Natural Science and Mathematics Division

Natural Science and Mathematics Majors

Biology

      Majoring in biology gives students a broad understanding of the facts, underlying principles, and techniques used in the study of living matter. Both theoretical and applied approaches are emphasized in all areas of this major, including supporting courses in chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and statistics. Research-based projects and a course in research methods are designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills of a scientist. The college laboratories support experiments in molecular biology and computer-assisted data collection in physiology and chemistry. Right on campus, Tupelo Pond and the Bradford "Back 40" provide natural laboratory facilities. Opportunities for student internship placements include the New England Aquarium, state parks, and research laboratories of Boston-area medical schools.
     Majoring in biology prepares students for careers in biotechnology, technical and pharmaceutical sales, education, research, and related areas. Graduates also pursue advanced study in biology or in medical or veterinary schools.
     

Environmental Science

       The major in environmental science provides a solid foundation in the principles of genetics, microbiology, ecology, conservation biology, organic chemistry, and environmental chemistry. Faculty members stress both conceptual and applied understanding in their courses and labs. Students learn the practical, research-based skills needed to become scientists through a course in research methods and frequent research-based projects. The Bradford "Back 40" and Tupelo Pond provide a unique setting to conduct ecological and environmental field research right on campus. Environmental science majors also have the opportunity as juniors or seniors to study with Bradford faculty at a rain forest field site in Latin America.
     In addition to entering graduate school, students majoring in environmental science accept positions in fields that include environmental consulting, conservation, education, research, and various related areas.
     

Marine Biology

Marine Conservation Biology

     Bradford is one of only a handful of colleges in the country to offer a major in marine conservation biology-recently recognized by the Society of Conservation Biology as a distinct and important area of study. This new major, available for the first time in 1998-99, combines courses from environmental science and marine biology to help students understand concepts and how to apply them. Courses in biology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, geology, algebra, and statistics ensure a breadth of knowledge across disciplines. Practical skills are reinforced in a course in research methods and in many research-based projects. Field study opportunities led by Bradford faculty include work at sites in the Bahamas and Latin America.
     Because marine conservation biology is the fastest-growing area of conservation biology, we expect our students to find plentiful career opportunities. This new major prepares students for positions in education, research in governmental and private agencies, environmental consulting, biotechnology, and conservation as well as for graduate study.
     

In the field

     During their years at Bradford, science majors get valuable field experience in a variety of contexts-field studies led by Bradford faculty, study away programs, and internships.

Self-designed major

     If you have academic interests that cross disciplines in a unique way, you can create your own major in individual studies at Bradford. To take advantage of this self-designed option, you need to show that you can work independently. With two faculty advisors, you prepare a proposal that combines two or more fields of learning through courses and independent study projects. Like Bradford students in other majors, individual studies majors are prepared for varied careers and graduate pursuits.
     

Teacher Education Program

     Bradford's Teacher Education Program enables students to become certified to teach in elementary schools (grades 1 through 6) while pursuing any major within the Division of Natural Science & Mathematics. Classroom experience is part of every required course in the Teacher Education Program, leading to a semester-long student teaching practicum during the senior year.
     

The Bradford Curriculum

     Bradford's small size of about 600 students means that an average class has 12 students, each of whom gets individual attention. Our faculty members are active and involved, and they view advising as an important part of their teaching. They also have the necessary expertise-nine out of ten Bradford faculty members hold doctorates or the highest degrees offered in their fields.
     At Bradford, all majors combine depth in individual academic disciplines with interdisciplinary study, and they all offer opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, study abroad or study away, and service learning. We encourage eligible students to participate in honors-level work in special seminars.
     As a Bradford student, you declare your major by the end of your sophomore year. The Bradford curriculum during your first two years is designed to help you decide on the major that's right for you. You have the opportunity to sample different disciplines and approaches through a general education framework of core courses, amplified by electives. You also work closely with your advisor to develop a portfolio demonstrating your progress toward academic and personal goals. Your advisor and other faculty members supply an extra measure of support and guidance during this time.
     Once you have chosen your major, you concentrate on honing your skills, culminating in your senior seminar and senior project. Participating in these intense academic experiences helps you gain the confidence and polish your need for job interviews or graduate school applications.