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

1

UC Alumni Association names top alumni award winners

February 12, 2026

The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association has announced this year’s recipients of its highest honors for UC alumni. The 2026 honorees include: Vinod K. Dham, CEAS ’77; Thomas D. Cassady, A&S ’76, Hon ’19; Padma Chebrolu, CECH ’92; Ryan C. Marable, PharmD, Phar ’13. Each year, the UC Alumni Association (UCAA) honors a select few of its more than 360,000 alumni based on their career accomplishments and contributions to the university and community, recognizing them during Alumni Week festivities each spring.

2

UC’s research surges with $346M in awards

February 12, 2026

The University of Cincinnati reached $346 million in sponsored research awards in fiscal year 2025, up 6.6% increase over the previous year. Additionally, funding for clinical trials at UC climbed, with $88 million in industry-sponsored awards and $33 million in federally sponsored awards.

3

UC alumni discover a love that lasts at UC

February 12, 2026

Bearcat love stories are as unique as the couples who live them. They can begin with a sports activity or a social function. They can take root when a relative steps in to facilitate a pairing that clearly is meant to be. Or, in a once-in-a-million stroke of luck, they can begin when someone says hello to “the girl next door.” As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, four alumni couples share their Bearcat love stories—personal tales of romance, devotion and continued engagement with UC.

5

UC teams with historic landmark to preserve the past for the future

February 6, 2026

The landscape at Cincinnati’s historic Harriet Beecher Stowe House museum has settled in for winter, under a hard coat of frost and snow. But once spring rolls around, it will show a transformation, thanks in part to the history department at UC’s College of Arts and Sciences. The Beecher Stowe House, located at 2950 Gilbert Ave., serves as a hub for the community and historians interested in the life and political activism of the famed abolitionist. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote the groundbreaking “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” while living there, and the home was a stop for fugitive enslaved people on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.


Natural Sciences in the News

1

UC Alumni Association names top alumni award winners

February 12, 2026

The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association has announced this year’s recipients of its highest honors for UC alumni. The 2026 honorees include: Vinod K. Dham, CEAS ’77; Thomas D. Cassady, A&S ’76, Hon ’19; Padma Chebrolu, CECH ’92; Ryan C. Marable, PharmD, Phar ’13. Each year, the UC Alumni Association (UCAA) honors a select few of its more than 360,000 alumni based on their career accomplishments and contributions to the university and community, recognizing them during Alumni Week festivities each spring.

2

UC’s research surges with $346M in awards

February 12, 2026

The University of Cincinnati reached $346 million in sponsored research awards in fiscal year 2025, up 6.6% increase over the previous year. Additionally, funding for clinical trials at UC climbed, with $88 million in industry-sponsored awards and $33 million in federally sponsored awards.

3

UC alumni discover a love that lasts at UC

February 12, 2026

Bearcat love stories are as unique as the couples who live them. They can begin with a sports activity or a social function. They can take root when a relative steps in to facilitate a pairing that clearly is meant to be. Or, in a once-in-a-million stroke of luck, they can begin when someone says hello to “the girl next door.” As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, four alumni couples share their Bearcat love stories—personal tales of romance, devotion and continued engagement with UC.

4

UC Cancer Center taps new director

February 11, 2026

The Cincinnati Business Courier spoke with David Gius, MD, PhD, who was recently named the next director of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.

6

Will AI really replace your job?

February 6, 2026

As artificial intelligence seeps into more careers, some people wonder if any jobs will become obsolete in the coming years, according to 700WLW. Jeffrey Shaffer, director of Lindner College of Business’ Applied AI Lab, spoke with 700WLW on the future of AI in the workplace.