Welcome to the College of Science and Mathematics at James Madison University, a very special student-oriented teaching and learning environment, dedicated to excellence in undergraduate education. We believe we offer the best undergraduate science and mathematics programs in Virginia and are national leaders in science and mathematics education. One measure is the number of students we recruit regionally and nationally and another is from external reviews of our programs and comments from professional organizations and funding agencies. Our outstanding undergraduate programs include Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Environmental Science, Materials Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Secondary education programs are offered in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics and we offer pre-professional programs with outstanding records of student placement. Additional innovative programs, especially in applied and interdisciplinary areas, such as biotechnology, are being developed, with outstanding research experiences already available in biochemistry, molecular biology and environmental microbiology. Many of these programs are collaborative with other colleges at James Madison University, drawing on a wide range of faculty expertise.

Our programs in undergraduate research widely recognized and are expanding rapidly with support from the National Science Foundation, and other agencies. Faculty members work with smaller groups of students in research programs throughout the year on a wide range of topics. These programs are receiving substantial recognition for their organization and students' accomplishments.

Students work very closely with an outstanding faculty. The climate is especially friendly to women in the sciences and mathematics. If you don't want to be a number, consider James Madison University. We deliver quality instruction in small class sizes, where faculty are committed to excellence in undergraduate education. We provide an environment for one-on-one interaction between students and faculty in both classrooms and laboratories. Introductory laboratories typically are limited to 20 or 24 students; advanced courses and laboratories may be limited to 16 or fewer students to create the best possible learning environment. Experienced faculty teach virtually all of our laboratory courses, as opposed to the situation at most large universities, where teaching assistants and large class sizes are characteristic for first- and second-year students. We stress learning science by doing science, and assessing outcomes of students in general education and in the major. Available to all our students are excellent advising programs for departmental and pre-professional programs. Several achievement-based scholarships are available from the University, the College, and from individual departments.

James Madison University provides a challenging and yet supportive environment for its students. It is a selective institution because of the reputation of its programs and the successes of its graduates. In addition, James Madison is a most attractive, safe and friendly campus.

We can summarize our work with undergraduates in the College of Science and Mathematics at James Madison University in four main areas:

• 1. General education of students at James Madison designed to increase science and mathematical literacy, including consideration of ethical issues in science and technology;
• 2. Pre-professional training in the biomedical and health sciences, preparation of students for graduate programs and employment in a range of fields through classroom and laboratory work and research experiences;
• 3. Advanced technology training in computational science, biotechnology; materials science and core disciplines, along with a fusion of information technology in the basic sciences (biology, chemistry, geology and physics) and mathematics; and
• 4. Jointly with the College of Psychology and Education, the very best undergraduate science and mathematics education programs in Virginia.

We have a major impact on the economic well-being of Virginia and surrounding states by preparing students for entry into the technology workforce, by training teachers to support the State's educational system and by providing solid preparation for advanced training and degrees in mathematics, the sciences and biomedical fields.

Come and join us in what we have designed to be a peerless learning environment in a modern, student-centered university! Meet other students and the faculty to hear more about the carefully designed, high quality academic programs we offer and to see the attractive and welcoming campus environment. James Madison University is truly a national model for excellence in undergraduate education and innovation.