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COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics emphasizes hands on experience and interaction with professors. Students in the classroom have access to state-of-the art instruments and unique facilities such as the two-story anechoic chamber for measuring sound and the well field for monitoring ground water. The College offers strong academic programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics and Astronomy.

The College's six academic departments collectively offer 13 baccalaureate degree programs, six minor concentrations, five teaching credential programs, three certificate programs, and five Master's degree programs, including the Professional Science Master's. Unique strengths of programs within the College include the following:

Program Descriptions

Biology

The Department of Biological Sciences provides students with broad training in biology with the opportunity to specialize. The Department of Biological Sciences offers the BA, BS, BS with concentrations in biological conservation, clinical laboratory science, forensic biology, microbiology and molecular biology, MA and MS degree programs, and Minor. The location of Sacramento State is ideal for diverse field trip experiences and internship opportunities with State and Federal agencies.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a science that prepares students for a wide variety of careers in fields including biochemistry, medicine, pharmacology and patent law, analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The Department of Chemistry offers BS (certified by the American Chemical Society), BS with a concentration in biochemistry, BA, BA with concentrations in biochemistry and forensic chemistry, and MS degree programs. A Minor is also offered.

Geography

The Department of Geography offers a balanced major featuring training in field and techniques courses, the latter supported by a well-equipped Geographic Information Systems computer lab. Other highlights include regional expertise in California, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, a preplanning Certificate, and internship opportunities with government agencies. A BA and Minor are offered.

Geology

Geology is the study of the earth, its environments, and its past inhabitants. The Geology Department offers a BA, BA (earth science), BS, MS, and Minor. This Department, in conjunction with the on-campus staff of the United States Geological Survey, offers excellent preparation for careers in geology and graduate study.

Mathematics and Statistics

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a variety of options to cater to the particular interests of its majors. The flexibility of the major allows students to pursue their BA degree in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, or the teaching program. Graduates have met with much success in finding employment in both the public and private sectors, particularly in high school teaching and local private industry. The Department also offers Minors in Mathematics and Statistics and a MA degree for those who wish to teach at the community college level.

Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers BA and BS degrees and Minors in physics, physical science, and astronomy. Students can tailor their programs to prepare themselves for graduate study in physics or related fields, research and technical employment in industry, or a career as a junior high or high school science teacher.

The College also supports a number of college-wide programs. Some of the larger ongoing programs are:

Center for Mathematics and Science Education

The Center supports faculty from the Colleges of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Education to develop and administer professional development projects for K-12 teachers and education research grants to improve the teaching of math and science at all levels. The Center coordinates a wide range of activities for Sacramento region public and private school teachers and students including the Sacramento Area Science Project, the Sacramento Math Project, monthly SCATS Seminars, and a variety of short courses for teachers. To receive more information contact the Director Rich Hedman, at (916) 278-5487 or hedmanrd@csus.edu.

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories are located on Monterey Bay. The facility is operated by a consortium of six California State University campuses and offers upper division and graduate courses in marine sciences.

Premedical and Preprofessional Programs

The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers coursework which allows students to prepare for medical, dental, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, and veterinary school. Information on the preparation necessary for entry into these health professions is found in the Premedical pages of this catalog.

Science Educational Equity

The California State University, Sacramento Science Educational Equity (SEE) Program is a comprehensive academic support program designed to meet the needs of students who face social, economic or educational barriers that limit access to careers in the sciences and health professions. To receive a program brochure or to schedule an initial appointment, please call (916) 278-6519.

Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential Preparation)

California State University, Sacramento has programs for students who are interested in becoming high school or middle school teachers in science or mathematics. These programs consist of two parts: subject matter preparation programs (in which students learn the background in the subject matter they will teach) and credential programs (in which students develop the knowledge and skills related to how to teach). The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers subject matter preparation programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Single Subject Teaching Credential programs are offered by the California State University, Sacramento College of Education. Additionally, California State University, Sacramento offers a blended program in mathematics, in which students work on their subject matter preparation and teaching credential at the same time. Information on subject matter programs in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics is found in the Science Subject Matter Program pages in this catalog. Information on the subject matter program in mathematics and the blended program in mathematics is found in the Mathematics and Statistics pages.

Departments/Programs

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Geography
• Geology
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physical Science
• Physics and Astronomy

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