Dr.
John O. Chikwem, Dean
E-mail: jchikwem@hotmail.com
Extension
1253
MISSION
STATEMENT
The overall
mission of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
is to develop in our students the knowledge and skills required
in the natural sciences, mathematics and computer science,
and also to develop in them inquisitive and analytical minds
required to appreciate the mechanics of the world and its
environments. This will enable our students to be better prepared
for their day to day activities and also to become better
citizens of the world and to develop an understanding of basic
scientific values. We are committed to working closely with
the Schools of Social Sciences and Humanities, in fulfilling
the mission of Lincoln University in fostering the proper
teaching and education of our students.
VISION
The vision
of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is to offer
challenging programs and effective advising, that will adequately
prepare our students for graduate and professional schools,
and an exciting working experience in an age of advanced technology.
Our effort
is anchored on giving our students a mastery of mathematics,
biology, physics, chemistry, computer science and communication
skills as a gateway to the acquisition of knowledge of the
physical world and the sciences. We are committed to providing
our students with the ability to think critically, to communicate
effectively in writing and speech, and also to master the
technological and computing skills necessary for functionality
in the 21st century. We are also committed to providing an
environment conducive to learning and appreciating the sciences
through classroom teaching, hands-on laboratory exercises,
undergraduate research, seminars, workshops and internships.
Lastly, it is our commitment to mentor our students to be
successful in their career goals, in pursuing graduate and
professional training and in life-long learning.
FACULTY
The School
of Natural Sciences and Mathematics currently has a total
of thirty-one faculty. Nine are full professors, six are associate
professors, seven are assistant professors, two are instructors
and seven are lecturers. Twenty-three faculty representing
74% are full-time and fifteen of them (65%) are tenured. Twenty-four
(77%) of the total number of faculty have a Ph.D. in their
field.
PROGRAMS
Nine
BS/BA degrees are offered in the School of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics. Between 1995 and 2001 (six years), the school
graduated 353 of the total 1,556 graduates. This represents
22.7% of the total graduating class. Aside from 1999, when
the school contributed only 19.4% of the graduating pool,
the proportion of science graduates has never been lower than
21% of the total graduates. Our peak years so far are 2000,
when we contributed 75 graduates (26.3%) of 285 total graduates,
and 2001, when 56 of the 212 graduates (29%) came from the
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. All the six Summa
Cum Laude graduates in 2001 came from the school.
Between
1995 and 2001, the Biology department has contributed 122
of the 353 (35%) graduates from the school, followed by Mathematics
and Computer science department with 78 (22.%) graduates,
Chemistry department with 69 graduates (19.5%) and Physics
with 56 graduates (15.9%). At the same time the school graduated
19 students (5.4%) with General Science and Science Education
degrees. It is remarkable that 39 students graduated in Computer
Science in 2000 and 2001, up from only 4 in 1999 and this
figure is likely to increase, or at least remain steady in
the next few years.
In addition
to these achievements, the departments within the School have
continued to fulfill the science requirements of non-majors
as well as providing foundation courses necessary for comprehending
materials in other disciplines.
Our graduates
are continuing their education in medical, dental and graduate
schools as well as obtaining employment in industry, government
and in teaching.
NATIONAL
RANKINGS OF PROGRAMS
In the
2001 ranking of schools carried out by the Black Issues in
Higher Education, our Physical Science program was ranked
second in the nation for graduating African Americans, and
twelfth in the nation for graduating all minorities with the
baccalaureate degree. Computer science program was ranked
40th while the Biological Science program was ranked 53rd
in the nation. The ranking compared various programs in 3,500
universities in the United States. We are therefore well prepared
for your education, should you choose to major in any of our
programs.
SEMINARS,
CONFERENCES AND SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Most
of our students attend conferences on a regular basis with
faculty. This provides opportunities for interaction with
students and faculty from other schools, and participation
in poster and oral presentations.
At least
50% of our Juniors have participated in a summer internship
and this is providing our students with exposure to opportunities
for careers in the sciences and also providing useful collaborative
efforts in research.
Most students
with summer research experience eventually go to medical,
graduate or dental school. Departments are also involving
students in colloquiums, workshops and research seminars.
Experts from various fields are also being invited on a regular
basis to give talks on their research activities.
RESEARCH
GRANTS/AWARDS
Many
faculty of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
are actively engaged in research activities. Currently, we
are managing grants and contracts totaling about two million
dollars. Faculty with grants in the 2001-02 school year include:
Langley,
Robert (Chemistry Department, LASER, MARC Programs)
Roberts,
Lynn (Physics, MESIP Programs)
Royer,
David (Biology, Environmental Science Programs)
SubbaRao,
Saligrama (Chemistry)
Tsai,
Stanley (Physics)
Williams,
Willie (Physics)
Henderson,
B. (Biology)
Chikwem,
John (Biology, HIV/AIDS)
Involvement
in research and scholarly activities enable our faculty to
be current, increases the amount of funds available for investigative
research, increases faculty participation in professional
meetings, increases faculty publications in professional journals,
improves the image of the university, and provides opportunities
for students to participate in research.
GOALS
FOR 2001-2006
Goal
#1: Promote an academic environment conducive to the teaching
and learning of science.
Goal #
2: Regular curriculum development, review and restructuring.
Goal #
3 : Promote extra-curricula activities for community service
and leadership skills among our students.
Goal #
4: Initiate science based programs for non-traditional students
at the Urban Center in Philadelphia.
Goal #
5: Review and implement effective tools for assessing students'
competence in course materials.
Goal
# 6: Improve capability for effective faculty development.
Goal
# 7: Update program in Computer Science.
Goal #
8: Improve recruitment programs offered at high schools in
our traditional recruitment areas as well as in the communities
around Lincoln University.
Goal #
9: Increase the number, retention and graduation rate of students
in the sciences.
Goal #
10: Improve classroom and laboratory facilities.
Goal #
11: Determine departmental capabilities and needs.
Goal #
12: Modernize infrastructure and facilities for viable graduate
and research activities in selected areas.
Goal #
13: Prepare students adequately for graduate and professional
schools.
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