Master of Science in Biological Sciences - Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology (STEM)

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education prepares critically reflective teachers with advanced knowledge in pre-school through primary multi-disciplinary curriculum. Students are prepared to be democratically accountable leaders, co-decision makers, pedagogical experts and committed professionals in various early childhood realms. The program emphasizes commitment to equitable and caring learning communities.

Ohio endorsements for pre-school and literacy endorsement or generalist (grades four and five) may be embedded in the program. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive an International Baccalaureate (IB) recognition award in the M.Ed. degree.

The Early Childhood Education major includes the following optional concentrations:

• The Early Childhood Leadership: Advocacy, Curriculum and Policy concentration commonly appeals to teachers who desire to further their own early childhood programs, become master teachers and/or enhance their own leadership on behalf of young children and professionals who work with them. Students delve into issues and trends in the field, reconceptualize practice, understand and deconstruct/reconstruct policy understandings and complete their own independent research as an inquiry exit project or thesis.
• The Globalization and Intercultural Competence concentration is designed for teachers who are searching for research-based solutions to the learning and teaching of international students and/or who want to build intercultural competence to meet the demands of growing or changing immigrant and refugee populations in the classroom.
• The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics concentration provides students the opportunity to engage children in interdisciplinary instruction; gain experience working with and integrating technology; and integrate STEM to break down traditional boundaries.

The Master of Science degree in Data Science provides a focus on developing scientists who will understand the theories, methods and tools of data science and apply data science to solving research and workplace questions in the natural, health and social sciences for businesses and industries.

Data science is an emerging STEM discipline founded on the principles of mathematics and the sciences and developed through a synthesis of mathematics and computer science. One may think of data science as a blending together of methods and ideas from analysis, statistics, databases, big data, artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, graph theory and visualization for the purposes of finding information in data and applying that information to solving real-world problems.

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

• Ask the questions so that problems in a particular business or industrial situation become clear.
• Determine if the problem may be addressed with data science methods and tools, and if yes, propose potential methods for solving the problems.
• Make suggestions for how data science may be used to enhance the quality and value of currently existing products (whether the products are physical or methods) and how data science may be used in the development of new products.

The Master of Science degree in Materials Science provides students with extensive scientific training, cutting-edge research opportunities and engineering skills necessary for a variety of careers in academy and industry. Program faculty and students conduct research through Kent State's participating departments and the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute. Such research includes liquid crystal synthesis and molecular design; properties of liquid crystals and related advanced materials; lyotropic liquid crystals and bio-related materials; opto-electronics; and nanoscience and nanotechnologies. These important research foci are inherently interdisciplinary.

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

• Develop an advanced understanding of the fundamental science of soft materials and ability to apply acquired knowledge of physical and chemical properties of advanced soft materials and devices such as liquid crystals, polymers, colloids and active matter.
• Gain experience in presenting scientific data in research publications, articles, posters and oral presentations.
• Apply acquired knowledge to the development of new soft materials, new theories and effects and advanced materials such as liquid crystal-based devices.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Earth Science prepares students for teacher licensure in earth science, grades 7-12. Students take a broad range of courses in biology, chemistry, geography and physics and specialize in geology content. Most content coursework is completed during students' first three years; methods coursework begins during the spring of their third year. In the final year of the program, students complete remaining content courses, science teaching methods courses and a year-long placement in a local school district, which concludes with 13 weeks of student teaching in the spring. Earth Science students are encouraged to meet with their advisor early in their program because many courses must be sequenced carefully.

Students are required to complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Plan multiple lessons using a variety of inquiry approaches that demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how to engage all students in learning science.
• Plan a learning environment and learning experiences for all students that demonstrate chemical safety, safety procedures, and the ethical treatment of living organisms within their licensure area.
• Plan fair and equitable assessment strategies to analyze student learning and to evaluate if the science learning goals are met.

The Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences–Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics is an individualized program of study and research that prepares students for career opportunities in teaching and research in academic, governmental and industrial settings. A core series of courses sets a rigorous foundation in theory, experimental design and technical knowledge of contemporary investigations at the cellular level of organization. Areas of research include developmental biology, cellular and developmental neuroscience, immunology, reproductive biology, cellular endocrinology and molecular genetics.

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

• Understand advanced biological concepts beyond the scope of the typical undergraduate degree and 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 Mathematics comprises core areas in algebra (number systems, equations, discrete structures), analysis (functions, limits, continuous processes), geometry (space, shape, form) and associated generalizations and abstractions.

The B.S. degree program is recommended for students interested in a flexible option of careers or graduate study in mathematics. Coupled with the Education minor, the program can lead to Ohio teacher licensure.

Students may apply early to the M.S.in Pure Mathematics program 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:

• Reason in mathematical arguments at a level appropriate to the discipline, including using precise definitions, articulating assumptions and reasoning logically to conclusions.
• Engage effectively in problem solving, including exploring examples, devising and testing conjectures and assessing the correctness of solutions.
• Approach mathematical problems creatively, including trying multiple approaches and modifying problems when necessary to make them more tractable.
• Communicate mathematics clearly both orally and in writing.
• Understand and appreciate connections among different subdisciplines of mathematics.
• Understand and appreciate connections between mathematics and other disciplines.
• Be aware of and understand a broad range of mathematical subdisciplines.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language presents American sign language as a culture- and community-based language that interacts with other world languages. Through techniques—including immersion and bilingual-bicultural comparison classes, community interaction, research, lab activities and use of digital video technology—students gain documented proficiency in American sign language, validity within the deaf community and networking within the professional community.

The Master of Education degree in Research, Measurement, and Statistics develops educators and specialists in the areas of assessment, measurement, research design and program evaluation. The program serves teachers and administrators seeking applied measurement, research and evaluation skills for use in schools (pre-kindergarten to grade 12) and in higher education. The program also serves professionals seeking careers in the areas of evaluation, research and psychometrics.

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

• Demonstrate knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics at a conceptual and application level.
• Demonstrate knowledge of research design and methods by selecting and executing the appropriate research design and methods for a variety of applications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of measurement, including the methods to develop valid and reliable measures of constructs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary and classic theories in program evaluation, the purposes and logic of program evaluation and the processes of different types of program evaluation.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology focuses primarily on the applied aspects of science and engineering and prepares graduates for practice in that portion of the technological spectrum closest to product improvement, manufacturing, construction and engineering operational functions.

The Engineering Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Electrical/Electronics concentration allows seamless articulation with technical associate degrees for students who wish to advance their careers in the electrical/electronic engineering field. Electrical engineers and technologists design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems-from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPS).
• The Green and Alternative Energy concentration refers to energy sources that have no undesired consequences, for example, fossil fuels or nuclear energy. Alternative energy sources are renewable and are thought to be "free" energy sources. They all have lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional energy sources. These include biomass energy, wind energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, and hydroelectric energy sources. Combined with the use of recycling, the use of clean alternative energies such as the home use of solar power systems will help ensure man's survival into the 21st century and beyond. By 2050, one-third of the world's energy will need to come from solar, wind, and other renewable resources, according to British Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell, two of the world's largest oil companies.
• The Integrated Engineering Technology concentration permits graduates from a variety of associate degree backgrounds to formulate a program of advanced study in upper-division technical courses, chosen with a faculty advisor, to gain additional technical depth or breadth.
• The Mechanical/Systems concentration allows seamless articulation with technical associate degrees for students who wish to advance their careers in the mechanical or manufacturing field. Mechanical engineering technology is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers and technologists design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines and machines. Graduates of this program can expect to work mostly in engineering services, research and development, manufacturing industries, and the federal government.

The Bachelor of Applied Horticulture degree provides students with the academic background and learning environment to further their education beyond an associate degree. The program aids students in the development of managerial expertise in areas of landscape design, turfgrass management and urban forestry, as well as landscape design, golf courses, sports turf management, arboriculture, environmental sustainability, plant propagation and greenhouse and nursery operations.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of plant characteristics, use, identification, and taxonomy.
• Develop knowledge of the proper safety procedures and their application in the workplace.
• Develop proper business protocol and specific horticulture concentration applications in the work place.
• Interpret soil test results, analyze and determine the best corrective course of action.
• Demonstrate knowledge of pest identification, taxonomy, integrated pest management, and control strategies .