About the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS)

The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (PAMS) is a dynamic organization featuring high-quality teaching, research and public service.

We reach beyond the traditional classroom to provide the best educational opportunities for our students - whether in a facility outfitted with the latest instructional technologies, on the deck of a marine research vessel, or in the valley of the Rio Grande.

Our students enjoy a close-knit, small-school atmosphere with the full resources of a leading research university. And our focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration builds a foundation of experience that well prepares students for the real world. Even our undergraduates work alongside faculty and graduate students on research teams exploring some of today's most exciting scientific challenges.

Together, our students and faculty are.

• Designing nanoparticles that seek out cancer cells, then make them self-destruct.
• Figuring out how to use individual molecules as data storage units
• Working to overcome friction on the nano scale - so those tiny repair robots that could sail through your bloodstream can actually become reality.
• Achieving a better understanding of hurricanes and other severe storms.
• Discovering how changes in the physical environment have seriously affected the blue crab, one of our state's key seafood sources.
• Helping doctors develop better treatment strategies for HIV and other complex diseases.
• Using isotope "fingerprints" to identify specific pollution culprits.
• Solving the gigantic puzzle that is the human genome.

Our departments are ranked among the nation's best in their fields, with many faculty members considered international leaders in their disciplines.

The College's impressive record of obtaining competitive federal research funding ranks it very high nationally, which speaks well of the quality of our programs, the directions of our research efforts and the stature of our faculty.

Our research and outreach centers are model organizations, recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in their respective areas.

Our alumni, friends and donors provide vital, generous support to ensure the continued development of the College's financial resources.

All of this together provides our students with a rich educational experience they won't find just anywhere. And it provides North Carolina with a valuable resource of new ideas, new science and new technologies.

We invite you to join us in discovery!