In the Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing, progressive and classical curricular elements lead to an active understanding of the concepts, methods, and contexts of these disciplines. The division welcomes all students—science majors and nonmajors—into its courses, and offers a diverse array of introductory and advanced courses to meet the needs, interests, and backgrounds of Bard's students. In all courses in the division, learning comes from doing: working in the laboratory, using computers, posing and solving problems. Students in divisional courses acquire not only a body of fundamental knowledge in a field, but also the habits of critical and creative thinking that are necessary components in all scientific activity.
Beginning in the fall of 2007, the state-of-the-art Gabrielle H. Reem and Herbert J. Kayden Center for Science and Computation will provide 49,000 square feet of new academic and laboratory space for the Biology, Computer Science, and Chemistry Programs. The Reem and Kayden Center contains two open research labs, capable of holding 75 faculty and students working together on research projects; a computer science hardware/robotics lab, a cognitive science lab, and a zebra fish research facility; classroom/laboratory suites that allow a seamless transition between lecture and research; a seminar room; and an auditorium. All classroom spaces can accommodate multimedia presentations and two of the classrooms can accommodate videoconferencing.
The Division of Science, Mathematics, and Computing oversees five programs: biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Students exercising the 3-2 engineering or environmental options also usually moderate into the division. The pursuit of a degree in the division provides majors with the foundation needed for advanced, independent, and original work in graduate or professional schools or in technical professions requiring no further academic preparation.
The division emphasizes the interrelationships of the sciences, mathematics, and computing and their common ground of scientific attitude and methodology. Academic flexibility is enhanced by small class size and individual instruction, both of which allow students and faculty to tailor topics for advanced study to match their interests and skills. Laboratory equipment and computers are used extensively for analytical work, data acquisition, and data analysis. Advisory conferences, tutorials, and special projects allow a variety of areas to be covered in depth and help prepare students for Senior Projects. Research assistantships are available to both Upper and Lower College students.
A Moderation board, usually consisting of three members of the division, at least one of whom is not a member of the core faculty of the program, advises a student moderating into a divisional program. The student prepares two short Moderation papers, one outlining past academic work and the other setting out undergraduate and postgraduate goals. Using these as a basis for discussion, the board meets with the student to advise on the best direction for the student's work. The board makes a recommendation to the division, and the program votes on the student's acceptance into the program.
The Senior Project usually comprises experimental or theoretical research in the student's chosen field of study. Each student who completes a Senior Project in the division participates in the Senior Project Poster Session, attended by faculty and students of the division and by other members of the College community. Based on the submitted thesis and a meeting with the student, a Senior Project board (again, usually consisting of three division members, including at least one who is not from the program's core faculty) makes an overall evaluation of the project and recommends a grade to the division. The division makes the final determination of the Senior Project grade.