About LBC

Lyman Briggs College is a science-focused college at Michigan State University. Since 1967, we have committed to connecting the natural sciences and mathematics with the humanities and social sciences.

Why?

When we understand sciences in their social and humanistic contexts, we are wiser, more insightful, and more engaged in the world we live in. 

How?

Innovative Teaching and Integrated Learning

Lyman Briggs students build strong foundations through courses in the following areas:

• biology
• chemistry
• physics
• math 
• writing and research
• history, philosophy, and sociology of science

Our science courses help students understand theories and practices of scientific reasoning, evidence, and knowledge. We examine the connections between diverse scholarly fields. We also ask students to engage in thoughtful research projects.

LBC students also take a sequence of courses on the history, philosophy, and sociology of science, also known as HPS, from an introduction in their first year to several courses in their third and fourth years. These courses help students think critically, asking questions like:

• What is the societal environment in which science is done?
• What impact does science have upon society?
• How do scientists think about questions in their own fields?
• How do scholars in other fields evaluate the methods and conclusions of science?

Students learn from top researchers and innovative teaching faculty who regularly win awards for their work in the classroom.

Collaborative Community

Briggs is the only college of its kind in the country, offering this integrated and innovative science instruction in a close-knit living-learning community, with small class sizes, and with the resources and opportunities of one of the world's premier research universities.

All first-year students are expected to live in Holmes Hall, which is a large residence hall on the east side of Michigan State's campus. Students take core academic courses, work with faculty, and meet with advisors in Holmes. They have both the opportunity and environment to grow academically and socially.

LBC embraces learning environments that celebrate different beliefs, practices, and backgrounds. In doing so, we hope to empower every student to be fully engaged and affect the Briggs community in a positive way. 

Practical Research Opportunities

Attending a world-class research university with an international reputation for groundbreaking research is a great advantage for Briggs students. Research allows student to apply new knowledge to their studies and helps them create paths toward graduation and beyond. LBC promotes undergraduate research experiences through faculty mentoring, competitive research grants, and inquiry-based classroom labs.