We have entered a new and exciting era of scientific understanding that has taken concepts like genetics, nanoscience and biotechnology out of the realm of science fiction and into everyday life. New applications of science will continue to have profound effects. Thus, graduates with training in any of the biological, mathematical, or physical sciences offered in the College of Natural Science are finding employment opportunities in high technology, as well as in teaching, communications, the environment, medicine and many other areas.The mission of the College of Natural Science closely parallels the mission of the University and represents a commitment to research, education, and service. The College of Natural Science is one of the largest colleges within the University and includes academic programs in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics; Chemistry; Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering; Geological Sciences; Mathematics; Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Physics and Astronomy; Physiology; Plant Biology; Statistics and Probability; and Zoology. It also includes the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, a world–class biological research center.All departments within the College offer both undergraduate and graduate students experience conducting research in laboratories. Students in the College of Natural Science have access to a range of research and laboratory facilities on campus, in addition to unique research opportunities in facilities like the MSU/DOE Plant Research Laboratory, the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, and the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station. A special on–site research and science teaching program for both undergraduate and graduate students is offered at the Station during the summer session. Graduate students may also choose to enter one of the college's interdisciplinary research programs in Genetics; Cell and Molecular Biology; Mathematics Education, Neuroscience; and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior.Promoting science literacy—opening up the world of science to young people is the key to comprehending the total impact of new scientific developments in our lives. Already our environment is threatened by such things as insecticides, food additives, and toxic wastes. Our future leaders must have an appreciation of the sciences in order to make informed decisions regarding the preservation of our environment. To that end, the College of Natural Science offers credit courses in communities throughout Michigan in cooperation with University Outreach and Engagement programs.