Hampshire College

The School of Natural Science

Science at Hampshire

The natural sciences form a set of theories, methods, and data for understanding the world in which we live. Science is not just information to learn; it is a process and way of thinking.

Events today challenge scientists to address many interesting questions about climate change, vanishing species, dwindling water supplies, malnutrition, and technology. These demand new approaches at the interfaces of the sciences: for instance, between physics and biology or human health and the environment. From the first semester, students working in Hampshire’s School of Natural Science engage in scientific and interdisciplinary problem solving.

Division I

We design our first year courses to prepare students to be responsible citizens who make informed decisions as well as to prepare them for advanced scientific and graduate programs. All of our 100-level courses focus both on scientific content and help students build the skills to achieve a high level of scientific literacy. Most of these courses focus on a research topic of particular interest to the professor. In these classes students are expected to,

• Engage in scientific inquiry and own their questions
• Gain a clear sense of the scientific process
• See investigations in broader contexts
• Develop abilities to use quantitative information
• Develop oral and written communication skills

Division II

Students spend the second and third years in Division II which is like a “major”. Based on virtually any scientific interest, students choose two faculty members who help them shape and expand what their course of study will be. Many students include internships, studies abroad, research, and other independent work. Thus, students set goals in Division II, but faculty set standards and provide advice and guidance. To see science faculty interest areas go to the NS Faculty Bios page and the Faculty Research page

Beyond the foundational skills and core studies on which all scientific work is based, the School of Natural Science provides depth, focus, and unusually rich learning and research opportunities for interdisciplinary study in two topical areas: environmental sciences/agriculture studies and health sciences. Students can, however, major in almost any branch of science (astronomy, bioengineering, etc.).

Division III

In the fourth year students complete a Division III thesis and take relevant courses. Division III students do research with NS faculty and with scientists nationally and internationally. Division III projects are substantial investigations that often result in publications or presentations at scientific meetings. (Look in the “Grant Activity” section here for examples.) Most Natural Science students go to graduate school, medical school, or other advanced programs, and the diverse and rich Division III experience is excellent preparation for these advanced studies.

Cole Science Center x5757
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.