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