Sonoma State Sonoma State University University School of Science School of Science and Technology and Technology
Jan 18, 2018
Sonoma State University Sonoma State University School of Science and School of Science and
Technology Technology
DepartmentsDepartments• Biology• Chemistry• Computer Science• Engineering Science• Geology• Kinesiology• Mathematics• Nursing• Physics & Astronomy
What makes us special?What makes us special?• Faculty-Student Interaction
– individual mentoring– research and projects– active classrooms– friendly and personable environment
• Newly Remodeled Facilities• Excellent Career/Grad School Preparation
BiologyBiologyDr. Karina Nielsen• Ph.D Oregon State
University 1998• Area of Interest:
Marine Biology
Biology at SSUBiology at SSU• one of the largest majors on campus with 300 students• curriculum emphasizes lab and field courses,
participation in research• many modern and multidisciplinary courses (molecular
and cell biology, ecology, evolution, physiology)• thesis based master of science • state-of-the-art facilities (DNA sequencing lab, William
Keck Micro-imaging and Analysis lab)• field courses make use of Fairfield Osborn Preserve
and Fred B Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
ChemistryChemistryDr. Carmen Works• Ph.D UC Santa
Barbara 2001• Area of Interest:
transition metals in biological systems
Computer ScienceComputer ScienceDr. Lynn Stauffer• Ph.D UC Irvine, 1994• Area of Interest:
Design and analysis of algorithms and data structures
Computer Science at SSUComputer Science at SSU• What is computer science?
The study of computation - what can be computed and how to compute it.
• Who is a computer scientist?A computer scientist likes to:
• solve problems• create new things• stay atop of technology
Why major in computer science?
– Intellectually challenging and engaging scientific problems remain to be understood and solved
– Career options abound for computer scientists "Computer science graduates will be in greater demand than ever over the next 15 years," Bill Gates, October 2005
Why major in computer science?
Combine CS with interests in other fields– Biology - bioinformatics – Business - commercial databases– English - technical writing– Law - cyberlaw– Law Enforcement - cybercrime
Can major in CS and go on to careers in medicine, law, business, politics, arts, science, engineering, and other fields
MathematicsMathematicsDr. Brigitte Lahme• Ph.D Colorado State
University, 1999• Area of Interest:
Mathematics Education, Dynamical Systems and Algebra
Career Options for Math MajorsCareer Options for Math Majors• Applications: Companies and government agencies
search out math majors to work in financial, engineering, public service, and more settings.
• Education: California has a critical need for math teachers. The secondary education track puts you in an excellent position to help students succeed.
• Other professions: Math majors have some of the highest success rates in professional programs such as law school and business school, because they have proven that they can solve challenging problems and think logically.
Mathematics at SSUMathematics at SSUPure Mathematics (BA)Statistics (BS)Applied Mathematics (BS)Computer Science Option (BS)Secondary Teaching (BA)• Other Fields and Double Majors
Physics and AstronomyPhysics and AstronomyDr. Lynn Cominsky• Ph.D MIT 1981• Area of Interest: NASA
Education and Public Outreach for High-energy Astronomy missions (black holes, pulsars, supernovae)
Physics & Astronomy at SSUPhysics & Astronomy at SSU• B.S. degree in Physics & Applied Physics• B.A. degree in Physics• About 36% go to graduate school:
Sonoma State UniversityPhysics Graduates by Field
61
3
4
4
4
7
7
8
14
14
17
19
19
28
29
34
36
40
48
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Other, Unknown
Military
Robotics, Mech Engr
Journalism, Law, Publ Adm
Home
Construction, Civil Engr
Mathematics
Chem, Geophys, Mat Sci
Telecommunications
Aerospace
Astronomy
Energy, Environment, Nuclear
Biophysics, Medicine
Education, Counseling, Psych
Electronics, Semiconductors
Business
Optics
Physics
Computers
394 GraduatesMarch 2008
Physics & Astronomy at SSUPhysics & Astronomy at SSU• Research in materials science, high-
magnetic field materials, adaptive optics and observational astronomy
• NASA employs up to 6 students each year to support satellite missions
• Two telescopes: SSU Observatory and NASA robotic telescope….and one more even larger one on the way at the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
Galbreath Wildlands PreserveGalbreath Wildlands Preserve• >3700 acres, donated to SSU School of
Science & Technology• Field trips for Biology and Geology
students• Excellent dark site at ~1500 foot elevation
Activities in the School of S&TActivities in the School of S&TDepartment colloquia - weekly
– Biology - Thursdays 12-1 pm– Chemistry - Thursday 12 - 1 pm– Computer Science - Thursdays 12 - 1 pm– Mathematics - Wednesdays 4 - 5 pm– Physics & Astronomy - Mondays 4 - 5 pm
Activities in the School of S&TActivities in the School of S&T• Fairfield Osborn Preserve
– Hikes, Workshops, School Field Trips
• Northern California Undergraduate Math Conference April 8, 2006
• National Chemistry Week
• Public Viewing Nights at the SSU Observatory