are in Springfield) and its physician assistant program are on the Carbondale campus. The SIU School of Dental Medicine is in Alton, and the School of Pharmacy is in Edwardsville. Students must apply to a school offering these programs upon completion of all prerequisite courses. * Note: Starting fall of 2010, SIUE will offer its nursing program on the Carbondale campus. Interested students should apply for the College of Science pre-nursing “E-Track”, since students will have one year of pre-nursing before applying to the 3-year nursing program.

The Department offers a program in Comprehensive Chemistry leading to a B.S. degree and additional specializations in Biochemistry for pre-professional students, Business for students continuing into an M.B.A. program, Environmental Chemistry with interdisciplinary studies in engineering, soil science or related areas, and Forensic Chemistry with supporting courses in Anthropology and Criminal Justice.  Certification from the American Chemical Society is readily available to qualified students participating in Undergraduate Research.  There are numerous opportunities for students to join a research lab as an undergraduate and get a real hands-on experience in cutting edge research.

Computer Science encompasses the theory, tools and techniques by which information is derived, stored, manipulated, and communicated using computers. It deals particularly with the study of algorithms that are used to direct the computer and with the expressions of these algorithms as programs. Of central concern is the study and further development of the computer systems, including both hardware and software, that support the execution of these programs. The Computer Science department offers courses which prepare students for a variety of professional and technical careers in business, industry, and government or for graduate work leading to advanced degrees.

Biological Sciences is an appropriate major for students wishing to pursue a pre-professional curriculum, planning a teaching career, seeking a career as a laboratory research scientist or pursuing an interest in environmental biology. The Biological Sciences major is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary major designed to give the student a measure of breadth rather than an in-depth concentration in one particular facet of the biological areas. The curriculum is drawn from the resources of four life science departments (Microbiology, Physiology, Plant Biology and Zoology) each of which have their own undergraduate degrees.

Geology is the study of the Earth and encompasses a broad range of topics including Earth’s history, composition, physical and chemical processes and the evolution of life. It is a unique perspective of time and scale, extending billions of years in the past and to global-wide events. Because of man’s interaction with many Earth systems, geology is an environmental science that is vital to the resolution of such problems as climate change; ground water supply and pollution; prediction and mitigation of earthquake, flooding and volcanic hazards; and natural resource discovery and utilization. Students majoring in geology acquire knowledge of value to many science and non-science professions.

Opportunities for mathematics majors have expanded greatly in recent years.  Mathematics majors become actuaries, statisticians, mathematical computer scientists, applied mathematicians, operations research analysts and mathematical researchers.  Mathematics is growing and changing and holds fascinating challenges for inquiring minds. 

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, a large and diverse group of organisms that exist as single cells or cell clusters. The science of microbiology includes the study of microbial growth, biochemistry, genetics and ecology and the relationship of microorganisms to other organisms including humans. As a basic biological science, microbiology provides some of the most accessible research tools for probing the nature of life processes. Our sophisticated understanding of the chemical and physical principles governing life has developed from studies of microorganisms. As an applied biological science, microbiology deals with many important practical problems in medicine, agriculture, biodegradation and food industries, and is at the heart of biotechnology industries.

The undergraduate major in physics provides for a mastery of basic principles and methods of classical and modern physics and prepares the student for a wide variety of career opportunities. The Department of Physics offers advanced laboratory courses in modern physics, digital and analog electronics, acoustics, and lasers and modern optics. The department is research-oriented and participation by advanced undergraduates in the research program of a faculty member is encouraged, giving them a taste of real physics. Our undergraduates can participate in projects in such areas as nuclear magnetic resonance, low-temperature physics, photo-acoustic microscopy, surface physics, applied physics, infrared spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, quantum physics, solid state physics, atomic and molecular physics, statistical mechanics and nuclear physics. Employment opportunities in physics are varied and abundant, from industrial research and development to teaching. Physicists are presently enjoying unusual opportunities in the development of new concepts including laser communications, holography, synchrotron radiation light sources, opto-electronics, high-temperature superconductors and physics applications in medicine.

Plant Biology is the science of plant life, which ranges from the microscopic to giant Sequoia trees. You should consider a major in plant biology if you are curious about the kinds of plants that inhabit the earth, how they grow, why they are found where they are, and how or what products they contribute to the lives of humans. Career opportunities can be found in teaching, research, and government service in such areas as ecology, forestry, genetics, preservation of rare and endangered species, and plant physiology and biochemistry.

A major in zoology is an appropriate beginning for those planning a career that includes teaching and research in zoology, conservation, fisheries management and wildlife management, environmental sciences, or the practice of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. Students majoring in zoology will develop an individualized curriculum with a faculty advisor to tailor their degree to their specific interests.

The Department of Physiology offers training in mammalian, cellular and comparative physiology, pharmacology, biophysics, and human anatomy. Students majoring in physiology are encouraged to gain research experience under faculty supervision. The undergraduate major provides general rather than specialized training in physiology. To become a professional physiologist usually requires the completion of an advanced degree in the field. An undergraduate major in physiology would provide an excellent foundation for those planning a career in teaching or research or a medical field such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing or medical technology. The department is within the School of Medicine.