The Natural Sciences Division brings together a dedicated group of faculty and staff
representing a broad spectrum of the biological, chemical and physical sciences. Our
mission is to provide our students with the foundational skills and knowledge that
will prepare them for a wide range of careers in the sciences and health-related fields.
We greatly value the promotion of inquiry and scholarship in our learning community
through our instruction, student-centered research and extracurricular activities.
At SXU, students who pursue bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry or the natural
sciences can tailor their programs to prepare them for a variety of careers in health,
research, academia, or industry. Our Biology Pre-Health program supplements our major
programs by providing resources and guidance for students interested in exploring
and pursuing career options in the health fields, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary
medicine, and pharmacology, to name a few. The Natural Sciences Division also offers
an interdisciplinary minor in environmental and sustainability studies (ESS), which
prepares students to better address the impact of today’s environmental issues by
drawing upon the range of disciplines offered at SXU. Courses for the ESS minor can
include subjects in philosophy, religious studies and sociology in addition to offerings
in the life sciences and physical sciences.
We strive to provide a learning environment that provides the best opportunities for
student success with smaller class sizes that are critical for enhanced interaction
and accessibility for our students. In addition, our research capstone allows science
majors the option to work closely with faculty research mentors to offer high-impact
experiences, which are crucial for employment in research, chemical and clinical laboratory
jobs and admission to graduate school and a number of professional health programs.
Our lab and field research programs can provide students the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience in a variety of disciplines that include bioinformatics, molecular and
biochemical techniques, cadaver dissection, histology, botany, animal behavior, microbiology
and immunology, and chemical analysis technologies.
The Natural Sciences Division hosts a variety of clubs and organizations that allow
our students to further explore their majors and career pursuits with other interested
students, including a number of student-led, pre-professional clubs dedicated to different
health specializations. SXU students can also become members of the Omega Delta chapter
of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, and our division frequently hosts
activities of the American Chemical Society and Iota Sigma Pi, a national honor society
for women in chemistry.
As part of the Mercy mission, we are dedicated to promoting the core values of respect,
excellence, compassion, service, hospitality, integrity, diversity, and learning for
life. Our firm belief is that in pursuing a science degree at SXU, our students will
receive a transformative and meaningful educational experience, one that will allow
them to develop the skills that are needed in meeting the challenges of a rapidly
changing world and workplace.
