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COLLEGE OF COMPUTER, MATHEMATICAL, AND NATURAL SCIENCES (CMNS)2300 Symons Hall, 301-405-4906www.cmns.umd.edu Dean: Jayanth R. Banavar Associate Dean(s): Robert Infantino, Paul Smith Assistant Dean(s): Lisa Bradley-Klemko, Joelle Presson Nationally and internationally recognized for our educational programs, research excellence, distinguished faculty and students, the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) is a critical educational and scientific resource benefiting the region and the nation. The College offers every student a high-quality, innovative, and cross-disciplinary educational experience. Strongly committed to making studies in the sciences available to all, the College actively encourages and supports the recruitment and retention of women and minorities underrepresented in our disciplines. Our students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members in state-of-the-art laboratories, both on- and off-campus, on some of the most exciting problems of modern science and mathematics. We have developed courses to reflect the evolving and increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the sciences, mathematics, and advances in information technology. As a new approach to undergraduate education, multiple tracks are offered within majors, including tracks for future teachers, and tracks with an emphasis on computation. Our students participate in the University Honors College , College Park Scholars , the Quest and Hinman CEOs programs, the Corporate Scholars program , departmental honors programs, and many other co-curricular opportunities. Students pursue research projects in faculty laboratories, or in the rich cluster of federal and private research institutions in proximity to our campus; they apply their lab and classroom skills through internships at area companies, non-governmental organizations, and in clinical settings. Excellent advising and career services are in place to guide our students through their academic program, and facilitate transition to graduate programs and professional schools, private-sector employment, and public service careers. Our highly-skilled graduates pursue careers in a great many fields and professions. Admission Requirements Freshmen and transfer students interested in applying for admission should consult with the general university admissions information provided in Chapter 1 of this catalog. Admission to some CMNS majors is limited - please consult the information in Chapter 1 or the following link for information about Limited Enrollment Programs . Freshmen considering a major in a CMNS discipline should pursue a high school program of studies that includes four years of mathematics - preferably including algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus. Students interested in pursuing majors in the life sciences and physical sciences should take two to three courses in the biological and physical sciences with laboratory. Students interested in Computer Science are encouraged to take high school computer science coursework, including AP Computer Science if it is available. Math and science courses work at the honors/AP/IB level is strongly encouraged. For more information about admissions to the College, please contact Ms. Eden M. Garosi, Coordinator of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment; egarosi@umd.edu ; 301-314-8375.Undergraduate Degree Requirements/Degree Options Please see individual department/major entries in Chapter 7 for specific information about specific undergraduate major requirements.Advising Every student in the College is assigned an academic advisor, who may be a faculty member or a professional staff member of the College or academic department. Advisors work with students to develop their programs and to ensure that they are making required progress toward the degree. Educational and career goals, academic progress, and pre-registration course planning are among the topics discussed during advising sessions. Advisors can also help students connect to valuable opportunities and resources on- and off-campus. Advising is mandatory for most CMNS students, and all are encouraged to take advantage of this service. Specific information about advising appears on the college website at www.cmns.umd.edu/undergraduate/index.htm . Students interested in pursuing careers in the health professions can find additional advising support from the Reed-Yorke Health Professions Advising Office , 1210 H.J Patterson Hall, 301-405-7805. Departments and Centers The following academic departments deliver undergraduate courses and degree programs in CMNS: Department of Atmospheric and
Oceanic Science Undergraduates in CMNS also participate in research and co-curricular activities of the research programs, institutes, and centers of the college listed in the Research Units section below. Majors AstronomyBiochemistry Biological Sciences Chemistry Computer Science Environmental Science and Policy - Biodiversity and Conservation Geology Mathematics Physical Sciences Physics Minors
The College offers minors in the following areas: Actuarial Mathematics, Astronomy, Atmospheric Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Computer Science, Earth History, Earth Material Properties, Geophysics, Hydrology, Mathematics, Meteorology, Physics, Planetary Sciences, Statistics, and Surficial Geology. Living-Learning Programs The College sponsors several living learning programs which offer special academic and co-curricular opportunities to participants. The new Integrated Life
Sciences Program (ILS) in the University Honors College was created to
offer students enhanced cross-disciplinary training in the life sciences through
an innovative curriculum and research and internship opportunities. The
ILS program is directed by Dr. Todd Cooke. Director: Dr. Reid Compton Assistant Director: Ms. Becky Zonies Kenemuth CPS -
Science, Discovery & the Universe Specialized Academic Programs An important part of the content of CMNS majors is delivered outside the classroom, with the greatest emphasis being on leveraging our strength: research. Our students experience scientific discovery first hand, as conceptual learning in class is integrated and applied. Each major provides access to a variety of research experiences that will provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students. Our geographic location also offers many unique opportunities for students to gain research and internship experience in federal laboratories and agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations. Employers and graduate schools look for research experience in applicants. Be a part of the science discovery in CMNS, which places the college among the top public and private universities worldwide. More information about research opportunities are provided on the College website , and on departmental webpages. College Honors Program In addition to our living learning programs described above, CMNS departments offer research-intensive departmental honors programs to which students may apply. Based on a student's performance in a multi-semester mentored research project and defense of a written thesis, the department may recommend that candidates receive their bachelor's degree with Departmental Honors or Departmental High Honors. Successful completion of departmental honors is recognized on a student's diploma and transcript. Participation in the University Honors College is not a prerequisite for participation in departmental honors programs. See individual CMNS department websites for more information.
Financial Assistance The College Scholarships page provides a list of scholarships and awards administered at the College level for currently enrolled students and information about the application process. Students complete an electronic application to be considered for all merit and need-based scholarships administered by the College for which they are eligible. The annual application deadline for scholarship applications for returning students is in May.See departmental websites for more information about undergraduate scholarships based in the departments of CMNS. The CMNS Corporate Scholars Program provides qualified students with a summer internship and a $2,000 scholarship in the name of their host company. This program is open to all students who have a major listed in the college, and who are maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Awards See the College website for a complete listing of undergraduate scholarships and awards . Research Units In addition to our academic departments, many undergraduate students pursue mentored research projects in the College's research centers and institutes. Contact information for the centers and institutes are provided below. Information about the scope of research in the unit, as well as affiliated faculty, is provided on the website of each center or institute. Center
for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Earth
System Science Interdisciplinary Center Joint
Quantum Institute Maryland Biophysics Program Student Engagement and Service Units The College provides two service centers that coordinate orientation and advising services, review dean's exceptions to policy requests, and field inquiries about academic regulations, transfer credit review, study abroad, and other undergraduate program matters. Each department is also served by an undergraduate program office which coordinates departmental academic advising AV Williams CMNS Student Services
Office Symons
Hall CMNS Student Services Office |