Welcome to the Department of Natural Sciences

We are a vibrant community of scholars creating impact through meaningful research and collaboration.

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An inclusive, supportive community

Inspired by the shared values of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, our science community asks big questions at the intersections of science disciplines to inspire learning and inquiry within a supportive environment.

Explore our award-winning faculty

We bring excellence in teaching and research together to inspire and empower our diverse community of students.

Shaping the future of science

Our Leadership

“We train students to be interdisciplinary problem-solvers and to do things that benefit mankind. Science for the good of the world.”

Ulysses J. Sofia
Dean of the Department of Natural Sciences

Our Seven Academic Science Disciplines

DISCOVER

We offer a wide range of disciplines that will ignite your curiosity and empower you to make a greater impact. From Biology to Neuroscience, each field stands out for its unique contributions to the world of science.

Biology

Biology at the Department of Natural Sciences

Our Biology degrees offer a kaleidoscope of opportunities to explore the living world. Choose from one of seven concentrations, ranging from Molecular Biology to Pre-health.

 

Chemistry

Chemistry at the Department of Natural Sciences

Explore the fundamental building blocks of matter and unravel the chemical secrets of life itself through our Chemistry and Biochemistry programs. You’ll receive the tools, mentorship, and collaborative spirit to transform your curiosity into groundbreaking discoveries.

Engineering

Engineering at the Department of Natural Sciences

Our innovative 3-2 engineering programs bridge the humanities and cutting-edge technology. Spend three years building a robust foundation in the sciences and liberal arts, then transfer to a top engineering school for two years of specialized study. Emerge with a BA and Masters after five years.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science at the Department of Natural Sciences

Our Environmental Science major prepares you for a diverse array of environmental problem-solving careers, from shaping policy and practicing environmental law to pioneering sustainable urban planning and spearheading global climate change initiatives.

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary Degrees at the Department of Natural Sciences

Our interdisciplinary majors focus on the intersection of science and the humanities. From exploring the relationship between economics and environmental policy to delving into the complexities of human biology, these innovative programs examine the multifaceted nature of these subjects.

Areas of study: 

  • Environment, Economics, and Politics
  • Human Biology
  • Pre-Health
  • Science Management

Physics

Physics at the Department of Natural Sciences

Our Physics programs combine traditional core concepts with innovative computational techniques to help you explore the secrets of the universe. You’ll learn and leverage powerful tools like numerical integration and computer modeling to tackle scientific problems in the classroom and laboratory.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience at the Department of Natural Sciences

Our interdisciplinary Neuroscience program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of nervous system function across diverse perspectives. The curriculum combines a common core program with a personalized sequence of electives, allowing you to delve deep into your area of interest.

Our Research

Creating Knowledge

Discover a world of research possibilities, where you’ll have the unique chance to engage in groundbreaking scientific studies. We offer our students an array of mentored research opportunities, working side by side with our award-winning faculty.

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As we break new ground in scientific knowledge, we also prepare our undergraduates to think critically and approach new and pressing problems.

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The power of an interdisciplinary STEM education

Diversity in Learning

“My coursework exposed me to different aspects of biology and animal science that I still use every day in my career.”

Jana Biedenweg PZ ’20
Organismal Biology major

Faculty and Staff

Meet Our Faculty

Get to know the faculty members, guest lecturers, and student leaders of our science community.

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Gautam Agarwal

Assistant Professor of Neuroscience

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Jennifer Armstrong

Professor of Biology

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Amy Babbes

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Thomas Borowski

Assistant Professor of Neuroscience

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Robert Brodman

Visiting Professor of Biology

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Sarah Budischak

Assistant Professor of Biology

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Bethany Caulkins

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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Melissa Coleman

Professor of Neuroscience

There’s more of us!

Meet our whole team and the work they’re doing to shape the science community.

Student motivation meets scientific excellence

An Innovation Incubator

“The students here have a lot of zeal and motivation to accomplish high-caliber work. They bring fresh ideas to the table.”

Patrick Ferree
Associate Professor of Biology

Stay Updated with NatSci News

NEWS

Discover the latest news and updates from our science community.

Professor Tessa Solomon-Lane Awarded CAREER Grant by National Science Foundation

Neuroscience

1 minute read

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Professor Tessa Soloman-Lane wears a blue lab coat while sitting a microscope

After Two NSF Fellowships, Teo Cooper ’24 Seeks to Balance People and Nature

Biology

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Teo Cooper poses in front of their poster presentation

Preethi Rao ’24 Uses We Act Grant to Develop Public Health Podcast

Biology, Pre-Health

1 minute read

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portrait of Preethi Rao

Admission Information

The Department of Natural Sciences is a partnership between Pitzer and Scripps Colleges. Contact each institution for admission information.