Transylvania’s liberal arts emphasis blends splendidly with the academic requirements of the fields in this division. The University’s small classes encourage individualized learning at introductory and advanced levels of math and the sciences. Students become well-acquainted with their professors, and expand their knowledge by participating in research projects or internships.
The problem-solving techniques and research skills gained in science and math studies at Transylvania will carry you forward into graduate school or a successful career in your chosen field.
Majors included in this division are biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics.
Biology
The biology program prepares students for traditional fields of study such as medicine as well as emerging fields such as biophysics, bioinformatics, and molecular genetics.
The program requires a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, math, and core biology courses. In core courses, you’ll learn about such areas as cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and evolution. Transy’s unique four-week May term has allowed for field trips to study invertebrates in Florida, tropical ecology in Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Belize, and native plants and animals in the forests of eastern Kentucky.
In our small lab sessions, you will be encouraged to sharpen your investigative skills by undertaking independent research. Animal Physiology, Ecology, and Genetics are among the courses that include research projects.
Faculty Members:
- Sarah Bray; Assistant Professor of Biology; B.A., Coe College; Ph.D., University of Florida
- Kathleen Jagger; Professor of Biology; B.A., DePauw University; Ph.D., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; M.P.H., Harvard School of Public Health.
- Belinda Sly, Assistant Professor of Biology; B.S., Oregon State University, Ph.D., Indiana University.
- James D. Wagner; Professor of Biology; B.S., University of South Florida; M.S., University of Maryland; Ph.D., University of Kentucky.
Chemistry
With Transy’s small chemistry classes and focus on research, you’ll receive personal attention from professors who are committed to helping you advance in your field.
Chemistry students at Transy become skilled at problem solving. They develop a strong foundation in all of the sub-areas of chemistry, providing the preparation needed for master’s and doctoral studies or a career. Students also participate in the American Chemical Society’s student affiliate group and attend national meetings where they report on their research and learn what chemists are working on around the country and the world.
Faculty Members:
- Eva Csuhai; Associate Professor of Chemistry, Moosnick Professor in the Natural Sciences; B.S., Kossuth Lajos University, Hungary; Ph.D., Texas A&M.
- Alan C. Goren; Professor of Chemistry, Moosnick Professor in the Natural Sciences; B.A., University of Massachusetts; Ph.D. University of Delaware.
- George K. Kaufman, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; B.A., B.S., M.S., Brown University; M.A., Ph.D., Harvard University.
- Robert E. Rosenberg; Associate Professor of Chemistry; S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Ph.D., Yale University.
- Gerald Lawrence Seebach; Professor of Chemistry; B.S., South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Ph.D., University of Nebraska.
Computer Science
Transy’s computer science program combines the core knowledge and skills needed in the field while providing you with numerous opportunities to take courses in diverse areas such as robotics, cryptology, and networking.
The core curriculum of eight courses introduces students to the field and goes in-depth into subjects such as compiler design and computer organization. Students also have the option of delving more deeply into topics such as computer graphics or artificial intelligence.
Faculty Members:
- Robert E. England; Associate Professor of Computer Science; B.A., Rhodes College; M.S., Ph.D., The University of Tennessee
- Tylene S. Garrett; Professor of Computer Science; B.S., M.A., M.S., Ph.D., University of Kentucky.
- Kenny Moorman; Associate Professor of Computer Science; B.A., Transylvania University; M.S., Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology.
Mathematics
At Transylvania, you will get a firm grounding in the classical topics of mathematics, while also taking courses that let you see math used in various application areas.
Transy’s math program offers strong preparation for graduate study or careers in math by helping students become well-grounded in computing, math reasoning, and proofs. Our professors also encourage students to connect with other disciplines. Most of our recent graduates have had double majors, combining math studies with subject areas such as economics, computer science, or physics.
A variety of out-of-class opportunities expand students’ knowledge of the field. Math majors have opportunities to do research on and off campus, and to test themselves in national competitions. One student completed an internship with an actuarial firm, and others have studied math abroad.
Faculty Members:
- Kimberly S. Jenkins; Associate Professor of Mathematics; B.S., M.A.M., Ph.D., Auburn University.
- Jerome Michael LeVan; Associate Professor of Mathematics; B.A., Eastern Kentucky University; M.A.M., Ph.D., Auburn University.
- David L. Shannon; Professor of Mathematics; B.S., University of New Mexico; Ph.D., Purdue University.
- Ryan Stuffelbeam, Assistant Professor of Mathematics; B.A., Knox College, Ph.D., The University of Iowa
Physics
Transy’s physics program teaches students to describe nature mathematically by solving problems related to the physical world.
Studying physics at Transy offers decided advantages. Our students get one-on-one attention from professors, who set up and teach the student labs. The program also offers on-site research opportunities for all of our majors.
As a physics major, you will be required to conduct a research project as part of a senior capstone experience. Preparation for this begins in your sophomore or junior year, when you will be paired with a senior in one of our labs. You will also be encouraged to participate in a summer research project at an outside lab.
Students may take advantage of a 3-2 engineering program that is offered in cooperation with the University of Kentucky, Vanderbilt University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Students attend Transylvania for three years and one of the cooperating universities for two years, receiving a bachelor of arts degree from Transy and a bachelor of science in engineering from the other school.
Faculty Members:
- James C. Day, Curator of Moosnick Medical and Science Museum; Professor of Physics; B.A., Carson-Newman College; Ph.D., University of Kentucky.
- Richard G. Rolfes; Professor of Physics; A.B., Thomas Moore College; M.S., Vanderbilt University; Ph.D., University of Cincinnati.
