AcademicDepartment
Science, Mathematics, & Computer Science Department

Science, Math, and Computer Science

Marywood's Science programs prepare students for scientific careers in the healthcare/medical, biotechnology, environmental science fields. There are five-year and 3+1 degree options, as well as tracks that allow students to earn their pre-professional education at Marywood and then pursue admission to hospital or medical programs. The Mathematics program develops attitudes of mind and analytical skills required for the efficient use and understanding of mathematics. A shortage of mathematicians exists both in industry and in the teaching profession at every level. Secondary Education tracks are offered for both Science and Math. The Computer Science program prepares students for in-demand careers in information technology and software engineering. Computer Science majors may apply for a Business and Computer Science dual degree or M.S. in Information Security in their junior year to earn a master's degree in five years.

Undergraduate Programs

Biology (Medical Laboratory Science)
Information Security
Biology
BS in Biology (Pre-Chiropractic)
Biology (Pre-Physician Assistant)
Biology (Pre-Professional)
Biology Secondary Education
Biotechnology
Computer Science
Environmental Science
Mathematics Secondary Education
Mathematics

Graduate Programs

Biotechnology

Accreditations

Institutional:
Middles States Commission on Higher Education

Program-related:
Medical Laboratory Science students spend three years at Marywood fulfilling the University's requirements and those of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), with the fourth year spent in an accredited, affiliated hospital program.

Marywood's Medical Laboratory Science program has affiliations with:

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital (1 Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840; (570)-887-4736)
UPMC Williamsport (200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582; (412)-794-7950)
PA College of Health Sciences in Lancaster (850 Greenfield Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601; (800) 622-5443)
NY Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital (506 6th St, Brooklyn, NY, 11215; (718) 780-3000)

As part of the offerings of Marywood's education unit, our secondary education programs in Science and Math are recognized and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The approval process establishes rigorous standards for program quality and professional educator competency and holds licensed institutions accountable for meeting these standards.  

Math Placement Exam

About The Science, Math, and Computer Science Department

The mission of the Department of Science, Mathematics, & Computer Science is to offer excellent instruction in the sciences, mathematics, and computer science by faculty for whom excellent teaching is a high priority, and who work continually to improve teaching and learning. We provide opportunities for students to participate in research projects with faculty and degree programs that result in graduates ready to pursue careers in their field, further graduate or professional studies, or enter the teaching profession. We also teach classes for general education students and non majors that offer the substance of science and mathematics in a manner which results in graduates who can understand and appreciate the linkage between science, mathematics, and the modern world. Majors and non-majors alike are provided scientific and quantitative literacy and are encouraged to utilize their education in a globally responsible manner.

Science Program Goals
The mission of the Science Department programs is to produce scientists and healthcare professionals with specific knowledge and technical skills that relate to the natural world, and to provide an in-depth understanding of scientific advances that currently affect society. Science and non-science students are provided scientific literacy and are encouraged to utilize their scientific education in a globally responsible manner.

Math and Computer Science Program Goals
An essential preparation for living responsibly in a world increasingly dependent on quantitative methods in decision-making is familiarity with the mathematical sciences. Courses offered in fulfillment of the core curriculum mathematics requirement are designed to enable the student to apply mathematics in solving problems related to contemporary issues.

Science, Math, and Computer Science Faculty

The Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science faculty at Marywood are highly qualified and dedicated professionals. 

Antoniacci, Dr. Lisa

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Adhikari, Dr. Dhanapati

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Bao, Lili

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Barney, Patrick James

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Boucher, Dr. Derrick E

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Bradish, Brian G

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Dowler, Emily M

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Flynn, Conor

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Freamat, Mario

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Garver, Dr. Deanne Dulik

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Gottstein, Dr. Michael J

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Granko, Joseph J

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Hahn, Lawrence Eugene

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Haines, Kathryn R

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Johnson, Dr. Craig M

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Kiel, Dr. Michael C

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Koscho, Michael C

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Koval, Jason A

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Laabs, Michael W

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Legath, Brittany E

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Mason-Clark, Dr. Jamie

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Melick, Sara A

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Minora, John Barry

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Piatak, Dr. Brian J

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Pitchford, Alisha

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Pusateri, Anthony Michael

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Snedeker, Joseph

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Snyder, Thomas

  • Lecturer

Stanek, Kimberly

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Troast, Kayla N

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White, Donald W

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Laboratories

Marywood has the only 5 year BS/MS interdisciplinary biotechnology program in northeastern Pennsylvania.  The Center for Natural and Health Sciences (CNHS) is equipped with seven large teaching laboratories.

  • laboratory space for teaching labs, equipped with ductless fume green hoods
  • an environmental wet laboratory/greenhouse
  • five dedicated research laboratories
  • state-of-the-art anatomy and physiology laboratory houses virtual dissection Anatomage table 

Autoclaves

Autoclaves are pressure chambers that sterilize equipment, perform scientific experiments, or carry out industrial processes using high pressure steam.

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Gel & Blot Imaging System

The ChemiDoc XRS+ System features high-sensitivity detection for a wide range of methods including fluorescence and densitometry.

The ChemiDoc XRS+ system is based on CCD high-resolution, high-sensitivity detection technology and modular options to accommodate a wide range of samples and support multiple detection methods including fluorescence, colorimetry, densitometry, chemiluminescence, and chemifluorescence. The system is controlled by Image Lab™ software to optimize imager performance for fast, integrated, and automated image capture and analysis of various samples.

The system accommodates a wide array of samples, from large handcast polyacrylamide gels to small ReadyAgarose™ gels and various blots. The system is an ideal accompaniment to PCR, purification, and electrophoresis systems, enabling image analysis and documentation of restriction digests, amplified nucleic acids, genetic fingerprinting, RFLPs, and protein purification and characterization.

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Genetic Analyzer

DNA Sequencing machine

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Incubator Shakers

Innova 42 stackable incubated shakers provide broad temperature capabilities for culturing a wide variety of organisms in flasks up to 3 L

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Inverted Fluorescent Microscope

Nikon TE 2000U Inverted Fluorescent Microscope with Normarski D/C components and digital imaging capabilities.

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Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS)

Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a hybrid of two analysis techniques that are used to separate, detect, quantify, and identify components of a mixed sample. Used in microbiology, molecular biology, proteomics, and drug testing, liquid chromatography mass spectrometers can be used for microorganism detection, protein sequencing, analysis, and research. The LC part separates the sample into its components, which are ionized and sent through the mass spectrometer for identification. 

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Spectrophotometers

The spectrophotometer is an instrument that can be adjusted to illuminate a sample with a specific wavelength of light. The spectrophotometer then measures the amount of light energy that is absorbed or transmitted by the sample. The Hach DR 5000 UV-Vis Laboratory Spectrophotometer offers a broad range of water analysis methods with more than 240 pre-programmed tests.

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Thermal Cycler

The thermal cycler is a laboratory apparatus most commonly used to amplify segments of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction.

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Professional Conferences
Math and Computer Science Club members usually attend the regional or national meeting of NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), the PCTM (Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics), or the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) national conference.

Moravian Student Mathematics Conference
Members of the Math and Computer Science Club attend the annual Moravian Student Mathematics Conference, where undergraduate students present independent research. Marywood math majors often make presentations at this conference. You can find our list of past research on our Student Research page.

Biology & Chemistry Club

Integrated Math and Computer Science Club

Pugwash (Environmental Club)

Kappa Mu Epsilon, Pennsylvania Delta Chapter

Student Opportunities

Undergraduate Research within the Science Department:  BIOL 454/ENVS 454/CHEM 454 Undergraduate Research is an elective open to science majors whose major QPA and overall QPA is at least 3.0. Adherence to the following guidelines is mandatory:

  • The student must choose a research topic and a mentor/faculty who directs all aspects of the investigation by the end of junior year.  In addition, the student must meet with the Science Department Chairperson to receive approval (complete a Registration form and have it signed by the mentor/faculty and Science Department Chairperson) for the proposed project.
  • The research project must be a library/laboratory-based investigation, which involves data collection.
  • Students must get approval (signed Registration form) from the mentor/faculty and the Science Department Chairperson before registering for BIOL 454/ENVS 454/CHEM 454 Undergraduate Research for 2 credits in the semester in which the research will be completed.

Local STEM competitions available to students. Marywood is listed as one of the academic partners.


Financial Aid Opportunities for STEM degrees:

Deadlines for scholarships are fast approaching. Here is a guide highlighting financial aid opportunities for STEM degrees. Affordable Colleges Online (Ryan Kelly) has compiled a list of scholarships for students in all STEM fields, tips to cut the cost of their degree, and how to maximize their chances of landing a scholarship. You can read the full guide here:

Financial Aid for STEM Education


Ryan Kelly
Communications
Affordable Colleges Online

About us: Affordable Colleges Online provides community resources and tools related to higher education with an eye on affordability and accreditation. You can write to us at P.O. Box 77022, San Francisco, CA 94107 or visit our privacy policy. If you do not wish to receive affordable college education resources, please visit affordablecollegesonline.org. This message is intended for audiences in the United States only; if this email has reached anyone outside of the United States, please let us know and we will remove you from our sending list.

Student Resources

    Need help with Science Classes?

    Drop in Tutoring Center - Learning Commons (LC) Room # 264

    • Hours are posted throughout the Science Building on bulletin boards
    Math Placement Exam All Marywood students are required to take the Math Placement Exam. You are only exempt if you have:  already taken and passed one of the prior placement exams. have already taken all of the math course(s) that are required by your major. have transferred in a Math course from another institution that was accepted to cover what is required by your major. Students: If you do not know what math course you need to take to satisfy your math requirement, please contact your advisor. If you score at least 40%, then you can register for the following Math courses. If you score less than 40% on the exam, then you must take MATH 095 and earn an S (Successful) before you can register for these courses. MATH 130 - Mathematics for Contemporary Society MATH 155 - Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences MATH 160 - Analysis of Functions (Pre-calculus) Please note that MATH 120 does not require a minimum score on the Math Placement Exam. If you score at least 75%, then you can register for MATH 170 - Applications of Calculus to the Life Sciences or MATH 211 - Calculus I.  If you score less than 75%, then you must take MATH 160 and earn a C or better in order to register for MATH 170 or MATH 211. The Math Placement Exam is an online exam and you may choose to take it at any time. You only have one attempt allowed. Once you start the exam, you must finish it within 90 minutes.You are expected to complete the exam independently, WITHOUT a calculator, and without the use of Google, etc. This is for your own benefit! By following these guidelines, both you and the Math program will have a better feel for how prepared you are for the class. Most importantly, you will be able to determine if you really know the material. It is always frustrating for a student when they end up in a college-level math class for which they are not prepared. We hope for all of our students to avoid this situation. What does the Exam cover?  Some of the topics are: Percentages Rounding Functional notation  Factoring Basic arithmetic of integers, fractions, and real numbers in general, absolute values, interval notations; Rules of exponents, and Scientific Notation; Proportions, ratios, and word problems involving ratios and basic algebra; Basic geometry, including area, perimeter, and volume of simple shapes; The coordinate system (xy-plane), distance between points; Equations of lines and circles, and related concepts such as slope, x- and y-intercepts, center and radius; Intersection of lines; Solving linear equations and inequalities, including ones with absolute values; Polynomial operations and factoring; Solving quadratic equations through factoring or using the quadratic formula; Solving linear systems of equations (two by two); Functions and related concepts, such as function composition, inverse functions and graphing; Identifying graphs of common functions; Identifying horizontally/vertically translated function graphs; Logarithmic expressions and rules of logarithms; Exponential functions and logarithmic functions, including the natural exponential function and the natural logarithm function; Solving simple equations involving exponential and logarithmic functions; Trigonometric function definitions, trig. function values at special angles, the unit circle; Identifying trig. function graphs and their horizontal/vertical translations; Using trig. function concepts and identities to find trig. function values. Your username is the first part of your Marywood email (example:  jsmith)  (jsmith@m.marywood.edu)  Do not use the @m.marywood.edu portion of your email address to log in to this examYour password is your Marywood ID # (example:  0123489)  Please be sure to include the zero at the beginning. Login to take Math Placement Exam Exam Results Your score will be sent to the Registrar's Office and you will be able to access your results on the MarywoodYou portal: Self-Service Menu Student Academic Planning Student Planning Test Summary Placement Exam If you have any technical difficulties with the exam, please contact helpdesk@marywood.edu.

    High School Math Contest

    The Marywood High School Math Contest, is sponsored each year by the Math and Computer Science Club, iMACS.

    There are two versions of the exam for our annual contest:

    • The Level I test is designed for 9th and 10th grade students.
    • The Level II test is more appropriate for 11th and 12th graders.

    More Information

    High School Outreach

    The Math and CS faculty at Marywood are available to give presentation to high school classes or math clubs on a range of topics. If you are interested in inviting any of the following faculty, please contact the faculty member directly by phone or email.

    • Dr. Craig Johnson: Math and Music

      All teachers know that pattern recognition is a valuable skill in learning mathematics. Identifying sequences of notes on the staff that result from musical transformations such as reflections and inversions can be used to introduce interesting notions in higher algebra.  Sets of inversions found in works by classical composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach can be given a structure that leads in a natural way to the definition of a group. This talk explores these connections of math to music.

    • Dr. Dhanapati (DP) Adhikari: Mathematical Modeling, Math Careers

    • Dr. Wen Cheng: Careers in Information Technology and Computer Science

    Featured Pacer Profile

    Joe Snedeker reflects on his love of science and teaching, acknowledging his rocky start at WNEP-TV, and becoming a household name throughout northeast Pennsylvania. 
    Read More

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    Science, Math, and Computer Science Events

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