College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

About the College

Dean:

Gregory Dudley, Ph.D, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Associate Deans:

Scott R. Gilbertson, Ph.D., University of Chicago; Jeremy May, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology; Donna Pattison, Ph.D., Rice University; Donna Stokes, Ph.D., University of Houston

Mission Statement

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is committed to the success of our students, the pursuit of knowledge through fundamental and applied research, and continued engagement in community and professional service. The College is dedicated to cultivating an environment of intellectual growth and to serve as a leader in innovative research.

Core Values

• Dedication to student success through academic excellence
• Outstanding teaching informed by research
• Innovative science and education with global impact
• Dynamic environment that fosters academic freedom and growth
• Collaborative and diverse community of faculty, staff, and students

Vision

By striving for excellence in science and education, building world-class research programs, and fostering a culture of collaboration, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will become a premier destination for students and faculty seeking to develop new knowledge as well as practical solutions to global challenges.

Academic departments within the college are: Biology and Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics.

The college sponsors several academic support programs.

The Scholar Enrichment Program http://www.uh.edu/nsm/scholar-enrichment/

The Louis Stokes STEM Pathways & Research Alliance-Houston https://uh.edu/nsm/scholar-enrichment/louis-stokes-alliance/

These programs offer excellence workshops associated with certain core courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Participation in these programs hones problem-solving skills for success in more advanced coursework and facilitates mentoring relationships.

The Center for Academic Support and Assessment (CASA) provides tutorial services for students in mathematics courses.

Student Organizations

Student groups offer opportunities for students with common goals to develop leadership skills, network, and serve the university community. Membership in an organization is encouraged for students in good standing who meet eligibility requirements. An extensive list of organizations can be found at https://uh.edu/nsm/students/student-organizations/

Academic Information

Advanced Placement

Natural Sciences and Mathematics majors are strongly encouraged to take advanced placement and/or achievement tests. College level course work in several areas will be waived upon presentation of suitable scores. For further information, consult the department chair and refer to the Office of Admissions website.

Declaration of Major

Many entering students have a well-defined career objective and major course of study. These students are advised to declare their major upon entering the college and to seek academic advisement from their major department. Prior to enrollment in the college with sophomore standing, students must petition for a change of major to one of the university degree programs.

Expected Background of Entering Freshmen

It is expected that, in addition to the minimum requirements for admission to the university’s undergraduate programs, each freshman entering the college will have completed in high school the following courses of study:

Adequate Progress

In order to ensure progress toward a degree, entering FTIC (First Time in College) NSM majors who do not have credit for college-level Calculus I are expected to successfully complete MATH 2413 (Calculus I) by the end of their first two terms at UH (30 credit hours). Students who fail to meet this requirement cannot continue as NSM majors. Exceptions to this rule may be considered following appropriate academic counseling and approval of the Dean (or Dean’s designee).

Change of Major Requirements

Students currently enrolled at UH and seeking a change of major into or within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics must have:

1. Established a minimum cumulative UH grade point average of at least 2.50.
2. A mathematics and science GPA of at least 2.50 based on all math and science courses taken at UH that are applicable to NSM degrees.
3. Students seeking majors in the departments of Biology & Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematical Biology, and Physics must have completed a minimum of 3 credit hours of mathematics (MATH 2413 or equivalent or higher) and 3 credit hours of science.
4. Students seeking majors in the departments of Computer Science and Mathematics must have completed a minimum of six credit hours in mathematics (MATH 2413 or equivalent or higher). 

NSM Policies and Procedures

Technology Requirements; Dean’s List; Readmission from Academic Suspension; Grievance Procedures; Grade Changes; Transfer Credit; Petitions; Senior Thesis - Senior Research Project; Degree Plans; Filing to Graduate; Deadlines

Minimum Technology Requirements

In order to effectively participate in online components of NSM courses, all students in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics must have a computer that meets the minimum technology requirements which are listed at the following website: https://uh.edu/nsm/students/undergraduate/tech-req/​

Additionally, students must have

• Internet connection (speeds ≥24 Mbps upload/download strongly recommended)
• Integrated or external webcam with microphone
• Ability to send scans of paper documents (i.e. using a smartphone with camera or scanner)

Dean’s List

To qualify for this recognition, undergraduate students must earn a 3.50 minimum grade point average (the grade of S is not counted) on 12 or more credit hours completed during the term. Students who earn a grade of I (incomplete), D, F, or U, during the term are excluded from consideration for the Dean’s List.

Readmission From Academic Suspension

All students returning from academic suspension, regardless of the amount of time since their last UH enrollment, must apply for readmission. For readmission to the University of Houston, also review the policy on Readmission for Former UH Students.

Any student suspended from the college for academic or disciplinary reasons is ineligible to return during the designated period of suspension. Readmission from Academic Suspension is neither automatic nor guaranteed. NSM majors on academic suspension must be readmitted to UH and through the NSM Office of the Dean prior to enrolling in classes. While on suspension at UH, an NSM student may not enroll in classes as follows:

• First suspension: student must sit out the next long term, either the fall or the spring. (Summer is not considered a “long” term.)
  NSM students who have been placed on their first academic suspension are required to sit out for one long term (fall or spring) and have to reapply for admission to UH after completing their sit out term.
• Second suspension: student must sit out 1 calendar year (12 months). NSM majors receiving a second suspension should not expect to be readmitted through NSM.
• Third suspension: student will not be readmitted to UH.

NSM does not grant readmission during summer terms.

The readmission from suspension policy and associated application forms are available in the NSM Office of the Dean and the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center. Readmission dates are set and posted for each term. Please contact the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center for specific dates and times.

• Students classified as Natural Sciences and Mathematics-Unspecified should not expect to be readmitted from academic suspension through NSM.
• No student with a major outside of NSM will be readmitted from academic suspension through NSM.
• Students subject to suspension based upon course work 10 or more years old should consider the Academic Fresh Start Program.

A student readmitted from academic suspension enters the term on probation and must fulfill the following requirements to avoid further academic action.

1. Enroll in no more than 13 credit hours of approved courses during the term of re-entry.
2. Earn a minimum 2.50 grade point average during the term of re-entry.
3. Cannot earn a grade of “F”, “W”, “U”, or “I” during the term of re-entry.
4. Additional requirements may apply.

Failure to attend the university during the term of readmission cancels the readmission approval. Students may reapply in any subsequent term.

Grievance Procedures

A student with a justifiable grievance that can be substantiated should initiate academic grievance proceedings within 90 calendar days of the action in dispute. These proceedings begin when the student contacts the professor with an appropriate concern about the grade or evaluation. Because assigning a grade for evaluating a student’s work performance involves the faculty’s professional judgment and is an integral part of the faculty’s teaching responsibilities, disagreement with an instructor concerning a grade or evaluation is not a justifiable grievance to be considered under this policy unless a violation of university, college, or department academic policies or procedures can be shown to have affected that grade or evaluation.

A multilevel procedure of redress of grievance concerning academic matters is available to undergraduate students of the College.

1. Every effort shall be made by the student, faculty, and department chair (or designee) to resolve the grievance within the department structure. If an informal resolution is not possible, the student may submit a formal written grievance to the department chair (or designee) with the completion of the Department Academic Grievance/Grade Appeal form. 
2. The department chair (or designee) may convene a small committee to review and advise on the grievance. If the grievance is not resolved at the department level the student may, within fifteen calendar days of the receipt of the departmental decision regarding the grievance, submit an appeal to the NSM Dean’s Office for a college review. 
3. The request for a college review begins with the completion of the NSM Academic Grievance/Grade Appeal Form. If, after review of the NSM Academic Grievance/Grade Appeal form, the Dean (or designee) decides that the grievance, as submitted, does not contain relevant, detailed specifics with associated supporting evidence or does not contain information or arguments not already fully addressed at the department level, the Dean (or designee) can reject the request for an appeal. 
4. If, in the judgment of the Dean (or designee), the grievance as submitted warrants further review, the Dean (or designee) will appoint an Academic Grievance Panel comprised of three faculty members and two NSM students. This panel will decide to hold a hearing or to hold a panel review. None of the panel members shall be from the home department of the instructor or the student.
5. If the panel chooses to hold a hearing, the Dean (or designee) will notify all parties of the hearing time, date and place. Three (3) business days prior to the hearing, all parties shall notify in writing the names of their witnesses. If either party intends to have legal counsel, the college must be notified in writing at least three (3) business days before the hearing. The hearing cannot be held with such counsel in attendance unless a representative from University of Houston legal counsel is also present. Witnesses would not attend the full hearing, but would enter when called upon. The hearing shall have an audio recording.
6. If the panel chooses to hold a panel review, the members of the panel will convene to review all information provided by the grievant and make a final decision. 
7. The panel shall complete its work, either by hearing or by panel review, within thirty (30) calendar days of the request, unless extenuating circumstances make this deadline impossible to meet. The decision of the Academic Grievance Panel shall be forwarded to the Dean (or designee) for review and a final decision to be determined. This decision will be communicated to the grievant within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the panel’s report. The decision of the Dean (or designee) shall be binding on both the department and the student.
8. If the student does not find the college’s decision acceptable, the student may, within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the college decision, appeal their case to the senior vice president for academic affairs.

Grade Changes

Questions regarding grades in NSM courses must be resolved within 90 days following the posting of the grade. Grade changes are approved only for correction of errors in computing the grade.

Grades of I (Incomplete) must be resolved within one year of the posting of the grade or will be changed automatically to F. Incomplete grades must be resolved with the instructor awarding the grade. Incomplete grades cannot be resolved by re enrolling (re-registering) for the course in question.

Transfer Credit

Questions concerning transfer credit are resolved by the petition process. This process originates in the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center, and the petitions are routed to the relevant department and dean’s offices.

Independent Study

Students wishing to enroll in Independent Study courses (xx98) must seek approval in advance by the petition process. Credit for Independent Study courses is contingent upon approval of a general petition detailing the project and method of evaluation. Generally, Independent Study courses are limited to S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) grading.

Senior Honors Thesis; Senior Research Project

Students wishing to complete either the Senior Honors Thesis (3399-4399) or Senior Research Project (3396-4396) must seek approval in advance by the petition process. Credit for these courses is contingent upon approval of a petition detailing the project and method of evaluation. Both courses must be completed to apply to a degree.

Degree Plans

A degree plan is a statement of the course of study requirements that a student must complete in order to be awarded a degree from the institution. The UH Degree Progress Report serves as the student’s degree plan and identifies the courses needed to earn a degree. The report is available within a student’s myUH account. Any discrepancies with the degree plan should be addressed to the NSM Undergraduate Advising Center. Students are responsible for all requirements of the catalog under which they are graduating.  

Filing To Graduate

To be a degree candidate, students must submit an application for graduation by the stated deadline in the class listings. Candidates for graduation, previously disapproved, must reapply.

Degrees are not awarded automatically upon completion of the scholastic requirements. Successful graduation candidates can anticipate the posting of the degree approximately six weeks after the closing date of the term allowing for final audit procedures.

Deadlines

NSM strictly adheres to the University Calendar, e.g. admission and enrollment (registration) deadlines, drop dates, application for graduation, etc. Exceptions are considered only for documented, extenuating, nonacademic circumstances.

Special Programs

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics recognizes the value of developing students’ professional development as an integral part of their academic career. Students who select the Experience Track in their degree program and satisfy its requirements will receive recognition for internship/Curricular Practical Training (CPT) experience by a transcript notation. For more information, please refer to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics - Experience Track section of this catalog.

General NSM Degree Information

Baccalaureate Degrees

The college offers the Bachelor of Science degree in all departments and the Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemical and biophysical sciences, biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, and physics. Students interested in teaching biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, or physics at the secondary level should contact the Office of the Dean for advisement.

Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree

The following requirements must be met by students who expect to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Students will also be required to meet special requirements listed in the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog

1. Completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours. At least 36 of the 120 credit hours are to be advanced according to the respective degree plans. Any change or substitution must have the College Dean’s written approval. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in all courses attempted at the university.
2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements.

   Core Curriculum Requirements

   Courses	Hours
   ENGL 1301 - First Year Writing I, ENGL 1302 - First Year Writing II	6
   MATH 1314 - College Algebra	3
   Three hours in approved math, logic, statistics, computer science, or music theory courses	3
   Life and Physical Sciences: Approved Core Courses	6
   Social and Behavioral Sciences: Approved Core Courses	3
   Writing in the Disciplines: Approved Core Courses	3
   Language, Philosophy & Culture: Approved Core Courses	3
   Creative Arts: Approved Core Courses	3
   American History: HIST 1301 and HIST 1302 or equivalent	6
   Government/Political Science: GOVT 2306 and GOVT 2305 or equivalent	6

3. Completion of college degree requirements (B.A. or B.S.) to include a major (29 to 50 credit hours of which at least 18 must be advanced) and NSM Capstone course work (at least 6 advanced hours)
   • Of all courses attempted in the major and applicable to the major (including both required and “elective” courses in the major), no more than six credit hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the six credit hour limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean’s Office.

The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in NSM, require that:

• No course in the major with a grade below C- be used as a prerequisite for any required or elective major course;
• Students with more than six hours below C- in their major courses not be allowed to enroll in subsequent major courses without written permission from the undergraduate advisor.
• Students who have successfully completed any NSM course with a grade of B- or better may not re-enroll in that class without the express written permission of the NSM Dean. This policy does not apply to courses referred to as repeatable, such as Independent Study or Selected Topics courses, that are often designed to be taken more than once for additional credits each time.

All NSM majors are encouraged to meet with the undergraduate advisor prior to enrollment (registration) each term.

Prerequisites for all major courses are strictly enforced.

• Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses in the major (both required and elective) attempted at the university.

Special Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree

In addition to meeting the core curriculum requirements, students must complete the following (see major department for specific course work which may be required):

1. Major department courses: 29-50 hours
   Of all courses attempted and applicable to the major (including both required and “elective” courses in the major), no more than six credit hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the six credit hour limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean’s Office. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the university.
2. Foreign Language: 6 hours
   Courses at the 2000-level or above in the same language are required (more information is available in the Regulations and Requirements section of this catalog).
3. Mathematics: 6 hours
   These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.
4. Life & Physical Sciences: 7 hours
   Approved courses, including one laboratory, chosen from biochemical and biophysical science, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics. These courses must be from outside the student’s major, and only include those courses approved for NSM majors.
5. NSM Capstone: 6-21 hours
   The NSM Capstone requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the following options:
   • A double major.
   • A dual degree or previously completed four-year degree.
   • A six-hour senior research project.
   • A six-hour senior honors thesis.
   • Six (6) hours of NSM-designated paired capstone courses:
     • ​GEOL 3355, GEOL 3360 
     • GEOL 4355, GEOL 4381 
     • COSC 3337, COSC 4337 
     • COSC 3371, COSC 4371 
     • COSC 4353, COSC 4354 
     • COSC 4353, COSC 4355 
     • COSC 4358, COSC 4359 
   • An approved minor.
   • Completion of TeachHouston requirements

Students should consult the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog for general information on the requirements for minors. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on all courses attempted in the minor discipline at the University of Houston. Courses which by catalog statement cannot be applied toward a degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or which have other relevant catalog restrictions will not be included in the minor grade point average.

Special Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree

In addition to meeting the general requirements, students must complete the following (see major department for specific course work which may be required):

1. Major department courses: 29-50 hours
   Of all courses attempted and applicable to the major (including both required and “elective” courses in the major), no more than six credit hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the six-credit hour limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean’s Office. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the university.
2. Life & Physical Sciences: 14 hours
   Approved courses, including two laboratories, chosen from biochemical and biophysical science, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics. These courses must be from outside the student’s major, and only include those courses approved for NSM majors.
3. Mathematics: 12 hours
   These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.
4. NSM Capstone: 6-21 hours
   The NSM Capstone requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the following options:
   • A double major.
   • A dual degree or previously completed four-degree degree.
   • A six-hour senior research project.
   • A six-hour senior honors thesis.
   • Six (6) hours of NSM-designated paired capstone courses:
     • ​GEOL 3355, GEOL 3360 
     • GEOL 4355, GEOL 4381 
     • COSC 3337, COSC 4337 
     • COSC 3371, COSC 4371 
     • COSC 4353, COSC 4354 
     • COSC 4353, COSC 4355 
     • COSC 4358, COSC 4359 
   • An approved minor.
   • Completion of Teach Houston requirements

Students should consult the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog for general information on the requirements for minors. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on all courses attempted in the minor discipline at the University of Houston. Courses which by catalog statement cannot be applied toward a degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or which have other relevant catalog restrictions will not be included in the minor grade point average.

NSM Scholarships

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has limited scholarships available to qualified first time in college freshmen and continuing students. For more information and for application forms, visit https://uh.edu/nsm/students/scholarships/.

General information about UH scholarships and financial aid.