Meteorology is more than just the study of weather; it includes all the characteristics, structures and processes of the atmosphere. Basic principles of physics and chemistry are applied to discover what makes the atmosphere work. Mathematical equations and techniques are used to predict the weather based on present conditions.

Recently, meteorology has become increasingly vital to humankind’s concerns. Ozone depletion and global warming have been identified as threats to human existence on earth. Meteorologists are on the front lines of the battle to learn more about and model these phenomena.

The meteorology curriculum at Saint Louis University emphasizes both theory and practical application in fundamental and innovative aspects of the atmospheric sciences. Since class sizes are relatively small, students develop effective relationships with their instructors. This personalized instruction stimulates academic interest and professional dedication among students, which is further strengthened by SLU's Jesuit tradition of education.

The Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS) major is a professional B.S. program that prepares graduates for quantitative careers in business and industry with a toolkit of applicable mathematical techniques and problem-solving strategies primarily drawn from probability and statistics, operations research, and actuarial mathematics.  Many AMS students choose to combine AMS with an additional major or minor. Students can plan programs of study according to their career plans and interests, in various areas of applied mathematics and statistics.  In addition, some students may consider accelerated programs that combine B.S. with a Master's program.

Chemistry is the “central science.” Such diverse subjects as art, anthropology, geology, biology, materials science, environmental science, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, medicine and psychology have areas in which fundamental principles and process details are understood in terms of chemistry.

Our undergraduate program offers BA and BS degrees with a BS/American Chemical Society certification option and with BS/emphases in biological and materials chemistry.

In addition to the traditional areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, we have faculty in a number of fertile cross-disciplinary areas such as bioanalytical, bioorganic and biophysical chemistry; electrochemistry; environmental chemistry, photochemistry, and materials chemistry.

Materials scientists and engineers design, develop, and produce traditional and new advanced materials with diverse applications intended for use in a wide variety of industries. These include traditional materials-intensive industries such as structural clay, foundry, whiteware, polymers, plastics, fibers, textiles, composite materials, and automotive industries. Also included are high performance technology industries such as semiconductor, defense, biomaterials, aerospace, and communication industries. The broad career responsibilities of this discipline require competence in science, engineering, mathematics, and the social sciences. The curriculum develops skills in problem solving, engineering analysis, and design, as well as oral and written communication. Courses covering thermodynamics, kinetics, mechanical behavior, processing, fabrication and characterization of materials prepare students for careers in industry and for graduate school.

Materials science and engineering is at the cutting edge of technology, concerned with the production, structure, characterization, properties, and utilization of a variety of materials. Graduates of this program learn to extend the limited supply of materials and improve existing materials, but also learn to develop and design new, superior materials and processes with an awareness of cost, reliability, safety, and societal/environmental implications.

Students in this major gain the technical and theoretical knowledge to cover basic sciences and engineering of all materials but specialize in upper-level electives through tracks that concentrate on nanoscale materials, biomaterials, electronic and photonic materials, and more. Students eventually utilize their gained knowledge to develop their capstone senior design project, arriving at solutions to real-world engineering problems.

Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Materials Science and Nanoengineering, students will demonstrate:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. 
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
6. An ability to acquire an apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Place yourself at the interface of applied mathematics, computation, chemistry, information science and physics, while developing an understanding of the far-reaching capabilities of material science. Bridge the divide to applied sciences through innovation and technology applications and explore both laboratory work and theoretical and computational research.

There is a great demand in both industry and education for chemists trained in material science. As molecular biology, microelectronics, high performance materials and nanotechnology become increasingly important in our society, demand for material scientists will also increase.  The Material Science Option is designed to provide a fundamental background and laboratory experience with synthetic and naturally occurring materials.  This is appropriate for chemists going on to graduate study in Chemistry or Material Science, or directly to careers in industry (fundamentals or applications research, analysis, etc.).