From the Dean

Welcome from the Dean

These are exciting times at Purdue and the College of Science. As our faculty unlock the secrets of the genome and living systems and learn how to miniaturize devices at the molecular scale, we are opening up unparalleled new opportunities for treating diseases and individualizing patient care. Our scientists are exploring the universe all the way from the ocean floor to the upper atmosphere to the edges of the galaxy and beyond, making use of innovative sensing technologies and virtual environments.

Students in the College of Science undertake rigorous programs of study in one of our seven departments or via interdisciplinary programs. The new undergraduate curriculum, which goes in to effect Summer 2007, focuses on skills for success in an ever-changing world. The emphasis is on problem solving and critical thinking. We provide students with the practical training to thrive in today's technological society, along with the theoretical basis to adapt to and lead tomorrow's. Students benefit from faculty who are internationally recognized researchers and award-winning teachers. Graduate students and many undergraduates complement their classroom studies with individualized research experiences. We support the learning process with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratory facilities. We provide our undergraduates with advisors to help them choose a career path, as well as opportunities for study abroad and internships.

In our engagement mission, we work to improve science education in K-12 schools by working with current teachers to augment their skills and introduce new techniques into the classroom. We are strengthening a variety of partnerships with corporations both near and far, and we are forging close ties with alumni, who serve as successful businessmen, doctors, lawyers, teachers, and researchers.

I invite you to read our Strategic Plan, where we lay out our goals toward preeminence in discovery, learning, and engagement. Our goals are ambitious, and we have much work to do. However, our accomplishments in the past give us confidence for the future. As we make progress, we'll keep you informed through these pages about the latest developments in the School.

Jeffrey S. Vitter
Dean of Science

President's Forum Presentation by Dean Vitter, February 2004

President's Forum Presentation by Dean Vitter, March 2007