UC biologist and ornithologist Ron Canterbury at the Center for Field Studies with helpers banding birds for research.

Natural Sciences

The natural sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences focuses on the physical world around us, ranging from neutrons and atoms to cells and organisms, to explain and understand processes that impact our society today. We encompass the fields of biology, chemistry, geosciences, geography, mathematics, physics, and psychology. By emphasizing experimental techniques, quantitative analysis, and critical thinking, the natural sciences equip students with skills essential for careers in research, healthcare, technology, and mental health services. 

Our faculty of accomplished scientists and dedicated educators, as well as supportive staff guide students through innovative coursework, hands-on laboratory experiences, and optional co-op opportunities, fostering scientific inquiry to prepare tomorrow’s leaders. Through interdisciplinary studies and collaborative projects, the natural sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences inspires students to solve today’s global challenges.

Latest News

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UC celebrates first-ever A&S Language Day

February 26, 2026

Learn more about foreign language study opportunities at A&S Language Day. The event will be held on Mainstreet outside Tangeman University Center, 2600 Clifton Ave., on UC’s uptown campus. A&S Language Day features all languages taught in UC’s College of Arts and Sciences: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swahili.

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Why do female caribou have antlers?

February 24, 2026

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female caribou feed extensively on shed antlers they find while grazing to supplement their diet with important minerals they need to raise calves. This could explain why female caribou, unique among deer, have antlers.


Natural Sciences in the News

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UC marketing class featured in Super Bowl Ad Meter School Spotlight

March 4, 2026

University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business was one of just 16 institutions representing USA Today’s Ad Meter School Spotlight program, where students got to evaluate the ads and publish their findings alongside industry professionals. The students' top-rated commercials largely aligned with Ad Meter’s official rankings, with Budweiser's "American Icons" earning the highest score. The participants included over 300 students across two marketing classes taught by assistant professor-educator Summer Shelton. She came to the University from a marketing research firm and brings experience ranking Super Bowl commercials as an industry professional herself.

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Study: There might be 3 different types of ADHD

March 4, 2026

The University of Cincinnati's Melissa DelBello was featured in a National Geographic article discussing recent research she coauthored that used brain imaging to identify three distinct subtypes of of ADHD, each with its own chemical interactions in the brain.

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Nurses are in high demand

March 3, 2026

WCPO recently spoke with faculty and students at UC College of Nursing about the education pipeline needed to train more nurses to meet a growing demand for healthcare nationally.

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UC studies supplement, therapy alternatives to treat depression

March 2, 2026

Media outlets including Cleveland.com and Cleveland's WKYC News highlighted a new University of Cincinnati clinical trial funded by an approximately $3.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to test two new nonpharmacological treatments for teens and young adults with depression.