Student Measuring for Science Experiment

Knowledge that goes beyond textbooks

Gain hands-on experience both inside and outside of the classroom while becoming part of a tight-knit community. Whether you choose to study Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biomedical Sciences our science faculty will challenge and encourage you as you prepare for a future in science.

Male bio student

Biology

Biology

CU’s biology program provides excellence through its curriculum so you will have scientifically-sound knowledge that prepares you for a career or graduate studies.

Student at Science Discovery Day

Chemistry

Chemistry

In this program you’ll learn to perform experiments, analyze data, and report scientific information to the community. You will have the opportunity to perform undergraduate research with a faculty member and present your research at local conferences.

Science student

Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Develop critical thinking skills as you conduct independent research projects while preparing for graduate school, for jobs in the biotechnology industry, or for professional schools such as pharmacy, medical, dental, veterinary, physicians assistant, or physical therapy.

male science student

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences

This program is tailored for students who are interested in entering professional schools such as medical, dental, physical therapy, or pharmacy. Students may also choose to go to graduate school or work in industry.

What Our Students Are Saying

“The faculty are incredibly helpful. I feel like it’s a family atmosphere and they want me to succeed in all areas of my life.”

-Cody Woodham, Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry, Class of 2025

 

At a Glance

  • 100% acceptance rate into pharmacy school
  • Small class sizes with access to caring faculty
  • Multiple opportunities to meet like-minded students
  • Independent research opportunities throughout your college experience
Students building molecular models

Build Community

Students can find community through various annual events sponsored by the Science Department including

  • Cookies and Cocoa
  • Ice Cream Social
  • Souper Sophomores
Cookie Swap event

Opportunities to Research Your Interests

  • Annual Colloquium Presentations
  • Scientific Journal Reviews
  • Present at local and national conferences, including the Tennessee Academy of Sciences, the National Analytical Chemistry Conference Pittcon, and the American Chemical Society Regional and National Conferences

What Our Graduates Say

“Graduating with a biochemistry degree has paved the way for me to have a successful postgraduate career. As I transitioned from basic concepts of chemistry and into a more dynamic understanding of how chemical reactions shape biology, I relied heavily on my biochemistry background. Specifically, biochemistry allowed me the opportunity to master concepts pertaining to the Krebs Cycle (citric acid cycle), enzymatic activity, mitochondrial electron transport chain, proteins and their primary, secondary and tertiary structures. This knowledge went beyond what the textbooks were able to distill with the laboratory hours teaching me skilled techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and isolations of proteins with various assays. Lastly, biochemistry taught me how to critique relevant literature and how to assess whether a published study was well done.”

-Matthew Green, Pharmacy Resident at Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) Memorial Hospital, Class of 2015, Biochemistry and Biology Major

Close up of science student working
Science Faculty at Christmas Cookie Swap

Partner with us

Cumberland’s Science Department is proud to be a community partner with local schools. To request a school visit from one of our science faculty, please fill out the form below.  If you have any questions, please email Dr. Sarah Pierce at spierce@cumberland.edu.

Meet the Faculty

Laura Bechard
Dr. Laura Bechard
Assistant Professor of Biology
(615) 547-1361
June Hunter
Dr. June Hunter
Instructor of Chemistry
(615) 547-1276
Roger Jackson
Dr. Roger Jackson
Assistant Professor of Biology
(615) 547-1310
Professor McMann
Dr. Natasha McMann
Physics Instructor
Julie Phillips
Dr. Julie Phillips
Assistant Professor of Biology
(615) 547-1262