Where Curiosity Drives Discovery
The natural sciences form the foundation of our understanding of the physical universe, encompassing disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, mathematical sciences, and more. The study of natural sciences is both theoretical and experimental, driven by a systematic approach to observing, modeling, and explaining natural phenomena. Through rigorous inquiry and the application of the scientific method, students will uncover universal laws and patterns, from the behavior of subatomic particles to the dynamics of ecosystems and planetary systems. This knowledge not only advances scientific thought but also informs technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and evidence-based policy. As such, the natural sciences play a central role in addressing many of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.
Natural Sciences Departments
Natural Sciences Programs
Pre-Professional Healthcare Tracks
Pre-Professional Programs refers to any program that prepares students for professional graduate school such as a medical school, law school, or dental school.
Specialized advisors are available for each of the programs listed on this page. These advisors help students with course planning and other advice related to the elements needed to be a successful applicant to these competitive graduate programs. Depending on the graduate program, students will need to dedicate time and effort during college to obtain the necessary hands-on experience through volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs. Early planning is essential for anyone who is considering a graduate professional school, and it is advised that students meet with the pre-professional advisor beginning in freshman year.
Natural Sciences Centers & Facilities
Natural Sciences Upcoming Events
November 6, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Natural Sciences Featured Stories
- New UWM Star celebrates Panther pride and astronomy researchMove over, Pounce. UW-Milwaukee just adopted a new symbol of campus pride, naming a recently discovered binary star the UWM Star and hosting a talk by the researcher …
- Three STEM students pursued their passions at UWM by always dreaming biggerThese stories are part of the "Always Dream Bigger" series, written to celebrate the inauguration of UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Thomas Gibson. Gibson’s own path in life exceeded his earliest …
- Biology Department opens Mini Museum Lapham Hall(way)Any student who has ever taken classes in Lapham Hall will recall – perhaps with a shudder – the hallway off the main entrance lined with display cases …
- UWM geoscientist’s Fulbright Award brought her to Australia to study how fluid impacts rocks – and earthquakesRocks on the Earth’s surface are hard and brittle, but deep within the Earth’s crust, heat and intense pressure can make rocks act like Play-Doh – they turn …
- UWM astronomer helps decipher a “Rosetta Stone” in spaceA few years ago, scientists discovered an unusual astronomical phenomenon: Objects that sent short bursts of radio waves at distinct intervals, emanating from various parts of space. Scientists …
- Reimagined Science Bag brings STEM to a new audience – and ice cream tooA vat of sugar, cream, egg whites, and vanilla sat on the table in front of a hungry group of eighth graders. There was one ingredient left to …
- UWM physics student researches the cosmosWhy would a young astronomer from India travel some 8,000 miles around the world to pursue his Ph.D. in physics? Simple. Pratyusava Baral wanted to study with the …
- Chemistry researchers’ start-up takes aim at triple-negative breast cancer – without chemo side effectsTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, and it does not respond to any of the hormone therapies designed to …
