Catalog 2024–2025

Natural Science

Department Chair: Steven “Steve” Lundblad, Ph.D.
Email: slundbla@hawaii.edu

Website: hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/natural-science/

Area Advisors:

The interdisciplinary Natural Science program prepares students for careers that require a broad background in science fundamentals. The degree was designed for students that wish to teach science at the intermediate level or in rural high schools. The program also provides training for students with broad interests who intend to pursue non-teaching careers in interdisciplinary arenas.

Students in the Natural Science program take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. They then take additional advanced courses in one of these disciplines. This gives students an area of specialization. The curriculum is aligned with the competency requirements of the National Science Teachers Association. Graduates of the Natural Science program meet the subject matter entrance requirements of the UH Hilo Master of Arts in Teaching program, which leads to licensure as a secondary science teacher. It is also possible to earn a Subject Certificate in Educational Studies while pursing a bachelors degree in Natural Science.

Goals for Student Learning in the Major

Upon exit from UH Hilo, a graduate with a B.A. in Natural Science will be able to:

  • Articulate basic concepts, methods, and theories of the natural sciences
  • Articulate a detailed understanding of scientific concepts and methods in either biology, chemistry, physics, or earth/space science.
  • Apply scientific concepts, methods, and theories to problems of societal relevance.
  • Independently undertake laboratory investigations; articulate and follow safety protocols appropriate to teaching laboratories
  • Demonstrate observational and experimental skills.
  • Communicate their knowledge, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.

Special Aspects of the Program

UH Hilo is surrounded by tropical ecosystems, world-class astronomy observatories, active volcanoes, and tropical coral reefs. Some courses in the Natural Science program emphasize field trips that use Hilo’s extraordinary location as a “living laboratory.” The plants, animals, volcanoes, ocean, and observatories of the Big Island are unique and bring to life the study of biology, geology, oceanography, and astronomy.

Curriculum