Renovations Underway in UMA Rockland Science Education Area

Sun, 01/05/2020 - 10:15am

Thanks to a generous donation from American Foundation, a private family foundation, work is underway in the UMA Rockland Center's science laboratory and classroom over the semester break to expand, improve and enhance lab science education.

A wall has been removed between the lab and classroom areas to open up the learning environment.  New and advanced equipment, including smart boards, microscopes, and anatomical models have been ordered to enhance the teaching of general biology, anatomy and physiology and other physical sciences like conservation biology.

"With our return to preparing nurses in the mid-coast area, we have made it a priority to enhance science preparation classes," said Deborah Meehan, UMA Rockland's Director.  "We are grateful for the vision and generosity of American Foundation in supporting these important improvements."

The University of Maine at Augusta reopened its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at UMA Rockland in the Fall of 2019. In addition, the Center supports the teaching of students in the Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology Degree. According to Meehan, MLT graduates are the valuable folks who staff the hospital lab and perform important diagnostic testing behind the scenes.

The UMA Rockland Center expects the renovations and upgrades to be complete by the time the Spring 2020 semester opens on January 21.  Courses in General Biology and Anatomy and Physiology will be offered this spring term.

Applications for both the Nursing Program and MLT Program are due by January 31 for the class of Fall of 2020.  However, Meehan notes, that many students take pre-admission courses in sciences and math well before applying.

"It is not uncommon, added Meehan, "for students to plan out a few years and take many of the required courses in advance of applying for the program. That can lessen their course load in the long run and also make them more competitive applicants."

Many high school students who are applying to college programs in the health sciences are able to take biology and anatomy and physiology tuition free through the High School Aspirations Program. According to Meehan, "Proving they can do college level sciences while still in high school improves their admission chances everywhere."

For more information and free academic planning contact the UMA Rockland Center at 596-6906 and visit www.uma.edu/rockland.