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The division of Sciences and Mathematics offers degrees in Mathematics, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Sciences and Biomedical Sciences.
Our curriculum, internship opportunities and research maintain local community ties while exploring global perspectives, leading to excellent career opportunities for graduating students.
Our Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program takes advantage of the Puget Sound being in our own front yard.
Our new Biomedical Sciences degree began Autumn 2016. We currently have over 100 confirmed newly admitted students planning to be biomedical sciences majors, making biomed the 5th largest major in terms of entering students, in our first year of the degree!
Message From the Chair
“Teach, Learn and Discover”
Welcome to the Division of Science and Mathematics (SAM). We are home to all of the natural Sciences and Mathematics instruction on the UW Tacoma campus within the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (SIAS). Our division oversees 4 majors, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics as well as the new Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sustainability.
To our prospective students, we are excited that you are considering us for your undergraduate studies. Our programs deviate from traditional disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics. Instead our programs are multi- and inter- disciplinary and were designed to meet the goal of training and educating students from various Scientific, Mathematical, Social and even Historical perspectives. We are able to provide instruction and training to students in smaller class sizes in up to date classroom and laboratory facilities. In my capacity as Chair of this Division, I am fortunate to be part of a group of well-studied scholars who are truly passionate about undergraduate education and in involving students in their research and scholarly pursuits. These are the excellent group of instructors that you will meet in your classrooms.
To our current students, your Division is here to support you throughout your tenure with us. I urge you to take advantage of the resources that are here for you and we continue to make available to you. We are constantly striving to make these resources transparent and easily accessible. Please do not hesitate to seek help and support. We know that for most of our students, your academic life is only one part of your life as a whole. I challenge you to take part in the many different opportunities that will enhance your learning experience within our programs. Work with a faculty in one of their research projects, take part in study abroad programs, apply to the several student employment opportunities within our Division as it arises, attend seminar talks within and outside your field of study and many more.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of our Divisional staff for information regarding our programs and support for faculty and students. It is an honor to serve as your Division Chair and I hope you find a home in our Division.
Maureen C. Kennedy, PhD
Associate Professor in Quantitative Fire Ecology and Forest Management
Chair of the Division of Sciences and Mathematics
School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (SIAS)
SAM News and Connections
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Environmental Sustainability Email List
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Mathematics Seminar Series
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Professor Jim Gawel (SIAS) discusses the challenges posed by an invasive snail species around Mt. St. Helens.
Seven remarkable students who are making the most of their time at UW Tacoma.
Former student Arabelis Wally has received a prestigious fellowship at Johns Hopkins University that will support her graduate work. The Thomas Scholarship is awarded to "exceptional students from ... minority-serving institutions to pursue PhDs in STEM fields ... ."
Associate professor Maureen Kennedy gives an in-depth audio interview about the value of prescribed fires in reducing forest fuel loads to mitigate the severity of wildfires.
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