College of Science
Florida Institute of Technology
150 West University Blvd
Melbourne, Florida 32901
Phone: (321) 674-7260
Fax: (321) 674-8864
Email: cosinfo@fit.edu
Overview
The
links directly below in the bulleted list are to sections
on this page containing departmental overviews. Use the
links to the left if you want to go directly to a department. The
College of Science consists of five degree-granting
departments:
Each
department within the college has significant areas
of strength and expertise in both teaching and research.
BIOLOGICAL
SCIENCES The biological
sciences examine every aspect of living organisms,
from the biochemical reactions involved in supporting
cellular processes to the interaction of organisms with
their environment. The Bachelor of Science in Biological
Sciences seeks to educate students in unifying themes
in biology, while encouraging them to expand their knowledge
in more specialized subject areas. The department offers six
undergraduate program options in which a student
may specialize: aquaculture, ecology, general biology,
marine biology, molecular biology, and preprofessional
biology. The curriculum is organized so that in the
first two years students learn concepts fundamental
to all
biological sciences, and in the last two years students
follow their own interests in selecting courses that
are more specialized. In addition, a bachelor's degree
program in biochemistry is cosponsored with the Chemistry
Department.
CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry
Department offers a bachelor of science degree program
in chemistry that is accredited by the American Chemical
Society. This program prepares the graduate for the many
diverse career opportunities available to the chemist
in government, private industry, and academia. There
are four program options: research chemistry,
general chemistry, chemical management, and premedical
chemistry. A dual-degree option is available for
students with interest in both chemistry and chemical
engineering.
In addition, a bachelor's degree program in biochemistry
is cosponsored with the Biological Sciences Department.
DEGREES
GRANTED: Biochemistry: B.S.; Chemical
Management: B.S.; Chemistry, M.S., Ph.D.; General
Chemistry: B.S.;
Premedical Chemistry: B.S.; Research Chemistry:
B.S.
MATHEMATICAL
SCIENCES
The Mathematical
Science Department's curriculum includes courses
with extensive theoretical content as well as applied
courses from related departments. Students can choose
electives that will enable them to apply mathematics
to engineering, the physical sciences, biological sciences,
environmental studies, social studies and business applications.
Mathematics graduates who have successfully completed
the program are prepared to pursue graduate work or take
their place in industry along with engineers and scientists.
PHYSICS
AND SPACE SCIENCES Physics is
the discipline most directly concerned with understand
the physical world on a fundamental level. As such,
it covers
an extremely broad range of subjects and areas of specialization
that seek to unify and understand this diversity in terms
of the smallest possible number of laws and principles.
A physicist therefore must receive a broad, general
training
in science. Mathematics, a primary took, must be developed,
as well as experimental laboratory skills. Most important
is the development of a variety of problem-solving skills
and a critical, incisive approach to physical problems.
The curriculum includes core courses in physics,
mathematics,
and related sciences, plus a liberal mixture of applied
courses from engineering fields and an enriching
selection of humanities
electives. Students considering a career in medicine
or other health sciences should consider the physics
preprofessional
opiton. A degree in physics provides an excellent background
for entering the health sciences. The space
sciences undergraduate program is designed for students
interested in pursuing space-related careers, either upon
graduation or after completing graduate studies in the
Earth, planetary, or space sciences. Emphasis in the curriculum
is on achieving a broad but sound education in the basic
physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences as a foundation
for successful entry into any of the many subfields of
modern space science activity. The astronomy and astrophysics
option is designed to meet the needs of students
intending to pursue graduate education and a career in
the astronomical
sciences. The bachelor's
degree in interdisciplinary science is intended for
students who plan graduate study in professional fields,
those who are interested in a broadly based degree oriented
toward the sciences or engineering, former science and
engineering students who want a degree with wider scope,
and students seeking military careers. The military
science option prepares Florida Tech ROTC cadets to
serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve,
and Army National Guard. Technical, scientific, and military
studies are incorporated into the curriculum with emphasis
on applied leadership and problem-solving skills.
SCIENCE
AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION The Science
and Mathematics Education Department's curriculum
leads to a bachelor of science degree with options
in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and
space
science, mathematics, physics, and middle grades general
science. All applicants must meet the current entrance
requirements for teacher-education programs established
by the Florida Department of Education. A full year
of student teaching during the senior year provides
the
student with many experiences encountered in the teaching
profession. The master's
degree program in environmental education is for
individuals with experience and/or active interest
in formal programs (i.e., schools) and nonformal programs
(e.g., nature/environmental centers, agencies, parks,
gardens, zoos, and museums). The program is designed
to provide graduate education in environmental content,
as well as to expand and improve environmental education
teaching skills. The master's
degree in computer education is designed for all
teachers who want to further their education in the
use of educational technology and microcomputers in
school.
It is appropriate for teachers at any grade level and
for any subject matter area. The curricula are designed
for students with minimal background in computers.
Two degree options are offered. The first is for students
wishing to teach computer science in high school (requires
certification in computer science). The second is Instructional
Technology and is for students interested in teaching
with technology and computers, and teaching computer
applications and computer literacy (does not require
certification in computer science). The Master
of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program is a post-baccalaureate
program for individuals with bachelor's degrees in content
areas, who are either current teachers with 3-year temporary
teaching certificates or are planning to enter the teaching
field. The program is designed to help students earn
an advanced degree while also completing course work
that can lead to Florida teacher certification. The
Professional Certificate is for students seeking
an alternative route to professional certification in
Florida. This certificate program is a subset of the
M.A.T. degree program and is designed expressly for individuals
who hold bachelor's degrees in content areas and are
current teachers with 3-year temporary certificates.
It consists of four graduate-level courses that, when
combined with approved alternative certification inservice
modules, prepares teachers for state certification.
