Department of Natural and Life Sciences

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biology is designed for students who wish to pursue professions directly related, or allied to, biology. The programme is structured to enable students to select from minors in ecology or biomedical sciences. Students who choose the biomedical sciences route will be able to strengthen the required academic foundation for a medical career; while those who elect a minor in ecology will focus on developing solutions to environmental issues. Strong emphasis is placed on the acquisition of research skills to equip students with the requisite competencies for entry level research positions. In addition, this degree covers material appropriate to preparation for: general graduate admissions tests such as the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Tests (MCAT), or entry to professional schools.

Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Biology

To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, the student must successfully complete 135 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the following distribution:

Courses in the major area of study 75 credits
Core curriculum courses 48 credits
Elective courses 12 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 135 credits

Career Options:

The degree will be of interest to those aspiring to teach or seek employment as scientists in the biological and environmental sciences. In addition, it is a solid preparation for graduate or professional degrees in areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science.

The Associate of Science degree in Biology is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of biology. It aims to foster greater understanding of the need to conserve and protect natural biodiversity, with special emphasis on local and regional ecosystems. As students of this programme increase their understanding of life processes they will develop an appreciation of the importance of responsible lifestyle choices in areas related to nutrition, exercise and safe sexual practices.

Graduation Requirements: AS – Biology

To be awarded the Associate of Science degree in Biology, students must successfully complete 65 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the following distribution:

Courses in the major area of study 41 credits
Core curriculum courses 24 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 65 credits

Career Options:

This programme prepares students for transfer into a baccalaureate programme in biology or in a related field of study. These may include baccalaureate degrees in, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, radiological sciences, environmental health or medical laboratory technology. Graduates may also gain employment at the technician’s level in the areas of laboratory or field work, research, or in teaching.

The programme is primarily targeted at secondary school graduates who wish to pursue tertiary level studies in geography.  However, it is not restricted to this cohort only, but is also available to anyone who has satisfied the College’s basic matriculation requirements. Further, the programme also targets academically underprepared students who have not excelled at secondary level (for a variety of reasons), but who have the potential to benefit from a college education.  It also includes students who do not meet the entry requirements for UWI and do not have the financial resources for private institutions, and as such, are left out of tertiary education opportunities in the field of geography.

Graduation Requirements: B.Sc. – Geographical Studies for Sustainable Development

To be awarded the Bachelor of Science degree in Geographical Studies for Sustainable Development, the student must successfully complete 134 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the following distribution.

Courses in the major area of study 80 credits
Core curriculum courses 48 credits
Elective courses 6 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 134 credits

Career Options:

Certification at the bachelor’s level offers opportunities for graduates to pursue a career in teaching. However, many job opportunities exist where geography is considered to be a definite asset to the employer

The Ministry of Public Administration has indicated that it “will continue to afford citizens the opportunity to pursue studies in selected areas such as Urban and Regional Planning and Property Valuation.” In addition, scholarships under the production sharing contracts with the oil companies will be offered in the field of geosciences and mineral management and geophysics.

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded the Associate of Science degree in Earth Sciences, the student must successfully complete 65 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the following distribution.

Courses in the major area of study 43 credits
Core curriculum courses 22 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 65 credits

The Associate of Science degree in Chemistry convinces students that the knowledge of chemistry is essential to the understanding of all disciplines, thereby preparing them for any profession that they may pursue in any Biological or Physical science. The interesting applications in this programme will help students to increase their problem-solving skills and to think critically, thereby making them successful in today’s world. The degree integrates all the major areas of Chemistry, placing emphasis on the physical principles, inorganic compounds, biochemistry and analytical techniques. Students graduate with strong practical skills, making them adequately qualified for many professional adventures.

Graduation Requirements: AS – Chemistry

To be awarded the Associate of Science degree in Chemistry, students must successfully complete 63 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the following distribution:

Required courses in the major area of study 39 credits
Core curriculum courses 24 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 63 credits

Career Options:

This programme prepares students for transfer into a baccalaureate programme in Chemistry or a related field. These may include baccalaureate degrees in chemistry, pharmacy, and medical laboratory technology. However, graduates may also gain employment at the technical level in the areas of laboratory or field work, quality control, research, or in teaching.

The programme is targeted at CSEC or CAPE graduates as well as at individuals wishing to acquire the foundational skills and knowledge in physics required for entry into engineering or technology-based programmes.  Our target group is primarily made up of the students who do not meet the entry requirements for our universities’ engineering degree programmes.  Students with this profile often have the potential to benefit from a tertiary level education, but do not have the resources to attend a private institution; and may often find themselves excluded from further education opportunities in their preferred discipline.  This programme will provide such students with more diverse and flexible career options.

The programmes provide students with the skills and knowledge required to gain entry to local and international undergraduate programmes in the fields of engineering or physics. The curriculum spans a range of courses that includes fundamental and advanced physics courses, and college level mathematics and chemistry courses.  The diversity of courses integrated into the programme gives the graduate a solid foundation in essential physics, mathematics and chemistry concepts and broad training in the skills that are both valued by employers and essential for further study.  The strong research component incorporated into the programme further enhances the development of skills such as an ability to quickly grasp concepts; a determination to find coherent answers, and problem-solving, analytical, mathematical skills.  Students acquire a foundation in the physical concepts and aptitudes required for entry into the third year of four-year degree programme or entry into the first year of a three-year engineering bachelor’s degree offered by local universities.

Graduation Requirements: AS – Physics for Engineering

To be awarded the Associate of Science degree in Physics for Engineering, the student must successfully complete 65 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 according to the following distribution.

Required courses in the major area of study 35 credits
Core curriculum courses 24 credits
Elective courses 6 credits
Total Credits Required for Graduation 65 credits

Career Options:

This programme prepares students for transfer into a baccalaureate programme in Physics, Engineering or a related field. These may include baccalaureate degrees in pure and applied physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and telecommunications. However, graduates may also gain employment at the technical level in the areas of laboratory or field work, research, or in teaching.

Delamae Wilson

Department Chair
Senior Lecturer – Biology
M.Sc, B.Sc.
Research Interests: Microbiology

Nyan Gadsby-Dolly

Senior Lecturer-Chemistry
Ph.D, Dip.Ed., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Chemical education and research, organic catalysis

Michelyn Phillips

Lecturer – Biology
MPhil, B.Sc.,
Research Interests: Human anatomy; immunology, specifically autoimmune diseases.

Sheldon Bidaisee

Senior Lecturer – Geography
M.Sc., B.A., Dip Ed
Research Interests: Physical planning and the conservation of historical buildings

Risha Kalloo

Senior Lecturer – Chemistry
M.Phil., B.Sc.
Research Interests: Diabetes and metabolism

Sanjiv Ramcharan

Senior Lecturer – Biology
MSc. BSc
Research Interests: Environmental pollutants in water and its impact on water quality

Patrick Campbell

Senior Lecturer – Biology
PhD., MSc., BSc.
Research Interests: Immunology, HIV

Saeeda Sattar

Senior Lecturer – Biology
PhD., BSc.
Research Interests: Reproductive Biology

Anuradha Singh

Senior Lecturer – Biology
MPhil., BSc.
Research Interests: Marine biology, animal physiology, crustacean biology

Jeffrey Mohammed

Lecturer- Physics
MSc, BSc
Research Interests: Environmental Physics

Leone De Souza

Senior Lecturer
M Phil, BSc., Dip.Ed
Research Interest: Human health and nutrition

Karyn David

Lecturer, Biology
BSc, (MSc Pending)

Karen Louison

Senior Lecturer, Physics
MSc, BSc

Shireen Gajusingh

Lecturer, Chemistry
BSc. Chemistry

Paul Hospedales

Senior Lecturer, Chemistry
MSc, BSc

Romona Olton

Senior Lecturer, Chemistry
Mphil, BSc

Ravi Rampersad

Senior Lecturer
MSc., BSc