University's College of Science and Technology Offers Diverse Courses

Whether you want to take a class in Planetary Astronomy, Invertebrate Zoology, Numerical Analysis, or Pharmacology, Texas A&M International University's fastest growing college, the College of Science and Technology, has lots to offer.

The College of Science and Technology offers courses in the traditional scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry, environmental science, earth and planetary sciences, and physics as well as in mathematics and nursing.

Composed of two distinct yet complementary administrative departments, the Department of Natural Sciences and the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing, the College offers a number of degrees.

Undergraduate degrees available from the College are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a major in Biology, Mathematics, or Physical Science; Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science; Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN/BSN); and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Also available for students who wish to pursue a career in teaching are the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Biology with secondary certification and the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Mathematics with secondary certification.

Additionally, a graduate cross-college degree, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) is available.

Dr. Juan Homero Hinojosa, dean of the College, noted that additional degrees are in the planning stages.

"We hope to offer in the next several years three new graduate degrees, a Master of Science degree in Biology, a Master of Science degree in Mathematics, and a Master of Science degree in Nursing. Also in the planning is a "2+3" Engineering Program. These new degree programs will afford students greater opportunities for research and career path preparation," Dr. Hinojosa explained.

The College has established partnership programs with The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Those partnerships are designed to enhance the preparation and increase the likelihood of A&M International students gaining admission to medical or dental school.

"One of our primary goals is to ensure that our students gain scientific skills by providing them with opportunities to participate in research at the undergraduate level. Students work closely with faculty advisors on on-going research projects often funded by state and/or federal agencies," he said. "The College of Science and Technology is committed to providing the highest quality education to our students -- an education meant to prepare students to be competitive and ready to face the challenges of a dynamic global environment."

General registration for Fall 2000 will be held Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. in the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building. Fall classes begin Aug. 23.

For additional information College of Science and Technology, please contact Dr. Hinojosa at 326-2440. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu