Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

at Kent State University USA

The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics emphasizes the tools most useful in science, engineering and technology applications: mathematical modeling, scientific computing and probability and statistics.

The Applied Mathematics major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Financial Mathematics concentration prepares students for graduate programs in mathematical or computational finance or financial engineering.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics prepares students for such varied fields as secondary education, patent law, science journalism or interdisciplinary science careers. The core requirements permit a large number of elective courses, which allow students to complete a minor or second major in preparation for an interdisciplinary career. This program is well suited for those with a strong interest not only in science but also in a non-science field. Students completing the program may choose to continue their physics studies on a graduate level.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate the technical and cognitive skills important in a good physicist, including the following:
  • Think critically and analytically.
  • Define a problem and how to solve problems.
  • Understand advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus and differential equations) and computer skills.
  • Use, design and even build lab equipment.
• Demonstrate the traits important in a good scientist, namely, hard working, creative, meticulous, persistence, tenacious and self confidence.
• Communicate results of their work to peers, to their instructors or supervisors, to various target groups within the physics community and to people outside the discipline.

The Master of Arts degree in Biology is for students wishing to gain additional knowledge in any area of the biological sciences. This is a non-thesis master's degree designed for secondary school science teachers, individuals looking for additional background or preparation for professional school (e.g. medicine, dentistry or Ph.D. programs) and those seeking employment in life science industries in a non-research capacity.

The Biology major includes the following concentration:

• The Environmental Biology concentration provides students with a balance between better understanding the relationships between organisms and the environment and how this balance can be sustained through environmental management and conservation.

Students who declare the Biology major with no concentration will select their area of specialization in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and to increase the depth of their knowledge through coursework and hands-on experiences.
• Apply scientific principles and appreciate work outside of their particular field.
• Effectively communicate about science with colleagues as well as those outside of the student's area of expertise.
• Develop the necessary laboratory skills that will allow testing of hypotheses.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering integrates mechanical, electrical, computer and controls engineering to understand automated machinery, specifically, how to design it and how to make it work. Mechatronics engineering revolves around the design, construction and operation of automated systems, robots and intelligent products, which result from the integration of software and hardware.

Using automated systems is becoming more popular for operating equipment or machinery on manufacturing lines, boilers and aircraft to reduce labor costs, increase precision and accuracy and provide quality and safety for workers. Mechatronic devices can be found in agriculture, hospitals, buildings, homes, automobiles, manufacturing plants, the toy and entertainment industry and in aids for the elderly and disabled.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• 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, manufacturing and sustainability
• Use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in French provides opportunity for students to study the language, literature and culture of France and Francophone countries. Students gain a respectable measure of competence in reading, writing and oral/aural skills in the French language. To help gain proficiency, students can attend a weekly French coffee hour. A conversation course sometimes involves speaking to people in France live via teleconferencing.

Students can take upper-division French courses abroad, either through Kent's own year-long program with the University of Bordeaux or with any accredited study abroad program offered by another university. Such programs may be for one semester, one academic year, or one summer. They most benefit students who have already acquired a strong command of the language here before leaving, however.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform tasks at intermediate high and advanced low levels of proficiency as described by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Proficiency, in ACTFL terms, is understood to describe a range of qualities rather than an absolute norm and will vary according to task type, language function, topic, skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and so forth.
• Contribute to most informal and some formal conversations with sufficient accuracy, clarity and precision to convey their intended message without misrepresentation or confusion.
• Read a wide variety of and complex texts written for native speakers of French and not edited or adapted for non-native speakers.
• Write cohesive summaries, narratives and descriptions of a factual nature in French.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of French history and culture and understand the diverse nature of culture throughout the ages.
• Discuss cultural differences, distinguishing between fact, opinion and stereotypes.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with diverse ethic and cultural groups.
• View concepts, issues, events and themes from the perspectives of diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
• Esteem diversity.
• Maintain an ongoing assessment of their own cultural values and behaviors.

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Physiology Interdisciplinary prepares graduates in areas that include cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine and neuroendocrine, reproductive or exercise physiology. In this context, emphasis is placed on an integrative approach for both research and graduate education. As with other program areas, the Biomedical Sciences–Physiology Interdisciplinary major takes advantage of the latest molecular and cellular techniques to address questions related to human diseases.

Faculty members are drawn from various departments at Kent State University, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and the Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic. Although graduate work may be completed in any of the various research areas, faculty are listed in two general specializations: (1) environmental and comparative physiology and (2) cardiopulmonary and exercise physiology. Each specialization addresses different subject areas of physiology and each has an associated training faculty. The degree program is research oriented and designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in physiological principles and techniques within several well-defined focus areas.

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Physiology Interdisciplinary is offered in consortium with Cleveland Clinic and  Northeast Ohio Medical University.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry allows students greater flexibility in choosing electives than the B.S. degree. Although not intended for students planning to become practicing chemists, the B.A. degree program is well suited for those needing a strong chemistry background as preparation for other career opportunities.

The program may be used to meet pre-medicine and pre-dentistry requirements when appropriate courses from the biological sciences are used to fulfill elective hours. However, the B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry concentration, is strongly recommended for students interested in medical or dental school.

Students in the program have the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the University of Leicester in England.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Apply fundamental chemical knowledge as demonstrated by achieving passing grades in general chemistry courses.
• Comprehend the chemistry that underlies several fields, such as materials, industrial and biological chemistry
• Demonstrate skills in basic scientific report writing through laboratory courses.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management provides students with an academic foundation and field experiences in preparation for the recreation, park and tourism professions. The program is comprised of three concentrations:

• The Park Management concentration focuses on providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and protecting the natural, cultural and historic resources on which those opportunities depend. Complementary minors include Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Biology for Environmental Management and Conservation.
• The Recreation Management concentration focuses on providing opportunities for individuals and community health and wellbeing through recreation and parks in public, nonprofit and commercial settings. Complementary minors include: Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Nonprofit Studies, Event Planning,
• The Tourism Management concentration focuses on providing entrepreneurial services for tourism industries as well as sustainable tourism destination management. Complementary minors include: Disability Studies and Community Inclusion, Event Planning, Business Management.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Articulate the impact of inclusive policies and practices targeted toward underrepresented individuals and groups including, but not limited to disability, race and/or ethnicity, age, social class, gender, and sexual orientation.
• Identify principles of inclusion, modification, and laws related to equal opportunity, and select strategies to mitigate barriers influencing recreation participation for people with disabilities.  
• Outline the historical, scientific, and philosophical foundations of the field.
• Differentiate the nature and scope of the industry; including critical aspects of program development, service development, management, and the components of leisure service delivery systems and various providers and levels of recreation.
• Analyze and apply common management roles, responsibilities, and approaches applicable to the field and the leadership styles and practices related to personnel management.
• Investigate public relations and marketing strategies, planning and development issues, and fiscal/budgetary management.
• Illustrate site specific attributes in relation to the RPTM field and the components of professional practice for successful engagement with the site.
• Model ethical, professional, appropriate behavior, and the ability to communicate effectively in oral, visual, and written forms.
• Apply basic principles of the program development cycle for recreation services and modifications for inclusivity.
• Engage in academic research, writing, and evaluation of literature and data for evidence-based improvement of services in leisure science.

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology prepares creative research scientists for careers in teaching, research and biotechnology. Graduates possess an in-depth comprehension of experimental design at the cellular and molecular levels of biological organization, as well as competency in current techniques in the discipline. Major research emphases include signal transduction, biochemistry and pathobiology, gene regulation, cell systems biology, cell and tissue ultrastructure, membrane structure and function, molecular aspects of neurobiology and endocrinology, genetics and metabolism of microorganisms, virology and immunology and enzymology with an emphasis on protein dynamics and folding, as well as cytochrome P-450s.

Program faculty are drawn from several departments at Kent State University, University of Akron, Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Additional participant faculty are located at area clinical facilities and hospitals. This multi-departmental and inter-institutional structure gives master's student access to the talents of a broadly diverse research faculty, as well as significant research facilities and resources.

The Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology is offered in consortium with Cleveland Clinic, Northeast Ohio Medical University and the University of Akron

The Biomedical Sciences–Cellular and Molecular Biology major comprises the following concentrations:

• Cellular Biology and Structure
• Molecular Biology and Genetics

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

• Publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrate the ability to teach undergraduate students.
• Seek employment after graduation in fields that reflect their area of training.

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Managerial Marketing prepares students to be marketing practitioners by helping them to fully develop the analytical, decision-making and communications (written and oral) skills used and valued by individuals working in this field. Faculty engage each student in active learning through hands-on assignments, case studies, projects with real businesses, and dynamic interactions with the faculty member and other students in the classroom. Each course aims to strengthen writing skills by emphasizing logical flow, persuasiveness and succinctness. Because coursework is sequential and integrated, each course builds upon prior classes to give students a comprehensive body of knowledge, skills and abilities.

The objective of this program is to educate students to function effectively in business environments where they will have to make autonomous decisions and be required to take action on their own initiative.

Managerial Marketing students may apply early to the M.B.A. degree and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program policy in the University Catalog for more information.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to conduct financial analyses for the purposes of making strategic marketing decisions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of segmentation and target marketing.
• Demonstrate an ability to analyze market research data.
• Demonstrate an ability to analyze markets and competitors within markets.

Graduates of all Bachelor of Business Administration programs will be able to:

• Recall strategic frameworks that are used to make business decisions.
• Perform basic calculations using quantitative tools that are used to support business decisions.
• Articulate and deliberate their ideas in writing.
• Articulate and deliberate their ideas orally.
• Identify ethical dilemmas and stakeholders.
• Recommend alternatives and consequences and choose a reasoned conclusion from the alternatives given.
• Identify global factors in making a business decision.
• Analyze global factors in making a business decision.