Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with Concentration in Computational Mathematics (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology is designed for students interested in a career in the environmental sciences. This program provides an interdisciplinary education in biology and the supporting fields of geology, geography and chemistry. Environmental and conservation biologists work to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems, develop and implement environmental policies, or conduct research on how ecological processes affect biological diversity.

Potential careers for graduates include wildlife ecologists, environmental educators, forest managers, environmental consultants and personnel at public environmental regulatory or land use planning agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

The Environmental and Conservation Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Conservation Biology concentration provides a strong background in applied ecology, restoration ecology and habitat management strategies used to sustain biological diversity.
• The Environmental Policy and Management concentration provides opportunities to learn about the development and implementation of habitat management methods and public policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and address environmental problems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design, analysis of biological data and communication of research results.
• Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Conservation Biology is designed for students interested in a career in the environmental sciences. This program provides an interdisciplinary education in biology and the supporting fields of geology, geography and chemistry. Environmental and conservation biologists work to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems, develop and implement environmental policies, or conduct research on how ecological processes affect biological diversity.

Potential careers for graduates include wildlife ecologists, environmental educators, forest managers, environmental consultants and personnel at public environmental regulatory or land use planning agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

The Environmental and Conservation Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Conservation Biology concentration provides a strong background in applied ecology, restoration ecology and habitat management strategies used to sustain biological diversity.
• The Environmental Policy and Management concentration provides opportunities to learn about the development and implementation of habitat management methods and public policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and address environmental problems.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of proper experimental design, analysis of biological data and communication of research results.
• Demonstrate a greater knowledge and appreciation of the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.

The Master of Architecture degree seeks to prepare graduates to lead in the field of architecture by stimulating the growth of technical knowledge and design creativity. The program fosters the refinement of design skills acquired in undergraduate programs. Master coursework affords opportunities for inquiry in architecture through the introduction of traditional scholarly research methods as well as approaches to research through design in a studio setting. Professional practice courses paired with Theory seminars and elective classes in areas of digital technology, building sciences, and history provide a comprehensive exposure to professional opportunities and a broad capacity for considering and postulating architecture in innovative ways.

Students may also pursue a dual degree program with the Master of Business Administration degree or with the Master of Urban Design degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Increase level of intellectual discourse about architecture.
• Demonstrate enhanced verbal, graphic and writing skills.
• Develop and enhance student's research skills.
• Develop and enhance problem-solving and reasoning skills; an ability to critically analyze information and fundamental design skills.
• Understand the complexities of environmental design including both technical and theoretical components.
• Develop management and leadership skills; verbal and graphic
• Understand design and systems integration through a thesis or capstone experience through an array of professional practice and “field” related coursework.
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically and to gather, record and apply relevant information.
• Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to international cultures.
• Understand different cultural perspectives, values, customs and traditions.
• Understand western traditions.
• Understand the principles of building programming, including assessment of user needs, review of precedents, an inventory of space requirements, site analysis and review of the relevant laws and standards.
• Understand design principles and theories of urban design.
• Develop an ability to compare and contrast the perspectives, values, customs and traditions of student`s own culture from those held by other cultures.
• Develop and enhance student's writing skills.
• Understand the following professional practices: real estate and development, contract and planning law, leadership and ethics, office and finance management.
• Understand site.
• Understand the responsibility of the architect to elicit, understand and resolve the needs of the client.
• Develop an awareness of diverse cultures, ideals and beliefs.

The Master of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering provides an advanced theoretical and/or research-oriented curriculum with significant depth in mechatronics-related discipline, beyond the general fundamentals of the engineering bachelor's degree.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Conduct literature searches, comprehend advanced research materials and uncover connections between related work.
• Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of mechatronics engineering.
• Communicate problems and solutions in mechatronics engineering clearly, both verbally and in writing.

The B.S. degree in Sports Medicine will focus on the knowledge and skills that are required for sports medicine and athletic training professionals with specific coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, chemistry, physics, basics of sports medicine, strength and conditioning, first aid, pathologies of injury and illness, pathologies of general medical conditions, pharmacology, therapeutic intervention in health care (including modality application and rehabilitation), healthcare organization and management, emergency medical skills, documentation and record keeping in health care and psychology.

Students completing this program will gain experience in direct patient care and patient care skills, preparing them for their specific career path. Direct patient care skills taught and evaluated include, but are not limited to, first aid and CPR, assessment of biomechanics, gait analysis, goniometry, manual muscle testing, postural assessment, palpation, auscultation, emergency management, and obtaining medical and family histories through patient encounters.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Develop foundational knowledge for admission to advanced studies in graduate athletic training programs or employment in associated sports medicine fields
• Demonstrate sound decision-making through analysis and application in the prevention, management, and resolution of health-related issues associated with sports medicine issues
• Engage in comprehensive sports medicine care while integrating disciplined-specific, synthesized, creative, respectful and ethical elements
• Develop confidence and competence to successfully transition into practice and/or higher education programs in sports medicine

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime, law and justice. Faculty members view crime, deviance and society’s response from the fields of sociology, political science, psychology and traditional criminal justice viewpoints. The curriculum provides a firm understanding of the basic institutions of the criminal justice system. Students are also exposed to criminological theory and diversity courses, which help them understand the complex relationship between the individual, society and the criminal justice system. The program stresses effective writing and analytical skills. Students are afforded the opportunity to earn credit through internship placements.

Students select at least one concentration in consultation with a faculty advisor or the undergraduate coordinator. Consultations with faculty enable students to make informed choices about which combination of courses will maximize their preparation for future careers and graduate education.

The Criminology and Justice Studies major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Corrections concentration is for students interested in pursuing careers in institutional corrections for adults or juveniles, or in such community corrections fields as probation and parole.
• The Criminology and Deviance concentration is for students interested in understanding the origins and nature of deviance and crime, their patterns and societal responses; this concentration is appropriate for students preparing for graduate study in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, public policy or social work.
• The General–Criminology and Justice Studies concentration is for students who either choose not to pursue specializations within the major or wish to pursue an individualized program of study (through general electives), which does not align with the other concentrations.
• The Justice and Human Relations concentration is for students interested in such fields as social work, counseling, clinical psychology, victimology, victim advocacy, juvenile justice, public/community relations in criminal justice, community organizing, diversity or social justice. (Interdisciplinary training and/or specialized graduate training are necessary for careers in many of those fields.)
• The Law and Society concentration is for students interested in the social relevance of law and social influences on law; this concentration is appropriate preparation for law school or graduate study in the social sciences.
• The Policing concentration is for students intending careers in law enforcement and other occupations related to security and public safety.
• The Victimology concentration is relevant for students interested in the scholarly study of crime victims, their treatment in the justice systems and programs that serve victims. It is useful for those interested in victim advocacy.

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science provides students with an educational and research environment to develop career paths through necessary training with emerging technologies. Graduates have the technical knowledge and skills necessary for success within the information and high technology industries.

The M.S. degree in Computer Science has two culminating options: thesis or non-thesis. Students planning to pursue a Ph.D. degree an/or academic research should select the thesis option. Students planning to pursue applied research and development in industry may select the non-thesis option. The thesis option requires original research and a written thesis. The non-thesis option requires a capstone project and an optional industrial internship.

The Computer Science major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Computational Data Science concentration prepares students to process big data. In a spectrum of real-world applications, the collected data (from such sources as mobile devices, GPS, sensor/RFID networks, Internet, social media, etc.) is so large and complex, the traditional data processing tools cannot efficiently and effectively handle it. This concentration focuses on algorithms development, machine learning, computation techniques, network and computing infrastructure and software.
• The Computer Engineering concentration prepares students to meet the need of computer engineering professionals in the industry for designing and managing emerging smart devices and computer-integrated physical systems with programmable intelligence. Students learn the hardware-software co-design principles and theory, architecture of the associated software and hardware, devices and sensors communication protocols and the interfaces to effectively design, build and evolve such smart devices and computer-driven intelligent physical systems.
• The Computer Security concentration exposes students to a wide range of topics on the security of computer systems. Students study the vulnerabilities in software and networks and develop algorithms and software to protect data, using digital encryption coding, protected databases and protected computer networking techniques.

Students opting to not pursue a concentration will create a 12-credit hour individualized plan of study with their advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate breadth-of-knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to advanced topics in computer science.
• Conduct literature searches, comprehend advanced research materials and uncover connections between related work and critical evaluation and synthesis.
• Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology teaches design, operation, installation, maintenance and analysis of machinery. The program prepares students to become highly technical professionals in current and emerging fields using mechanical and computer-aided engineering. Students learn to develop innovative solutions to problems encountered in manufacturing.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Use the techniques, skill and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
• Design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering focuses on the application of engineering principles to the design, manufacturing, and functionality of aerospace vehicles such as aircraft, missiles and spacecraft, to include autonomous and semi-autonomous unmanned aerial systems. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of aerodynamics, engineering materials and processes, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and control, while being exposed to orbital mechanics, space structures, and rocket propulsion.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The Master of Music degree in Performance is designed to prepare the student for professional music activities, including solo performance, orchestral playing, ensemble playing, collaborative performance, studio teaching; as well as doctoral study. The program emphasizes development of skills, knowledge and background in the following areas: literature and repertoire, performance skills, practice skills, interpretation and expression, performance pedagogy, historical performance practices, music history and music theory.

The Performance major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Chamber Music concentration is for intensive coaching and performance of string quartet literature.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Recognize, identify, interpret and perform representative literature from different historical periods, countries and composers.
• Apply advanced performing skills in solo and ensemble settings, including tone production, accuracy, intonation, instrumental/vocal technique, musicality/expression, vocal language and diction and stage presence/presentation.
• Discuss, utilize and achieve high-quality results from efficient and effective practice techniques, including time management, achievable goals and use of appropriate technical skills, musical expression skills and focused work ethic.
• Have an enhanced understanding of interpretation and expression in music.
• Identify, explain and utilize performance pedagogy appropriate to the specific area of study.
• Identify, associate, differentiate and utilize performances practices appropriate to the literature of the various stylistic periods.
• Utilize and discuss score study of literature performed and also representative literature from various historical periods and composers.