Overview

The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences offers a multidisciplinary major, consisting of a minor and concentration (or of two concentrations). Students choose a concentration from one of the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, computing science, applied mathematics with computing science, mathematics or physics. Students then choose a minor in a second science from the same list. As an alternative, students can also opt to pursue two concentrations from this list.

"The complexity and beauty of life at its tiniest levels of organization fascinates me," says biology professor Dennis Venema. "Whenever I discover something that is unknown to science, however small, I feel like I am sharing a secret with the Creator."

Cheryl Schroeder

MAJOR: Biology
YEAR: Fourth
HOMETOWN: Chilliwack, BC
INVOLVEMENT: Collegium member

"I've had so many opportunities at Trinity, especially in research. I've received two awards from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Because of that, I've been able to do full-time research during the summers.

Dr. Eve Stringham has had me research in her lab over the last three years and she has taught me a lot during that time. That's an opportunity that would have been a lot harder to come across in a bigger institution.

You get so many different views at Trinity, even in the sciences. I have a better response to some of the harder questions that wouldn't necessarily be addressed in a secular institution. Having a better understanding of moral issues has helped me to solidify how I see certain problems in science."

When it comes to the precise work of genetic research, Dr. Venema is not alone in the lab. TWU undergrads have numerous opportunities to learn while working beside their professors on cutting-edge research. Dr. Venema has seen several of his own students earn national research grants and entrance into competitive graduate programs.

"One of our great strengths is our emphasis on laboratory experience in the sciences. Many large universities no longer offer many laboratory courses at all, especially in the first few years of study," he says. "Our faculty-to-student ratio means there is more opportunity here for students to participate directly in research under a faculty member's guidance."