The College of Science contributes significantly to the instructional, research, and public-service missions of this land grant university. Through the curricular offerings of its departments and programs, the College provides the students of the University with the liberal education that is the essence of higher education. The College faculty educate students in their respective fields to be critical, productive, and contributing members of society. The College prepares future professionals in the disciplines represented in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The College also provides service courses to students in all colleges in disciplines that are basic to their professions. The College promotes the scholarly and professional activities of its faculty, who advance the collective knowledge and understanding of their disciplines through research, writing, and performance. By its support of intellectual and cultural programs, the College contributes to the dynamic environment of the University. The College enhances the well-being and development of the University, the local community, the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world through the many academic and public-service contributions of its faculty, staff, and students.