College of Science

Thanks for visiting us at the College of Science website! Welcome! Our mission includes conducting ground-breaking research and providing excellent education in science to all University of Idaho students as well as teachers and adult learners across the state of Idaho. The College of Science consists of seven departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. With the exception of Statistics (graduate-only), we offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in all these areas. As a University of Idaho science student, you will also have access to many courses in the College of Sciences at nearby Washington State University, and you will have the opportunity to interact with WSU students taking courses here. The College of Science is a leader in the development of innovative means of delivery of basic math and science education to University of Idaho students, as well as primary and secondary school teachers.

Several of our faculty have been recognized nationally and internationally for the quality of their research programs. Our faculty collaborate with researchers at WSU and other universities and institutes around the country and the world! The College of Science has been and will continue to be particularly fertile ground for building successful interdisciplinary collaborations. We also offer many excellent opportunities for undergraduate research.

The College of Science was founded in 2002 from departments in the former College of Mines and Earth Resources and the former College of Letters and Science. Our programs continue to grow and prosper, due primarily to the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff. Please spend some time getting to know us further by exploring the departmental and faculty websites, and meeting the College of Science staff. Also, keep an eye on the College of Science news for important updates.

Scott A. Wood, Ph.D.
Dean

Dr. Scott Wood was appointed dean of the College of Science in April 2008. He served as interim dean from July 2007 to April 2008 and as associate dean from December 2006 to July 2007. He holds the rank of professor of geochemistry. He joined the faculty of the University of Idaho in 1992. He earned his Ph.D. at Princeton in 1985.

Office: Mines 321D
Phone: (208) 885-6195

Send a message to Dr. Wood at swood@uidaho.edu.

Mark J. Nielsen, Ph.D.
Associate Dean

Dr. Mark Nielsen became associate dean of the College of Science in July 2007, and holds the rank of professor of mathematics. He joined the faculty of the University of Idaho in 1990. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Washington in 1990.

Office: Mines 321B
Phone: (208) 885-0293

Send a message to Dr. Nielsen at markn@uidaho.edu.

Dr. Nielsen's Web Page

We take particular pride in offering research opportunities for undergraduates. Sometimes I am asked “what is research?” and “why should undergraduates do research?” For many students, research means going to the library to look up what someone else has done. It means slogging through books or web sites to find the answer to some question that someone else has already answered. We do some of this, because you do have to know what has been done before to know what is new and original. It’s also a good idea to avoid the mistakes of others. But research in the sense I mean is the creation of new knowledge, finding out things that no one has known before. Much of the time, the acquisition of new knowledge is incremental, but sometimes there really are moments when we exclaim “Eureka!” (or “cool!” or “oh wow!”, but you get the idea). Scientists and mathematicians live for those moments, and we love to share them with students and to introduce students to the possibility of having those moments themselves. So, what I mean by undergraduate research is stepping beyond the standard laboratory or field experience to work side by side with faculty and graduate students to answer new questions, to have a faculty mentor who inspires you to think deeply about the science they love and to invite you into the company of others who find science and math exciting and fun.

But the value of doing research as an undergraduate goes well beyond the potential for the excitement of new discoveries. First, it’s hands-on learning. Many students who go into science do so because they like the hands-on aspect. Second, by venturing into what is unknown not just to you but to everyone, you stretch and grow in ways you won’t by limiting yourselves to taking classes. Finally, undergraduate research is about opening doors to opportunities you didn’t know existed, like summer research fellowships or programs at the various national laboratories. It’s about talking seriously with someone who cares and has been where you are about the opportunities for professional growth, graduate school, and careers. As you progress through life, you will probably have occasion to ask for letters of reference. Imagine how powerful such a letter is if the faculty member knows you well, knows your skills in detail, and can offer specific information about your strengths to prospective graduate schools or employers.

If you are an undergraduate in science or math and are interested in participating in research, contact your department chair or faculty for opportunities.

*Thanks to Dr. Tom Bitterwolf - a well-loved undergraduate mentor in chemistry - for help with this statement.