2004-2005 UAF Catalog

The College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the basic sciences, engineering, computer science, statistics and mathematics. It also provides all UAF undergraduate course work in science and mathematics. Degrees in biological sciences, wildlife biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, environmental chemistry, applied physics, geology and physics, and interdisciplinary fields including general science and earth science are available to undergraduate students in the sciences. Undergraduate opportunities in mathematical sciences include mathematics, statistics and computer science.

Several CSEM programs have received outside accreditation. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits the baccalaureate degree programs in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering; the Computing Science Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the baccalaureate degree program in computer science; and the American Chemical Society accredits the chemistry major. The wildlife biology major is one of only 16 such programs in North America that lead to certification by the Wildlife Society.

There are more than 140 CSEM faculty members supported by 25 staff. Faculty provide academic advising for the college. Academic programs are designed to provide a foundation for advanced study or immediate professional careers. CSEM majors enjoy close working relationships with faculty and other students. The college provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to work together on projects of mutual interest. Unique opportunities are available through the research centers and institutes with which the college works closely. These include the Center for Nanosensor Technology, the Geophysical Institute, the Institute of Arctic Biology, the UA Museum, the Institute of Northern Engineering, the Institute of Marine Science and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center. The combination of fundamental knowledge gained by course work and the experience of working on practical, discipline-related projects provides CSEM graduates with the skills and experience they need to enter the job market or to continue their education in graduate school.

At the graduate level, CSEM offers master of science degree programs and master of arts in teaching degree programs in the natural sciences and mathematics. Master’s programs provide students with research opportunities in both laboratory and field settings throughout Alaska. Ph.D. degree programs in atmospheric sciences, biochemistry/molecular biology, biological sciences (biology, botany, wildlife biology, and zoology), engineering, environmental chemistry, geology, geophysics, interdisciplinary studies, mathematics, physics and space physics provide opportunities for advanced study leading to academic and advanced professional positions.

CSEM departments participate in continuing education and special instructional outreach activities. Faculty members are active in pre-college education through Math Awareness Week, Engineering Week, Math Counts, Science Potpourri, Science Center, Alaska High School Science Symposium, Alaska Summer Research Academy and Howard Luke Science Fair and Camp. A variety of short courses have been provided to the mining community. The space grant program has given summer classes for high school teachers, and CSEM offers summer science and engineering camps. Engineering faculty provide educational workshops, as well as professional engineering examination review courses.