Foundational Sciences - Summer 2022

PURSUE YOUR

health-related FIELD OF PASSION

2021 CAMPUS BRIEFING BOOKLET

Welcome to Foundational Sciences!

Our vision is that all students will be challenged and successful in the high-quality courses we offer. Our mission is to be a community of engaged Aggies by the Sea prioritizing academic excellence and innovation. From your first semester, through your graduation, we want you to be successful in your coursework and in meeting your own goals. We know chemistry, mathematics and physics are indispensable subjects key to a number of careers and opportunities. We also know the many challenges these particular subjects can inspire, which is why we want you to know that above all else: we are here to help you.

Dr. MELANIE MOSER

Chair & Instructional Professor, Foundational Sciences

The customizable University Studies Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Oceans and One Health (OOH) is ideal for students interested in medical professions.

The required courses in this concentration expand the concept of one health – the interrelated health of humans, animals and the environment −to include marine and coastal topics. This degree can be tailored along with your choice of electives and two minors. This program is excellent preparation for professional programs such as human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, public health, epidemiology or clinical laboratory sciences.

Foundational Sciences also offers a specialized education program called the Secondary Education (SEED) minor, offered in conjunction with the Texas A&M College of Education. This field-based education course immerses students in local middle and high schools. Students pursuing this minor can continue major coursework simultaneously.

Students majoring in Oceans and One Health, Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, or Coastal and Environmental Science and Society may utilize the SEED minor as a path toward teaching in 7th-12th grade life or physical sciences or chemistry.

We look forward to your participation in our campus community and to helping you along your academic journey!

FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCES @ GALVESTON Nearly 80% of the world’s population lives within 60 miles of a coast, intensifying the importance of the connectivity between environmental health and human health. The health of coastal environments impact biodiversity, ecosystem services, the economy and human health. The concept of “One Health” is a multidisciplinary initiative to provide optimal health for people, animals, and the environment, including coastal and marine environments.

The Oceans and One Health (OOH) degree program offered by Foundational Sciences is a pathway to a wide variety of healthrelated programs. OOH is one concentration for a University Studies degree. All such degrees require either two concentrations, or one concentration and two minors, and degree components must be diversified. OOH belongs to Texas A&M University at Galveston, and as such, may be partnered with one of several minors offered by other departments and/or minors from other colleges within Texas A&M. A number of such minors can be completed via coursework completed on the Galveston Campus.

Foundational Sciences takes advantage of our unique location on the Gulf of Mexico. All of our freshmen and sophomore Chemistry laboratories enjoy exciting boat excursions through Galveston Bay and the nearby ship channel to learn about human activity along the coast and how it affects water chemistry. Our classes are timely and environmentally relevant, while also providing you with the course content you need as prerequisites to be successful in any major. We invite you to come and learn with us as we explore the intersection of health-related environmental concerns and solid foundations in science and mathematics.

PURSUE

FIELD OF PASSION ABOUT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON

If the ocean is your inspiration, then Texas A&M University at Galveston is where you can dive deep into your field of passion.

See the world and support our global economy by learning to sail the ships that transport the world’s good and products. Study the effects of climate change on coastal wetlands and the species that call them home.

Learn the migration patterns or behavioral characteristics of your favorite marine animal to understand how to conserve them for generations to come. Capture crucial data to help low-lying or coastal populations learn why they flood and how to mitigate future weather events. Work in ports to help run and secure the global maritime industry and its commerce.

Whether your interests take you above, below or on the water, we have the resources you need to succeed. Chart the course to your future today. www.tamug.edu

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY STUDIES

OCEANS & ONE HEALTH

Medical, dental, and veterinary school programs look for candidates that stand out, those with distinctive pre-professional experiences coupled with academic excellence. Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Oceans and One Health concentration provides a flexible path into these competitive fields while offering unique laboratory and field-based experiences. The interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to explore the intersection between human, animal, and environmental health, culminating in a holistic understanding of how these “One Health” issues affect the world at-large.

Students can choose their focus from a diverse list of concentration electives and two different minors to tailor their degree to their professional goals.

Students are offered an array of opportunities where they can impact communities and make contributions to address regional health, global health, and environmental challenges. These can be in form of internships, research opportunities, study abroad or their courses.

FIVE YEARS, TWO DEGREES Through a partnership with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston our Oceans and One Health students who apply and are admitted to UTMB after completing 95 hours at the Galveston Campus have the option to obtain a minor in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, which includes the first semester coursework for the M.S. degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences at UTMB.

BECOME CERTIFIED TO TEACH Offered in partnership with the Texas A&M University College of Education, students can pursue the Secondary Education (SEED) minor, allowing them to earn a teaching certification (grades 7 thru 12) in either Life Science or Chemistry. tamug.edu/cals/aggieteach

CAREER PATHS • Dentistry • Veterinary Sciences • Clinical Laboratory Sciences • Industrial Laboratories • Medicine • Non-Profit Organizations • Local, State & Government Agencies • Higher Education • Health Professions

tamug.edu/fsci

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Supplementing your degree with a minor helps broaden your academic and professional horizons, along with pursuing a specialization in your field The Department of Foundational Sciences offers one minor: Clinical Laboratory Sciences Offered through a partnership with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. Students who wish to obtain this minor must be University Studies, Oceans and One Health majors who have been admitted to the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at UTMB. Other recommended minors offered through Texas A&M include: Chemistry Recommended for Marine Biology, Marine Sciences majors, and those taking the Oceans & One Health Concentration.

Math Recommended for Engineering, Maritime Business Administration, Marine Sciences, and Marine Biology majors.

Secondary Education (SEED) Offered in partnership with the Texas A&M University College of Education, eligible students can earn a Texas Teaching Certification (grades 7-12). » Marine Biology Majors Earn a certification in Life Science » Marine Science Majors Earn a certification in Chemistry or Physical Sciences » Coastal Environmental Science & Society Earn a certification in either Life Science or Physical Sciences; can be modified for Chemistry » University Studies - Oceans & One Health Earn a certification in Life Science or Chemistry

In 2021, Texas A&M University at Galveston handed off its first undergraduate student to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Chris Prevost ‘21 was co-enrolled in both institutions during his senior year and is the first student to complete a minor in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (CLS).

The new academic partnership program marries the Texas A&M-Galveston Bachelor of Science in University Studies with a Concentration in Oceans and One Health with the UTMB Master of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

The program is unique in both curriculum and co-ownership. Most undergraduate classes are completed at Texas A&M-Galveston, while graduatelevel courses are completed at UTMB. On the Texas A&M-Galveston side, the program is housed in the Department of Foundational Sciences, aimed to appeal to students with broad science-based interests, especially in the medical, dental and veterinary fields.

It was toward the end of his sophomore year that Prevost, a San Antonio native, heard about the program. Prevost admitted initially his goal was to transfer to College Station after his freshman year to major in biomedical sciences.

“But the Galveston Campus won me over.

After my first year here, I just fell in love with the atmosphere. It was easy to get a hold of professors and I liked the smaller size of everything,” he said.

Prevost heard about the brand new program from the its coordinator, Instructional Assistant Professor Dr. Jhenny Galan.

“I had taken a few of Dr. Galan’s classes and definitely felt drawn to the program when it was first announced,”

Prevost said. “I didn’t exactly know what it was but it sounded appealing to me and my interests and was unique, different.”

FROM SHARKS TO SCRUBS With Dr. Galan, Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science Head Professor Dr. Kyeong Park and Dr. Melanie Moser, foundational sciences department head behind him, Prevost found being the first student in a program a little less intimidating. Faculty from both universities helped Prevost choose classes accordingly and plan his program.

He began taking classes with names like immunology, pathogenic microbiology and introduction to laboratory safety protocols.

Science was still the name of the game, Prevost said he just switched from “sharks to humans” or humanoriented test samples as lab subjects.

Chris Prevost ‘21 (left)

CHRIS PREVOST ’21 under the microscope

“There was really an emphasis on the importance of safety and professionalism in this program, too. You’re dealing with hazardous materials, chemicals and living pathogens. Labeling is crucial, protocols are crucial,” he said of the UTMB courses.

Prevost says he has a mind for details and is very analytical, thus he feels right at home in a lab setting. This program has also helped him realize the huge role a hospital lab plays, especially in light of a pandemic.

“The labs of the hospitals are where all the testing happens. Anything that needs a diagnostic run is sent to the lab; blood, urine, cerebral and spinal fluid, etc. Diagnostics help tell physicians what is going on so they can apply treatment. Though this position is specimen-oriented, it ultimately helps people.”

With this degree, Prevost says graduates can work in microbiology, hematology and coagulation, clinical chemistry labs, blood banks, and more.

BE LIKE CHRIS

5 YEARS, 2 DEGREES Oceans and One Health students who apply and are admitted to UTMB after completing 95 hours at the Galveston Campus have the option to obtain a minor in

The hands-on training, practicing with lab equipment, performing lab tests on fellow students—even perfecting how to draw blood—was “really fascinating” to Prevost and helped tie all the aspects of learning together.

“For engineering students, you go into the wave lab and apply what you’ve learned. For marine biology, you start dissecting specimens or go on a field trip. Getting to that point in this program, you start to kind of see everything come together, it all starts funneling into ‘Oh now I can see the applications behind it,’” he explained.

Prevost interned the summer before last under a pathologist at the Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant in San Antonio. She provided Prevost insider information, saying there’s a wave of lab specialists getting ready to retire and a dearth of incoming workers able to fill those positions.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences,

Visit tamug.edu/newsroom

which includes the first

or scan the code to learn

semester coursework for

more about Chris and his

the M.S. degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

journey from sharks to scrubs.

at UTMB. tamug.edu/fsci

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DR. JHENNY GALAN RECOGNIZING TEACHING EXCELLENCE

Texas A&M University at Galveston Department of Foundational Sciences Instructional Associate Professor Dr. Jhenny Galan has been awarded the 2021 Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement – College-Level Teaching Award.

Since the fall of 1982, the prestigious award has been given to outstanding faculty demonstrating devotion, talent and dedication to teaching Aggies. The rigorous nomination process begins in early spring and involves a professor’s students, colleagues, and top university academic officials, all of whom heartily supported Galan.

Specializing in chemistry, Galan teaches the subject comprehensively; everything from General Chemistry to Physical Chemistry.

She also leads courses in biochemistry for the Department of Marine

oftentimes daunting subject of chemistry enjoyable.

This recognition serves as a motivation to continuously strive to stay committed to the learning process and the core of my teaching philosophy: motivating students to become independent learners and critical thinkers.

Sciences, and has been a key component of the Galveston Campus’ newest degree program: the Bachelor of Science in University Studies with a Concentration in Oceans and One Health with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Master of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

According to Galan’s academic peers and students, she went the extra mile during COVID-19 to ensure students were as successful as possible when classes went online.

“Dr. Galan is highly attuned to her students’ needs,” said Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carol Bunch Davis. “Not only did she adjust her course delivery modes during COVID to ensure student success, she also used her course tools to get immediate feedback from them in order to shift accordingly.

Dr. Galan has quietly, but very consistently, modeled the kind of classroom engagement that supports more equitable student success outcomes for all Aggies by the Sea.” Department of Foundational Sciences Head Dr. Melanie Moser echoed Davis’ sentiments, saying Galan is able to make the

“She’s a very conscientious teacher, making her popular with many of her students in spite of their intimidation about taking chemistry or biochemistry. The fact that they are willing to enroll in these upper level chemistry electives is a testament to her reputation among the students, and makes possible a path to a chemistry minor in Galveston.

Her enthusiasm for chemistry is contagious,” said Moser.

Galan said being an educator is about learning from her mentors, colleagues, and students every day.

“This recognition serves as a motivation to continuously strive to stay committed to the learning process and the core of my teaching philosophy: motivating students to become independent learners and critical thinkers.”

Galan earned her bachelor of science in chemistry from the University of the Philippines in 1999 and graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut in 2006. ■

FOR THE LOVE OF

TEACHING

Take your first steps towards a teaching certification. Eligible students can earn grade 7-12 certifications in the following » Marine Biology Majors Certification in Life Sciences » Marine Science Majors Certification in Chemistry » Coastal Environmental Science & Society or University Studies Oceans & One Health Majors Certification in either Life Sciences or Chemistry

FIRST STEPS TO

PURSUE YOUR PASSION HOW TO APPLY FOR: OCEANS & ONE HEALTH, B.S. UNIVERSITY STUDIES Freshmen Applicants 1. Submit an ApplyTexas application. goapplytexas.org 2. Complete Essay A. 3. Pay a nonrefundable processing fee or submit a fee waiver ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).

4. Submit an official high school transcript.

5. For information on submission of official SAT and ACT scores, please visit https://admissions.tamu.edu/resources/future-students/college-readiness.

Transfer Applicants 1. Submit an ApplyTexas application. goapplytexas.org 2. Complete Essay A. 3. Pay a nonrefundable processing fee or submit a fee waiver ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).

4. Submit official college transcript(s) from all previously attended colleges and universities.

For additional information regarding undergraduate applications, including international, non-degree seeking, and re-admissions, please visit https://tamug.edu/admissions/ProspectiveStudents.html.

EXPLORE AGGIELAND BY THE SEA Aggieland doesn’t stop at the water’s edge! Take our virtual tour and explore campus, including stops in our ship simulator, boat basin, academic buildings and residence halls. If you’d prefer to stop by and say “Howdy,” you can register for an in-person tour with one of a student ambassador. tamug.edu/admissions/visit

CONNECT WITH ADMISSIONS STAFF Students can call to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our recruiters.

Students can also connect via email with any questions or for additional information. tamug.edu/admissions/contactus.html

ADMITTED STUDENTS NEXT STEPS GUIDE If you’ve already been accepted, congratulations and welcome to the newest class or Fightin’ Texas Aggies! But what next? Check out our Admitted Student Checklist. From accepting your offer, registering for housing and New Student Conference, transcripts and tuition, we’ve got you covered. tamug.edu/admissions/admittedstudents.html

DOWNLOAD THE GALVESTON CAMPUS APP Download the official campus app to access campus news, event calendars, clubs, student message boards and more. You can also create to-do lists and set reminders to help you stay on top of your classes. The Texas A&M-Galveston app is a great way to get connected to the campus community. Available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO GET STARTED Get access to what you need to start pursuing your field of passion.

We have you covered from tours, admitted students next steps, campus contacts, transfer and international student information and more.

Undergraduate: tamug.edu/admissions/resources.html Graduate: tamug.edu/grad tamug.edu/fsci

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DON’T MISS YOUR

CHANCE FOR ADVENTURE

Texas A&M University at Galveston has the salt air, warm sand, Gulf Coast sun, and so much more! Situated in a coastal urban environment that blends access to natural ecosystems with one of the largest international hubs of maritime industry, the campus draws world-renown scientists, thinkers and leaders to a campus perfectly positioned to challenge our students. When the time comes for our students to take their knowledge and skills into the world, it is not the end... but the beginning of a journey down the road of long-traveled Aggie excellence and tradition.

apply

Application Opens: 8/1 Undergraduate: goapplytexas.org Graduate tamug.edu/grad

DIVISION OF FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCES

fafsa

Available: 10/1 Recommended: 12/15 Priority: 1/15 studentaid.gov

deadlines

Application and all required documents are due: Freshman: 5/1 Transfer: 6/30 Texas A&M Maritime Academy: 5/1 Graduate: 5/1

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON

www.tamug.edu/fsci

www.tamug.edu/admissions www.tamug.edu/grad

Dr. Melanie Moser Department Head & Instructional Professor moserm@tamug.edu 409.740.4517

admissions@tamug.edu gradstudies@tamug.edu Undergrad: 409.740.4414 877.322.4443 Grad: 409.740.4704 @AggiesByTheSea

NEW ADVENTURES AWAIT. START YOURS TODAY.

MAJORS & MINORS UNDERGR A DUA T E D E GR E E S Coastal Environmental Science & Society 5-Year Degree Program Available with Master of Marine Resources Management

Marine Biology Marine Fisheries Marine Sciences Maritime Business Administration

5-Year Degree Program Available with Master of Maritime Business & Logistics

Marine Engineering Technology Marine Transportation Maritime Studies

University Studies with a Concentration in: Marine Environmental Law & Policy Oceans & One Health

Option to Earn an M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Texas Medical Branch

Tourism & Coastal Community Development Offered by Texas A&M University College of Engineering at Galveston Computer Science Environmental Engineering Interdisciplinary Engineering Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology, Electro Marine Engineering Technology Track Ocean Engineering

GRADU ATE DE GR E E S

MI N O R S & C E R T I F I C A T E S

Marine Biology, M.S. & Ph.D.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Marine Resources Management, Masters Marine & Coastal Management & Science, Ph.D. Maritime Business Administration & Logistics, Masters Offered by Texas A&M University College of Engineering at Galveston M.S. Ocean Engineering

Offered Jointly with University of Texas Medical Branch

Coastal Environmental Science & Society Diving Technology & Methods Entrepreneurship - Marine & Maritime Marine Biology Maritime Business Administration, Minor & Graduate Certificate Maritime Cybersecurity Maritime Studies

Deck License Option Available Required for Marine Transportation Engine License Option Available

SEED Secondary Education Teaching, Minor & Certificate Offered by TAMU College of Education