Natural Science and Mathematics • (907) 474-7608

The College of Natural Science and Mathematics offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the basic sciences, computer science, statistics and mathematics. It also provides all UAF undergraduate course work in science and mathematics. Degrees in biological sciences, wildlife biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, environmental chemistry, applied physics, geology and physics, and interdisciplinary fields including general science and earth science are available to undergraduate students in the sciences. The UAF baccalaureate science core curriculum and a variety of outreach programs are delivered through CNSM. The college is known for use of modern teaching technologies, access to professors and quality undergraduate student advising. CNSM also offers minors in each of its major disciplines.

The Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits the baccalaureate degree program in computer science, and the American Chemical Society accredits the chemistry and biochemistry degrees. The wildlife biology major is one of only 16 such programs in North America that lead to certification by the Wildlife Society.

Faculty provide academic advising for the college. Academic programs are designed to provide a foundation for advanced study or immediate professional careers. CNSM majors enjoy close working relationships with faculty and other students. The college provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to work together on projects of mutual interest. Unique opportunities are available through the research centers and institutes with which the college works closely. These include the Engineering, Sciences and Technology Experimental Station, the Geophysical Institute, the Institute of Arctic Biology, the UA Museum of the North, the Institute of Marine Science and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center.

The Engineering, Science and Technology Experimental Station includes the NSF-funded Teaching Alaskans…Sharing Knowledge (TASK) program, the Alaska Summer Research Academy and the Alaska Native Science and Engineering program. In these activities and other research projects, university students work with CNSM faculty on state-of-the-art original research projects aimed at improving the qualify of life in Alaska. The combination of fundamental knowledge gained by course work and the experience of working on practical, discipline-related projects provides CNSM graduates with the skills and experience they need to enter the job market or to continue their education in graduate school.

At the graduate level, CNSM offers master of science degree programs and master of arts in teaching degree programs in the natural sciences and mathematics. Master's programs provide students with research opportunities in both laboratory and field settings throughout Alaska. Ph.D. degree programs in atmospheric sciences, biochemistry/molecular biology, biological sciences (biology, botany, wildlife biology and zoology), environmental chemistry, geology, geophysics, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, physics and space physics provide opportunities for advanced study leading to academic and advanced professional positions.

CNSM departments participate in continuing education and special instructional outreach activities. Faculty members are active in pre-college education through Math Awareness Week, Math Counts, Science Potpourri, Teaching Alaskans…Sharing Knowledge, Alaska Native Science Engineering Program, Alaska High School Science Symposium and Alaska Summer Research Academy. CNSM also offers summer science and engineering camps.