Message from the Science & Math Chair

The Science and Mathematics department provides the opportunity for Columbia students to learn fundamental scientific and mathematical concepts in an atmosphere that cultivates intellectual curiosity, creative and artistic exploration, independent thinking, and ethical global citizenship.

The department offers a wide array of courses in biology, chemistry, earth sciences, ecology, nutrition and health, interdisciplinary sciences, physics, and mathematics. There is a course for each type of learner. The art oriented student can use his/her artistry by working on art projects where the unique combination of art and science or mathematics is nurtured and appreciated. The more adventurous student can study advanced mathematics, microbiology, or fundamentals of quantum physics to name only a few of our challenging classes. In addition, students benefit from using the state of the art Science and Math Computer Center, which is dedicated to image and sound processing with application to science visualization and mathematical modeling.

The department offers a minor in Environmental Science that gives students a basic understanding of environmental issues from a scientific, legal, social and political context. As ecological consciousness increasingly becomes an issue today, Columbia College Chicago students will be able to capitalize on growing employment opportunities, such as managing environmental organizations, creating advertising campaigns for "green" products, or producing documentaries that explore these issues.

The department maintains a professionally staffed Science and Mathematics Learning Center, that offers free individual tutoring to all Columbia students.  The Learning Center also offers laboratory services in statistical and data analysis to Columbia faculty and students to help their work for scholarly publications, thesis, or college related data.

Our faculty members are active professionals in the fields they are teaching. Many have artistic backgrounds in addition to advanced degrees in science and mathematics. These professors, through insightful teaching and careful guidance, help students develop meaningful and lasting connections with science and mathematics, while providing invaluable skills for living more interesting, productive, and well-rounded lives.

Constantin Rasinariu, Ph.D.
Chairperson