Department of Natural Sciences
SLU-Madrid's Department of Natural Sciences is committed to fostering scientific literacy and training students in the scientific method of learning and research.
The department offers degree programs in biology, chemistry and environmental sciences that students begin in Madrid and complete at Saint Louis University's campus in St. Louis.
The department also organizes scientific activities, such as the National Science Award and Semana de la Ciencia to promote science among Spanish high school students.
Graduates leave with a strong natural science background, mathematical skills, ability to work independently, excellent oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Degree Program
Programs
2 years in Madrid + 2 years in St. Louis
SLU-Madrid and the Department of Biology at SLU in St. Louis offer a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Science and five specialized B.S. degree program concentrations that allow biology majors to focus their degree programs on specific areas of study.
The SLU-Madrid biology academic curriculum is completely integrated with that of the College of Arts and Sciences on the St. Louis campus. You can transfer between the campuses during your undergraduate degree program. If you begin the biology program in Madrid, you must transfer to St. Louis to complete your degree.
Upon transfer to the St. Louis campus, you'll have the opportunity to work with the Missouri Botanical Garden, the St. Louis Zoo, the SLU School of Medicine, the Pediatric Research Institute and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the Assessment of Student Learning.
Learn More About SLU's Biology B.A. Program
1.5 years in Madrid + 2.5 years in St. Louis
SLU-Madrid and the Department of Chemistry at SLU in St. Louis offer B.A. and B.S. degree programs. The B.A. program is ideal for students in pre-professional health programs or those interested in pursuing a double major. The B.S. program is accredited by the American Chemical Society and heavily emphasizes coursework, lab work and research. SLU also offers programs in biochemistry.
SLU-Madrid chemistry academic curricula are completely integrated with those of the College of Arts and Sciences of the St. Louis campus. You can transfer between the campuses during your undergraduate degree program. If you begin the chemistry program in Madrid, you must transfer to St. Louis to complete your degree.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the Assessment of Student Learning.
2 years in Madrid + 2 years in St. Louis
SLU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.
Students interested in pursuing graduate school in environmental science or working as environmental scientists are encouraged to pursue the B.S. degree, which requires an additional 14 credits of math and science coursework than the B.A. The B.A. degree is potentially more appropriate for students interested in pursuing a professional degree such as a J.D. or MBA, or for students who are more interested in the public policy associated with environmental science.
SLU-Madrid environmental science academic curricula are completely integrated with those of the College of Arts and Sciences of the St. Louis campus. You can transfer between the campuses during your undergraduate degree program. If you begin the environmental science programs in Madrid, you must transfer to St. Louis to complete your degree.
Lifelong success in industry or graduate school requires more than a firm understanding of environmental science concepts and skills. Our graduates succeed because the environmental science curriculum provides experiences for them to develop strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish, well-balanced interpersonal skills suitable for working constructively within a team and practical laboratory skills.
SLU's program offers students unique opportunities including:
- Career mentoring to provide direction to students on suitable career paths.
- State-of-the-art facilities, including computer classrooms and laboratories.
- Field trips such as the yearly oceanography expedition to the Mediterranean and a unique Latin American environmental science course.
- Faculty who combine academic knowledge and practical experience in Latin America and Africa, connecting environmental theory to global realities.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the Assessment of Student Learning.
1.5 years in Madrid + 2.5 years in St. Louis
SLU-Madrid and the Department of Physics at SLU in St. Louis offer a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
The SLU-Madrid physics academic curriculum is completely integrated with that of the School of Science and Engineering on the St. Louis campus. Students of the physics program gain a solid foundation in analytical, computational, and laboratory skills through mathematics, computer science, and physics coursework. The physics curriculum includes courses in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, optics, electronics and modern physics.
You can transfer between the campuses during your undergraduate degree program. If you begin the physics program in Madrid, you must transfer to St. Louis to complete your degree.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the Assessment of Student Learning.
Faculty
- Francisco Prieto Espuñes, Ph.D., program director
- Julia Alfonso, Ph.D.
- Armando Azua-Bustos, Ph.D.
- Matthew D. Eaton, Ph.D.
- Tania de la Fuente, Ph.D.
- Carl Gustaf Saluste, Ph.D.
- Anya Hillery, Ph.D.
- Alejandro López Moreno, Ph.D.
- Silvia Medina, Ph.D.
- María José Morell Zandalinas
- Emilio Pérez Álvarez, Ph.D.
- Mónica Pérez-Bedmar
- Ana Pizarro, Ph.D.
- Marina Rodríguez del Valle, Ph.D.
- Javier Sánchez-España, Ph.D.
- Iván Sánchez Sánchez, Ph.D.
- Gloria Tobajas, Ph.D.