Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering

School 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

Academic Advisors:
Sharon Brown, brownsh@suu.edu, TH 118, (435) 865-8702
(A-G) Jared Wilcken, wilcken@suu.edu, SC 304, (435) 586-5420
(H-N) Reko Hargrave, rekohargrave@suu.edu, SC 304, (435) 586-5420
(O-Z) Brittney Hernandez, brittneyhernandez@suu.edu, SC 304, (435) 586-5420

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

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

Departments/Programs

The College of Science & Engineering at Southern Utah University is composed of six academic departments and the School of Computing and Technology.

Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Science
Department of Biology
Department of Integrated Engineering
Department of Mathematics
Department of Nursing
Department of Physical Science
School of Computing and Technology
- Computer Science and Information Systems
- Engineering Technology and Construction Management

Mission

The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science and Engineering is made up of 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, Integrated Engineering, Mathematics, Nursing, Physical Science and the School of Computing and Technology. We operate or participate in the operation of several special learning environments for students that include a Keck Foundation sponsored undergraduate research lab, an astronomical observatory, a GIS lab, a certified water lab, a scanning electron microscopy 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 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 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 in all of its finest forms, 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 College of Science & Engineering in all activities and serve as our basic foundation are:

1. Undergraduate education is our highest priority.
2. Well-planned and executed, pedagogically sound classroom, laboratory, and outdoor educational activities are expected.
3. Life-long learning will be modeled by our faculty by being professionally active and productive scholars in their fields.

College/School Program Goals & Learning Outcomes

The observable, measurable goals of the College of Science and Engineering and our 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, and continuously update, need for future 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 special, unique 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, Scanning Electron Microscopy 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, 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

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.

Physical Science

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

School of Computing and Technology

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.

Geology

Geology Composite - Professional Emphasis, B.S.

Integrated Engineering

Integrated Engineering, 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.

School of Computing and Technology

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

Associate of Applied Science

Agriculture and Nutrition Science

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

School of Computing 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 one of the following fields:
Business Emphasis, A.A.S
Construction Technology Emphasis, A.A.S
Information Technology with an emphasis in one of the following fields:
Networking/Telecommunications Emphasis
Information Technology Emphasis
Computer and Information Systems Security Emphasis

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 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 Integrated Engineering Program, 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 Services Center and the College of Science & Engineering professional advisors: Ms. Brittney Hernandez, Science Center, Room SC 304B, (435) 586-5420, brittneyhernandez@suu.edu; Ms. Sharon Brown, Engineering & Technology Building, Room 118, (435) 865-8702, brownsh@suu.edu, Mr. Jared Wilcken, Science Center, Room SC 304C, (435) 586-5420, wilcken@suu.edu or Mr. Reko Hargrave, Science Center 304A, rekohargrave@suu.edu, (435-586-5420. 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 College of Science and Engineering. During the 2012-2013 academic year over $162,000 in scholarships were distributed among College of 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 College of Science and Engineering majors are the following:

Agriculture Club
American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter (ACS) / Chem Club
Biology Club
Computer Club
COSE Leadership Board
Ecology Club (University Chapter)
Engineering Club
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
Skills USA
Student Nurse Association
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.

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.