Welcome to the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. DNAS includes biologists, chemists, a geologist, a physicist, and mathematicians. We offer two degree programs:

• Biology, with tracks that focus on 1) health professions, molecular biology, and cell biology, and 2) ecology and organismal biology.
• Environmental Science, with an interdisciplinary three
  pronged approach (biology, geology, and environmental chemistry) that includes significant field work.

We also teach courses that are required as part of every student's core curriculum and work with other departments, such as education, to provide training necessary for their degree programs. Please explore our degree programs and course listings, and feel free to email Dale Easley, the Department Head at deasley@dbq.edu with any questions or suggestions.

Finally, a question any prospective student (or parent) should ask is, "Why should I pay the extra cost to attend a small college instead of a cheaper big state university?" Here are a few thoughts in answer:

• You become part of a community. We go on field trips together, go out to eat, have departmental parties, and get to know you well. Our departmental student organization, Web of Life, plans activities, works on the campus recycling program, goes on camping and boating trips, and provides a forum for discussing issues.
• We take advising seriously. We help you plan your course schedules, arrange internships, and decide on your goals.
• We teach our own labs. The person you see in lab is the same as you see in lecture, not a graduate student.
• We provide support. On campus is the Academic Success Center, but we also have tutoring space in our building, easy availability of faculty, and staff who care.
• We have a strong undergraduate research program. Students learn science by doing science.
• We have good facilities. We moved into our new building in January, 2007. We have most of the equipment you'll need, including lab equipment, boats, and field equipment. We're committed to helping students obtain what they need for undergraduate research.

Perhaps the best way to judge if UD is the right place for you is to come visit us. The Admissions Department will be glad to work with you to arrange a campus visit. Or call the campus switchboard, 563.589.3000, and ask to speak to Dale Easley or any of the faculty.