About the Department
The Natural and Physical Sciences Department provides you with quality preparation for graduate and professional schools and a wide range of careers. During the past 15 years, 73 percent of Olivet students applying to a college of human medicine have received admittance. According to data from the American Association of Medical Degrees, the national average is 44 percent. The acceptance rate for Olivet students to dental school is 80 percent, veterinary school, 83 percent, and chiropractic school, 100 percent. Learning experiences are enhanced by the college’s 40-acre biological preserve, located just five minutes from campus; a 60-seat planetarium and computer-driven observatory; nine science laboratories, including a well equipped molecular biology lab and newly renovated chemistry lab; and a variety of live animals, including a giant Sulcata tortoise, a savannah monitor lizard and hundreds of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The departmental faculty emphasizes hands-on experiences and practical application of knowledge, and helps you connect science learning to your future career.

50 Ways to use your Natural and Physical Sciences degree:
Science degree (PDF file)

Natural and Physical Sciences Department Majors:
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Chemistry Secondary Teaching
Environmental Science
Integrated Science Elementary Teaching
Integrated Science Secondary Teaching

Natural and Physical Sciences Department Concentrations:
Pre-Medical Studies
Ecology and Organismal Biology
Biomedical/Molecular Biology

Natural and Physical Sciences Department Minors:
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Chemistry Secondary Teaching
Environmental Science
Chemistry with Forensic Science
Integrated Elementary Teaching

Course Offerings
Degree Programs
Faculty

Department Chair                                    

Maria Davis Chair, Natural and Physical Sciences Department; Professor of Biology                              mdavis@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7643 (faculty bio)

Faculty Members

Patrick Fields Assistant professor of Biology pfields@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7761

		Leah Knapp Professor of Biology; Biology Program Director lknapp@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7106 (faculty bio)
		Susanne Lewis Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Chemistry Program Director smlewis@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7629 (faculty bio)
		Marco Wiedenhoeft Assistant Professor of Physics and Mathematics mwiedenhoeft@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7140
		John Wilterding Associate Professor of Biology and Chemistry jwilterding@olivetcollege.edu (269) 749-7634 (faculty bio)

Adjunct Faculty  

April Brooks
Adjunct Instructor of Geology
dbaker@olivetcollege.edu
(269) 749-7629                                 

James Rzepka
Adjunct Instructor of Biology
jrzepka@olivetcollege.edu
(269) 749-7106

Eric Sullivan
Adjunct Instructor of Astronomy
esullivan@olivetcollege.edu
(269) 749-7106