Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering

College Information

Dean: Robert L. Eves
Science Center 310A ~ (435) 586-1934
eves@suu.edu

Interim Associate Dean: Eric M. Freden
Science Center 310B~ (435) 865-8298
freden@suu.edu

Administrative Assistant: Barbara Rodriguez
Science Center 310 ~ (435) 586-7920
rodriguez@suu.edu

College Website: http://www.suu.edu/cose
Advising Website: http://www.suu.edu/cose/advisement.html
College Fax: (435) 865-8550

Academic Enhancement Coordinator:
Laurel Dodgion, laureldodgion@suu.edu, TH 131 ~ (435) 865-8090

Student Success Advisors:

Last Names A-B, X-Z
Jared Wilken, wilcken@suu.edu
SC 111 ~ (435) 586-5420

Last Names C-E
Rachel Fergason, rachelfergason@suu.edu
SC 105A ~ (435) 586-5420

Last Names F-I
Randy Johnson, randyjohnson4@suu.edu
SC 108 ~ (435) 586-5420

Last Names J-M
Marshal Beach, marshalbeach@suu.edu
SC 110 ~ (435) 586-5420

Last Names N-R
Sharon Brown, brownsh@suu.edu
SC 110 ~ (435) 586-5420

Last Names S-W
Tina Calamity, calamity@suu.edu
SC 109 ~ (435) 586-5420

Departments/Programs

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science & Engineering at Southern Utah University is composed of seven academic departments.

Mission

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering hosts academic programs in agriculture, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering and technology, geography, geology, information systems, mathematics, nursing, nutrition, and interdisciplinary studies. These programs are housed in the departments of Agriculture and Nutrition Science, Biology, Computer Science & Information Systems, Engineering and Technology, Mathematics, Nursing, and Physical Science. We operate or participate in the operation of several special learning environments that include a SUU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning, a Keck Foundation sponsored undergraduate research lab, an astronomical observatory, a GIS lab, a certified water lab, the Garth & Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History, the Cedar Mountain Science Center, the Dahle Green House, the Valley Farm, a Computer Forensic Lab, a Networking and Security Lab, the James E. Bowns Herbarium and the Mountain Ranch. We serve as the center of learning for the undergraduate STEM programs offered at SUU. We also serve as the resource center of scientific knowledge and expertise for southern Utah. The purpose of the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering is to provide comprehensive classroom and experiential learning that emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making, and communication in STEM. The faculty is committed to providing high-quality education, individual guidance and assistance to students, and helping them grow intellectually, professionally and personally while pursuing their academic goals.

Vision

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering will be nationally recognized as a premier institution of learning known for enabling its students to honor thought and accomplishment, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world. Our graduates will demonstrate high levels of academic achievement through admission to graduate and professional schools and/or gainful employment. Our faculty will model engaged pedagogy and scholarly activities, thereby increasing the value of our students’ degrees.

Philosophy

The values and beliefs that guide the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science & Engineering in all activities and serve as our basic foundation are:

1. Undergraduate education is our highest priority.
2. Supporting students.
3. Supporting faculty.

College/School Program Goals & Learning Outcomes

The observable, measurable goals of the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering and the objectives by which we will accomplish them are:

Goal: Prepare students for graduate and professional schools.
Objective: Offer coursework and active, engaged learning experiences appropriate to the prerequisites of specified post-baccalaureate programs.
Assessment: tabulate student reportage on application/acceptance to post-baccalaureate programs.
Goal: prepare students for careers using their baccalaureate degree.
Objective: offer coursework appropriate for employment related to departmental majors or minors.
Assessment: require standardized, nationally-normed tests where available and regularly evaluate curricula to assure currency and appropriateness.
Goal: develop skills in analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and communication.
Objective: offer well-planned and pedagogically sound learning experiences.
Assessment: annually examine and evaluate course syllabi, course materials, and student research experiences.
Goal: provide hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art scientific instruments and equipment.
Objective: provide coursework and research opportunities that include opportunities to use equipment.
Assessment: inventory and maintain current equipment, continuously update equipment, and evaluate the need for additional equipment.
Goal: provide highly skilled professors that are also respected scholars.
Objective: recruit Ph.D. - prepared faculty, reward good teaching, encourage faculty to conduct funded research and publish results, and encourage participation in professional organizations.
Assessment: annually evaluate faculty performances in teaching, scholarship, service, and collegiality using criteria and performance standards developed by Departments and the College.
Goal: provide exceptional learning opportunities.
Objective: utilize the Valley Farm, Mountain Ranch, Cedar Mountain Science Center, Ashcroft Observatory, Dahle Greenhouse, Voyager Mobile Science Lab, High Performance Parallel Computing, Computer Forensics Lab, Networking Lab, Water Lab , Material Science and Fluids Lab, CNC Machine Shop, the Garth & Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History, James E. Bowns Herbarium, the GIS lab, and the Keck Molecular Genetics and Ecology labs, the SUU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning, and Internships with industry and government, and Community Partnerships.
Assessment: annually evaluate the use of our specialized learning environments.
Goal: maximize the utilization of our unique community and geographic resources.
Objective: foster and strengthen community and agency relationships.
Assessment: annually evaluate community and agency interaction.

Degrees/Program Titles, Certificates and Centers

Graduate Degrees

Master of Science (M.S.) - Cyber Security and Information Assurance (Online)

Undergraduate Degrees & Majors

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Biology

Biology, B.A.
Biology, B.S.
Biology- Education, B.A.
Biology- Education, B.S.

Engineering and Technology

Physical Science

Teacher Education Emphasis, B.A.
Teacher Education Emphasis, B.S.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (see Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S. )

Agricultural Science and Industry, B.I.S.

In addition to the Agricultural Science and Industry BIS, other examples of customized combinations of academic disciplines that could be assembled into a BIS degree include Animal Science, Plant Science, General Agriculture, Natural Resources/Range Management, Environmental Studies, Geology, GIS, Criminology, Business, Computer Science, Sociology, Statistics, and Political Science.

Bachelor of Science

Agriculture and Nutrition Science

Human Nutrition - Allied Health Emphasis, B.S.
Human Nutrition - Pre-Dietetics Emphasis, B.S.

Chemistry

Chemistry - Teacher Education Emphasis, B.S.
Chemistry Composite - Forensic Emphasis, B.S.
Chemistry Composite - Health Care Emphasis, B.S.
Chemistry Composite - Professional Emphasis, B.S.

Computer Science and Information Systems

Computer Science Composite, B.S.
Information Systems Composite, B.S.

Engineering and Technology

Engineering, B.S.

Geology

Geology Composite - Professional Emphasis, B.S.

Mathematics

Mathematics - Emphasis in Actuarial Science, B.S.
Mathematics - Emphasis in Education, B.S.
Mathematics - Emphasis in Pure Mathematics, B.S.

Nursing

Nursing - Pre-Licensure Emphasis, B.S.
Nursing - RN to BSN Emphasis, B.S.

Associate of Applied Science

Agriculture and Nutrition Science

Agriculture: Livestock Farm Management, A.A.S.
Equine Studies, A.A.S.

Computer Science and Information Systems

General Technology with an emphasis in the following field:
General Technology - Information Technology Specialty, A.A.S. (SWATC transfers only)
Information Technology with an emphasis in one of the following fields:
Networking/Telecommunications Emphasis
Information Technology Emphasis
Computer and Information Systems Security Emphasis

Engineering and Technology

CAD/CAM Technology, A.A.S.
Construction Technology, A.A.S.
Engineering Technology-Electronics Emphasis, A.A.S.
General Technology with an emphasis in the following field:
General Technology - Construction Technology Specialty, A.A.S. (SWATC transfers only)

Associate of Pre-Engineering

Pre-Engineering, A.P.E.

Certificate Program

Agriculture: Livestock Farm Management   (Gainful Employment Disclosure)
Civil Drafting/CAD   (Gainful Employment Disclosure)
Construction Technology   (Gainful Employment Disclosure)
Geographic Information System  (Gainful Employment Disclosure)

Minors

Actuarial Mathematics
Agriculture
Biology
CAD/CAM Technology
Chemistry
Chemistry Teacher Education
Computer Science (Non-Teaching)
Computer Science Emphasis in Teacher Education
Construction Technology
Electronics Technology
Geography
Geography Teacher Education
Geology Teacher Education
Information Systems (Non-Teaching)
Mathematics Education
Human Nutrition
Physics
Physics Teacher Education
Pure Mathematics Emphasis

The requirements and programs of study in each of the college’s departments are listed on the departments’ section of this e-catalog.

Other Information

Accreditation

In 2010, The Chemistry, professional emphasis B.S. degree program obtained approval from the American Chemical Society (ACS), the established national chemical oversight organization. Approval of our Chemistry, professional emphasis program assures that SUU graduates meet national standards in curriculum and preparation for graduate studies.

The Engineering, Engineering Technology-CAD/CAM emphasis, Engineering Technology-Electronics Engineering emphasis, Computer Science Composite, Computer Science Composite- Forensic Emphasis and Information Systems Composite degrees are accredited by ABET, the recognized U.S. accreditor of university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. Accreditation ensures the quality of the postsecondary education students receive.

Student Advising

Students are assisted in selecting appropriate majors and planning for courses through the joint efforts of faculty advisors, the Student Affairs Center and the College of Science & Engineering Student Success Advisors: Ms. Sharon Brown, Engineering & Technology Building, Room 118, (435) 586-5420,brownsh@suu.edu; Ms. Jessica Burr, Science Center, Room 110, (435) 586-5420, jessicaburr@suu.edu; Ms. Tina Calamity, Science Center, Room 109, (435) 586-5420, calamity@suu.edu; Mr. Jared Wilcken, Science Center, Room 111 , (435) 586-5420, wilcken@suu.edu or Randy Johnson, Science Center, Room 105B, (435) 586-5420, randyjohnson4@suu.edu. Cognizance and successful completion of graduation requirements, however, are the responsibility of the student.

Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, Pre-Veterinary, & other Health Professions Curricula

For a more complete list of these programs, please refer to Other Programs of Study . Note that the courses that you take toward a preprofessional program are determined in part by the intended transfer institution (e.g. the U. of Utah’s Medical School or the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State U., etc.) therefore, you should coordinate closely with the admission requirements of the institution to which you plan to apply as well as the requirements for graduation from SUU. Undergraduate research experience is essential for admission to most of these programs.

Pre-Graduate School

Plan your SUU baccalaureate degree with sufficient Math and Science courses to qualify you for admission to the graduate program of your choice. Be cognizant of the admission requirements of the graduate program of your choice. Undergraduate research experience is essential for admission to graduate school programs.

Student Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students demonstrating potential for excellence in disciplines within the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering. During the 2016-2017 academic year over $376,203 in scholarships were distributed among Science & Engineering majors. Students must submit the appropriate applications by February 1. Interested students should contact Student Financial Aid, Sharwan Smith Center, Room ST 167, (435) 586-7735.

Student Organizations

The way to get the best SUU experience is to participate in one of the excellent College student organizations. Among the many student organizations of interest to Science and Engineering majors are the following:

Agriculture Club
American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter (ACS) / Chem Club
Animal Ambassadors
Biology Club
Computer Club
COSE Leadership Board
Ecology Club (University Chapter)
Engineers Without Borders Southern Utah University Chapter
Kappa Omicron Nu
Sigma Gamma Epsilon (National Earth Science Honorary Society)
Geology Club
Math Club
National Association of Home Builders
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
PA Club (Physician Assistant)
Phi Beta Lambda
Sigma Theta Tau (Honor Society of Nursing)
Skills USA
Student Nurse Association
Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)
Utah Wildlife Society

Special Learning Environments

The College of Science & Engineering operates, or partners with, several special programs that provide students opportunities for enrichment of their classroom learning:

The Cedar Mountain Science Center offers summer science camps for children and courses for pre-service teachers and in-service teachers, held at the College Cabin on the SUU 2,629 acre mountain ranch property. For more information go to http://suu.edu/cose/center

Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit provides students and faculty with opportunities among all state and federal lands. Cedar Breaks National Monument, the U.S. Forest Service, and the BLM all have Cedar City offices and work closely with SUU.

The Valley Farm offers both classroom and real world experience on an operating farm and ranch setting in Cedar City, within minutes from the main campus. For further information, see http://suu.edu/cose/agns or contact lambeth@suu.edu (435) 865-8321

The SUU Ashcroft Observatory offers college credit courses and weekly community astronomical viewing activities located near the SUU Valley Farm. Phone (435) 586-1409 or see http://suu.edu/cose/physci/physics/observatory.html for more information.

The G.I.S. Lab offers college course work and services to community and regional planners requiring expertise in geospatial mapping.

The Garth & Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History offers campus and community members the opportunity to view museum specimens from our regional ecosystems. For more information go to http://suu.edu/cose/museum/ or call (435) 865-8549.

The SUU Water Lab is a certified analytical lab that offers students specialized training in analytical techniques and services to the public for their water quality needs. (435) 586-7914

The Rural Health Scholars Program is an enhancement program for pre-health students planning to apply to graduate-level programs. These students include but are not limited to the following: Pre-medical, podiatry, optometry, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing. The program provides opportunities for students in the following areas: Research, community service, job shadowing, patient exposure, MCAT/DAT/PCAT Prep, application assistance, enhanced advising, cultural immersion experiences in health care, medical skill training, Medical Spanish, and special seminars. Call (435) 865-8520 or see https://www.suu.edu/ahec/index.html for more information.

The Alliances for Education (Between SUU and Bryce Canyon National Park and the Zion Canyon National Park Group) is a ground-breaking educational partnership with the National Park Service that provides SUU students and faculty with opportunities to conduct research, classes, internships, and other educational activities with and within the National Parks.

Mountain Ranch Forest Stewardship Plan and Demonstration Forest Memorandum of Understanding (between SUU and the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands) is a program that will utilize the forest and range resources of the SUU Mountain Ranch, promote sound forest management and provide a demonstration forest to educate SUU students, faculty and staff, Division staff, natural resource professionals, the public, and others about the techniques and outcomes of forest and range management.

The SUU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning was established in the spring of 2014. Our mission is to bring together people and resources to facilitate cutting-edge STEM Initiatives that enhance teaching and learning in the preK-16 environment. With three strategic areas of influence- professional development, student engagement, and college & career readiness- our center works in a six county area of southwestern Utah. Projects are facilitated by a dedicated cadre of SUU faculty and student volunteers. See https://sites.google.com/a/suu.edu/suu-center-for-stem-teaching-and-learning/ for more information.

Internships - Many companies and governmental institutions provide exceptional opportunities for students to develop skills in a professional environment. Students’ internship assignments are jointly supervised by company management and Southern Utah University faculty members. Academic credit is awarded for internships and financial compensation may be available. More information is available from the department.